|
|
Hoot and Blat – from Squall World Headquarters
Jack and the Mountains
Thursday, Jan. 12 – Station Gallery Parry Sound - 7pm. Slides, video, rants, tales and gear to explore the mountain back country of BC, the rolling hills of Algoma and everything in between.. We’ll tell you about our favourite local ski routes – no charge!! A show not to be missed – Coffee courtesy of Starbucks, door prizes and entertainment beyond compare. We are fundraising for Global Medic, so any and all donations are very welcome. We’ll be done at 8:30 so you can still get home and early to bed.
Christine, Stacy and Superb Snowshoeing
Sunday, January 15 – 1-3:30pm Join our top snowshoe guides (as if there is any other kind) for an afternoon exploring the backwoods of Parry Sound. No experience needed. $20 - rental $5 extra. Every one of these capers is a unique experience – ya just never know where they’ll take you or what will come out of Christine’s thermos. Register by calling 705-342-5324 or 705-746-4936
Boat Blowout
We’ve sold lots, but there are lots to go because there’s a bzillion more wandering in. We’re giving it all to you att once!
-free gas to get here
-free snowshoes
-free lesson
-free storage
-30 day best price match guarantee
Town Shop Sell Off
Patti has put a lot of stuff in the town shop on deep discounts, and we’re offering 5% Squaller Dollars. Come visit and see – it’s a space stuffed full of clothing and gear – the former pay office for the Conger Lumber Company back in the late 1800’s – and the old girl is still standing.
Summer Paddling
Summer programme brochure is now at whitesquall.com and soon we’ll be mailing out our paper version. We’ve had a lot of people say tthey will see it online, however an even larger number want the hard copy. No sweat – and if you want to change your mind and get one mailed – we’re happy to do it. – just say so. If you book a multi-day course or trip and pay before Jan. 31, we’ll offer a free half day clinic. Makes a great gift – to yourself or who knows?
Tim’s Tip
Don’t listen to the weather forecast or wander around the internet looking for snow. I’ve tried that – it doesn’t work. Best remedy for me is pretty simple – just get boots on and get outside. And leave the smart phone turned off – then it ain’t so smart anymore – you are!!!
Tim's Other Tip
So called waterproof boots are just like waterproof raincoats - they don't breathe so well. You can overload them quickly with sweat, and that's not good, especially in cold weather. Outside in the boonies, your only hope is to have spare dry socks kicking around. Once home, don't just leave 'em by the door to be cold and clammy the next day. Dry them out. If you don't have a nice woodstove comme moi, consider buying simple boot dryers - they're cheap and they work. The old way is to stuff newspaper in them - and that works ok too.
An old, tied up string goes to the bar for a drink then leaves. Shortly after, he walks in again. Bartender says, "say, aren't you the string that was just in here? String shakes his head and says, "No, I'm a frayed knot"
Sorry to tie you up with that one - I always bow to that line.......tim |
|
|
Hoot and Blat for late December |
Cole Lake has frozen to a clear blue sheet of ice. So clear you can see lake critters swimming  underneath! Jess and I ventured out with baby steps -here's a pic of him chopping through. Close to 4 inches – still sketchy to support our weight, but before you start shaking your head – remember we’re both highly trained professionals……
We’re excited to send you our  New Brochure so if you would like to send your special someone a last minute gift cert – no sweat, we can do it. Just call 705-342-5324 and we’ll sort it out. If we don’t answer, it’s because the phones are ringing off the hook here at world headquaters, but one of our highly trained staff (like jess and me) will get back pdq. This can happen right up to Friday as we can e-mail you the certificate – pretty cool huh? By the way - full payment of any multi-day trip or programme til Jan 31 gets you a free half day clinic (value $74)
Back to winter, We’ve got some pretty fun snowshoe afternoons planned, along with a full day Franklin Picnic and best of all – a 4 day Youth Camp out on Franklin in March. Please have a look at our winter programmes
A winter hypothermia bag? You’re in the backwoods (maybe you forgot to check gas in your snowshoes or snowmobile?) – and some of your group are starting to shiver. This is a fine recipe for things to go south real quick. What do you do….well – to buy time, pull out your handy dandy BOTHY BAG. A bright yellow bivvy sack designed exactly for the purpose – throw them inside and immediately heat comes from body warmth, just by gaining shelter from the wind. Gives you time to figure out Plan B – like getting a pot of tea going. Think I’m kddding – nope – they are far superior to the old emergency blankets a lot of us still throw in our packs. So – think of it as a quick way to save a few lives. Just got more in from Britain – still not convinced, then click here and see how simple they are. If keen, give us a call and we can mail order one to you.
