BRT Insights - WW Kayaking & Hiking

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so its a good time to update our strategies for protection against sunburn and skin cancer caused by ultraviolet light exposure.

Sunscreen Safety & Effectiveness Two nongovernment organizations that rate sunscreens have radically different conclusions about the safety of many popular brands of sunscreen. Consumer Reports sunscreen buying guide (test results available to subscribers only) gives good ratings to many popular sunscreens that are considered not so safe by the Environmental Working Group sunscreen guide. Here are some sunscreens that got good safety ratings from Environmental Working Group. Be sure to buy a sunscreen that is effective for protection against both UVA and UVB. To get the best results from whatever brand of sunscreen you use it is helpful to apply the sunscreen a while before going out into the sun. Sunscreen should also be reapplied periodically throughout a long day of sun exposure, especially if you are swimming or perspiring heavily.

Clothing that Protects Against the Sun Clothing provides good protection against the sun, in part because the whitening agents in our modern laundry detergents enable the clothing to reflect sunlight. RIT SunGuard laundry powder has a special whitening agent that enables clothing to reflect even more sunlight. Special SPF clothing designed for higher protection against sunlight is available from Coolibar, Snapper Rock and other manufacturers.

What is your favorite sunscreen?

Please click on the comments link below and let us know which sunscreen you will use this summer.

More about:
• Make sure your sunscreen is safe and effective 25may2008.
• Supplies & Equipment for Outdoor Sports - BRT Insights.
• Sunscreens remain safe, effective form of sun protection - ScienceDaily 15may2012
• How to Choose and Use Sunscreen - Expert Advice from REI

Tags: sunscreen, sunburn, skin cancer.
Tags: sunscreen, spf clothing, UVA UVB.

Labels: equipment

The PowerShot A490 Digital Camera is a simple, inexpensive camera that produces good quality pictures suitable for online viewing in websites, blogs, online photo albums, etc. The settings options the camera provides are easy to learn and quick to operate. This enables the camera to take good pictures and video clips over a wide range of conditions. Over the past 6 months I have had success with this camera taking product photos, close-up photos, landscape photos and videos. The AA batteries used in the A490 are less expensive and more widely available than the proprietary batteries that are used in many other cameras. Overall this camera is a good value in the inexpensive price range.

More information:
• Reviews - Cameras & Equipment for Hiking, Biking & Whitewater Boating.

Tags: digital camera, landscape photography, product photography, closeup photography .
Tags: camera, photography, review.

Labels: equipment

Record and display the locations of your landscape and other travel photographs while walking, hiking, running, biking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, etc.

1. Personal Navigation Devices (PND) triangulate your position using the GPS satellites, record the route you travel (GPS track) and the time of day at each point along the way.
• GPS receiver (Brands: Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, Trimble, Holux)
• Smartphone - iPhone or Android (Brands: Apple, Garmin, TomTom, HTC, BlackBerry, Palm)
• GPS receivers are built into some smartphones; external GPS receivers can be attached to some smartphones.

2. Digital cameras automatically record the date and time of day when your pictures were taken.
• In IrfanView software click on Image menu - Information.
• In The GIMP software install the Exif Viewer - GIMP Plugin, then click on File menu - View Exif.

3. GPS Travel websites plot GPS track data on the map. Matching time of day information from the GPS receiver and the camera enables the locations of the photographs to be plotted on the map.
• GPS travel websites: MapMyHike, EveryTrail, Wayfaring, MapMyWalk, Wikiloc, Backcountrysecrets, TrailChaser.

4. Trees, hills and tall buildings can block the GPS receiver from connecting to the GPS satellites and prevent the track from being recorded. Thus, GPS mapping methods may be unsuccessful in many places such as downtown areas of big cities, trails with thick tree cover, and rivers with deep and narrow canyons.

5. Examples of Hiking and Biking Photos Synchronized to Map of GPS Track.
• California Hiking Trails Directory Pg. 1B. Scroll down to see GPS Track Hiking and Biking section.

6. Examples of Paddleboating Photos Synchronized to Map of GPS Track.
• Black Canyon Colorado River - Kayaking Canoeing - prathmann 09mar2010.
• Kayaking Black Canyon on the Colorado River - geobau 04oct2009.
• Dog Paddle Down the Russian River - SnoWake 09aug2009.
• Russian River Canoeing - tmeekins 22june2008.

7. GPS Receiver: Garmin GPSMap 76S is a useful tool for outdoor exploration.

8. GPS Mapping Software: Topo! mapping software from National Geographic.

9. GPS receivers also record speed, elevation and distance travelled, so runners and bikers use maps of their GPS tracks to record their training and competitions.


