Great Outdoor Blog

Kahuna Longboards are now available in our Raleigh & N. Raleigh shops

Retro Fish Longboards - $149

The Retro Fish preserves the old-school fish tail lines. Take this fish to work, school or downtown.

48″ long
9 3/4″ wide
7 ply Wisconsin hard rock maple
Premium Paris 180mm Longboard Trucks
Dregs longboarding wheels - 70MM
Tahitian Volcanic Lava Sand as grip

shape: Kahuna Classic Retro Fish Tail w/ Kahuna wheel wells
camber: heavy
concave: mild
flex: maximum

Kahuna Big Stick - $149

The Kahuna Big Stick transforms your Longboard into Stand Up Paddle board for the Pavement!

For those of us who don’t live near the ocean or a large lake, The Kahuna Big Stick offers you the same fun and fitness as the water sport, but allows you to do it on any paved surface!

Just grab your Longboard and your Kahuna Big Stick and you can turn your local Greenway, sidewalk, empty parking lot, or driveway into awesome session!

Here are some of the design benefits:

- Solid, form fitting, solid wood cherry and ash handle for ultimate comfort
- Lightweight Douglas fir shaft with a gentle taper towards the handle
- Gentle oval shaft shape to give that ultimate feel in a paddle
- Various fabric prints (always changing) are fused in the shaft for an incredible look
- The entire shaft is layered in fiberglass to give added strength
- The tip is designed with dual high performance rubber contacts to allow for ultimate grip, durability and feel as you paddle on the pavement. The rubber contacts can be rotated to maximize use (replacement contacts are available)
- Added high performance foam is encased in the tip to provide additional vibration dampening to keep the ride smooth
- The overall tip design provides a slight spring as you transition through the stroke

MADE IN THE USA

Want to find a job in North Carolina’s environmental movement?
Have a passion for meeting new people?
Want to help protect North Carolina’s rivers and streams?

Then join Project Rainmakers, a fellowship program for environmental advocates. You’ll get to work with North Carolina’s water organizations and help build their membership base and citizen support. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/more/rainmakers.

You could work with:

• Bynum with Haw River Assembly
• Charlotte with Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation
• Jacksonville with New River Foundation
• Raleigh with Neuse River Foundation
• Washington with Pamlico-Tar River Foundation
• Wilmington with Cape Fear River Watch

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/more/rainmakers. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 11th.

Patagonia Footwear General Manager, Craig Throne, appraises the positives and negatives of Patagonia footwear manufacture — including natural latex outsoles, leather tanning, the use of solvents, and packaging. The Patagonia Footprint Chronicles allows you to track the environmental impact of a specific Patagonia product from design through delivery. Watch more at patagoniafootprint.com

Another report from Vic (GOPC staff) & crew. They are traveling from California to Patagonia, Chile. Read more on their BLOG: http://southbound-horizons.blogspot.com

Peeking through the surrounding clouds within the sheltered pine forest, San Cristobal de las Casas welcomed us with a misty drizzle. We stayed at a lovely hostel and ventured into the colonial town of Chiapas to explore among the patter of the rain. The cool mountain air and small droplets gave us new energy on a trip full of sun and heat. Dancing among the puddles we wondered around amazing markets, met friendly artisans, sipped warm hot chocolate and ate tasty pastries. The nights gave way to new friends made in the comfortable hostel where pasta dinners, fresh juices, posh and tasty salads were split among new amigos from six different countries. Day trips to San Juan Chamula allowed us to take a look into an exclusively Mayan village, where animal sacrifices and old healing methods still take place within the church and colorful markets clutter the plaza square. Picture taking is forbidden for it steals the soul of the subject. Many hugs and emails were exchanged as we departed San Cristobal de las Casas and all the friendly travelers we met.