Finally – a very merry Ho Ho Ho to everyone from all of us. May the bluebird of blizzards fly up your nose….. Cheers, tim
Ps- I know it’s a time to kick back and relax, but the bush needs you. Ontario is about to allow roads and mining development into the Wolf Lake region of Temagami – where old growth pine still stand. It’s a pristine piece of geography with high environmental values and we shouldn’ even be having to argue this one – it’s been argued long before. Even Gord Miller, our Environment Commissioner has significant concerns. You would think we're beyond making silly mistakes but apparently not. Please write to Jenny Martindale at Sundog Sutfitters and she can fill you in – this is really important.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Power Sweep – when you wind up to do a kayak sweep stroke – make it short and powerful . This is no time for lily dippers - face the direction you're heading and give ‘er. The idea is to move quickly and efficiently with a rapid cadence. Focus on planting the blade near your toes and lead with your shoulder (that’s the wind up). Push directly away from your boat so the sweep is doing the most efficient job. I usually quit when the blade gets way out in a curve and directly out from my hips – and wind up for another sweep. You don’t want your arms to collapse – keep them with a bit of a bend at elbow (don’t forget to lift your elbows a bit) with the paddle shaft at least a foot away from you throughout stroke at chest height. Edge the hull – try both towards and away from paddle side – the former is more stable, the latter more funner. Both enhance the turn and are used in different wind/current situations so practice each edge til you are the king of edging. Key points are a short burst of power – look the way you are going and keep the paddle shaft as parallel to water as possible. Always look like you know what you are doing – that’s probably the most important. Always pretend the boat is doing exactly what you want it to do if someone is looking - otherwise it doesn't matter. |
After a long absence and holiday feasting, I’m full of....tips
#1
Venting – Waterproof/Windproof Breathables and Soft Shells
It doesn’t matter how good you think your outer layer is – even all these new fangled soft shells – you can still overload them through high exertion and improper venting. I just came back from a ski around the lake wearing a high tech soft shell which is supposed to be the ultimate in breathability and windproofness. Well guess what – it was soaked on the inside. Why – because timmy was skiing hard and I didn’t vent it out well enough. If I was out for several hours, this could be quite serious. In winter, you just have to get that vapour out before it condenses by unzipping every zip you can find and don’t do them up unless you get cold. Taking the shell off works too, but be careful as rapid cooling can be dangerous.
#2
Nordic skis need and love wax – so the more you do it the better.
That doesn’t mean building up the layers on top cause that’s bad. What you need to do is wax often, and scrape the bejeezus carefully out of the base so you can see a shiny gloss when you hold it up to the light. You can use those green kitchen scrub pads to buff it up and take off extra bits. This creates a solid foundation and will prevent oxidation of the base (you can see that if you get whitish looking patches) Don’t be bashful – wax a lot and you might whine but you won’t wane... |
|
Warming up a Hooterville Winter |
Spring/summer programmes are ready to go and you're the first to see them! Right Here! Busy as I’ve ever seen it – with new Stand Up courses, Sea Kayak Boot Camps and 3 Day Weekender Kayak Trips. A happy parade of paddlng on the planet’s greatest freshwater sea. We’re pretty excited. We’ll update our web pages soon - in the meantime please call or write for more info.
Book Now and Be Amazed
Register right now and pay for any multi-day course or trip - we’ll give you a free sea kayak skill clinic of your choosing (value $73) God’s gift to kayaking and don’t need no stinkin’ clinic? No problem – you can pass it on (makes a great christmas present) or you can use it to deduct from any future programme. We’ll stop the silliness Jan. 31, 2012.
