PEAK UK, keeping you dry and warm!

Western Canoeing and Kayaking is now officially Peak UK's largest dealer in Canada. Once you see this gear and the amazing prices you will understand why we dove head first into this very innovative line of layering and dry gear. European paddlers have long enjoyed this quality gear and now we're bringing it to B.C.

With everything from Dry-suits and Dry tops to socks and thermal layers Peak offers a wide range of gear to keep you comfortable out on the water no matter the conditions.

For Dry Suits, Peak offers 2 styles. The Creek Suit is made for heavy use in demanding whitewater environments and is packed full of awesome features like, X4 fabric for great waterproofing and breathability, optional elbow, shoulder and spine padding (for those rare occasions you find yourself offline). But possibly coolest of all is the leg entry zip system, this unique zipper system is fully waterproof and makes getting in and out of the suit really easy, it also doubles as a relief zipper so you don't have to gear down every time nature calls.

For touring paddlers Peak offers the Adventurer Suit. Made from the same bomber material as the Creek suit this piece of gear is going to keep you dry for years to come. The Adventurer comes with a neoprene neck gasket instead of a latex for added comfort on long hauls. This suit also uses the handy leg entry zip system. The stowed away 2.5 layer hood means you can adjust for changing conditions on the water. With built in socks, like the creek suit, and lots of reflective taping this suit doesn't only keep you comfortable it also offers an element of safety.

Now for the best part, both the Creek and Adventurer suits sell for $699.00, yes, you read that right.

If you don't need the full on dry suit for your paddling, Peak also offers the Deluxe Dry Top, with the same material and many of the same features as the dry suits this is a really great top and like the suits, it's an amazing deal at only $259.00 for a full dry top with double tunnel and latex gaskets at the wrists and neck. (Still waiting on some sizes so call before you drive out)

To keep your hands warm, Peak makes ultra light weight Pogies. Made from 2.5 layer breathable fabric these pogies pack up small enough to fit into a life jacket pocket when you don't need them, and you won't notice the extra weight on your nice carbon paddle. $37.95






You can loose heat through your head faster than any other part of your body, to keep your noggin warm on the water Peak makes the Neoskin Headcase. This fleece lined Neoprene head warmer sells for only $22.95.







We also have a wide range of Peak's 2.5mm Neoprene Socks. With a super tough and super thin sole these socks will work great in even the tightest surf boats or can be used as some added warmth in your booties on those really cold days. $21.00





If you have paddled for very long you already know you can never have too much fleece. Peak also knows this and makes some really nice fleece pants and long sleeve tops. The Peak fleece tops are a medium weight tight fit so they will fit inside your dry suit or tops without bunching or making you look like the Michelin man, or woman. At $49.95 for the pants and $54.95 for the tops these pieces are going to be hugely popular.







To top it all off we have brought in some really comfortable PFD's from Peak at the unbeatable price of $69.00

Shayne Vollmers joins the WCK pro-team!

For 2011 WCK has started up our very own pro-team. These pro team paddlers cover all types of craft, be it whitewater, touring, canoeing, and fishing. Unlike most pro-teams though our goal is not simply an ego stroke and cheap gear for some hot dog paddlers. Instead we've selected paddlers that give back to the community they represent and acknowledging their efforts to further the sport in their region.

So, I would like to welcome out first paddler to the team. While Shayne Vollmers does fit into that category I mentioned earlier of hot dog paddlers his passion for the sport of whitewater kayaking is unrivaled. Shayne is based on Vancouver Island and is basically a walking encyclopedia of island whitewater. If it has water, gradient and has been paddled or will be paddled on the island, chances are Shayne knows it, and his sketchy napkin maps and descriptions are usually bang on. (keep in mind though the island folk grade their whitewater a grade or 2 short sometimes).

When his day job of teaching doesn't get in the way, you can usually find him shredding ocean waves at Tofino and Skookumchuck or bombing down the endless supply of creeks and rivers on the island. During the winter months when the island rivers and waves are all primed you can usually find a group of kayakers loitering in his living room and sleeping on couches at what has aptly been dubbed Shayne's Nanaimo boater hostel.

So, next time you're on the island keep an ear open as you drive past rivers and chances are you can hear the shreaks of joy from Shayne and screams of terror from paddlers getting the Shayne Vollmers island tour, and maybe you will be lucky enough to find out exactly what we mean when we say "the Shayne Filter"!

