Latest news with #paddlers
CBC
4 days ago
- General
- CBC
Paddlers arrive in Carcross to kickoff Haa Ḵusteeyí
It's the event that officially kicks off the Haa Ḵusteeyí celebration amongst the inland Tlingit people of Yukon and northern BC. Over 20 paddlers, spread between two canoes, ceremonially arrived in Carcross this morning. The CBC's Marissa Meilleur was there to witness their arrival.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
77th Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest in Cleveland
The seventh annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest wrapped up Saturday, bringing hundreds of paddlers and spectators to the banks of the Cuyahoga River. Organized by Share the River, the event offered both a relaxed recreational float and competitive races along Cleveland's scenic industrial waterfront.
ABC News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Meet the Canberrans in Australia's national dragon boating team, the Auroras
It's a fast and furious sport with an ancient past and a growing legion of devoted fans. But when 16-year-old Jun Lee tells people he races dragon boats, he's almost always met with confusion. "Usually it's something like, what is a dragon boat?" the Canberra schoolboy said. "It's a pretty niche sport at the end of the day, so not many people know about it." Dragon boating originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. The modern version of the sport sees teams of 20 paddlers — plus a drummer and a steerer — race distances up to two kilometres. "I think it is one of the most high-stress environments I'm in," Lee said. The sport's popularity is on the rise, with competitive and social clubs popping up around the country. More than 300 of Australia's best paddlers have travelled to Germany to compete in next week's World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. The national team, called the Auroras, is made up of teens to retirees competing in different divisions, who have been preparing intensely for the past 22 weeks. That includes 32 Canberra-based paddlers, who have been braving sub-zero temperatures to train on Lake Burley Griffin almost every day. Once a rugby league and union player, Sam Thompson started dragon boating a decade ago and now captains Australia's Senior B team. "It took me a few years to admit to people that I was a dragon boater, but I'm very proud now," Thompson said. More than 4,000 paddlers from 34 countries will compete in the world championships. "It's going to be an extremely tough competition — if we get to the podium, that'll be unreal," Thompson said. While dragon boating can struggle to attract younger participants, Ashleigh Wright first picked up a paddle when she was just 12. "Mum found an ad on Facebook for it and you could do it with your parents so she thought it would be a cute thing for us to do together," she said. The now-18-year-old has not looked back since, and is proud to be pulling on the green and gold for the first time. "I love the community in dragon boating," Wright said. This month's championships will also mark the inaugural appearance of Australia's paradragon team. Among the paddlers is former paralympic cyclist Lindy Hou, who is blind. The gold medallist swapped the bike for the boat to stay fit in retirement. "Once I learnt how to hold a paddle and the movement, I just have to keep time with everybody," Hou said. The world championships begin in Germany on July 14.
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Travel + Leisure
25-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board Review 2025
The SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board comes with everything you need to get out on the water. I tested the 10-foot-6-inch board, which is the perfect size for all skill levels. After three years of regular use in the summer, the board hasn't faltered in quality. While attending college in Seattle, my friends and I would spend the very few days of sun we got lounging on the shores of Lake Washington, watching speed boats, yachts, and paddlers idle by as we watched. Because a yacht was slightly out of our post-graduate pay range, we ended up investing in a few inflatable paddle boards, tying them together, and ruling the lake from our wallet-friendly inflatable city. It was one of my favorite summers to date. I've owned seven inflatable paddle boards since then (and countless other inflatable watercrafts). After using the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for three years, I can confidently say it's the best one I've used to date and worth every penny. It rivals paddle boards that cost five times the amount, and it continuously impresses me and my family of seasoned paddlers, along with friends and family who are new to the sport. Don't be intimidated by paddle boarding—I believe that everyone can do it, especially when you set yourself up for a seamless and safe experience using this paddle board. Here's why. How to Buy Key Features User-friendly for All Skill Levels Although I come from a family of skilled paddlers, we spend a lot of time out on the water with friends and family who aren't as familiar with inflatable paddle boards. I've watched over a dozen beginner paddlers get on this board, and after a few minutes of getting acquainted, they are able to paddle like a pro. I own the 10-foot-6-inch board, which has proven to be the ideal length for every skill level, since it's not too short or too long for various water conditions. The kit comes with everything you need to get out on the water quickly, including the board, a paddle, a manual pump, a leash, a repair kit, and three fins. I found the instructions to be extremely clear and concise, and if you lose the physical manual for any reason, you can easily access it online. Everything fits in the backpack-style carrying case, streamlining the process of getting set up. The board inflates in just about 10 minutes using the manual pump, and the PSI (pounds per square inch) dial is labeled numerically, so it's easy to see when you've reached the recommended 12 to 15 PSI. The only thing the