White Water Safety Course

Hey friends -
This is just an informal invitation, to some of the people I have paddled with in the past, to our 1-Day Kayak Rescue course at Wet Planet on March 2nd.

The cost is only $50 for an entire day of river rescue.
We cover:

  • communication on the river,
  • rope/knot tying,
  • z-drags, scenarios of pinned boats,
  • foot entrapment, rope throwing,
  • swimming through whitewater,
  • and much more.

Lunch is also included in this clinic. I guarantee you that your money is well spent and your paddling friends will appreciate it. From my personal experience taking the swift-water rescue course and reviewing through these 1-day rescue courses, I am a much more confident paddler because I know what to do if/when a bad situation occurs. Course date is March 2nd.

Heather

Questions call kayakshed 541-386-4286 or e-mail heather at hherbeck at yahoo dot com

Jackson Hero's are comming out!

Yep fresh out of the mold. Here's some photos and discriptions of Jackson Hero 2008, Jackson Super Hero 2008, and Jackson Side Kick 2008.
Check them out at the Kayakshed. The boats look a lot like the Jackson classic rocker. Very rounded corners just like the classic rocker.One thing that looks different to me is the flat wider hull. Well we will see how it paddles but looks good so far.

New Jackson Hero Sneak Peak


Check out the photo of the Jacksons with their newest edition.... the Jackson Hero 2008. Looks great. From this view it kind of reminds me of some classic older designs. Kind of like a sportier rocker classic. Has anyone paddled one yet? Looks like a great improvement. The old Hero Series ... well ... lets keep it PC and just say had room for improvement. This is Looking rely good. Look forward to paddling one!

From Jackson's site:

We needed a straight up river running kayak that paddles like a Jackson, rolls like a Jackson, and is comfortable like a Jackson. We started with the new Fun hull and built the boat up from there. This boat is the perfect companion for the paddler wanting a predictable, stable, carving, easy to paddle river runner that won’t hit a plateau before you do. Whether looking to creek the local run, or overnight the canyon, this full volume, planing hull, nimble, quick, safe kayak is your ticket. This will be a top selling kayak in 2008 and beyond, and sets a new standard in just how fun and versatile a river runner can be.

Some specifics:
The Hull: Cross-linked plastic for durability and shape retention (no oilcanning). Planing hull for great initial stability, surfing, and a predictable ride that the Fun and Star paddler can jump into and feel right at home. The same performance characteristics found in the Fun hull is all standard with the ideal drop chines that are effective but out of the way for creeking, and thruster chines for extra speed and directional control for front surfing (yes you can spin it too!). For those creeking this boat, look for effortless boofs that come from a properly positioned rocker break. David Knight is a genius, and his genious shows through on this hull!

The Side Walls: the side walls bring true Jackson Kayak rolling ability to play here with the addition of a rigidity bar for those wanting to seriously creek it (Team JK’s Jesse Coombs is already asking when he can “stomp the big ones” in it!) The flair in this sidewall is just right to give the beginner roller that extra confidence, while adding a secondary stability level that keeps you right side up and paddling. The angle is also set to make side surfing a hole (on purpose or not) easy, smooth, and non-grabby. There is nothing to catch while running slides for those who will be creeking this boat.

The Deck: Ample footroom is the first thing you’ll notice. Put your BIG booties/river shoes on and you’ll be comfortable, and safe. That foot-room also provides you with the volume to keep you on the surface for safety and confidence. The stern has the volume needed to keep you looking downstream after drops instead of back into the hole! You’ll love how the Super Hero busts through holes and stays on the surface and upright like Superman busting through a wall with a smile on his face! The smooth, well designed deck keeps your knuckles and elbows free and clear of impact on even the biggest drops.

The Outfitting: Boat Armor and Uni-Shock bulkhead on the adult models. Four swimmer and portaging friendly grab handles/attachment points, and a stainless steel security bar for safety in the most challenging situations. Side Kick outfitting is specially designed to keep weight to a minimum to assure easy carrying for kids.

