Kayak Shed Blog : For the love of kayaking

The New Hobie eVolve Electric Drive - It's Here!

2009-11-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Back in July, we brought you some preliminary photos of the new Hobie eVolve Electric Drive. Here's a little refresher:

We're happy to announce that the eVolve Electric Drive is here! As you can see from the photos, it can be added to almost any Hobie kayak, either fitting into the MirageDrive pedal well or onto any Hobie Twist-n-Stow rudder - both mounts are included. For users with the Hobie MirageDrive peddle system, this means extra flexibility: drop the eVolve into your MirageDrive slot or place it in the rudder position and use it with the peddle system for extra range and power.

So, what else does the eVolve include? Glad you asked!

Lithium batter/Computer/GPS
A 230wh Lithium-Manganese battery (8Ah at 28.8V) is the heart that pumps the power to Torqeedo's Ultra light 402 motor. At only 6.6 pounds, this battery case has a built-in GPS (for speed calculations) and is completely watertight…it actually floats! At a full charge, this battery will continue to perform for up to 8 hours (based on 2 MPH cruising speed).

Remote Throttle
The remote throttle allows you to mount your controls conveniently near your seating position using a RAM^® mounting system (provided with kit). The easy to understand readout gives you all of the critical information you need to know to get you to and from your destination. The throttle pad is also equipped with a magnetic key pad for a safety key in the event you are separated from your kayak or to prevent theft.

Thru-Hull Fittings
The installation kit comes with all the parts needed to run all of your wires internally for a clean deck with minimal exposed wire.

Waterproof System
Hobie's totally unique connection system allows everything to be completely IP68 watertight when connected.

If you have a Hobie and you're looking for items to add to your Christmas list, the eVolve Electric Drive would make a great addition! Looking for something else..? Maybe a fly fishing kit or some Turbo Fins? Be sure to check out our full line up of Hobie kayak accessories!

What Do You Know About the Pungo?

2009-11-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wilderness Systems recently released a great video on the Pungo family of kayaks, highlighting the features and outfitting that make them such a popular choice.

In addition to being Wildy's top selling performance recreational kayak, the Pungo is one of our favorites at the shop. It's super stable for the first time user, it's got speed for the more experienced paddler and, with it's many points of adjustment, the outfitting makes it one of the most comfortable rec boats out there.

The Pungo comes in three sizes to fit a multitude of people and purposes!

The Pungo 100 [call for information]
The Pungo 120 [~~$825.00~~ ON SALE! $699.00]
The Pungo 140 [$950.00]

Go, go, Mighty Girl!

2009-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Watching someone nail their roll for the first time is always exciting - pool roll, combat roll - it's all great. Knowing that someone put learning to roll on their "bucket list" ("Might Life List" in this case) and seeing them nail it? Extra exciting. Introducing Mighty Girl - a blogger with a mission (a lot of them, actually) - and her new found roll. Congratulations, Mighty Girl and here's to your future kayak camping adventure.

The Story:
http://mightygirl.com/2009/09/24/learn-to-roll-in-a-kayak-check/

The Movie:
http://mightygirl.com/2009/09/25/rolling-a-kayak-the-movie/

p.s. Totally diggin' the multi-hued Dagger RPM. Nice!

Vibram FiveFinger Footstrike Video Analysis

2009-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Many of you runners who are sold on your Vibram FiveFingers may have read the book or the research or the articles, but how many of you have actually taken video to see the difference your VFFs are having on your stride and footstrike?

Runblogger has taken that step (pun intended)! Check out this great video analysis of his footstrike in traditional running shoes, his VFFs and barefoot. And don't miss Runblogger's posts on his Injinji socks, the VFF's BFF.

Save the Date! Riddle of the Tsangpo

2009-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Our last blog post neglected to mention another of the whitewater photography legends we're lucky to have in our Hood River midst, Mr. Charlie Munsey. Charlie has been paddling and shooting some of the world's most adventurous whitewater for over two decades, much of which has been featured in magazines such as National Geographic and Outside Magazine.