Stay tuned for more updates on the new WCK pro-team.

Ryan Bayes

Jackson Funs and Coosa Fishing Boats debut at WCK!

Its likely not news anymore at this point, but we here at WCK are still mega stoked about our newest line of boats by Jackson Kayaks. These guys just won't stop coming out with sweet new boats.

The latest additions to our line up is the super cool Coosa Fishing kayaks. The Coosa has unique written all over it. With Jackson's always new and fresh 'take' on kayaks they have built one of the most comfortable and versatile new fishing machines out there. The Coosa is at home on flat water, but really shines in mild whitewater. This just makes way too much sense for fishing in BC. While there is some great lake and ocean fishing all over South West BC there is certainly just as much or more great river fishing, and now we have the perfect craft to get you and your rod to where you need to be.

I'm not going to go into detail on the countless amazing features this boat has to offer the fishing crowd as that is likely better suited for a short novel than this blog. However, there are just a few features I can't help but mention.

First off, the seat, it kicks butt (no pun intended). It's hugely comfortable and adjustable, it can even be elevated for a better casting position, bonus! The seat is also removable, so on fishing trips you've got an A+ seat whether you're on the water or enjoying a nice cold beer on the beach after a day of fishing.

Another super cool feature is that this boat is designed for standing in, so casting with a little elevation while your fly fishing from a kayak is no longer an issue.

I also really love the inside storage, the inside of the boat is designed so that rods can be stored internally and the hatches lock to keep your gear safe and secure on your next trip, this also reduces time spent setting up for a day of fishing; load the boat, drive to fishing spot, unload boat, start fishing!

For the full scoop on this floating fish catching platform check the JK site here!

The Coosa isn't the only new boat for us this week from Jackson. After an astonishing number of requests we have fully stocked ourselves with Jackson Fun series of boats, with demos and stock boats in the 2fun, Fun and 4Fun we now carry every whitewater boat made by Jackson.

If you paddle whitewater, likely the Fun series needs no introduction. If you're new to the sport then you will soon find out why the Fun is one of the most popular whitewater kayaks on the market today. It's a river running play boat, with gobs of stability, heaps of surf-ability and an excess of comfort! Hence the name Fun.

Starting at $999 for the Super Linear model the Fun series will offer you a great platform for learning and advancing your paddling, without smashing open the bank account.

More on the ultra classic Fun series here.

Immersion Research now at WCK!

It's like Christmas in May today. We got our first shipment of some hot new Immersion Research gear. Immersion Research is known for making awesome gear and seemed like a no brainer fit for WCK. The company is run by paddlers so you can rest assured the gear is all tested and ready for some action.

Laura drooling over some sweet looking IR pants and decks.

The first round of IR gear brought with it the already famous rubber rand Lucky Charm Skirt. As if the IR Rubber Rand skirts weren't already dry enough now they have extra sealing flaps on them to make these one if not the dry-est decks on the market.

Extra dry flappers means no unwanted water in your boat!

At $110 the IR Shockwave deck is a great value for up and coming paddlers not requiring the extra holding power of the rubber rand skirts.

The IR Competition pants with neoprene ankle gaskets and waist enclosure offers added safety over rubber ankle gaskets while offering an almost dry fit for time spent standing in the water.

IR offers a wide range of super comfortable back-bands to upgrade your ride with. We are stocking the Forward Adjust Reggie back band. this kit comes with everything you need to swap into a Jackson Kayak for people looking to swap from the rope back bands that come in the Jackson to the ratchet systems. Check IR web site for a detailed install video on a Jackson Kayak.

Check back soon to see what other great gear we will be bringing in from IR.

Meet the Peace

INFORMATION RELEASE
The Story of the Peace River and the Threat of the Site C Dam

The Treaty 8 First Nations, the Wilderness Committee and the Peace Valley Environment Association are embarking on a province-wide speaking tour to talk about the threats to the beautiful and the ecologically important Peace River Valley.
And it’s coming to Victoria, Vancouver, Roberts Creek and Whistler.
The beautiful Peace River Valley is under threat. Come learn about the consequences of the Site C project and hear first hand from some of the people most directly impacted by the project. If you care about climate change, food security, indigenous rights and wilderness areas, or are curious about energy demands in the province, this is a must attend event.
Our province is full of beautiful places, but there are few places with both the spectacular beauty and the ecological importance to match the Peace River Valley.