On the way to visit the jungle ruins of Palenque and Calakmul a long Zapatista road block stalled our progress along the mountain roads. A night in the jungle had us awakening to the calls of howler monkeys and an early entrance into the famous ruins of Palenque. Tall Mayan pyramids shadowed the jungle below as cool water creeks weaved in and out of the lofty structures. Walking among the tourists we headed out of the park, overwhelmed and looked forward to the less visited ruins of Calakmul. After a long drive through the canopy covered highway to the ranger station of Calakmul we made friends with the forest rangers and set up camp. With some enthusiastic natural history lessons and solid advice on a sunrise start to the ruins, we slept among wild mountain turkeys dreaming of exploring the 100 sq/km with 6500 structures, hidden like gems in the dense overgrowth. An alpine start had us on top of one of the pyramids for the sunrise over the rainforest where monkeys jumped through trees, howlers awoke the jungle, colorful birds flew toward the sun, and ones eyes lost focus as the jungle stretched beyond view in all directions. Playing explorer we had the ruins to ourselves to discover as we climbed tropical trees, uncovered hidden pottery, slept in Mayan mansions, yelled over the canopy, chassed wild turkeys and wandered the miles of overgrown trails. We finished a 12 hour day of running around the ruins with an amazing sunset as we sat atop of the jungle canopy looking towards Guatemala and reflecting upon our solitude within the ancient capitol city of the kingdom of the Serpents Head.

Leaving the Mayan ruins and thick jungle we departed Mexico after two months of travel through such an amazing country. A hint of remorse arose, yet was soon healed by the ocean breeze, crystal blue-green water and unique Caribbean vibes of Belize. With only a little trouble and many hoops to jump through at the border we were soon cruising down the Hummingbird highway, through fields of sugar cane and rows of citrus trees, with our passports stamped.

M’s Watermaster II Waders by Patagonia

The Watermaster II Waders are the toughest, most puncture-resistant breathable waders on the market, and feature our innovative internal suspension system that allows “relief” without removing jacket or vest.

These days, waders have to do more than just wade. They need to breathe easily and resist the thorns – from blackberries to Argentine Califate – that guard our favorite waters. Patagonia’s Watermaster II Waders feature a proprietary 3-layer HydroStorm waterproof/breathable polyester fabric package that’s quantitatively tougher (not to mention 25% more waterproof) than the competition. An innovative internal suspension system provides quick, layers-on “relief” without hard-to-operate and failure-prone zippers, safety when taking an unexpected swim, and cool comfort when worn at waist height in hot weather. Strategically placed reinforcement fabric, patterned neoprene feet, contoured crotch and knees, grit-stopping gravel guards and a built-in wading belt round out the package. Field repair kit included

» More Patagonia Fly Fishing

GUIDE TESTIMONIAL:

I wanted to take a minute and express my admiration for the Patagonia Watermaster II breathable waders. Frank, owner of the Pere Marquette River Lodge had told me how well they held up, but I was a little skeptical. After all, I not only guide steelhead and salmon on Michigan’s Pere Marquette River in the spring and fall – I spend the entire summer guiding 7 days a week on the Naknek River in Alaska, from early June until the snow flies in early October. This includes a lot of days hiking into wilderness streams and dodging bears in thick brush, not to mention dragging jet boats on and off of beaches, putting docks in and out of the water, refueling boats, etc.

Last summer, I went through 3 pairs of waders and by the first week of July this summer, I was already on my second pair. When Frank fished with me in early July, he saw that I was in need and left his Watermaster’s for me to test for the rest of the summer.

Amazing hardly begins to describe the difference. Not only were they dry and comfortable to hike around in, but, at the end of the season, I was still wearing the same pair. I had completely wore of the pair of wading shoes that I had started the summer with (not Patagonia’s shoes – another brand) but the waders were still going strong. I didn’t even need to use my patch kit.

I am only half joking when I tell my guests that I spend more time in my chest waders that I do in a pair of jeans. For the last couple of seasons, I have started out almost every day by pulling on a 7 or 8 year old pair of silkweight Capilene bottoms, an equally old and beloved pair of Patagonia fleece pants and then switched to a different companies waders. No longer. Patagonia’s commitment to quality and durability has convinced me to look to them for their waders as well.

