Chicago Skyline Paddle...AWESOME!

What a perfect day to paddle on Lake Michigan and take in all the scenery that the Windy City had to offer! POA put our group in the water after some snacks and off we went. We paddled by the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, past Buckingham Fountain and throughout Monroe Harbor. This trip will absolutely be on the books for next summer, so STAY TUNED!

Paddle On, Paddle Often,

-P.O.A.

Wine Paddle Almost Full! Labor Day Weekend...Book Today!

Do you like to paddle? Do you like wine? Well then...do we have just the Adventure for you!

Overview: This Adventure is an all experience level day paddle trip that combines flatwater paddling and wine tasting.

Date: Saturday, September 5th, 2009. (arrive at Noon)

Trip Details: Paddle one of the most beautiful chains of lakes that Michigan has to offer. This is a very leisurely paddle, so the trip is open to ALL experience levels, and it is open to kayaks or canoes. We will put in at the Pickeral Lake public access. We will then paddle through the tunnel, over to Emerald Lake, and on to an island in the middle of Sylvan Lake. It will take us approximately 1 hour to reach the Island. Once there, a snack will be provided as will a white wine sampling. This all takes place in ankle to knee deep water, so it will be unlike any wine tasting you have done before! After we have a brief discussion about the wines, we will return to our boats. We will then paddle back to Pickeral Lake, load up the boats, and head back to our base camp. Once we return, we will reveal the white wines that you sampled, explain the region it is from, give you pairings, and price/bottle. Bottles will not be available for sale, but we will give you all of the info needed to purchase. We will then proceed with a red wine tasting. Cheeses and food pairings will be served at the red wine tasting portion. After we finish the red wine tasting portion, this concludes the day trip.

Quick Facts:
- This trip will allow you to paddle some beautiful flatwater
- You will learn about several different kinds of wine
- Total paddle time is approximately 2.5 hours.
- You need to be 21 years old to partake in the Wine Tasting, but not to attend the Adventure.

Trip Costs: Cost is $75 per person for the day paddle.

(Please note that any under the age of 21 years old is welcome on this trip, but they will not be able to participate in the tasting. The price for anyone under 21 is only $50.00. )

Boat Rental: (kayak or canoe) is also available for an additional cost of $25.00.

Trip Directions: For those only doing the day paddle, we will meet at the Newaygo Powers Outdoors Store (27 State Street, Newaygo, MI 49337) between Noon and 12:15pm. You will then follow us out to the base camp for the day. We will park there and provide transportation down to the water. We will be on the lake around 1:00pm. We should be back to base camp around 4:00pm, and wrapping up the presentation around 5:00pm.

TO SIGN UP PLEASE LOG ON TO OUR WEBSITE: http://www.powersadventures.com/ and click on Trips.

Hope to See You ON THE WATER!

- P.O.A.

Salt Lake City...Here We Come!

Yes, it is that time of the year again. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market kicks off next week in Salt Lake City, UT. This convention is a great way for us to stay ahead of the curve and bring all of the latest trends and craze back to the Mid-West! We will be at the Open Air Demo testing out all of the new Kayaks, Canoes, SUP's and Paddles that won't hit the shelves (if they make production) until Summer 2010. After we put the new gear to the test on the water, we hit the Salt Palace Convention Center for the next few days to work the lines, talk with the reps, and explore all that the Outdoor Industry has to offer.

We will be sure to bring back pictures of all the new items and gear that we will be testing out so that you can stay ahead of the game!

Off to Utah,

P.O.A.

2009 PowerPaddle Results ! ! !

The PowerPaddle consisted of 2 Races this year. The Fun Paddle & the Hard Core Race. The top 10 finishers of the Fun Paddle received medals. Here are the results of the Fun Paddle (see picture above) for 2009:

10) Susan Coscullnela & Family

9) Kelly Wagenmaker

8) Christy Huisjen

7) Ed Ranger

6) Ingrida Cebelak

5) Jeff Cebelak

4) Sheila Hosty (and Harvey the Rabbit)

3) Grady Cebelak

2) Mark Ranger

1) Randy Wilson (with a time of 12:14)

Congrats to all of our Fun Paddlers and hope to see you in 2010!

