The Paddler’s E-Gazette… April Edition!
The Paddler’s E-Gazette was Rutabaga Paddlesports‘s monthly digital publication that I designed, curated, and edited in addition to providing much of the content. This is one edition.
Paddling news, anyone?
Canoecopia in all its glory is now behind us, but the paddling season still sizzles on the horizon, tempting us with visions of foaming whitewater creeks, meandering canoe trails, and rolling breakers carrying us to shore. As we ‘Bagas shake off our post-expo stupor and get to planning our summer trips, the April E-Gazette too dips its feet in and tests that still-frigid water. If you are itching for the season to start and just want to read about paddling, head for the “Getting Wet” section. There you’ll find inspiring trip tales from exciting destinations. Itching for new gear? Head for the “Eye Out” section! Did you miss Canoecopia? Read co-owner (and Resident Paddling Evangelist) Darren Bush’s debrief under “Headlines.” There you’ll also find information about our new Free Clinics! Find all our usual monthly columns in the “Interests, Humans”? section. And, as always, you can also link to our “Virtual Vegetable” for more great information: www.paddlers.com.
Headlines
Canoecopia in Review!
Resident Paddling Evangelist and shop co-owner Darren Bush reflects upon Canoecopia while already looking forward to next year’s show.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/page.asp?pgid=34&shift=105
Free Clinics!
Rutabaga will host free clinics from May through October! Learn about boat repair, BWCA trip preparation, dressing for a mixed forecast, and more, or sign up for free evening group paddles. Some clinics require registration, so sign up early!
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/page.asp?pgid=39&shift=105
Eye Out…
…for gear!
Canoecopia was a gear-hound’s ultimate fantasy. Tons of vendors sold tons of cool stuff to tons of cool people, and Gear Guru Garret Walters was there to see what scored the biggest hits. Check out Gear Pulpit for Garrett’s wise words on his picks for COOL GEAR OF THE MONTH.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/page.asp?pgid=36&shift=105
…for reading material!
Every month, Rutabaga book buyer and paddling sensei Sasha Stone selects one stand-out title from our book section that can also be purchased online. Check out her pick for April’s PADDLER’S BOOK O’ THE MONTH.
Read further: http://www/paddlers.com/page.asp?pgid=38&shift=105
…for learning!
Rutabaga Outdoor Programs offers instruction in canoeing, kayaking, camping, and other outdoor skills. This month, Program Director Nancy Saulsbury aims to help those seeking kayak instruction sort through the kayak courses that we offer. Choosing the right course for your needs will infinitely enhance your learning experience and will ensure that you get the most out of your paddling season.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/page.asp?pgid=35&shift=105
Getting Wet!
Trip Tale: The American Southeast is a fantasy playground for whitewater paddlers. Rutabaga whitewater expert Mark Mastalski shares his experiences from some of the wildly frothing rivers in this part of the country.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/tech.asp?tid=58&shift=105
Trip Tale: Canadian Rivers? Georgian Bay? Way too much time spent in the car? Yes, yes, and yes. Your very own E-Gazette editor Elizabeth Sterzinger explains why her September trip to Ontario, Canada was well worth the 2400+ miles of driving it entailed.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/tech.asp?tid=55&shift=105
Trip Tale: Brr! Wisconsin is cold in January! Eventually, we inhabitants of the frozen north must escape the single-digit (or sub-zero!) temperatures and find some sweet paddling while we’re at it. Rutabaga inventory and receiving genius Chris Ormand describes the first leg of his winter trip down to the… er… warm, sunny state of Florida.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/tech.asp?tid=57&shift=105
Interests, Humans?
Women on the Water
Our monthly women’s column features editorials, discussions, essays, and articles relating to women’s presence in the outdoors. This month we focus on outdoor instruction for and by women. What are the benefits for women of receiving instruction from other women? What about the gender of your classmates? Does gender matter? Should it?
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/page.asp?pgid=37&shift=105
Nature 101: March Warm-Up brings Spring Ephemerals
The ice is breaking off the lakes, the snow is disappearing from the roadsides… and what’s that green shoot poking up from the ground? Are you curious about the early spring flowers that beat the April showers to the punch? Take a mini-lesson on Spring Ephemerals from resident botanist Darrin Kimbler, who likes to get out there early and loll about in the dewy spring blossoms.
Read further: http://www.paddlers.com/tech.asp?tid=30&shift=105
Contact Us!
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the E-Gazette, we’d like to hear what you have to say! Please send us an email.
E. Sterzinger -- Writer, Editor, Educator 