On Wednesday November 11th at 7:30, Charlie will be giving a multi-media presentation at the Columbia Center for the Arts, featuring images and stories from Outside Magazine's historic First Descent of the Tsangpo Gorge expedition in Tibet. If you've been paddling long, you've likely read "Courting the Diamond Sow" by Wickliffe W. Walker or one of the other Tsangpo books and know the dangers of the legendary river.

In addition to photos of the Tsangpo, Charlie will also be sharing photography of other remote rivers he's visited over his career, including Canada's mighty Stikine Canyon and Tibet's Mt. Kailas.

If you enjoy whitewater or outdoor photography, this show promises to be one not to miss! Tickets for the show are $8 at the door and can be purchased ahead of time at the Kayak Shed or Columbia Center for the Arts.

Whitewater Photography Tutorials

2009-10-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hood River is blessed with some amazing outdoor photographers, and we're lucky that a few of those folks specialize in paddling photography. If you're looking for some great whitewater eye candy, check out locals Erik Boomer (who just scored Wend's Sunday Slideshow) or whitewater photo legend, Jock Bradley.

Despite the abundance of nearby whitewater to practice on, most of us will never have the gift that Erik and Jock have, but that doesn't mean that we can't learn some tricks of the trade.

Enter Darin McQuoid, who is in the midst of writing a great series of tutorials on whitewater photography. Everything from camera selection to technical skills are covered and it looks like fine tuning is still on the horizon! So, don't just take pictures of your buddies huckin', read up and take GOOD pictures of your buddies huckin'.

photo by Jock Bradley

End of the Summer Boat Sale!

2009-09-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

Get your calendars out and save October 17, 2009 as a day you're going to want to be in the parking lot of the Kayak Shed! Why, you ask? We're going to be blowing out our 2009 rental and demo fleet and you're not going to want to miss it. Have you been waiting for a great deal on a Hobie or Jackson Kayak? Here's your chance, starting at 9am and going until 4pm.

We'll also be busting out the grill and beverage cooler for those of you that come out at lunch... but don't get there too late! Most blow-out deals are going to be one of a kind!

Here's a list of some of the boats we'll have available (more may be added!):

Hobie Kayaks: Revolution, Outback, Adventure Island
Jackson Kayak: Hero, Super Hero, Side Kick, Mega Rocker, Rocker, Punk Rocker, Dynamic Duo
Pyranha: Burn S, Burn M, Burn L, Karnali
Wilderness Systems: Tusanami 125, Tarpon 120, Tandem Rec Boat
Dagger: Zydeco
Native Watercraft: Ultimate 14.5 solo
Perception: Torrent, Tandem Sit On Top

Questions? Give us a call!

FiveFingers make the Washington Post's Sports section

2009-09-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Given the publicity "Born to Run" has been getting, the fact that the Washington Post is featuring a story with Vibram FiveFingers is not too surprising, but this story doesn't have much to do with running. This story has to do with baseball. FiveFingers and baseball.

It turns out that a new addition to the Washington Nationals roster, shortstop Ian Desmond, has been wearing FiveFingers around the clubhouse, much to the amusement of his new teammates. It's a habit he picked up from some teammates in the minor leagues and he has taken his footwear with him to The Show. You have to respect the guy for setting himself up for some major league ribbing and using the opportunity to the tout the many benefits of FiveFingers.

Incidentally, it turns out, the clubhouse isn't the only place he wears his VFFs - he wears them to sushi. Now that's a real man.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Pat Camblin solos the Petite Mecantina

2009-09-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Over on Steve Fisher's blog, Playback with Steve Fischer, there's a post about Pat Camblin's solo this week of the Petite Mecantina. I didn't find much information about the river - other than it's general location - online, but according to Steve, the First D of it's inner gorge was a couple of years ago by a team, including Pat. A missed move during that trip resulted in a close call, so Pat's heading back there this week to run it solo and excise those demons. The plan was to put in Monday, Sept 14th and take out this Saturday. Send good thoughts Pat's way this week - I'm sure he's going to have a great story or two to tell!

Let's Go Fishin'!

