More winter paddling pictures … I had two paddling photo sessions with my Alpacka Yukon packraft on the Poudre River in February. Both times I started at Kingfisher Point Natural Area in Fort Collins. There is about half mile of slow water behind the diversion dam there. My cruising speed in a packraft is about …
Packrafting on the Poudre River – Winter Paddling with Alpacka Yukon Read More »
My second test of Alpacka Yukon packraft took place still on lakes (April 9, 2011), but with high winds and some chop.
I used a heavier load on a bow of my pacraft – a drybag containing my photo geart inlcuding Canon DSLR camera, a tripod and flash. The packraft was tracking much better. And, it seems to be not a big problem to paddle against 20 mph wind with some stronger gusts.
I explored 3 of 3 7 lakes within Fort Collins’ Riverbend Ponds Natural Area covering about 3 miles. Because of wind I didn’t unpack my big camera. The above snapshot was made with Pentax Optio W30, a waterproof camera on duty in all my paddling.
Related post:
Speed Test of Alpacka Yukon Packraft
Some packrafting resources:
PACKRAFTING! An Introduction and How-To Guide by Roman Dial
Tips & Technique from Alpacka Raft
Tips for your first Packrafting trip by Alastair Humphreys
I am entering a new water sport activity: packrafting. Yesterday, I performed first test with Alpacka Yukon packraft in Fort Collins’ Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.
I am not thinking about any big expeditions with my packraft at this time. My plans are just to explore short river segments combined with land transportation by inline skates or a bike. And, more opportunities for photography.
First observations:
– A fully inflated Alpacka raft fits inside my Subaru Outback. So, it will be easy to explore some local small lakes and ponds where dragging my expedition canoe would be an overkill.
– This packraft tracts surprisingly well. It is a new 2011 model with an extended stern.
– A comfortable cruising speed on a calm lake was around 2.5 mph. I was able to reach 3 mph. However, an efficient paddle stroke may be restricted with a big backpack or bike placed across raft bow.
– Seating and foot room is pretty tight. Well, I like to have some foot support for paddling – probably not a typical position for river floating.
– I didn’t use a spray deck. It could be useful in that rainy evening.
I am ready for a river test.
Some packrafting resources:
PACKRAFTING! An Introduction and How-To Guide by Roman Dial
Tips & Technique from Alpacka Raft
Tips for your first Packrafting trip by Alastair Humphreys
A report and pictures by Jeremy Rodgers, Boulder, CO.
Only days after returning to Boulder from World Championships in Sort, Spain, I found myself sitting at Denver International airport yet again waiting for my flight to the Yukon Territory Canada busily checking flow gauges and gathering last minute information on the wilderness that waits.
Just when one thinks you have been dealt an average hand, all variables go in your favor and the impossible happens as the human spirit triumphs against all odds. Not 24 hours after I sent an email out to family and friends on my blog acknowledging the lack of adequate flows for a world record attempt on the 24 distance record, American wildwater paddler Andy Corra, from Durango, Colorado, overtook the current world record of 261 miles by paddling 273.5 miles (awaiting certification by Guinness World Records) in 24 hours.
The current official record is held by Aussie American adventure racing legend Ian Adamson. While flows were average at best compared to previous record attempts by others, Andy’s paddling and river reading skills, as well as tolerance of sitting in a kayak for 24 hours, were matched with eerily calm skies and the sheer hunger for what was one man’s first chance to attempt this life long goal.
Andy’s attempt was supported by myself in a second surf ski and 2 local guides in a flat skiff motor boat.