• Shaft: carbon fiber available straight or bent
• Blades: carbon fiber with foam core
• Ferrule style: 180 degree feathering adjustment right and left
• Weight: 23.25oz to 26 oz depending on length and shaft size/type

• Foam core blades: buoyant carbon fiber blades make each stroke smoother and lifting the blade out of the water at the end of the stroke effortless
• Dihedral power face: the three dimensional face of the blade eliminates the 'flutter' of the blade through the water which is present in paddles with smooth power faces. This makes your strokes more efficient and reduces wrist and arm strain. 
• Smooth back face: a smooth back face makes for a smooth entry into and out of the water, unlike a fiberglass paddle which has a spine on the back face of the blade.
• Smart view adjustable ferrule: gives the look and feel of a single piece shaft with a tremendous range of feathering which allows you to adjust the feather to both your paddling style and wind. There is nothing to get caught on your clothes or gear, and you can alter the feathering quickly and easily on the water. I love the way it looks and feels like a single piece paddle.

I never go anywhere without a medical kit. After many years of traveling internationally, my kit is now both comprehensive and as efficient as possible.  As a Wilderness First Responder, I do not want to get caught in an emergency without the basics like gloves, gauze and a Sam splint.

Equip Your Mind: Knowledge is Paramount

Learning about spine stabilization during my Wilderness First Responder course in UAE

The best kit is useless if you don't know how to use its contents. 

Solo Wilderness Medicine

Wilderness Medical Associates

Wilderness Medical Institute

Pre-stocked Kits

• Group Size- More people = more problems. You will need more of everything. If someone has a high fever, you'll go through Tylenol (acetaminophen) very quickly.
• Trip Duration- longer trips mean more potential for sickness and injury
• Trip Location- Will you have access to quality health care where you are heading? How far removed from that medical care will you be? Are there lots of pharmacies where you can restock? It is a smart idea to bring broad spectrum antibiotics to third world countries where they may be hard to find or fake. Some people even bring their own IV kits to places where contaminated needles are prevalent.
• Planned activities- Going snorkeling? Bring tweezers and vinegar for sea urchins and jellyfish. Hikers need more moleskin and splinting supplies. Everyone heading to third world countries should bring extra re-hydration salts for food poisoning. High altitude trekkers should have detailed knowledge of altitude illness and stock their kit with Diamox
• Pre-existing conditions- Prone to motion sickness? Bring extra Dramamine. Pre-existing conditions often worsen during times of stress. Ensure all travelers have extras of their prescription medications. Plan ahead for dealing with flare ups of issues like heart conditions, joint injuries, and diabetes.