Clipper 16 Prospector: Super Lite

The Clipper 16 Prospector has long been one of Clipper's best selling models. Modeled after the traditional Chestnut Prospector it's easy to see why, with smooth lines and a lively hull the 16 Prospector has been a favorite amongst river trippers and traditional canoers for many years. The canoe has a loose feel that appeals to more experienced paddlers or paddlers wanting a boat that can handle tandem and solo duties as well as tackle some moderate class 3 with its great maneuverability and dry ride.

The Clipper 16 Prospector already came in 5 different layup options using 3 different materials, Fiberglass, Kevlar and Basalt. For 2011 Clipper now offers this classic in a new lighter layup, Super Lite. The Super Lite is a spin off of the Ultra Lite. The Super Lite uses Clipper Canoe's single wooden gunnel borrowed from the race boat series to save weight as well as shedding some of the reinforcing that made the ultra lite such a durable boat. The Super Lite has a thinner layer of S-Glass for its initial layer and a few less layers in the bow and stern. Trimming this extra material has made for some great weight savings. This new laminate will no doubt be less impact resistant but the weight saving of 12 pounds is hard to argue with. Coming in at just 40lbs this boat is almost as nice to lift and carry as it is to paddle.


Here are some shots of our first ever Super Lite 16. Sorry though, this boat sold the first day we put it in the showroom, but don't worry #2 is on it's way through finishing right now with more scheduled to be built this week.

WCK whitewater team: Island Trip Video

While the weather in Southwest BC has been far from ideal for touring and recreational paddlers the whitewater paddlers have been loving the slow gradual melt of snow, this means good flows in river and creeks across BC much longer than most seasons.


Here is trip report and video from a trip to the Island with some of the WCK Pro-Team paddlers.

http://vimeo.com/25535615

Ryan Bayes

Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe Opens at the Bill Reid Gallery

1993 Ink Drawing by Bill Reid

Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe Opens at the Bill Reid Gallery 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver –Exhibition is open to the public at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, June 22, 2011 – January 8, 2012 . The show conveys the pivotal role of the canoe in Northwest Coast art, cultures and communities. The visitor experiences the revival of canoe building and paddling along the coast and beyond.

Reid, was convinced that the canoe played a generic role in the evolution of Northwest Coast art. In his words, “Western art starts with the figure – West Coast Indian art starts with the canoe.”

The exhibition will travel to the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario in 2012

Gallery Hours: Wed – Sun, 11am – 5pm Feature Exhibition: Bill Reid and the Haida Canoe - June 22, 2011 – January 8, 2012Follow us on Twitter!http://twitter.com/billreidgallery

Steaming of the Lootaas, 1985. Photo by Robert Semeniuk

Lootaas in Paris, 1989 photo by Philip Hersee Photography

Stoaked about Sweet Protection Gear!

It seems like this year is all about new gear. New lines, new models of boats and lots and lots of new gear. In keeping with this theme of newness I would like to unveil the latest addition to Western Canoeing and Kayaking already ample supply of top of the line gear.

Sweet Protection has been at the for front of awesome gear for whitewater paddlers for many years already. Known best for their top of the line helmets Sweet has now ventured into other realms like dry gear, urban cloths and paddling accessories.

Here at WCK we are now fully stocked on Sweet gear, and the gear is just that, SWEET! With lots of helmets ranging from full face's to brimmed baseball style helmets to suit every paddlers need, and possibly more important every paddlers fashion needs. No seriously though, lots of styles and lots of colors.

Aside from helmets, we have some dry tops, dry pants, paddling shorts and gear bags all from Sweet. With some of the stock already sold before it even arrived be sure to swing in soon and see some of this great new gear.

The Rocker Full Face is the next level full face. Composite carbon construction, super comfy and adjustable outfitting, Sweet visor for mad sexy points and sun blocking and two sizes to ensure a good fit for all day comfort.

The Sweet Strutter will have you strutting your way down the river or through the surf zone, without having to squint at reflecting sun off the water. The original brimmed paddling helmet.

The Rocker Full Cut offers great protection when you don't need the full face. All the same great features of the Full Face without the jaw guard.

The Wanderer is Sweet cheapest helmet, but its not short on Sweet features. Built with Carbon Fiber reinforcing and Sweet's already legendary outfitting. At $139.00 its easy to see why this is such a popular lid.

We all love Gore-Tex, and so does Sweet. Made with Gore-Tex the Shadrach Top offers extreme dryness in all conditions and durability to hold up through the worst conditions. the cut of these tops is great, after one run in my new top it never pulled tight even for freestyle moves and didn't leak a drop.

"Its brand NEW! The gear bag you've been waiting for. Big compartment for wet gear with a long zip on the side. Front zip pocket, and integrated tarp to keep your feet clean when changing. Straps for easy carry." Sweet Protection, Dirty Frank Gear Bag.

"A highly technical paddle shorts especially designed to complement our dry tops. It’s constructed to provide an excellent fit while seated, and the neoprene liner provides warmth. The legs are extended over the knees for padding and protection." Sweet Protection

Shambala Shorts!

Who ever said blue wasn't a high visibility color? (Tacky 80's shades sold separately)

The maiden run of my new Sweet top and shorts in the Chilliwack River Canyon. With outstanding dryness from the Sweet Top and the Jackson Villain there wasn't a drop of water in my boat at the end of the run . . . even after a few dunkings.

Check out Sweet's full line up of gear here. Their Lifestyle Collection of clothing is super cool as well.