It’s that time of year when the outdoor industry rolls out the cool new products that we’ll all be lusting over in 2016. Here’s the six coolest paddlesports products that I’m looking forwards to getting my hands on.
DAGGER NOMAD
Dagger – “We wanted to keep the stability, the predictability, the forgiveness of the Nomad 8.5, and update it with modern creek boat features. We updated the hull profile for improved speed and maneuverability. An increase in volume helps the boat stay on top of the water, and also to gives more knee and foot room. Up front, we added rocker to keep the bow on the surface over holes. In back, we reshaped the stern for better resurfacing and to carry more speed away from drops and holes.“
CH – “With some big shoes to fill, the new Nomad creeker hits all the marks for me. Having paddled the prototypes, I can tell you that I haven’t been more excited about a creek boat in many many years. Displacement hulls may not be for everyone, but if you do, this boat will set new levels of confidence and fun. Bring on creek season!”
FIVE TEN EDDY
Five Ten – “Eddy, our solution for water sports. The sleek profile is designed to fit into small play boats and our grippy Stealth Phantom rubber won’t scuff you kayak, SUP or deck. Features rear drainage ports and hydrophobic synthetic mesh upper.”
CH – “Legendary Five Ten Stealth rubber on a super low profile, self draining, quick drying water shoe with a hint of Euro styling. What’s not to like.”
KOKATAT MAXIMUS CENTURION
CH – “My favorite type V rescue PFD just got a refresh with these updated 2016 colors. They are sure to make you stand out in the crowd while still more than satisfying your safety requirements. This is one standout rescue PFD.”
PYRANHA OCTANE 175
Pyranha – “Enter the Octane; at a length of 17’ 6” and a super narrow beam of 20.8” … the Octane will be a whole heap of fun for those looking to keep up their fitness in the off season, explore the coastal waves or break into the competitive racing scene.”
CH – “The entry barrier for surfski has dropped massively this year with the Pyranha Octane 175 now joining the Epic V7 as affordable and accessible plastic surf skis. In partnership with Think, the design looks to be as friendly but authentic as its Epic competitor.
WERNER ODACHI
Werner – “Specialized for racing and making this thing as light as it is, their engineers worked super hard to maintain the bomber strength you all trust. This is for when you know your lines and you are hammering down river, fast forward.”
CH – “About time! Many of the top performers in the whitewater scene are using blades from competing companies with the aggressive forward positioned blade, (which came from whitewater slalom). The Odachi blends Werner’s legendary build quality with a high performance blade for high performance paddlers. In the next few months we will see this paddle take multiple podium top spots at the Fall creek racing circuit.”
WRSI ELBOW PADS
CH – “I’ve struggled to find good elbow pads for years and have never found the balance of protection, freedom of motion and the ability of these pads to stay in place when they need to. The new WRSI pads are the most promising ones if tried so far.”