2009-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hobie Kayaks recently announced that they'll be partnering with the Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) to be the presenting sponsor of the newly-formed IFA Kayak Fishing Tour. The IFA Kayak Fishing Tour offers an alternative for those anglers whose preference is for a non-motorized, self-propelled boat. The events will be held on Sundays, each one following a Saturday IFA Redfish Tournament designed for motorized boats of 15' and longer.

"Hobie Fishing, like the IFA, is dedicated to educating the fishing public on the importance of maintaining the country's fishing resources and promoting the friendly spirit of competition," commented Doug Skidmore, president of Hobie Cat Company.

So, after a little research on The Red Fish Tour's website, we're sad to say that it doesn't look like any of the tour stops will be coming to our neck of the woods. That doesn't mean, however, that they won't be coming to yours - so check! And even if you, like us, won't get to see a bunch of guys cruising in kayaks for the biggest fish in the pond, that doesn't mean you can't give kayak fishing a try.

There are a lot of benefits of kayak fishing vs. other methods:
* Lower cost of investment than a motorized boat
* Easier to transport than a motorized boat
* Long lifespan and virtually maintanence free
* The lack of noise means that you'll get in the fish faster than anyone with a motor
* The mobility of a kayak will allow you to go places a bigger, motorized boat can't go
* You'll be able to fish holes and locations you can't with a pair of waders
* And at the end of the day you'll get some exercise to get a head start on that BBQ & refreshments you plan to enjoy later

We sell a lot of boats at the shop that are suitable for kayak fishing. While most are multi-purpose, several are definitely focused on fishing. Of those boats, the Hobie fishing kayaks are definitely a stand out. It's hard to beat being able to propel with your feet, leaving your hands free for your rod and gear. Not only that, Hobie has a great line up of fishing accessories that will always guarantee a full Christmas wish list.

If you're in our area, we have Hobie's ready to go for rental/demo. Take them out and see what you think of kayak fishing!

And the winner is....

2009-09-01T14:52:00.001-07:00

Oh come on, we can't give you the winner right off the bat - where's the fun in that?

Here are the final 7. Why 7? Why not? (Winner at the bottom for those of you that are so impatient you cheat and read the ending of the book first - you know who you are.)

CPL Preston Crow is a US Marine currently in Iraq finishing up a year long tour. He's spent his summer (ok, his last 4 months since we're guessing it's perpetually summer there) using his FiveFingers to run in Iraq. CPL Crow, from us at the Kayak Shed, great picture & thank you for your service!

Jens Eliasson has been using this FiveFingers for a little kiteboarding this summer. He tells us that previously, kiteboarding meant a lot of cuts and bruises on his feet thanks to some unfriendly pebbles and rocks. With his Vibram FiveFingers, Jens says those bruises and cuts are so last summer and he's now got improved traction as well - all with a barefoot feel. Kite on, Jens!

Yiftach Aloni joined a cargo ship that supplies the island of Vanuatu three times a year (that's it!) and visited many of the villages there. The people of Vanuatu were exceptionally hospitable and as repayment, Yifatch would entertain them with juggling and slacklining (in this Vibram FiveFingers, natch), making quite a name for himself on the northern islands. Great adventure, Yiftach!

Gene Park spent this summer hiking around Maine in his VFFs, getting in much if the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) trails and exploring Acadia National Park. This shot is from the overlook of Frenchman Bay in Acadia National Park. Fly, Gene, Fly!

Chris Engle went rafting with Adventure Sports Center International in Deep Creek, Md, 3 friends and his FiveFingers. This was their last run of the day and, as Chris puts it, they tried to ride the bull and the bull won! Chris - we loved the triple shot sequence, but shot beautifully captured that "point of no return" feeling perfectly!

These final two photos were tough to pick between! We had to bring in a back-up judge to split the tie... It was a close one! Here's the runner up!

Ian Baens had this shot taken of him (ok, really just his leg and his Vibram FiveFinger KSOs) on the Rio Toro in Costa Rica this past July. Ian would like to send a shout out to the small drop in the river and the German dude that sent him overboard.

And now, without further ado, the winner:

William Mitchell spent his summer jumping from, what we assume, was a perfectly good plane in his FiveFingers. Crazy! We love it!

