A few weeks back (I know, sorry for the delay) I read a story over on www.playak.com about inflatable “Handirack� roof racks. Seems our friends over there had some car trouble and were stranded with their kayaks. The only car they could rent was a super small (I’m talking Europe-small), Mini-type of car – with, yeah you guessed it, no roof racks.

So, okay, imagine it…you’re at an event with all your paddling gear, your decked-out car is out of commission and all you’ve got to get you home is a pregnant roller skate (CBer’s remember that term! Dang, showing my age again…).

Inflatable racks! At first I thought, “ah, no way. They’ll probably deflate before I’m half way home. I’ll have to stop every 30 miles to blow them back up.â€� But apparently these are not toy racks, these are the real deal. And after reading the story and checking the details I’ve decided to get some.

If you’re like me, you’ve got emergency gear for every occasion: first aid kit, back up drinking water supply, gallon of anti-freeze, space blanket, couple of flash lights, road hazard kit, jumper cables, fix-a-flat – so what are you saying, you’re not like me? Okay, so I like to be prepared.

These inflatable racks are like the final piece of the puzzle. So, in case my car breaks down at a race and my last resort is to rent a car, getting my boats home won’t be an issue.

Get there, paddle hard, get home. That’s all I want.

Since our pals at Playak are in Europe, I wasn’t sure the inflatable racks were available here in the states. But then I found them at Boater’s World. They are made by Malone Auto Racks.

If you’re interested in picking some up for yourself, click on this logo:  

and use the search box to find the extremely useful “Malone Auto Racks Handirack Inflatable Car Rack�. Boater’s world offers free shipping on orders over $100, and no sales tax.

Happy paddling!
 - Joyce

Click here to see: results for the 1st Annual Tennessee River Blueway Canoe & Kayak Race (courtesy of Outdoor Chattanooga).

On Saturday September 22, 2007 a day that was beautiful and perfect for paddling; Outdoor Chattanooga held the First Tennessee River Blueway Canoe and Kayak Race. Competition was open to amateur kayakers and canoeists with categories for racing kayaks, long and short canoes and kayaks and tandem kayaks.

It was a four mile downriver course that started at South Chickamauga Creek and ended at Ross’s landing on the Tennessee River. Two put in areas were available, you had the option to launch from Tennessee Riverpark or Rivermont Park. All contestants that didn’t pick up their packets prior to race day had to launch from the Tennessee Riverpark.

The actual starting line was at the point where South Chickamauga Creek enters the Tennessee River and since you had to paddle over to the starting line; this allowed the paddlers’ a chance to warm up. The start was staggered and at three minute intervals.

 

As the name indicates this was the first time Outdoor Chattanooga held this race, and considering that it went from an idea to an event in about two months it went pretty smoothly. The race highlighted something Chattanooga should be very proud of, that is the Tennessee Riverpark which is both beautiful and well maintained. Local signs warn about eating catfish from the river, yet Blue Herons were frequently seen and they are often a good indicator of river health.

Although not really taking time from the race to look closely, there was not noticeable floating trash or much trash noted washed up on shore. The Tennessee River current was not excessively fast and if the race had had anybody entered in the Junior Division, they would have done well.

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Are you getting ready to hang up your kayak or canoe for the season? Well hold on because paddling season isn’t over yet! Check out our race and events page. There you will find plenty of paddling activities to fill your fall weekends.

We have found  races and events from the east coast to the west coast. There is something for everyone,whether your looking for whitewater, flatwater, seakayaking or festivals.

Whatever you choose you are sure to find a change of scenery from your summer paddle trips. Don’t forget with fall comes cooler weather, cooler water and shorter days. Being prepared is the key to a great fall float!

Next weekend’s Hatchie River Race in Bolivar, TN has been canceled due to extremely low water levels on the Hatchie River according to the Hardeman County Chamber of Commerce. It’s possible the race will be moved next year to a different time of year, as August, September & October are traditionally “dryer” months in Tennessee. (more…)