Hello Everyone,
I am collecting all advice and comments on how to bring outrigger to Alaska. SUP has begun taking off here, but there is not an outrigger in site. I recently relocated to Seward, AK leaving my SOCAL outrigger team because of work, and would love to have an OC1 here! I don't think I can afford a brand new boat AND the shipping to get it here so any ideas are welcomed? Any team/person looking to sell an OC1 or know a way that I don't? Plus any ideas on boats and or equipment for cold weather paddling, they seem to get a long fine in Canada?
Thanks!
Submitted by renaes on Wed, 07/03/2013 - 3:27pm
aloha renaes, i am new to this sport and forum, but i did see some oc1's in vancouver bc. that's a bit closer to alaska than the lower 48
#1 Wed, 07/03/2013 - 3:31pm
For a used OC-1, Your best bet might be to keep an eye on the classified ads of the CORA site https://www.canadianoutrigger.com/ or for PNWORCA for Washington State to see what relatively close OC-1s might come up, and then see what you can figure out for shipping.
As for cold weather, neoprene is your friend. You're dealing with a whole different world of cold than we deal with in Vancouver though. We paddle year round here, that might not be advisable in Alaska.
#2 Wed, 07/03/2013 - 7:09pm
Aloha,
You may want to contact info@gorowandpaddle.org. We have some used C-Lion OC-1 that we maybe able to make some arrangements for you as I am not sure if they are spoken for yet or not.
As for cold water paddling, you may want to consider one of the new drysuits that the kite surfers and cold water SUP paddlers have been using... I have never paddled outrigger in one but use them for whitewater and sea kayak guiding. You may find that you "wet out" with an intense outrigger session.
http://www.oceanrodeo.com/products/soul
Stolquist used to make a dry bib but they no longer have them on their website - but you maybe able to find through another retailer
http://www.gul.com/trousers/s13-gul-ballistic-high-fit-trousers_extra-sm...
Gul sailing wear who make great gear have this style of bib
http://www.gul.com/trousers/s13-gul-ballistic-high-fit-trousers_extra-sm...
Xcel have a great line of booties and gloves that are great for cold water paddling.. We tend to buy them larger and slip them over some thin warm socks or waterproof sock for that extra warmth you may need up in Alaska
http://www2.xcelwetsuits.com/products/ca/paddle
If you have any questions about cold water paddling, just send us a quick message and we will see what we can do to help you out.
Corey
corey@gorowandpaddle.org
#3 Thu, 07/04/2013 - 6:21am
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/boa/3903087478.html
It looks like your prayers have been answered. There is a used viper for less than a grand in portland. Act fast and you pobably get it bought and shipped for under $2000. But you better hurry cause it's paddling season here and boats don't last long.
#4 Thu, 07/04/2013 - 7:59pm
Thank you so much everyone for all your advice! I had no idea you could paddle in Canada year round. I really thought the cold in Vancouver would be similar to Seward.
Nashipaddler- I will definitely get a hold of you guys at gorowandpaddle. Thank you for all the tips on gear that will be very very helpful.
#5 Fri, 07/05/2013 - 1:48pm
For shipping advice you may want to contact one of the kayak shops/rental service in AK, Alaska Kayak School over in Homer would be a good choice as they ship sea kayaks in and out of AK.
For paddling in Resurrection Bay, Prince William Sound or north Gulf Coast waters it is a dry suit all the way, the extra expense/investment is worth it. For me a Kokatat Gore-Tex suit with attached booties is the only choice.
#6 Sat, 07/06/2013 - 6:39pm
There is the possibility of having somebody transport it via the Alaska ferry that travels from Bellingham...
#7 Wed, 07/10/2013 - 7:22am
I give you guys lots of props, credit, etc. for having the internal drive, dedication or whatever motivates you to paddle in extremely bone chilling conditions. Coming from Hawaii I lived in the Midwest in the 90s and surfed Lake Michigan in the Sheyboygan and Racine areas in freezing iceberg temperatures with a 5/3 suit booties, gloves, hood etc. And I still think about that when its "cold" going for an early morning surf now that I'm back in Hawaii and it makes those conditions relatively more bearable. But now I'll also be thinking of those extreme conditions you guys have to regularly deal with the next time I'm feeling sorry for myself on a whipping windy upwind cross chop paddle to Diamond Head and back. Thanks for reminding me of how good we got it here in Hawaii. I know everythings relative. You guys who paddle with dry suits are hardcore.
#8 Tue, 07/16/2013 - 7:34pm