Kayaking for a Cause

2009-08-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

A couple of local paddlers and all around good guys, Andy Maser & Daniel Fox, are hitting the water this morning to paddle 130 miles from Willamette Falls in Portland, Or to the confluence of the Columbia river and the Pacific Ocean. While it sounds like it's going to be a great adventure, these guys aren't just doing it for fun, they're doing it to benefit these very worthy organizations:

* Disabled American Veterans
* Team River Runner
* WeLoveCleanRivers.org

Not only great paddlers and philanthropists, Andy and Daniel are all over the communication stream, so you can follow their adventures this week via Twitter (@amaser & @kitsunekeimou), SPOT Adventures and their Facebook group, Century Paddle.

Andy & Daniel haven't been the only ones busy raising money for great organizations by paddling. We ran across a couple of recent articles that should be inspiring for anyone.

Forest Rose did the first half of an 1800 mile voyage, from Newark to New Orleans, on the Ohio River to raise $8000 for research for children's cancer. He'll complete the 2nd half next summer.
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20090829/NEWS01/908290318

Eric Innes completed an 85 day, 1700 mile trip around the British Isles to raise money for Help for Heroes, a British organization dedicated to helping injured soldiers.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/8228622.stm

Kudos to all of the paddlers out there that are using their skills and talents to further causes that affect so many of us!

Week 1 of C25K

2009-08-24T22:05:00.001-07:00

When we originally brought Vibram FiveFingers into the shop, our thought was that - with their low profile and siping - they'd make great shoes for our local watersports: whitewater kayaking, windsurfing, kiting, etc. But it didn't take long to discover that the VFF's have their most devoted following in the running world. Since we tend to like our exercise to have a healthy dose of adrenaline however - something my personal running speed does not accomplish - we observed this growing segment from the sidelines. Until now! After reading countless blogs proclaiming Vibram FiveFingers to be to running what peanut butter is to jelly, I finally decided I'd dry out my Classics and put them to a non-watersport use.

I do some walking in my VFF's, but I'll admit it's mostly to go sit in my boat, and there were enough comments in the blogs about sore this-and-thats (and I really don't like being sore unless there's a whopper of a story to go with it) that I put my research hat on. It didn’t take long to come across a program called C25k - or "Couch to 5k". In addition to having a great name, the website states that the program is "designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometers or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks" and there are a bunch of VFF converts out there that are using the program - which is based on walk/run intervals - to get up to speed in their FiveFingers.

When I mentioned my idea to the shop's GPB – who gets a lot of great feedback and comments from VFF customers – he thought C25K sounded like a good way to start, but threw out the additional suggestion of starting on a soft running surface. That sounded reasonable and even smart. I live a couple of blocks away from the local middle school's cinder track, so yesterday morning I downloaded a Week 1 podcast from the C25K site and headed out the door.

Initial thoughts: I felt like I forgot something at home. Like my shoes. For the most part, walking on pavement in VFF's feels like you're going barefoot... and it feels a little wierd. "Mommy, that lady doesn't have any shoes on!"

Next thoughts: Interval training is definitely the way to go for me! While I don't run much, I do bike a few times a week, so the cardio in the first week schedule isn't challenging, but the tendons in my feet and lower legs were ready for a break every time the podcast told me to "walk".

The aftermath: My lower legs and feet were a little tight this morning, but definitely weren't sore. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's work out and am heading out of the house in just a moment for an easy (FiveFinger) walk just to stretch everything out.

I won’t be boring you with a full run down of every workout, but I’ll be sure to let you know how it’s progressing over the next nine weeks. Two things on my horizon: 1) I downloaded a C25K app for my iPhone (there are a couple available) so I can listen to my own music while doing the intervals and 2) a pair of KSO’s to replace my Classics if I keep jogging on cinder tracks!

New Fall '09 Vibram FiveFingers Now Available for Pre-Order!

2009-08-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

While they won't be getting into stores until mid-October, we're expecting the first few shipments of the all new fall '09 styles to fly out of the store like hotcakes, so we have them available for pre-order now so that you can make sure you get them hot off the press!

Here are three new styles for this fall and, after seeing them at Outdoor Retailer a month ago, we couldn't be more excited!