board doesn't come with is a life jacket, so be sure to bring your own (there are criss-cross bungee cords in the front of the board for storing it). Travel + Leisure Stable Design for Lakes and Rivers No matter where your paddling destination is, this board is up for the adventure. I've been able to use it to paddle several miles up the currents on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, and through minor waves splashing in the Puget Sound north of Seattle. However, because this board only comes with one removable fin (some come with multiple sizes), I generally stick to flat water in lakes, rivers, ponds, or inlets where the water isn't too choppy. The shape of the board, combined with the balance of width and length, makes it easy to glide through water using the adjustable paddle. The 32-inch width offers a stable platform, and when the board is blown up to the correct PSI, it feels firm and supportive to stand on. Even with my antsy chihuahua pacing up and down the board (and often trying to launch herself off of it to escape), I've always felt secure on my feet. Best of all, when small waves cause me to feel a bit wobbly, I will sit or kneel on the EVA foam anti-slip pad, and it's perfectly comfortable. Travel + Leisure Easy to Carry and Built to Last Out of all the inflatable paddle boards I own, this one is the lightest at 13.9 pounds. For someone with a petite frame like me (or simply anyone who doesn't want to lug a heavy watercraft), it's been a game changer for how often I take it out. It fits easily in the backpack carrying case when deflated, and the pack has adjustable straps, which help distribute the weight. This made it possible to carry the board in the backpack over a mile to get to a secret watering hole. When it's inflated, there's a reinforced strap in the middle of the board, so I can grab it with one hand and be on my way. The carrying case is also compact, so the board gets extra points for being easy to store in the off-season, too. Travel + Leisure After owning this board for three years and using it dozens of times, it still performs exactly as it should. There are some minor cosmetic flaws from rough handling (I accidentally let go of the board while inflated, and it may have fallen down a heavily wooded embankment.) Aside from the typical wear-and-tear, I'm impressed with how well it's stood the test of time. The PVC material is crafted with military-grade drop stitching, and it's specifically designed for use in fresh and saltwater. It claims to be UV- and corrosion-proof, but to be extra safe, I always keep it out of the sun when it's not in use. I also make sure it's sprayed down and fully dry before folding it up. These tricks will extend the already impressive lifespan of the board. Travel + Leisure Final Thoughts I've tested paddle boards that range from as little as $100 to over $1,000, and I remain firm that the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board has the best value and stretches a dollar the furthest. The quality is high, and the price is extremely reasonable considering you get everything you need in one ready-to-go kit. Even my dad, an expert whitewater rafter, skilled fisherman, and collector of inflatable boats, will pick this paddle board over the plethora of options in the garage. It's a board for everyone—whether you're a beginner feeling intimidated by all of the options or a seasoned paddler looking for an additional inflatable, you won't regret investing in this one from SereneLife. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure associate editor Anna Popp grew up in Bend, Oregon, where she spent every summer whitewater rafting the Umpqua River, fishing in the Cascade Lakes, and leisurely floating the Deschutes River in front of her childhood home. Anna has tested seven paddle boards, and her favorite one is this one from SereneLife. She has owned it for three years, has traveled with it across the West Coast, and has convinced most of her friends to buy it as well. 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Globe and Mail
14-06-2025
- Globe and Mail
Kayaking on Lake Superior, I explored a ‘living museum' of history in the Slate Islands
The first lesson you learn when you sea kayak on Lake Superior is to let go of expectations. Wind speeds on Superior can exceed 30 knots, and waves can swell to two metres high. Paddling trips require careful planning, but because weather on the lake shifts quickly, planning can feel futile. The Anishinaabe call Superior gichigamiing, or Big Lake. Big Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. And it's quick to let you know that it doesn't care about what you want to do. I paddled a voyageur canoe to discover the beauty and resistance of Manitoulin Island But it's tough to travel without expectations; building anticipation is part of the fun. On a foggy Monday morning in late August last summer, as eight of us pushed off from the northern shore of Superior toward the elusive Slate Islands, the weight of our expectations – of ourselves and our abilities, each other and our destination – felt heavier than the gear in our hatches. The Slate Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands about 12 kilometres south of Terrace Bay, a small town on the lake's north shore. Unique geology, geography, fauna and a lighthouse – the highest one on the Great Lakes – make the islands a magical place and a high-interest destination for boaters. Their remote location, however, means they're accessible only to the determined few. Most who go charter a speedboat from Terrace Bay. Some sail. We were determined to get there under paddle power. But would we make it over? A storm front was building, promising strong winds from the north in a few days, which could make the return trip challenging. Triangulating between multiple wind and weather apps, Zack Kruzins, our guide and the co-author of A Paddler's Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, tried to predict whether we'd have a calm window back. Being stranded for a few days on a remote cobble beach sat okay with me: I'd packed a few extra