IceRocket Tags: GPS, GPS receiver, personal navigation device, smartphone, iPhone, Android.
Tags: photography, landscape photography, travel, walking, hiking, running, biking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, paddleboating.

Labels: equipment, map, software, website

Repair linear polyethylene boats by plastic welding.

Kayak Magazine had an article recently about plastic welding to repair cracks and holes in high density polyethylene (HDPE) boats. Repair Hole in Polyethylene Kayaks 03sept2010. You can purchase a plastic welding tool from Harbor Freight Tools for $15 to $75. Detailed instructions for plastic welding are provided by Ocean Kayak.

Patch crosslinked polyethylene boats with duct tape.

Surprisingly durable patches for crosslinked polyethylene boats can be made by carefully heating a patch made with duct tape. Repair cracked kayaks with duct tape and a hair dryer.

More about:
• Whitewater River Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboating Equipment Reviews - BRT Insights.
• River Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting & Tubing News Websites - BRT Insights.

Tags: kayaking, canoeing, polyethylene, whitewater, rivers, paddleboating.

Labels: equipment

Get great photos outdoors in any weather - even underwater.

Digital camera technology marches onward just like that of computers and other electronics. We have more and better choices in waterproof digital cameras than ever before. Please add a comment if you have any experience using these cameras.





More information:
• Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 waterproof digital camera.
• Top five waterproof cameras under $300 right now - ZDNet 30june2010. (Samsung AQ100, Pentax Optio W90, Canon PowerShot D10, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2)
• Reviews - Waterproof Cameras & Equipment for Whitewater River Kayaking, Rafting, Canoeing & River-Tubing.

IceRocket Tags: kayaking, river tubing, float tube, waterproof camera, photography.
Technorati Tags: hiking, paddlesports, paddle boating, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

Photography captures the memories of our kayaking, canoeing, innertubing & rafting adventures.

Darin has produced a great set of advanced tutorials for photography on whitewater boating trips. (Where to start, What is the right exposure, Getting the right exposure, Motion blurred photographs, Focus, Basic Lighting, Composition, Equipment, Post-Processing.) Darin wrote for pro & semi-pro photographers "if you are serious about shooting whitewater, you’ll need an SLR because compact cameras have a few downfalls." Most of the tutorials are about the use of SLR cameras, but they also contain some fundamental photography information that will be useful to photographers who have compact cameras. And the sample kayaking photos are also pretty great.

Here is my basic tutorial for all of the other whitewater boating photographers who are SERIOUS about getting the best photos they can from their compact digital cameras. Taking great photos while kayaking whitewater rivers is vdifficult, but skill, practice and luck can enable all photographers to get some pretty great photos of the incredible action and awesome scenery from whitewater river kayaking & rafting trips. See my BRT whitewater photo gallery, BRT whitewater video gallery and Whitewater Photo Video Blog Directory.

More about:
• Photography, Equipment & Supplies for Kayaking on Whitewater Rivers - BRT Kayaking.

IceRocket Tags: kayaking, river tubing, float tube, waterproof camera, photography.
Technorati Tags: kayaking, river, whitewater, paddlesports, paddle boating, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

Great photos & videos from your whitewater river paddle boating trips.

The new Stylus Tough 8000 waterproof digital camera is a very significant upgrade from the older Stylus 720sw waterproof digital camera that I reviewed previously. Megapixels have increased from 7 MP to 12 MP. The tiny power on/off button has been replaced by a larger button that is easier to operate. A rotating dial has been added in the new model for easier selection of photo shooting modes. The buttons for changing camera settings have been reorganized into a nice system that is easier to learn.

Other Reviewers' Opinions of the Stylus Tough 8000 camera.

• Olympus unveils Stylus Tough 6000 and 8000: Digital Photography Review.
"The Stylus TOUGH-8000 features a 12 megapixel sensor while the sister model TOUGH-6000 captures 10 megapixel images. Both cameras come with a 3.6x (28-102mm equivalent) zoom lens and feature Olympus' TAP control technology for easy operation when wearing gloves, ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities."

• Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 - HotHardware.
"Stylus Tough-8000 is the first in its family to include Dual Image Stabilization. Olympus uses mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization to adjust the internal image sensor and compensate for camera movement even in low-light conditions with slower shutter speeds. Digital Image Stabilization works to freeze action by adjusting the camera’s ISO settings and shutter speeds to help prevent blurry images caused by a moving subject."

• Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 Review - Digital Trends.
"Although we certainly like the tough concept and the ability to kiss your worries goodbye if drop your camera, step on it by mistake or take it into the snow and water without a care in the world, a digicam still has to take good pictures. The Olympus Tough-8000 really doesn’t do that primary task well, sad to say, and it’s hard to recommend at nearly $400."

• Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 Digital camera reviews - CNET Reviews.
"The good: Nice design; wide-angle lens; good feature set. The bad: Soft photos; slow performance. The bottom line: For going from snorkeling to rock climbing to everyday life, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 is a good choice, though its photos and performance can be disappointing."

• Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 Digital Camera - Imaging Resource.
"Olympus really poured all the good stuff into its Tough 8000. Its combination of "tough" features and ratings outranks anything else currently on the market, and it snaps photos with accurate color and better than average detail for its category. Drop it, crush it, freeze it, or dive with it to 33 feet, and it'll keep on clicking: If "tough" is what you need, the Tough 8000 delivers it in spades."

My analysis of the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 waterproof camera.

A reviewer at amazon.com has complained about the soft focus of the pictures produced by the Stylus Tough 8000 waterproof camera. When I use IrfanView software for editing these pictures it is quick & easy to apply the sharpening tool to produce nice, crisp pictures that are perfectly fine for my needs. I'm quite satisfied with the picture quality from the Stylus Tough 8000 camera and from my old Stylus 720SW camera. See my Kayaking Photo Gallery and my Kayaking Video Gallery.
The Stylus Tough 8000 is a wonderful digital camera that will help you to get great pictures & short videos from your whitewater kayaking, IKing, rafting, canoeing & river tubing trips. Taking photos while kayaking is still quite challenging, but this new improved waterproof camera helps to make it a little easier. (**** - my rating - very good - 4 stars out of 5).

More about:
• Photo tutorials - are you serious about photography? - BRT Insights.
• Reviews - Equipment for Whitewater River Paddleboating.

IceRocket Tags: kayaking, river tubing, float tube, waterproof camera, photography.
Technorati Tags: kayaking, river, whitewater, paddlesports, paddle boating, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

Float Tubes (innertubes) provide a quick, easy and inexpensive way to float down a river.

• Intex 53" River Run I Float Tube.
• River Rat Inflatable Blow Up Inner Tube Float.
• Slime 5002-A Auto Inner Tube - G/Gr 15 TR13
• River Tubes - Tube Pro Inc. provides durable river float tubes for advanced tubers and outfitter services.

PFDs (life jackets) are highly recommended and may be required by law for tubing on some rivers.

Make sure that your PFD is sized to fit your body and provides the amount of floatation that you need.
• Kwik Tek PFDT-4 T-Bag T Top Bag Holds 4 Pfd's
• Life Jacket PFD - Large
• Aviva Sports Dura Nylon PFD - Youth

More about:
• Equipment for Whitewater Boating - Critical Reviews.
• River Tubing Skills, Techniques & Safety for Float Tube Trips - BRT Insights.

Labels: equipment

Get coordinates for all of the landmarks that you encounter on your journey. The Garmin GPSMap 76S is a waterproof, portable device that uses global positioning satellites to determine the coordinates for your location. This requires a clear view of a large portion of the sky. It works in many river canyons where a part of the sky is obscured by the canyon walls. It is useful to mark the locations of all the interesting landmarks that you encounter during your journeys. For example, on a whitewater river kayaking trip we may want to locate put-ins, take-outs, whitewater rapids, logjams, side creek hiking locations, playboating spots, etc.

Locate your landmarks on the map when you get home.

Acme Mapper online topographic maps are really excellent!! Acme Mapper provides road maps, topographic maps and satellite maps all in one convenient location. Coordinates from your GPS unit or any other source can be easily located on the maps. DoubleClick anywhere on the maps to learn the coordinates for that location. Landmark locations can be marked and labeled on the map and then your custom map can be posted on your blog or other website.

• Posting Acme Mapper Topographic Maps on your Site.
• Using Acme Mapper Topographic Maps.

More about:
• Equipment for Whitewater Kayaking - Critical Reviews.

Labels: equipment

Tips, techniques & strategies for whitewater river photographers.

1. Olympus 720SW water resistant camera.

I'm even more happy with my Olympus 720SW water-resistant camera as I learn how to use more of its capabilities. I use the Super High Quality setting to get big pictures from which I can later crop out smaller pictures. I use the sports setting and no flash for both action photography and landscape photography during whitewater river trips. This seems to work fine under typical summertime high light conditions and saves the trouble of changing settings. On a shady creek run or on a gray, cloudy winter trip it may be necessary to make the settings adjustments from action to landscape. I've learned how to quickly switch between photo and video mode. I'm really enjoying the capability to take both photos & videos on the river with the same compact, little water-resistant camera.