The KSO Trek
	The Men's KSO Trek is here! The Trek is a more rugged version of the popular KSO. The kangaroo leather upper and sock liner are soft against the foot, yet strong and tear resistant with outstanding breathability. A 4mm EVA midsole offers plating protection from stone bruising, and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram performance rubber outsole delivers improved traction on trails and over more rugged terrain. BEST FOR: Light Trekking, Trail Running, Fitness Walking, and Travel PRE-ORDER HERE >>
The Moc
Brand new from Vibram:the Moc. This shoe was designed to enhance that barefoot feeling. The kangaroo leather upper is soft against the bare foot, yet strong and tear resistant with outstanding breathability. The 7-part Vibram rubber sole offers maximum feel and flexibility without sacrificing slip resistance. The FiveFingers Moc was designed primarily for indoor use during fitness training, CrossFit, yoga, and for after sport. The sole is not designed for extended use during outdoor activities like trekking, running, or water sports. BEST FOR: Fitness Training, Indoor CrossFit, Travel, and After Sport. PRE-ORDER HERE >>
The Performa
	New from Vibram - the Performa! This shoe was designed to enhance that barefoot feeling. The kangaroo leather upper is soft against the bare foot, yet strong and tear resistant with outstanding breathability. The 7-part Vibram rubber sole offers maximum feel and flexibility without sacrificing slip resistance. The FiveFingers Performa was designed primarily for indoor use during fitness training, CrossFit, yoga, and for after sport. The sole is not designed for extended use during outdoor activities like trekking, running, or water sports. BEST FOR: Fitness Training, Indoor CrossFit, Travel, and After Sport. PRE-ORDER HERE >>

Another VFF convert... maybe?

2009-08-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

We definitely enjoy hearing from those of you who have joined (or are interested in) the barefoot running revolution and have purchased a pair of Vibram FiveFingers. Many of you have emailed us to let us know that your new VFF's are the perfect blend of barefoot and protection.

We just came across a new "monkey shoe" owner out of Portland, OR who purchased a pair from us and is getting ready to take them for a spin. We hope he has the same great experience so many of our other customers & friends have had!

Bunchgrasser, keep us in the loop! We're excited to hear how those Vibram KSO's work out for you!

Whitewater Paddleboarding

2009-08-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that we've been checking out the paddleboarding craze that's going on here in the Gorge. We looked at some Hobie and Tahoe paddleboards at Outdoor Retailer and our Stohlquist rep, Ethan, just brought out a bunch of Tahoe boards for John to try (thanks, Ethan!).

We might bite our tongues in the future for saying this, but while the workout benefits of paddling around the Columbia seem great, it's hard to see how you'd work up much adrenaline. The Gorge has some of the best whitewater on the planet, it seems a shame to just paddle around on flat water, right...?

Of course you knew that the paddleboard wasn't going to stay on flatwater for long. Local legend, Dan Gavere, has been spearheading the whitewater paddleboard movement, winning the 2009 SUP Nationals and taking many SUP 1st D's, but when this came into my inbox this morning, it definitely made me sit up and take notice.

Photo courtesy of Immersion Research

This is Luke Hopkins, founder of Stride River Boards. What are your thoughts? We're thinking this paddleboarding thing is getting more interesting and it might definitely be worth a demo or two.

Sneak Peek at the future line up for Vibram FiveFingers

2009-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Matt and Angela Monarch, the folks behind Raw Success and The Raw Food World, visited Vibram's office and met with Vibram US Pres, Tony Post, who gave them a preview of what's up for Spring 2010. We saw these prototypes at OR this year, but Vibram was still in R&D on them, so they asked us to hold back posting about them. They looked great then and they look great now!

Ryan Morgan

2009-08-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday, the local paddling community lost one of its own. Ryan Morgan was a frequent Gorge paddler and often stopped by the shop to say "hi" - we'll miss seeing his smile as he's headed out to the river. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Danielle, his paddling partners, his friends and family.