A Santa Parade Made for Stephen Leacock
Had to be there…..but guessing you weren’t, just wanted to share some Parry Sound moments. Our town parade went down this past Saturday and was a real beauty. We had a gang of kids up in kayaks tied to the top rack of the Squall truck, giggling impatiently waiting for the proceedings to proceed. Standing on the street I felt a tug on my coat and looked around to see a little boy looking up. None of us knew him - name was Joseph and he pleaded with me to be part of the parade. My first instinct was to say “sure buddy – jump on!” Then I reminded myself I’m supposed to be an adult living in 2011 and could get into all kinds of trouble I really didn’t need. The show was about to start…”Joseph, where the heck are your parents?” He pointed down the street, said his grandma lived a few doors away – so we tear up the sidewalk to grandma’s house. She laughed and gave the ok, so back we run (well ok, I shuffled) to catch the truck with Joseph firmly plonked on top of the cab, smiling from ear to ear. Then the fun began….. Ten minutes in, the Shriner’s antique fire truck stalled and the driver couldn’t get her going. All of a sudden it sputtered to life and he lurched into gear – promptly throwing a fellow off the back end. Once back onboard, the driver booked it to catch up and the parade suddenly became a road race. Running our canoe down the last hill on a boat cart I got tangled up in the wheels and went arse over tea kettle into the ditch. My cup of hot chocolate sailed into the bottom of the canoe, covering the coins and food we had been collecting for the local food bank. It all ended in a blur, with Santa ho-ho-hoing by as if to say hah! didn’t see me stumbling did ya? I decided that after returning Joseph to his grandma I needed a beer. Whoever said it's a quiet Parry Sound winter just needs to join the parade!
Tim’s Tip – Clause #1
Never accept hot chocolate from anyone in a Santa Parade – no matter how good looking they are - especially while running an 80 pound canoe down a hill.
Clause #2
Never underestimate change in centre of gravity arising from wearing a Shriner’s hat. |
Tim’s Tips for September
#1 - Always put off til tomorrow what you could have done today – go paddling instead.
#2 - Don’t pee in your wetsuit, it sorta smells
#3 - Don’t use egg metaphors – not all it’s cracked up to be and the yolk could be on you |
Everyone’s asking, "where’s Tim’s Tips?" well....one person asked. So putting a bunch right at the top, just so you know I’m not slacking off.
Tip #1 – Be Indispensable
I have reached for my Leatherman tool at least 5 times this fall to help different paddlers unstick their skeg. It simply reminds me about how useful that thing is, and I keep it with me all the time while paddling (on a tether b/c I tend to drop things). Use it to tighten a rudder bolt, repair a wire cable – spread peanut butter and of course, loosen skegs. Like who wouldn’t want to loosen a skeg once in a while huh?
Tip #2 – Tug on the Toggle
If your skeg blade sticks – then drill a wee hole towards end of blade and put a little cord toggle so that someone can simply pull lit down. That way you don’t have to ask some idiot who has a Leatherman to paddle over – b/c chances are he’ll go on and on about his tool.
Tip #3 – Catch the Moguls
Wave running. I think I’ve figured it out after 40 years….it takes me a while. On Georgian Bay, we often have cross chop, despite the wind’s best efforts. Imagine you’re carving moguls on skis. Lift the skeg and don’t worry if your boat slides a bit - the next wave might just be lined up. And if not, big deal. In other words, use the wave, rudderstrokes and edge, and don’t think that the next run will be the same cause it won’t. Just like a mogul (and us!) every wave is shaped differently and you need to watch for and react to it. The waves become your buddies, and you can catch up to the ones you want to ride. Best part is you save energy and surge ahead – letting gravity drive you forward in a chaotic, bumpy romp. Doesn’t get better than that.
Tip #4 – Surf and Shout
The Mountaineer’s Step – back in my BC days, we learned this when climbing. You consciously relax one set of leg muscles as you power the other leg up to the next step. It allows you to keep going without tiring out so quick. Same thing with wave running (notice a theme here) With following seas, don’t keep just plowing forward with your stroke. Wait for your stern to rise, then paddle hard – surf and shout– then rest and wait for the next run. You’ll go further faster – I can always tell when someone isn’t getting a good ride because their cadence doesn’t vary – they just keep paddling forward constantly, even if it’s up the backside of a wave, which isn’t much fun.