2. Taking photos of kayakers from the seat of my own kayak.

It is really hard to take pictures of whitewater kayakers while being bounced around in the river sitting in my own kayak. Currently I'm carrying my camera on a strong two-foot cord tied to the shoulder strap of my pfd. When not in use I just slip my camera inside my pfd so I can get it out quickly when needed. I think this is sort of OK for the conservative class II and III boating that I'm doing lately, but if I ever get back onto kayaking on class IV whitewater I'd need to insert a weak link into the camera cord. If the camera ever got snagged on something in the river it would be important for it to break away and not keep me trapped. No matter how much I love this camera I'm not willing to drown to avoid letting go of it in an emergency.

I'm learning how to get myself sufficiently stabilized and close enough to the action to get good photos without detracting too much from the fun of paddling my own kayak around in the river. Larger groups of kayakers are better for photography. There are more subjects to shoot, and other kayakers can be the rescuers whenever needed, so the photographer can just focus on taking great pictures.

The Olympus 720SW is the first camera I've owned that has only the digital monitor and no optical viewfinder. In some sunny conditions while I'm wearing my dark, polarized sunglasses it is difficult or impossible to see anything in the monitor. I've been able to compensate for this by looking past the camera and making my best guess about shooting the camera when the subject might be in the frame of the photo.

Autofocus delay is another big challenge. Kayakers can move a long way through a whitewater rapid in the time it takes the camera to focus and choose the exposure. Thus, I need to anticipate the shot and push the camera shutter button just before the kayaker gets to the area where I want the picture to be taken. This was agonizing at first, but as I have gained experience at on-river photography and familiarity with my camera its becoming less and less of an issue. Of course I still shoot too late on many of my photos, but as long as I get it right on many other photos each day I'm happy.

3. Take a variety of pictures that tell the story of the whitewater river trip.

I'm making a special effort to take a wide variety of pictures that tell the story of the trip and show the multiple dimensions of a whitewater river experience. I try to remember to take some photos at put-in, lunchtime and take-out. I look for wide views of the landscape and close-ups of the local wildlife, as well as the mandatory whitewater action shots. Photos & videos preserve the memories of our great days on the river!!

4. Instructional feedback from photos and videos help us to improve our kayaking skills.

Photos & videos show us what we're doing or not doing on the river. Looking at photos of better kayakers shows us the good kayaking skills and techniques for which we should be aiming. (Example 1. Example 2.)

5. Photo editing software enhances the photos.

        Despite my great equipment, great skills and considerable effort, the original photos that I bring home from my whitewater kayaking trips are typically quite poor. I'm using IrfanView photo editing software to enhance my kayaking photos. This software is available for download from the Internet. You can get the software for free, but please make a donation if possible to encourage continued development of this great software.

IrfanView photo enhancement tools that I use on almost every picture:
• Cropping helps focus on the point(s) of interest.
• Auto Adjust Colors does an amazing job.
• Color Corrections (brightness, contrast, saturation).
• Resize/Resample to a size of 400 to 600pixels wide.
• Sharpen makes the pictures look more crisp and sharply focused.

6. Online photo albums rapidly display your photos to friends around the world.

I've been uploading my kayaking photos to my site at Picasa Web Albums and videos to my site at YouTube.

7. My camera takes pictures of you, your camera takes pictures of me.

Its really nice when the group has more than one camera, so everybody has a chance to get photographed during the trip.

8. Practice, practice, practice !!! Shoot, shoot, shoot your camera !!!

No matter how much you know, you have to take it out on the river and practice to train your photography skills and reflexes. In whitewater action photography there is little time to think about what to do. Wherever there is a chance to get a great photo you need to have the camera ready and then let your reflexes take over.

Take lots and lots and lots of pictures. Knowledge, skills & reflexes will improve your probability of success in photography, but be sure to also take advantage of the law of averages. Zoom in, zoom out! Shoot everything that moves or doesn't move. I'm really happy to bring home many dozens of pictures. Its a happy task to sort through a set of new files looking for the occasional magic moment captured in a photo.

More about:
• Photos & videos on whitewater river paddleboating trips - are you serious about photography?
• Equipment & Supplies for Kayaking on Whitewater Rivers - Critical Reviews.

Labels: equipment

(Update: 05april2010.) See my review of the new waterproof Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 camera.