Nestled in the northeast corner of British Columbia, the Peace River flows from the Rocky Mountains towards the Arctic Ocean. The valley is home to Treaty 8 First Nations' hunting, fishing, and trapping grounds, fertile agricultural lands and farms, old-growth boreal forests, and is one of the most important wildlife corridors in the Yellowstone to Yukon migration corridor chain.

In an area already fractured by oil and gas development, and on a river already choked by two existing dams, the government of BC wants to build the $8 billion Site C Dam. The proposed 60 meter high Site C mega-dam would flood over 100 kilometres of river valley, drowning a land area equal to 14 Stanley Parks, and causing landslides as the banks of the reservoir erode over time.
The cost of the proposed Site C Dam continues to skyrocket and it’s going to hit the pocketbooks of all BC citizens. In 2006, the estimated cost of the 60 metre high dam was less than $3 billion. In 2008, the cost jumped to $6.6 billion. Currently, BC Hydro’s revised estimate for the mega-hydro project is almost $8 billion. This astronomical amount, in addition to a budgeted $6 billion dollars for maintenance on existing dams, is bound to increase residential rates well over BC Hydro’s estimate of 50% in the next 5 years.
Thank you to Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of BC's Sunshine Coast Chapter and the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association for partnering with us on this stop on the tour.

Our Speaking Tour Presentation Schedule is as follows (all presentations are from 7 -9 p.m.):

Victoria Vancouver Roberts Creek Whistler
Monday, May 30 Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1 Thursday, June 2
First Metropolitan Heritage Hall Roberts Creek Whistler Public
United Church 3102 Main St. Community Centre Library
Corner of Quadra and 1309 Roberts Ck Rd 4329 Main St.
Balmoral

Naish Boards now at WCK!

We received our first shipment of Naish boards yesterday. These boards are sweet!

Laura getting to know the Nalu 11'6'

We are stocking the soft tops, some of the Nalu's and even a race board or two.

Dion sussing out the 10' soft top.

Contact us to sign up for one of the demo days!
http://www.naishsurfing.com/

Canoe and Kayak Demo's underway!

This last weekend Team Clipper was on the road doing some clinics and boat demos with our 3 Okanagan Valhalla Pure dealers in Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna. With knowledgeable staff and a large selection of Clipper Canoes in stock it's easy to see why these 3 stores are such strong dealers for Clipper.

Our first demo was on the North Thompson River in Kamloops. Along with the reps from Confluence Watersports and Delta kayaks. Between the stores demos and all the reps boats there was no shortage of boats to pick from. All though there were a few snow flakes falling during breakfast the weather stayed decent until after the demo.

Neil from Valhalla Kamloops taking out the always beautiful Basalt Prospector by Clipper.

The local outrigger and dragon boat teams were also out for a paddle that morning.

The next day we were headed to Pioneer Park in Oyama for a joint Vernon /Kelowna Valhalla demo. Despite grey cloud and threats of snow there was a huge turn out for this demo. Lots of people came out to paddle that morning with more future canoes owners than I've met in a long time.

The Tripper S by Clipper and The Commander by Wilderness Systems out for a cruise.

While the snow manged to hold during our demo's it wasn't afraid to remind us, on the way home just how persistent winter can be here in BC. Extra snow in the hills means more water in the rivers, don't miss out on this awesome year for whitewater paddling. Check here for whitewater kayak: Purple Hayes lesson Schedule.

Western Canoeing and Kayaking has also been running some local demos at Cultus and Mill Lake as well as Jericho beach in Vancouver. With the addition of Hobie Kayaks and their unique Mirage Drive as well as paddle boards we have had to add a lot of extra demos this year. Look here for the next WCK Demo days.

Shelly on the Big Easy by Starboard with the 3 demo Hobie Islands ready to go on the beach. Even with only light wind the Hobie sailing kayaks really fly.

Laura giving the run down on the Hobie controls. The cool 'roller fairing' sail and boom less design make learning to sail a Hobie really easy.

The Hobie Pro Angler is the ultimate fish killing platform. It comes from the factory with upgraded Turbo fins on the Mirage drive and is as mobile as any sleeker kayak but offers enough stability and room for standing and walking around. This thing is seriously decked out for fishing.

Stay tuned for more updates on Demo's and clinics.