I have already spoken to Frank about a pair of Patagonia wading shoes for next summer. I have been hearing only rave reviews from other guides on the shoes as well, and I can’t wait to put them to the test.

Thanks for the great products – keep them coming.

Jim Johnson
Owner, Alaska’s Naknek River Camp

Students at Martin Middle School are headed for the top of the world. With the help of interactive technology from MCNC, Cisco, and Arch Rock Corp, Martin Middle School students will stay connected to mountaineer and local Cisco engineer Ciprian “Chip” Popoviciu as he attempts to climb Everest this spring. The students here at Raleigh’s local middle school met Chip and his support team at an assembly this morning, March 10th. Chip will be supported by his Cisco associate, Tim Woods, who will coordinate base camp communications. Chip will also be monitored by Dr. Jay Stevens, M.D. Dr. Stevens is the President and Chief Medical Officer of the American Institute of Healthcare and Fitness. In the photo we see Chip and Dr. Stevens sharing with students about the equipment that is necessary to keep a climb safe in such extreme Alpine conditions. Stay connected with the expedition by visiting Martin Middle School link at http://martinms.wcpss.net/everest.html

» Click here to listen to WCPSS PodCast: Climbing Everest

Months ago my wife, Brandy, came to me and told me she and her friend were going to run the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon in Feb. She set out a weekly schedule for herself slowly building distance over the upcoming weeks. Having never run that far before she was determined to do it and do it well, not anguishing in pain at the end of the run.

Everything was looking good for Brandy, when about a month into her training; her friend called and backed out. After this and seeing how great she was doing in her training. I was motivated by her enthusiasm and I volunteered to take her friends place.

After running miles and miles in Umstead State Park and countless loops around our neighborhood, we were finally ready.

It was 6:00 in the morning, and Brandy and I were standing in the middle of the street with thousands of other runners ready for the official start. We looked at each other with excitement and nervousness. The start gun fired, Brandy and I wished each other luck and we were off.

After months of training, we were finally running our half marathon. The next 13.1 miles were a blur. I do remember a lot of Pancake Houses on our route, but I think that was because my stomach was wondering where it’s breakfast was.

I crossed the finish line in 2:02:17 and Brandy was right behind me with a 2:07:40. Not Olympic times, but we were still stoked. We had completed our first half marathon.

Excited at our accomplishment, we decided our next goal would be to complete a Triathlon. Our next race is the Uwharrie Xterra Triathlon this May. Wish us Luck!

- Chad Baird, Footwear Product Manager

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is a year round organization dedicated to bringing a new face-vision and scene to the fly-fishing entertainment world. Our goal is to inspire fly fishers and film makers to make new, innovative, entertaining and cutting edge films.

McGlohon Theatre - Charlotte

Thursday March 13, 2008 @ 7:00 PM
345 N. College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

» WATCH VIDEOS

» MORE INFO

» BUY TICKETS

Here’s a trailer from Patagonia:

Stop by and check out the new Vibram FiveFingers in our Raleigh ,  Greenville, Charlotte, Chapel Hill & Wilmington Shops.

barefooting (bare•foot•n) n. 1. The exhilarating joy of going barefoot without leaving yourself exposed; 2. any activity requiring unconventional footwear offering the protection of a thin, flexible Vibram skin; 3. an intelligent way to deepen your connection with your natural surroundings.

M’s & W’s FiveFingers Sprint: Hook and loop closures along the heel and instep provide a comfortable secure fit. A thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric fits low on the foot—for comfort and quick drying. A flexible, non-marking TC1 performance rubber sole is razor siped to enhance grip over a variety of terrain.

SPRINT IS BEST FOR: Light Trekking, Bouldering, Pose Method Running, ChiRunning, Fitness Training, Yoga, Pilates, Sailing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Surfing, Windsurfing, Flats Fishing, Travel

$80

Reports are in for several MULEteam members setting out to hike the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail.

Gary Shell (aka Crabby Appleton), just retired as Wilmington’s Director of Parks and Rec.

» Crabby Appleton’s Trail Journal

James Davis is an artist in Wilmington

» JAMES’ BLOG