Winter Gas to Get Here for Deals That will Shock and Amaze
Til end of the year, we’ll pay you $1/10km up to a 1000km round trip if you make the trek and buy a boat from us. All boats are on winter clearout pricing – and if you bought a boat earlier this year, we take an extra 10% off a second purchase. Even better, we’ll store it free til springtime. We’ve got a ton of new boats in as well as a bzillion used, all shivering in the cold, waiting for a warm home. See the top ten on our home page and the whole lot at:  inventory
Tele Skiing Rocks
Ski Telemark is having their skill camp warm-up on Dec. 10 at Mt. St Louis. Ever wondered about trying tele-skiing, this is a really fun and easy event to get going. Call Holly at Ski Telemark to find out more. (905) 797 - 1074 Weekend Schedule
White Squall Winter Programmes
We’ve got snowshoeing afternoons, picnics, evening slide shows and best of all – a trip to Ishpatina Ridge with Dave and Kielyn Marrone. It’s the Top of Ontario and a winter camp trip of a lifetime.
The Last Post
The Squall is going more paperless next year, so our last brochure and holler will wing it’s way with Royal Mail sometime in late January. If you are ok with getting it by e-mail, please hit reply to this with your full name and we’ll put it in a draw for a free skills clinic at the end of November.
Peace and Paddle……tim
ps-hot off the press - Squall Winter Camp and Ski Night - Dec. 1 from 7-8:30 at the Parry Sound Station Gallery - Donations to Global Medic cheerfully accepted |
Tip #1
Got an old two piece kayak paddle that just won’t come apart – tie it to a piece of rope and let her soak. After a few days, chances are it will come apart no problem. Or – if it drifts away in the night, you can go get yourself a new carbon paddle!!!
Tip #2
Ignore the weather forecasters – put on your sunhat and keep your raincoat handy. Forget planning anything – just go paddle. If it’s rainy, you’ll have the water to yourself –so that’s good. If it’s sunny and warm – you’ll be happy anyway. Either way, you win.
Tip #3
If you have a Kayak, old Windsurfer, Sit on Top or Canoe – you’re now the proud owner of a Stand Up Board!! Sure, just stand up in what you got – find a big paddle and use what your momma gave you.. It’s a great full body workout – trust me…… |
Hoot and Blat – November
Heather Retires
Heather Metcalfe, who has been by our side for so many years – is hanging up her manager’s hat and sailing off into new adventures. She’ll still be close by – for those inevitable times when we are absolutely flummoxed, and don’t know what to do! Hah – since when does that happen. Heather knows more about White Squall than all of us put together, and we can’t thank her enough for her tireless dedication to keeping this boat afloat.
New Senior Manager
Greg Mason, who started here so many years ago as a young apprentice – has signed on as Senior General Manager. We’re honoured to welcome him and Tim (that would be me) is especially happy because there is yet another person he can deflect to and lean on. Greg brings a wealth of experience both as a professional sea kayak instructor and guide – but also as an environmental consultant and Executive Director of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. He’ll continue his commitments in environmental work while taking on new managerial responsibilities with the Squall.
We’re Saving Trees Don’t Ya Know
As we focus more on the web and other media – we’ve decided to save a bunch of trees and make this the last year for our brochure mail-out. Many of you have already told us you’re fine with getting our programmes online – so thanks for that. If you haven’t told us - and are ok with web info, please just hit reply to this e-mail with your full name in the text and we’ll take you off the royal mail list. To encourage you, we’ll put your name in a hat for a draw for a free half day kayak clinic – winner to be announced by end of November.
Winter Gas
From now until Dec. 31, if you make the effort to drive to the Squall to buy a boat and pay in full, we’ll help you out with your gas. Up to 1000km round trip, we’ll give you a dollar for every 10km driven as credit on your purchase. It’s a way of saying thanks and making it worth your while to come. Don’t forget that all of our boats are on winter clearout pricing already – and we still have our famous 30 day best price guarantee.