As for the Hard Core Race, we had 3 divisions this year. Open Canoe, Women's Kayak and Men's Kayak. Here are the Hard Core 2009 Results:

Open Canoe
3) Marty Ecker & Brad Johnson

2) Rich Smith & Frank Seaman

1) Todd & Jason Marquardt (with a time of 25:20)

Women's Kayak

2) Jaleene Dingledine

1) Hannah Harrington (with a time of 31:53)

Men's Kayak

3) Scott Marquardt

2) Rusty McBride

1) John Holmes (with a time of 23:56)

Thanks to all of our Hard Core Racers and hope to see you in 2010!

We want to again thank all of our sponsors, the Newaygo Chamber of Commerce (for the Chicken BBQ) and Henning County Park for making this Event possible. See you again next year!

PowerPaddle - THIS WEEKEND ! ! !

Why spend another boring 4th of July weekend sitting around the cottage with nothing to do? Grab your kayak or canoe and head on down to the Muskegon River in Newaygo and join us for a paddle...a PowerPaddle!

Two great races to choose from: The Fun Paddle - for all ages and experience levels; or the Hard Core Race - for more experienced paddlers who are looking for a real challenge. You can sign up online by clicking H E R E or by visiting any of the Powers Outdoors retail locations in Newaygo, Rockford or Montague.

All participants of either race get an afternoon of fun and a T-shirt. Also, be sure to join us in Brooks Park, downtown Newaygo after the races for a Chicken BBQ put on by the Newaygo Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors of this race: Rudert Insurance Company; Linck Insurance Company; ChoiceOne Bank; Newaygo Auto Mall; Jansma Construction Company; & Newaygo Chiropractic Center.

See you Down By The River!

-P.O.A.

Sign Up for the 4th of July Race!

The 8th Annual PowerPaddle on the mighty Muskegon River in Downtown Newaygo is a great way to spend the day before all of those fireworks on the 4th of July. There are two races for you to enjoy: The Fun Paddle - This is an all around event for all ages and experience levels. The top 10 finishers of the Fun Paddle receive a medal and all participants receive a T-Shirt. Cost for the Fun Paddle is only $15.00/person. The Hard Core Race - This is a race for the more serious and experienced paddler. Not only do you have to go down river, but you have to turn around and paddle half way back up river! It is quite a challenge, but not without rewards...Cash Prizes and Trophies go to the top 3 finishers in 3 Divisions (Open Canoe, Women's Kayak, Men's Kaysk). Cost of the Hard Core Race is $20/person and all participants in the Hard Core race also receive a T-Shirt.

The Power Paddle is being brought to you by Powers Outdoors and Powers Outdoors Adventures and is sponsored by: Jansma Construction, Linck Insurance Agency, Rudert Insurance Agency and Choice One Bank. If you would also like to sponsor this event, please contact us at Trips@PowersAdventures.com or by calling 616-863-8107.

TO REGISTER: Click H E R E or visit http://www.powersadventures.com/ for additional information. Don't forget, if you want to dress up for the race, we are giving away a prize for the best costume or decorated kayak/canoe!

See you on the 4th of July!

-P.O.A.

THIS WAY - - - - - - - ->

TO THE MICHIGAN PADDLE SYMPOSIUM!

Sign Up Online H E R E ! ! !

Hope to see you on the water this weeked.

Paddle On,

P.O.A.

Come Roll This Weekend!

Gabriel Cash will be teaching Intro to Kayak Rolling this Saturday and Sunday at the Michigan Paddle Symposium.

Sign up online at http://www.powersadventures.com/ ! ! !

Bring your suit and get ready to get wet!

Paddle On,

P.O.A.

The Syposium Countdown!

Only 10 days until the Michigan Paddle Symposium! Grab a relative, grab a friend, grab a stranger...and get signed up! Visit http://www.powersadventures.com/ to get signed up!

EVENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

All Ages Welcome!

Join the Fun on June 13th and 14th!

SIGN UP ONLINE AT: http://www.PowersAdventures.com/

See you on the water,
P.O.A.