dehydrated meals. Others were uneasy. After more calculations, Kruzins said, 'Let's try!' Sixteen dry-suited arms lifted in a cheer. The Slates archipelago was formed 450 million years ago when a 1.5-kilometre-wide meteorite crashed into a nearby island at 54,000 kilometres an hour. The impact caused the Archean basement, which is more than two billion years old, to splash up above the Earth's crust, forming the islands in what geologists think was less than a minute. The landform is a lens into a moment of massive change in ancient history, captured in rock. On a clear day you can see the Slates from shore, as Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson did in the early 1920s when he painted Slate Islands, Lake Superior. But our departure morning was foggy. Water and sky blurred into a grey canvas and, not long into our crossing, we lost sight of all land, which meant we'd have to rely entirely on our deck compasses for navigation. A few kilometres in, the sun's rays shone through the fog, creating what looked like an otherworldly apparition. We were captivated; it felt like a spiritual moment, a welcome message. When we started paddling again, we checked our deck compasses and realized the wind and current had turned us around 180 degrees. Tricky lake! Three hours later, we landed on the beach at Mortimer Island, the northernmost island, feeling pretty proud of ourselves. We perched on ancient volcanic rocks and scarfed down lunch – summer sausage, cheese and cucumbers for me – while gazing back at where we'd come from. Over the centuries, the Slates have been used as a spiritual site by the Anishinaabe, a protected harbour by 19th-century fishermen, a playground for woodland caribou, a copper mining site, a summer getaway for residents of the former rail town of Jackfish, and a study site for geologists and NASA scientists. In 1985, the Slates were designated as an unmanaged provincial park. There are a handful of unserviced campsites, and visitors must bring everything they need for backcountry camping. We set up our camp on a protected beach, sipping on lake-cooled beers while the sun dropped into the lake, and then tucked in for the night. The next morning, we headed out on the blue-green water of the islands' inner channels, gliding by billion-years-old volcanic rock cliffs. Travelling by kayak offers a completely different perspective on a place, and a chance to explore areas you'd never see from land. We paddled right up to the world's tallest shatter cone, formed when the shock wave from the meteorite impact travelled down into the rock layers below. It looked like any old rock to me but, to geologists, is proof of the islands' origin story and a prime selfie spot. We explored the remains of a burned barge, crawled into the cool chamber of a decommissioned copper mine and stopped in at the Come 'n' Rest, a cabin once owned by a coal crane operator from Jackfish, now a shelter for caribou researchers and paddlers. Nearby, I had a moment of wonder gazing up at a spectacular stand of spruce and cedars, and almost crashed into shore while watching white dots in treetops erupt into eagles' flight. Throughout it all, we encountered only one other boat. Paddling the Slates is like having a living museum all to yourself. By the next morning, the forecast had worsened, so we decided to head back early. It was hard to let go of the place so soon after we'd arrived. But an early return meant more time to explore the area around the mainland shoreline. We paddled through the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, which spans 140 km from just east of Thunder Bay nearly to Terrace Bay, and south to the Canada-U.S. border. At 10,000 square kilometres, it's the largest freshwater marine protected area in the world. There's a ton of natural and human history to explore within those boundaries, enough for a lifetime of paddling adventures. We made the area around the abandoned town of Jackfish our exploration zone. Jackfish was once a key transfer point for coal shipped across the lake from the U.S., until the 1950s, when train engines shifted to diesel. Visitors can still poke around the remains of the former general store and schoolhouse, and walk under the enormous coal chute. While we were paddling in the calm waters of Jackfish Bay, a massive eastbound freight train wrapped around the bay blew its horn when we waved. It was a small but impressive moment and our group talked about it for days. Later on land, while we were walking the train tracks, we ran into a family who was visiting the camp they keep nearby: a chance human encounter in a ghost town. They showed us photos of Jackfish in its heyday, when several passenger trains roared through daily. I later learned that the family is related to a friend, and that the patriarch used to own the Come 'n' Rest cabin we'd visited. What struck me was how tied they still feel to this wild place – and how tied I felt to it after only a week. Yet another way in which the lake and the trip defied my expectations. Lake Superior is often referred to as an inland ocean. Paddlers should carefully consider distances, conditions and their abilities when planning a trip there. Travelling with an outfitter is a good idea. Such a Nice Day Adventures and Naturally Superior Adventures both offer multiday trips as well as kayak and gear rentals. There are daily flights to Thunder Bay from Toronto and Winnipeg. June and July are good paddling months because temperatures and weather conditions are more stable. Consider, though, that average water temperatures around Thunder Bay usually hover around 12 C in July, so dry suits are a good option. Paddling in May and August is also a possibility, but expect more unpredictable temperatures and conditions. To learn more about the area and its paddling routes, pick up a copy of A Paddler's Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, available to order online from Wilderness Supply in Thunder Bay. This writer travelled as a guest of Destination Ontario and Tourism Thunder Bay. It did not review or approve the story before publication.
