Did you remove the foam block in the front of the aspire? If so is it safe or ok to do that. I lose a lot of packing space with the foam block in the front of the kayak.
Isaac Gallatin I left the foam in the boat as it provides buoyancy and a little rigidity for the bow...I asked the salesman at the yak shop about doing the same thing and he didn't recommend it. Btw, 2 10L (or two 5L) Seal Line dry bags fit really nicely between the foam brace and sides of hull in the bow.
Isaac Gallatin The Aspire has no drain plug....(go figure why not)...so I get by with a sponge for the small drips & the pump for fill ups. IMHO a sponge and pump are absolute necessities...when you need them you're glad they're there!
I've watched several of your Kings River trips. Quick question, do you need permission from property owners along the river to camp? I floated that river when I was a UA student a million years ago and over nighted. We never had anyone's permission. Than was then. How does that go for you? I'm thinking about moving back to NW Arkansas and kind of wonder about being able to camp on someone's property adjacent to the river. Thanks. I especially like the video you made about organizing your yak.
Yes, the bottom of the boat gets cold (at least the parts of me touching it-ankles and heels) I'm toying with using some reflectix to insulate the hull below the foot braces...on the flip side it keeps the refrigerated foods crisp and fresh!
Ryan Clark Hey Ryan, I picked the WS hat @ Harmonygear.com a couple years ago under the "apparel" category....seems they no longer offer it. Shame, wish I had bought another....really like the hat. Bummer
Ryan Clark Have a trip on the Buffalo River planned around New Years (if we get some significant rainfall around then). Got myself a new drysuit I'm itching to try out...rivers are just so low right now, I'm jonesing for some float time!!!
Sounds awesome! Let me know how the suit turns out. I Just got a NRS High tide jacket myself and it is super light and breathable with cuff straps to keep the water out.
Another gentle nudge... these videos are great. Would love to see this channel get reinvigorated.
Thanks I will look into this.
I want to see some more of these videos man! It's a great time to be backpacking and yakpacking!
Did you remove the foam block in the front of the aspire? If so is it safe or ok to do that. I lose a lot of packing space with the foam block in the front of the kayak.
Isaac Gallatin I left the foam in the boat as it provides buoyancy and a little rigidity for the bow...I asked the salesman at the yak shop about doing the same thing and he didn't recommend it. Btw, 2 10L (or two 5L) Seal Line dry bags fit really nicely between the foam brace and sides of hull in the bow.
Pete Braginton, did you add a drain plug to the boat? Or do you just use the bilge pump?
Isaac Gallatin The Aspire has no drain plug....(go figure why not)...so I get by with a sponge for the small drips & the pump for fill ups. IMHO a sponge and pump are absolute necessities...when you need them you're glad they're there!
I've watched several of your Kings River trips. Quick question, do you need permission from property owners along the river to camp? I floated that river when I was a UA student a million years ago and over nighted. We never had anyone's permission. Than was then. How does that go for you? I'm thinking about moving back to NW Arkansas and kind of wonder about being able to camp on someone's property adjacent to the river. Thanks. I especially like the video you made about organizing your yak.
awesome. does the bottom of the boat get pretty cold or is it pretty easy to stay warm
Yes, the bottom of the boat gets cold (at least the parts of me touching it-ankles and heels) I'm toying with using some reflectix to insulate the hull below the foot braces...on the flip side it keeps the refrigerated foods crisp and fresh!
I bet that would work awesome
Hey Pete! Where did you get that wilderness systems hat? I have been looking and can't find any headgear from them.
Ryan Clark Hey Ryan, I picked the WS hat @ Harmonygear.com a couple years ago under the "apparel" category....seems they no longer offer it. Shame, wish I had bought another....really like the hat. Bummer
That is a bummer! Thanks for the reply. You have any yakpacking trips planned for 2017?
Ryan Clark Have a trip on the Buffalo River planned around New Years (if we get some significant rainfall around then). Got myself a new drysuit I'm itching to try out...rivers are just so low right now, I'm jonesing for some float time!!!
Sounds awesome! Let me know how the suit turns out. I Just got a NRS High tide jacket myself and it is super light and breathable with cuff straps to keep the water out.
Hey Pete what kind of skirt do you use on you kayak
Kirby Walker Hey Kirby, its a Harmony Synergy skirt.
I had to mute it, when I watch nature vids, i want to hear nature sounds,otherwise,excellent as usual.
Where did you get that skirt. Looks durable.
Roger Clark Hey Roger, the skirt is a Harmony Synergy...purchased from ACK.com a few years ago.