Specs:

2008 Jackson Side kick- for Kids and VERY small adults
Length = 79” (or 6’ 7”)
Width = 22.25”
Height = 13.0”
Volume = 50 gallons
Weight: 27 pounds
Paddler range
Weight: 50-130
Legs: 20”-32”
Feet: kids-men’s 9

Hero

2008 Jackson Hero- for medium sized women and adults
Length = 90” (or 7’ 6”)
Width = 25.5”
Height = 15.0”
Volume = 75 gallons
Weight: 42 pounds
Paddler range
Weight: 120-210
Legs: 26”-37”
Feet: up to men’s 14


Super Hero

2008 Jackson Super Hero- larger adults
Length = 95” (or 7’ 11”)
Width = 26.5”
Height = 15.5”
Volume = 87 gallons
Weight: 47 pounds
Paddler range
Weight: 170-300
Legs: 28”-40”
Feet: up to men’s 16

Jackson Super Fun Classic


Jackson Super Fun Classic

The finish line for the Fun series is the Super Fun. The Super Fun is functional up to a 38” inseam and 280 pounds. Yes there are a few bigger and taller paddlers out there, but 99.5% of the big guys should fit comfortably and still have the performance they are looking for.

Weight: 33.5 lbs (16 kg)
Length: 7'0" (214 cm)
Width: 27.0 inches (69 cm)
Height: 14.0 inches (36 cm)
Volume: 63.0 gallons (239 L)
Cockpit Dimensions in inches: 21 1/2 x 37 1/4

Jackson Classic Kayaks:
Jackson Fun 1 Classic
Jackson Fun 1.5 Classic
Jackson 2 Fun Classic
Jackson Fun Classic
Jackson 4 Fun Classic
Jackson Superfun Classic

Jackson 4 Fun Classic


Jackson 4 Fun Classic

This size seems to be one of the most common. If you are less than 210 but more than 160 pounds, you now have a boat to do it all in. This boat fits a long leg and big foot for those taller lighter folks as well.

*The Classic series are not sold with the Jackson Happy Feet Footbag or the Sweet Cheeks seat.

Weight: 30.6 lbs (14 kg)
Length: 6'9" (206 cm)
Width: 26.0 inches (67 cm)
Height: 13.5 inches (35 cm)
Volume: 57.0 gallons (216 L)
Cockpit Dimensions in inches: 21 x 36

Jackson Classic Kayaks:
Jackson Fun 1 Classic
Jackson Fun 1.5 Classic
Jackson 2 Fun Classic
Jackson Fun Classic
Jackson 4 Fun Classic
Jackson Superfun Classic

Jackson Fun Classic

Jackson Fun Classic
Jackson Fun Classic for paddlers between 150 and 180 pounds, this boat is what could be the most fun you can have on any river that doesn’t require a full-on creekboat. It is easy to get down the river right side up, and with the most control possible. It is very comfortable to sit in all day, yet small enough to get vertical on demand easily. It has great surfing speed and carving characteristics, while still being easy to keep the ends from catching. It loops and cartwheels equally well, with balanced volume fore and aft. Coming in under 30 pounds is a big plus for both performance and ease of carrying up the steepest of takeouts.

*The Classic series are not sold with the Jackson Happy Feet Footbag or the Sweet Cheeks seat.

Weight: 28.7 lbs (14 kg)
Length: 6'6" (199 cm)
Width: 25.0 inches (64 cm)
Height: 13.0 inches (34 cm)
Volume: 51.0 gallons (193 L)
Cockpit Dimensions in inches: 20 1/4 x 35 1/4
Jackson Classic Kayaks:
Jackson Fun 1 Classic
Jackson Fun 1.5 Classic
Jackson 2 Fun Classic
Jackson Fun Classic
Jackson 4 Fun Classic
Jackson Superfun Classic

Jackson 2 Fun Classic


Jackson 2 Fun Classic

For smaller paddlers, ( 80 - 130 pounds) the 2 Fun offers the best river running play characteristics for your size. Look for lower cockpit height, lower knees, and footbumps by your feet. Also the lightweight design will allow you to make lightning fast maneuvers all day and still be able to load it on the car easily in the evening.

*The Classic series are not sold with the Jackson Happy Feet Footbag or the Sweet Cheeks seat.

Weight: 26.6 lbs (13 kg)
Length: 6'3" (191 cm)
Width: 24.0 inches (61 cm)
Height: 12.5 inches (32 cm)
Volume: 46.0 gallons (174 L)
Cockpit Dimensions in inches: 19 1/2 x 33 3/4
Jackson Classic Kayaks:
Jackson Fun 1 Classic
Jackson Fun 1.5 Classic
Jackson 2 Fun Classic
Jackson Fun Classic
Jackson 4 Fun Classic
Jackson Superfun Classic