Great Outdoor Blog

I have had a chance to put the Santee Expedition on the water at two of our local demos and with a variety of different customers. The goal of the boat’s designers was to create a crossover or “hybrid” boat that blends the characteristics of a touring kayak and a recreational kayak. More specifically, this particular hybrid was designed with high displacement to accommodate larger paddlers.

The Santee Expedition is far more stable than a pure touring kayak for big folks like the Capella 173 (for example). However, it is nearly as stable as a Santee 116 and considerably more efficient. The Expedition tracks well and can be edged (to some degree) to allow for better maneuverability than a Rec boat of the same length. Also, the Santee Expedition has less drag than the typical Rec kayak of the same length -an average paddler can expect to cover 3-3.5 miles in an hour.

This boat is too roomy for me (I am 165 lbs). Based on what I’ve seen at our demos, the Santee Expedition could handle a 320 pound paddler and still behave well. This is the first really good design for bigger folks in the Hybrid category I’ve seen in a premium construction. We have additional info on our Hybrid Kayaks Page. Click on the Santee Expedition for detailed info.

If weight savings (only 52 lbs!), good performance/stability and reasonable pricing is high on your list of priorities, the Santee Expedition is the best choice for a Touring/Rec Hybrid for larger folks. I can’t think of another kayak that offers what this boat does for less. Stop by your local shop or Boat Demo to check one out.

MULEteam Price: $1095
Reg: $1189

CHAD’S REVIEW: Originally a mountaineering boot and rock climbing shoe company, La Sportiva has been stepping up to the plate with it’s mountain running division over the past few years. The latest installment, The Fireblade, is no exception.

When I first received my pair you can’t help but notice the color. Bright orange. (You Longhorn and UT fans are in for a treat!) Once on, the Fireblades feel super light (12.1oz) and fit a narrow to medium width foot very well. The mesh sides let your feet breath on those hot and humid days, while the stretchy mesh tongue guard does a great job of keeping dirt and trail debris out.

The only thing I found about these shoes that I didn’t like was the insole. I switched mine out for my Superfeet and didn’t have any problems afterward.

Hands down this is one of the lightest and most comfortable trail running shoes I have run in. Come by one of our shops and give’em a try, you won’t be disappointed.

CLOSEOUT PRICE: $49.99 - REG : $90

Fireblade’s are in these shops:

• Chapel Hill
• Greensboro
• Raleigh
• Wilmington

CHUCK’S REVIEW: The FIREBLADE is a terrific trail running shoe. I began running in La Sportiva on March 12 at this year’s Umstead Trail Marathon. Last time I wore a pair of La Sportiva I was climbing in the Tetons. What these folks learned from technical climbing shoes has been applied with precision to their trail running collection.

I literally opened the box on Friday and ran the 26.2 the next day. Not exactly what I’d normally recommend but in this specific case, the La Sportiva shoes were so comfortable, it worked out. Race day was very comfortable on both Umstead’s single track and bridal trails. The midsole construction of the FIREBLADE will remind you of your favorite road shoes. The well constructed footbed is thin, compared to other trail runners, but I found the protection more than adequate. I prefer a minimalist, low to the ground shoe and yet my 45+ muscle/joints do have expectations. La Sportiva met those expectations. Particularly the sticky rubber outsole that saved me from several face plants as I scrambled up thru the switchbacks on the Sycamore section. Reminded me as to why I picked La Sportiva when climbing in the Tetons.

Hook mom up with great outdoor gear & clothing this Sunday, May 13.

We are fully stocked with great sportswear from the top brands. Stop your local shop for great gifts and FREE gift wrapping!

Can’t decide? Great Outdoor Provision Co. Gift Cards let her pick out her personal favorites

Recycle any brand of used shoes to help the people of Nepal, and you SAVE 20% on any new Chaco Sandals. May 4-20, 2007.

Instead of adding to the local landfill, put recycled shoes on the feet of those less fortunate thru Chaco & the dZ1 Foundation.

http://www.dzifoundation.org

Walt Cary will be on the sales floor at our Cameron Village Shop on May the 12th. He will conduct tying demonstrations at 10am and 1pm, and answering questions all day.

Popping bugs are one of the few patterns that fly anglers across the country have come to rely on for nearly every type of fishing situation. Whether you’re fishing for largemouth bass in a local farm pond, chasing smallmouth or trout in your favorite river, or just happen to be lucky enough to catch breaking saltwater fish, poppers can often mean the difference between success and failure on the water. Good quality poppers are hard to come by—which is why Walt’s Poppers stand head and shoulders above the competition. (more…)

The weekly festivities include performances by top bands featuring bluegrass, back porch, roots, Americana and old time music, on the hay-wagon stage at the meadow amphitheater, in historic Saxapahaw. The Farmers’ Market features fresh local produce, cheese, eggs, baked goods, flowers, honey, organic meat, locally produced wine, handmade arts and crafts, and more. CERES creates exciting children’s activities including the famous Great Outdoor Provision Co. Zipboat, the Environmentally Engineered Slip-N-Slide, face painting, giant bubbles, arts & crafts, and a kid’s parade. Festivities take place every Saturday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. through the end of August. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

Dates for entire Rivermill Saturdays in Saxapahaw series:
May 5, 12, 19 & 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
July 7, 14, 21 & 28
August 4, 11, 18 & 25
Oktoberfest October 20

May 5 - The fabulous Steep Canyon Rangers will be coming in for a special performance to kick off the summer series.