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!
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.
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.
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.
Paddling Into the Wind
Yesterday, a buddy and I completed a relatively short 9 mile paddle from the public access on Emerald Isle to Bear Island and back. When we checked Magic Seaweed for Bogue Pier, it was predicting 1 foot seas by around noon, after 2-3 foot seas the previous day/evening. However, this seemed at odds with the … Continue reading Paddling Into the Wind
Last Paddle of 2018 – Falls Dam, NC
I was fortunate enough to catch a lowish release at Falls Dam(2400-3000CFS) for new years eve, before they cranked it back up over 4000 CFS.
We paddled around 3.7 miles in a .2 mile section of river, although most of that distance came from the first .07 miles of river.
Last Ocean Surf Session of 2018
This weekend, I did a 13 mile paddle near bogue inlet. This will likely be my last surf session of the year, but I am hoping to make it out to the dam before new years.
Werner’s Poorly Engineered Adjustable Ferrule System
After having owned two Werner Cyprus paddles, both of which failed in the same way, and talking with other paddlers, I think Werner’s two piece paddles, specifically their locking ferrule system, are poorly designed.
They do not appear to hold up well to heavy coastal use, despite what I think is a reasonable cleaning regime.
Why Burping is Important
To burp or not to burp, that is the question and I think for most kayakers the answer is to burp, as it is more comfortable when you are swimming.
Recently, while dealing with a failing neck gasket on my drysuit, I discovered another reason why burping is a good idea.
Holden Beach Circumnavigation
This week, a friend and I completed a short 18.3 Mile Circumnavigation around Holden Beach.
It was a spur of the moment trip, which was made attractive by very calm seas and almost no wind.