Waterproof, shockproof cameras are great for photography on kayaking & hiking trips.

I am very, very happy with the river trip pictures taken with my Olympus Stylus 720SW camera, so these newer models are hopefully even better.

• Olympus Stylus 1030SW Waterproof Digital Camera.

• Olympus Stylus 850SW Waterproof Digital Camera with Spare Battery + Accessory Kit.


If you have used either of these newer models please add a comment and let us know what you think of these cameras. Or if you want to write a full review I'd be happy to post your review on the blog as a guest author article.

More about:
• Olympus 720SW waterproof camera - critical review.
• Equipment for Whitewater Kayaking - Critical Reviews.
• Photo tutorials - are you serious about photography? - BRT Insights.

Labels: equipment

Kayakers, rafters, canoeists, whitewater paddle boaters and other outdoor people need the best sunscreen!!

"A surprising new study of 1014 brand-name sunscreens has discovered that few of them offer effective protection. According to the Environmental Working Group, only 15% of sunscreens tested were found to block UVA and UVB radiation, maintain their effectiveness in sunlight and contain a minimal number of potentially hazardous ingredients." (How Safe Is Your Sunscreen - Parade Magazine 25may2008) With so many bad ones on the market its worth some effort to make sure you are using one of the good ones!!

"Look for a product that is labeled very water resistant, is at least SPF 30 ..." "You’ll also need coverage against Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the ones that cause sunburn. And, no matter what sunscreen you use, reapply it every 2 hours, as well as after swimming." "look for a sunscreen that protects against Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. These sun rays do not cause sunburn but do contribute to aging and skin cancer." (Sunscreen 101 - Parade Magazine 23may2008) Whitewater boaters should reapply sunscreen frequently. At the end of the day the absence of a sunscreen (caused by UVB) does not prove that you were sufficiently protected against skin cancer (caused by UVA).

"Our comprehensive scientific review indicates that 85% of 993 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Only 15% of the products on the market are both safe and effective, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards." (Sunscreen Study - Environmental Working Group)

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock SPF 70 that I reviewed last year (***** excellent - 5 stars out of 5) has been reformulated for increased protection - SPF 85. The Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database raises some health concerns about Neutrogena Ultra Sheer because some of the UV absorbing chemicals it contains may be somewhat toxic. Neutrogena continues to advertise this as the #1 dermatologist recommended suncare product. I will continue using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, but I'm also looking around to see if I can find a better sunscreen to replace it.

Whitewater boaters - what is your favorite sunscreen?

Please click on the comments link below and discuss your favorite sunscreen and why you like it for use on whitewater paddle boating trips.

More about: Whitewater Kayaking Equipment reviews.

Tags: whitewater, kayaking, river, paddle boating, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

A great new 21st century tool for driving to your whitewater river trips and other travel adventures.

This portable GPS unit sits on the dashboard of your vehicle and shows your map position constantly updated as you drive to your destination. If you enter your destination (street addresses in cities or towns), then the StreetPilot can estimate the driving time and arrival time at your destination. The built-in map of North America has great coverage for paved roads, but only partial coverage for unpaved roads. Most importantly, at that critical moment when you need to exit or make a turn the StreetPilot gives you the information to confidently make the right decision that gets you directly to your destination. Or if you decide to take a side-trip or an alternate route the StreetPilot adjusts smoothly and continues guiding you. The tiny screen of the StreetPilot cannot give a good overview of a long journey, so we will continue to need paper maps and/or online maps as part of our trip planning process.

Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.

Many new cars are now sold with GPS mapping units built into the dashboard and maybe in the future all cars will have GPS map units. Newer dashboard GPS models have even more features than the c530 model, but at twice the price. With the price of last year's model StreetPilot c530 units dropped down to $200 its a great opportunity to have an affordable GPS in your older vehicle. (My rating *** 3 stars out of 5)

More about:
Reviews - Equipment and Supplies for Whitewater River Kayaking.

Tags: GPS, map, travel.

Labels: equipment

Paddleboaters, kayakers, rafters & canoers need the best possible protection against UV

Guest author BruceH.

General information on Sun Block.

With new ingredients there are a variety of sun blocks on the market. The new driver is an organic blocking agent that blocks both UVA and B. This has been available in Europe and Australia for several years, but only recently in the US. Even a few months ago there were few products with octinxalate but now there are a number. The cost is dropping dramatically.

The market size for sun blocks does not support clinical trials and they are regulated as cosmetics not drugs. So the data on their efficacy is not wonderful. However, one wants an agent that is opaque to UVA and UVB (zinc oxide, titanium oxide) and/or an organic dye that absorbs both. One also needs an agent to apply these and retain then on the skin.

