Looking down at your jacket, after paddling through miles and miles of rapids, and seeing small beads of water brings a smile across my face every time.
Gear drying after a run down the Urubamba, Peru
The quality of my specialized equipment and technical clothing directly corresponds with how many days I get to be outside. When my IR dry-top still repels water, even still beads up the slippery substance on the surface, you know you've made a good investment.
I'm also comforted by knowing my personal flotation device is going to work. My throw rope will deploy. My skirt will not implode. I don't waste time doubting these things. This makes a difference in the water I chose to take myself, and my equipment, down.
Copper Creek, Washington
It is also nice to see an industry begin to represent itself with a bit more creativity, a bit more personal branding.
My new Astral LE 4 jacket boasts design work by Megan Smith, a young designer who has spent the past 25 years completely entrenched in extreme sports culture. Its about time people like her are able to express their ideas and designs to the kayaking world. Maybe we will begin to see character, expression and rad designs on our formerly drab looking gear.
While the 10 years I've spent in the kayaking community may yet be a blink, the progression of the sport has been exciting to witness. Think I'll spend another 10 years here, maybe more.
Little Klickitat River, Washington