Squall Town Shop
We’re open 7 days a week and packed full of winter gear and clothing. Even better, during the winter season you get squaller dollars with every purchase. We know our woollies and can fit you out with the warmest underwear this side of Orrville.
Christmas Ideas
Did you know we offer gift certificates for lessons, daytrips and multi-day adventures – great gifts for the paddler in your life. Just call in to 705-746 – 4936 and the staff can help you out. We’ve also got a ton of paddling gear suggestions – my favourite being the Bothy Bag – most paddlers don’t own one, yet I think we should all have one!
Thanks for listening everyone – and bye for now - tim
|
Bloot and Hat for the End of September…….
Hello Y'all - and a fine fall greeting from the shores of Cole Lake.
Our year-end boat and gear and clothing clearout starts today. You can get all the details at whitesquall.com, but here are just a few of the bargoonies:
Level 6 Drytops Reg. $240 - Now $120 Save $120.
Kokatat Supernova Paddling Suits Reg. $561-Now $280 Save $280
Marmot Altitude Jackets Reg. $150-Now $105 Save $45
North Face Credo Pants Reg. $190–Now-$95 Save $95
Current Design Storm #19 – Good condition New $1649 – Used $695
Delta Tandem Yellow– Excellent condition- New $3395-Used $2495
Boreal Epsilon P300 #16 – Good condition-New $1995-Used $1095
Boreal Esperantos – 8 of them – good condition New $2499-Used $1625
Seaward Quantum – excellent condition New $3950-Used $2595
Valley Pintail – good condition New $3995-Used $1095
Valley Aquanaut Club-excellent condition New $1749-Used $995
P&H Scorpio-excellent condition New$2199-Used $1095
Necky Manitou 2-excellent condition New $1321-Used $795
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 –good condition New $729-Used $395
Perception Tribe 9.5 – blems, but good otherwise-New $519-Demo $349
Nova Craft Rob Roy – new demo Reg. $1695 Sale $895
Nova Craft Prospector Royalite #3 good con. Skids, deep yoke New 1919-Used 995
Souris River Quetico 16 Kevlar/Epoxy-good con. New $3105-Used $2095
There’s a bzillion more, but just wanted to give you an idea of our pricing. We will extend a further 10% off any purchase of two boats on the same day. No other discounts will apply – and the sale will end at 5:30pm on Thanksgiving Monday. We’re open 7 days a week til then and by appointment after that. As always, we’ll take the boat back for a month after purchase if it just isn’t your cup of tea.
Life at the squall is slowing a bit, so we’ve let the chickens out to run around. Please don’t bring your chicken-chasing dog if you visit, as that wouldn’t be so good. The lake and bay are still quite warm and just dandy. Folks are out enjoying early fall paddling and it tickles our heart to see that.
We have about 4 spaces left for the Storm Gathering – please get in touch right away if keen. The early bird deadline was extended til Oct. 1, so you have a couple of days to save enough money to take yourself and your best buddy out to supper!
Tim’s Tip …….Breathe intentionally as you paddle. Every breath should be focused and measured – it does wonders for the strength and consistency of your stroke. To start, try a stroke on both sides for one inhalation, letting the air fill your entire lungs – and the same on the exhale. You can start to mess around with different breaths, and see what works for you – it’s fun!
Thanks for your time and may the winds of happiness blow you somewhere.....tim
|
Tip #1
Give your thermarest to your buddy – he’ll think you’re great – then go get an Exped Down Filled air mattress. I’m being a shameless retailer – but with arthritis creeping in, I’m always on the lookout for a better sleep – and these things are bloody amazing.
Tip #2
Bring a small tube of cake icing along in your “ouch” kit. If your paddling buddy is showing signs of needing a quick sugar hit, this stuff absorbs pretty easily. And throw in some Polysporin – if you get a cut during the day, it’s easy to treat it with antibiotic cream and a bandaid, without digging in to your big first aid kit.
Tip #3
Multi-tools rock. I have used one for dislodging a stone in a skeg well on open water – cutting rudder cable – tightening a loose nut – grabbing shock cord out of a broken tent pole and picking a sliver out of my hand. Should be standard operating gear for anyone going outdoors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page 1 of 3 |
|
|