With opaque agents one can use the old fashioned materials that make one look like a mime or nanoparticle materials which are almost transparent.

Although data are not good there are some general principles. Any sun protection is better than none (remember hats and shirts work well). With sun block applying any is better than none, applying a lot is better than little, applying early is better than just before sun exposure, and reapplying material during the day is not a bad idea. I have tried all of the varieties below and all seem to work well.

ELTA MD Skincare Sun Block.

Most brands will have a brand that they tend to sell through a dermatologist. These are very expensive and one hopes that they work well. They advertise to dermatologists more than to the general public. This was one of the first brands available in the US. They have a no oil version which is easy on the skin but washes off. Their ‘Sport’ version is in the usual Elmer’s glue base.

Blue Lizard Sun Block.

The Australian government took seriously the ozone hole and the dramatic rise in skin cancer with a PR campaign to use sun block. They were fast to approve broad spectrum UV blockers. Blue Lizard was one of the first aussie products to get in to the US. It stays on very well in water and has both a semi transparent zinc oxide and several organic blockers that stop UVA and B. They have a nice marketing tool in being sold in a white bottle that turns blue in UV light (one can also buy UV sensitive beads from science supply houses). This is half the cost of ELTA but still very expensive.

Trader Joe’s Sun Block.

This is 10% the cost of Blue Lizard and seems to work well.

REI Sun Block.

REI sells several products that I have carried for years. The older product is the opaque mime material. They do not fool around with fancy emollients. It is nice in that you can see where you apply it and when it wipes off, it does not taste bad, and a tiny can has lasted for years crossing the occasional glacier and periodically bagging a peak. They have a new product (also light, small and water free) which seems to be the organic sun block in lanolin. With both of these you give up aesthetics for effectiveness.

(Guest author BruceH is a kayaker and mountaineer who has made a special personal study of sun blocks. In his spare time he is a biochemistry researcher and university professor.)

See also:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock 70 SPF - Product Review.
Kayakers, Rafters and Canoers Need the Best Sunscreen Protection.
Choose a good sunscreen & use it well.

More about: Equipment & Supplies for Kayaking and Paddleboating.

Tags: kayaking, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

Kayakers, canoers & rafters need the maximum possible sun protection

As I get older I'm hearing more and more about friends and relatives going to the doctor for removal of pre-cancerous skin lesions. I don't want to die from skin cancer or stay indoors in fear of the sun, so I'm making double extra sure to use sunscreen whenever I go outside for any significant time during the sunny part of the day.

Boating on rivers, lakes or ocean increases our sun exposure because of extra UV reflecting back up to us from the surface of the water and sunscreen washing off when we get wet. Thus, boaters need to ensure that they are using the very best possible sunscreen and reapplying frequently.

Neutrogena Sunblock 70 SPF - Test Results My initial impressions of this sunscreen were described in a C to G Run trip report. Further testing on more kayaking trips and some soccer games have confirmed those results. I like the way Neutrogena Sunblock dries to the touch and does not leave a greasy feeling on my skin. I have applied it close around my eyes without any problems with stinging. I haven't yet put this sunscreen to a good test of how waterproof it is. I am doing my best to remember about reapplying at lunchtime during kayak trips. The screw-cap tube closes securely (unlike the rocker-top containers of some other brands). I've been able to put my tube of Neutrogena sunscreen into my lunch drybag, jam it into the back of my kayak and not had any problems with leakage of sunscreen contaminating my food. (***** - my rating - excellent - 5 stars out of 5). Dermatologists recommend this as #1 and I agree.

Do you have a favorite sunscreen?

Please click on the comment link at the end of this post and describe your favorite sunscreen.

See also:
Kayakers, Rafters and Canoers Need the Best Sunscreen Protection.
Choose a good sunscreen & use it well.

More about: Equipment & Supplies for Kayaking - Critical Reviews.

Tags: kayaking, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

Have fun in the sun, but don't suffer later

Kayaking keeps me out in the sun for an entire day, so any exposed skin gets a big dose of UV exposure. Sunscreen helps protect us against sunburn, premature skin wrinkling and skin cancer. Absence of a sunburn at the end of the day is good, but doesn't ensure that we were fully protected against the delayed effects of skin wrinkling or skin cancer.

