Messages

1

Gear Talk / Opinions on Laird LXT 14'

« on: July 30, 2015, 10:46:10 AM »

Anyone have experience using this board? I cant find much information on it anywhere.

I'm looking to primarily use it for expeditions, heavily loaded with 50-70lbs of gear. Would be moving from a 14' Bark Expedition board, which has served me very well for the past five years.

I've never used a displacement board for loaded expeditions - wondering if this would be a smart move.


Laird LX 14' Tour SUP

Weight 12.7kg
Length 4.3m (14ft.)
Width 72cm (28¼in.)
Thickness 18cm (7in.)
Load 0-113kg (0-250lb.)
Volume 259L (68gal.)

2

Flatwater and Touring / Re: The basics of a coastal overnight trip - opinions please

« on: July 19, 2015, 09:39:18 PM »

I've done a lot of multiday trips in the Pacific Northwest. I can't speak to your specific trip plan, but on this type of open ocean crossing trip I suggest:
-plan to travel at slack tide to avoid any potentials issues with currents
-carry a VHF with DSC GPS location capability (here in Canada you need a license requiring a course). This is the most important piece of safety equipment IMO.
-nautical maps, highest detail you can get. I laminate them double sided so they are waterproof and strap them to the deck. Printed screenshots of google earth maps can also be very useful, but perhaps not for your trip, since it is pretty obvious where you are going.
-spare paddle. A kayak paddle works great as a backup. I have a 3-piece sup that I take now.
Assuming you are putting everything into a dry bag and rigging it down. This is what I do and it works great. The bag should have enough air to float, hence its not a disaster if you flip out there. Just make sure everything is tied to the bag very well.

3

Downwind and Racing / Re: Trip Report: SUP Camping at Kennedy Lake BC

« on: August 22, 2012, 03:56:50 PM »

Kennedy Lake gets very little traffic as everyone is heading to the coast. The put-in is also off the highway and down a few logging roads.

If you ever go, feel free to PM me for details. You'll likely want to head north into Clayoquot Arm, where these pics were taken. Also plan for strong afternoon winds!

4

Downwind and Racing / Trip Report: SUP Camping at Kennedy Lake BC

« on: August 22, 2012, 09:34:28 AM »

Here are a few pics from a four-day SUP expedition to Kennedy Lake, located near Long Beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This is a large freshwater lake that drains into the ocean. It's a great paddling spot with lots to explore, very few boaters, warm clear water, old growth cedars, and beach camping.

5

Regional / SUP in Victoria BC

« on: July 14, 2012, 06:37:12 PM »

Just putting an invite out there to anyone in Victoria BC who wants to get out for a paddle. I've been around most of the local salt and fresh water - happy to get out for a paddle or help anyone out just starting.