Welcome to YakNC!
I'm a paddler from North Carolina and this is my blog, where I share some of my thoughts on paddling and reviews of gear and kayaks. I enjoy all types of paddling, including flat water and faster moving water, but lately I've been drawn towards sea kayaking. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out on one of my posts or contact page. I always enjoy talking with local(or other) paddlers!
Paddling the French Broad and Nolichucky
Recently, myself and several other paddlers made a trip to WNC for two days of whitewater paddling and camping. Day 1 – Camping Near Linville Gorge On the first day, we drove down to Linville Gorge to camp, which took us right past Lake James. Our campsite was on federal land, with an amazing view … Continue reading Paddling the French Broad and Nolichucky
New Year, New Dam Paddle
This year, I was fortunate enough to be able to ring out the old, ring in the new with a paddle at the Falls Lake Dam. We had recently gotten enough rain that Falls Lake was above 251.5 feet, which is their preferred level, after being well under for several months. As a result, the … Continue reading New Year, New Dam Paddle
Surf City / Topsail Circumnavigation
Recently, myself and another paddler completed a 50 mile circumnavigation around Topsail and Surf City Island. The trip, which we completed over the course of three days, included two wonderful nights of camping and an exciting night paddle.
Belews Lake Day Paddle
While traveling for business, I was able to take a couple hours to explore Belews Lake in Forsyth County. The lake , which has clear water and a few small islands to explore, was a nice day paddle that I hope to have the opportunity to do again.
Kayak Review: Impex Force Category 3
I’ve owned my Impex Force Category 3 for around six years now and wanted to share a review of this great sea kayak. My particular boat was manufactured in 2007 and I purchased it used in December of 2017. My main reason for purchasing it was that I wanted a longer touring boat to take … Continue reading Kayak Review: Impex Force Category 3
Cape Lookout Circumnavigation
In June of 2020, myself and another paddler completed a 54.77 mile circumnavigation around Cape Lookout. This came after several failed attempts, where we had to make the difficult decision to call due to weather conditions.
Paddling the Sea Kayak on the Neuse River
Last week, I took my 17 foot Impex Sea Kayak down the Neuse river, for a 30 mile downriver run. It ended up being the fastest 30 mile day I have ever done.
Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle, Oak Island Circumnavigation
Last week, a friend and I completed a 52.45 mile circumnavigation around Oak Island, Sunset Beach, and Ocean Isle.
This trip was unique because we had to completely rework it on the fly, due to changing conditions.
Bear Island Circumnavigation: Breaking in the Lendal Cadence Paddle
After some research and consulting with a paddling partner, I decided to purchase a Lendal Cadence paddle, because I needed a working two piece paddle and after having troubles with Werner’s Ferrule, couldn’t justify spending any more money on a two piece Werner Paddle.
This weekend, I completed a 17 mile paddle around Bear Island and got to break in the new paddle and have included my first impressions of the Lendal Cadence.
Bogue Inlet Blooper Reel
This week, I spent the day at Emerald Isle, playing around in Bogue Inlet. Conditions were pretty low, but we still had a blast. I had a few not so great rides though.