A recent article describes some new technologies in sunscreen products and some advice about how to use sunscreen most effectively. Ideally we should apply a thick layer of sunscreen well before going out into the sun to allow time for the active ingredients to be absorbed into our skin. Then we should reapply frequently if we remain out in the sun for an extended period. (sacbee 17july)

It may be surprising, but not all sunscreens are safe and effective. The Environmental Working Group has produced a Cosmetic Safety Database that has some surprising information to help us make smarter sunscreen purchases.

Recent experiments also urge caution in use of the new products which contain both sunscreen and insect repellent. Mixing these ingredients together may help them to penetrate past our skin and into our bloodstream. (sacbee 22july)

Sun-screen savers - sacbee 17july2007.

Sunscreen Summary — What Works and What's Safe - Cosmetic Safety Database.

Caution urged in mixing insect, sun protection - sacbee 22july2007.

See also: Choose a good sunscreen & use it well - BRT Kayaking 10july2007.


More about: Supplies and Equipment for Kayaking.

Tags: kayaking, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

Boaters are often outdoors all day, so our exposed skin needs sun protection.

We need to be smart about using sunscreen to reduce our risks of sunburn and skin cancer. There are some new sunscreen technologies on the market that kayakers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts should know about.

1. "Your sunscreen must have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher with broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB)," says New York University dermatologist Darrel Rigel. (webmd.com)

2. "When purchasing sunscreen, the Sun Protection Factor or SPF measures how effectively the sunscreen formula limits skin exposure to UV-B rays that burn the skin. The higher the SPF the more protection the sunscreen will provide against UV-B rays." (Library of Congress)

3. "Ingredients like benzophenones, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), extend the coverage beyond the UVB range and into the UVA range, helping to make sunscreens broad-spectrum." (aad.org)

4. "Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being in the sun (for best results) so that it can be absorbed by the skin and less likely to wash off when you perspire." (cdc.gov) Many sunscreens tend to damage drysuit gaskets, so sunscreen is often applied in the brief moment after a whitewater boater gets dressed and just before jumping into the river. Thus, we typically don't get the full benefit of our sunscreen because we start washing it off before it has had a chance to absorb into the skin.

5. "Apply sunscreen often throughout the day ..." "... reapply sunscreen after swimming or strenuous exercise." (cdc.gov) Kayakers should make a habit of reapplying sunscreen at lunch, especially if their sunscreen application at put-in was done just moments before getting onto the river.

6. "Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn." "Even on a cloudy day, 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds." (aad.org) Put on the sunscreen no matter what!

7. "April 4, 2007 - Neutrogena, Coppertone, Anthelios, Blue Lizard and SolBar are the brands of sunscreen most recommended by the nation’s leading dermatologists to their patients and friends." “And Neutrogena has strengthened its leadership position this year, expanding its variety of formulations and using its Helioplex technology to make sunscreen ingredients more effective.” (coolibar.com)

Fellow boaters!! What is your favorite sunscreen??

Kayakers, rafters and canoers need sunscreens that won't sting our eyes whenever the whitewater gets splashed into our faces. Does anybody know of a sunscreen that is less damaging to our drysuit gaskets? What is your favorite sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection? Please add your comments on the blog.

More about: Reviews - Equipment and Supplies for Kayaking.

Tags: rivers, kayaking, whitewater, rafting, canoeing.

Labels: equipment

See my review of the new model Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 waterproof digital camera. Great for photography of whitewater river kayaking trips (Updated 12june2008.) It is incredibly difficult to get good pictures while paddling a kayak down a whitewater river. After using this Stylus 720SW camera on a handful of river trips I'm pretty happy with the pictures that the Olympus 720sw waterproof camera produces. After getting the boat into a relatively stable spot I'm able to quickly get out the camera and get photos of others kayaking through a whitewater rapid or surfing at a playspot on the river. Then I can quickly slip the camera inside my pfd and paddle out to rejoin the action. (**** - my rating - very good - 4 stars out of 5).

Critical review of features and operation of the Olympus 720SW waterproof camera

* The power on/off button is tiny. This could be a problem for boaters who wear gloves.

* The 3x zoom is good for getting a little closer to the action, but still enables sharp pictures to be taken, even from a boat that is getting bounced around in the river.

* There is a time delay between turning on the camera and when it is ready to take the first picture. There is also a time delay between taking one picture and when the camera is ready to take the next picture.

* The big, bright viewscreen is very nice, but in sunny conditions on the river it is sometimes hard to see exactly what will be in the picture.

* The camera is small enough to fit nicely slipped inside my pfd when not in use, but large enough to allow hurried, one-hand operation on the river without worrying about getting a stray finger in front of the lens.

* The sturdy lens cover automatically closes to keep water off of the lens when the Olympus 720SW waterproof camera is not being used.

