Paddles and pumps

Real post date 9/26/2010:  I ordered 2 pumps and a gauge from Innova Kayaks: http://www.innovakayak.com/store/store.aspx#ecwid:category=184227&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal .

I ordered the K-100 hand pump, a kwik check gauge, and a Scoprega Bravo 12 volt pump that is high volume and maxes out at 4.4 psi.  I had considered ordering a k-200 pump and the gauge from The Boat People with no electric pump at all, but decided to go with the 12 volt pump as well.

 

Another 12 volt pump that won't reach the full 2.5 psi pressure the Sawtooth calls for but is still high volume and lower in price, (and will do the bulk of the inflation work) is the Rule ID20 (google for current deals).

One other 12 volt option that looks appealing is the Hurricane pump from The Boat People: http://www.theboatpeople.com/product_info.php?cPath=40&products_id=243

On our 25 and 26" wide Kahuna(s) and Disco(s) we had been using Aquabound Stingray carbon shaft/plastic blade 210 cm paddles.  With the narrower boats the 210 cm paddles are OK, but a 220 Aquabound would likely work better. With the 32" beam on the Sawtooth I didn't think the 210s would do the job at all.

 I found a deal on a local 230 cm straight shaft Werner Camano carbon shaft/fiberglass blade paddle and bought it.  We tried it with the Discos while awaiting the Sawtooth, and it is a much better length, and much better paddle overall.  The larger blade on the Werner works more efficiently for us, and the shaft is a bit thinner, and shaped a bit oblong in the grip area which is comfortable and aligns the paddle correctly in our hands.  Even if we decide to keep both Discos, we will still switch to Werner paddles.

http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/touring/premium/camano/

The 230 cm Werner paddle is overall 8" longer than the Aquabounds, but the shaft itself is only 4" longer, as the blades are larger than the Aquabound blades were - thus making it a perfect fit on the 26" wide Disco.  Since the Sawtooth is 6" wider than the Disco, a 240 cm Warner paddle may be a better fit on the Sawtooth than a 230 cm.  For sure, either a 230 or 240 cm  appear to be the best choice on paddle length with the blade size of the Werner Camano/Werner Kalliste.

 

http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/touring/performance_core/kalliste/

Kayak paddle reviews: http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showAcc.html?cat=1

I plan to make a foot brace for the Sawtooth as one is not included by Aire.  A 'pool noodle', a section of 1/2" PVC pipe, some rope, and plastic clips will make several foot rests.  Idea borrowed from a post by Saleroso on folding kayak forum http://www.foldingkayaks.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=2788&p=18012&hilit=Sunny#p18012 .

The pumps arrived today (pics above), Sawtooth is expected expected to arrive Wednesday 29 Sept,  and the additional Werner paddle on Thursday.  We "plan" to depart on Saturday headed to Tampa (McDill AFB campground).  After that we will head towards the FL Keys.