NYT on Dam Removal & New Whitewater

2009-08-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

A lot of folks have brought an article from the NY Times Travel section to our attention this week. The article discusses the national trend of dam removal and waterway restoration - an exciting time for environmentalists and whitewater paddlers. With the removal of Condit dam on the horizon, those of us who paddle the White Salmon river are soon to be among the lucky beneficiaries of this trend.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/travel/09explorer.html?hpw

“There’s also the excitement of the unknown,” said Tao Berman, a professional kayaker who lives in White Salmon, Wash., not far from the White Salmon River, which is known for its whitewater runs by kayakers the world over.

Mr. Berman has good reason to be excited these days. The Condit Dam, a 125-foot-high hydroelectric dam that has plugged the White Salmon River for 96 years, is expected to come out as early as next year. When that happens, a mile-long section behind the dam, which had been submerged under the artificial lake, will once again flow freely. There could be a series of gentle rapids or something more exciting, like a boat-flipping cataract.

“I just can’t wait to see it,” Mr. Berman, 30, said. “Is it going to unearth a great play spot, or is there going to be one really steep, difficult rapid? I have no idea.”

That said, I'd like to remember all of the work that has gone into the Condit removal (and, I'm sure, the other dams mentioned in the article). The effort of local paddlers, conservationists and American Whitewater to see through the removal of the dam has been an amazing, long term commitment. We were talking around the shop and are guessing that this has been in the works for approximately 12 years. I'm sure AW could give us a more solid number, but regardless - it's been a long time.

So, here's to the dedication of those of you who were involved in the discussions, the studies, and the meetings that has made the removal of Condit dam - and the subsequent opening of some new whitewater for us and the fish to enjoy - possible. Many thanks from us and future generations!

Review: Vibram Five Fingers Classic

2009-08-10T12:08:00.001-07:00

This is a great Vibram FiveFingers review from a convert that used to call them Five Fingers of Suck and is now singing their praises.

Review: Vibram Five Fingers Classic

Posted using ShareThis

Congratuations, Jesse!

2009-08-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't heard yet, we're excited to pass on the great news that Immersion Research (IR) just welcomed Jesse Becker to their family as their new National Sales Coordinator and West Coast Representative! Jesse was formerly with AT Paddles, which just moved their Hood River, OR operations back east to join the rest of the Confluence family.

Jess - we're excited to see more of you around the shop in your new role and we're even more excited we'll continue to see your smiling face around the Hood & on the river!

IR's full announcement:
http://www.immersionresearch.com/2009/08/07/ir-welcomes-jesse-becker-to-the-family/

New Dream Result Trailer

2009-08-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Amazing paddlers (Steve Fisher, Ian and Evan Garcia, Tyler Bradt, Lane Jacobs, Ben Marr, Rush Sturges, Patrick Camblin, Ben Brown) and amazing footage. This will be one not to miss.

Coming Winter 2010...

Wired Magazine Great Review of Vibram FiveFingers

2009-07-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

Sure, they call the Vibram FiveFingers the geekiest shoes out there, but they also liked them!

Chelan Gorge Part II

2009-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

The incredibly talented Christie Glissmeyer recently posted about her experience on the Chelan Gorge, a run we've talked about on Facebook (way to go AW!). If you want to hear about the travels and adventures of some amazing PNW paddlers, head on over to Northwest Livin.

Attack at Wells Island

2009-07-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Last night was a balmy 100 bazillion degrees (plus or minus) in Hood River, so we took the Hobie Sport and Revolution out to cool ourselves and the dog off. Starting from the new dock, Wells Island is a great out and back paddle (or peddle, in this case), so we loaded up the dog and headed out into the Columbia.

Out on the water, it really was the perfect evening - much cooler than in town and the water is nice and warm this time of year. We did a couple re-enactments of our favorite Tour de France stages - Schleck vs. Armstrong - and then John lured me through the moss/weed barrier around Wells Island with promises of a secret lake.

No sooner had he put one foot out of the boat than our situation turned to something like this (but replace bees with mosquitoes):

Our leisurely peddling took on a whole new urgency on the way out of there. In the process, we found an unexpected benefit of the Hobie kayak: hands free paddling allows you to take care of a lot of attacking mosquitoes. That said, next time we venture to Wells Island at dusk, we'll take bug spray.