* My 1GB xD memory card can hold 294 pictures at the highest quality setting.

* The special battery lasts through a day of photography, but extra batteries and/or a method for recharging in the field would be needed for longer trips.

* A special cord is needed to download pictures from the camera to the computer, but no special software is required.

* The 7 megapixel resolution that the Olympus 720SW waterproof camera captures in each photo is enough to allow a nice small picture to be cropped out of a larger picture.

* The pictures benefit from sharpening with photo editing software, especially when cropping a small piece from a larger photo.

* Stylus 720 SW - Olympus.

Newer models - Olympus Stylus 770SW & Olympus Stylus 790SW

Here are some updated models in the Olympus Stylus waterproof camera series.
• Olympus Stylus 790SW Waterproof Digital Camera.
• Olympus Stylus 770SW Waterproof Digital Camera.

Newer models - Olympus Stylus 1030SW & Olympus Stylus 850SW

• New cameras in the Olympus Stylus waterproof camera series - 1030SW & 850SW.

More about:
• Reviews - Equipment for Whitewater Kayaking.
• Photog tutorials - are you serious about photography? - BRT Insights.

Labels: equipment

Fix cracks and holes in your polyethylene boats.

How to repair a cracked boat - oregonkayaking.

Its "fast, cheap and easy" to repair a plastic kayak or canoe that has a small crack, possibly even a small hole. This site describes how a duct tape patch heated with a hair dryer becomes a strong and durable patch. Lets keep those old boats out of the landfills a little longer!! Patch them up and keep them going on down the rivers!!

If you try this patching method please post a comment on the blog to let me know what kind of results you got.

More about: Reviews - Equipment.

Tags: kayaking, canoeing, polyethylene, whitewater, rivers, paddling.

Labels: equipment

Frankenstein kayak by Wave Sports (review)

SPECIFICATIONS

Hull type: displacement
Material: cross-linked polyethylene
Length: 9 feet, 9 inches
Width: 24 inches
Weight: 35 pounds
Volume: 57 gallons
Paddler weight range: 120 to 190 pounds

BOAT CHARACTERISTICS

Stability: 1             (ratings 1=low, 5=high)
Ease of Rolling: 5
Maneuverability: 3
Hull Speed: 3

WHITEWATER

River Running: 4
Playboating: 2
Steep Creeks: 1
Big Water: 4

BOATER LEVELS

Beginner: 1
Intermediate: 4

For my first kayak review I decided to practice by writing about the old, trusty Frankenstein that I has been my primary whitewater kayak for many years. I have paddled enough other kayaks over this time to provide some perspective. The Frankenstein has carried me through many miles of paddling on many types of class 2 to class 4 whitewater. Surprisingly, it was promoted as a rodeo kayak when it first came out. The Frankenstein is entirely unlike the rodeo kayaks of today, but it has many virtues in other boating areas.

The round-bottom displacement hull is relatively tippy and unstable, but it rolls back up with equal ease. This instability also makes it easy to get the kayak up on edge and use the modest rocker of the hull for good maneuverability. The soft edges down the length of the stern provide nice controlled maneuverability, and don't tend to grab and stick unexpectedly when engaged. The Frankenstein snaps into eddies quite nicely for a kayak of its length.

The length of 9 feet, 9 inches is very long by today's standards, which provides a kayak with good hull speed, good tracking and good ferrying characteristics.

The Frankenstein is very good as a river running kayak, with its nice combination of speed and maneuverability. There is enough space in the stern for a gear-hound like me to carry a breakdown paddle, first aid kit, lunch, drinks, throwbag and a few items of warm clothes in reserve. It also works very well in big water with the hull speed and good volume in the bow, but it does need to be paddled aggressively in big water to prevent the low volume stern from being squirted unexpectedly.

The Frankenstein is OK for playboating (bow surfing, enders and other vertical moves), but it needs a relatively long wave to avoid burying the bow. The Frankenstein is not good as a creekboat (too long, too pointy, too little volume in the stern).

The Frankenstein is too unstable to be a beginner kayak, but intermediate paddlers with good skills in edge control, balance, brace and roll will find this kayak very good over a wide range of whitewater conditions. Thanks again to the friend who sold me her old unwanted kayak. I'm not planning to resell my Frankenstein anytime soon.


(photo by JimH)

REFERENCES

Outside Online Buyer's Guide, Spring 1997.
Rodeo Kayaks - advnet.com.
The River Intimate - Away.com.

TAGS

kayaking, paddling, whitewater, rivers.

Labels: equipment