Michigan Kayak Symposium...

...Its just around the corner!

Dates: June 13 and 14

Sign up for Morning or Afternoon Session - LUNCH INCLUDED!

Price: $10.00 Donation

Sign up at http://www.PowersAdventures.com/

SIGN UP TODAY!!!

Chippewa River Paddle - This Weekend!

Should be a great weekend to paddle this majestic river that feeds us right into downtown Mt. Pleasant. We will be on the river around 5 hours...maybe less as the river is quite high right now because of all the snow run-off and rain. We will be sure to post some trip pictures next week, and of course brag about all of the fun we had!

Paddle On,
P.O.A.

Pine River Construction - 2009

If you plan on paddling the Pine River in 2009, the Post is for you!

P.O.A. was checking in with the Baldwin Ranger Station today and received some information regarding updates and construction that will be taking place on some of the bridges/landings along the Pine River this year. According to the Ranger Station, they don't have a finalized schedule of all the access sites yet, but here is what they know:

May 1 - June 26: Low Bridge access site will be closed. Paddlers must take out at Peterson prior to June 26 (or completion if delayed).

September 14 - ?: Peterson Bridge Access site will be closed. Paddlers must take out at Dobson or Low Bridge after September 14 until completion of site.

The Ranger Station hopes to have a more detailed listing of construction and dates before the official paddle season kicks off on May 1, 2009. Once we find out more information, we will be sure to post it here. However, if you are heading up there for some late winter/early spring paddling, be sure to contact the Ranger Station for up to date info: (231) 745-4631.

Paddle On,
-P.O.A.

*photo courtesy of Michigan.gov DNR

Reflection

REFLECTION: pronounced (ri-flek-shun); Noun.
1. The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
2. Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.
a. Mental concentration; careful consideration.
b. A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.

...Well, here is POA's thought for the day, and you can thank Mr. Ferris Bueller for this one: "Life moves pretty fast...you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." How true. So take a moment to reflect on the picture above. This was taken at Pancake Bay, located in Ontario, Canada. The POA PaddleCru had just finished the Agawa River, and set up camp on the pristine white sand beaches of Lake Superior. Reflection. Makes you stop and think. Now, stop thinking and get out there and paddle!

Paddle On,
Gabriel Ca$h
P.O.A.

Have A Safe Labor Day Weekend!

P.O.A. wants to remind you that it will be busy on the water this weekend. With that in mind, here are a few tips and etiquette to remember when you are heading out in your kayak or canoe to do a little holiday paddling. We call them the "3 Be's":

1) Be Visible. Wear bright colored clothing and/or a bright hat. If you have the option, go with your yellow or orange paddle blades. If you only have black or wood blades, hey...its the end of the season and there are a ton of sales on paddles. Now you have a good excuse (for safety's sake of course) to pick up that bright colored paddle! And if paddling at dusk, make sure you have the proper lighting so that other boats can easily spot you. Remember, assume that bigger boats don't always see you, so be sure to do all you can to maximize your visibility.

2) Be Alert. If you are lucky, you will find some nice calm water to navigate without anyone to disturb your relaxing paddle. But, chances are you will run into gobs and gobs (yes, that means a lot) of weekend warriors cruising in speedboats and racing around on jet skis. So, you need to make sure that you are well aware of your surroundings at all times. Plan ahead so that oncoming vessels can easily steer clear of you. Try to avoid heavily congested areas and be sure to give other boaters plenty of distance. Scan for any hazards and be able to react if you spot any.

3) Be Ready. Make sure that if you head out into the waters this weekend, you do so with a full understanding of your limitations. Don't try to paddle an area above your experience level. Conditions can change at any time and you should be sure that you are capable of handling them. Weather is always a factor, so make sure to check it before you head out. Wind can change the water you are paddling through in the blink of an eye. If you have the proper equipment (PFD, pump, paddle float) and are fully prepared, you can assure yourself a great time and a safe return.

So, now that you've given it some thought, get out there! Grab some friends, your better half or your pet and get that paddle in the water. Enjoy the long weekend and we hope to see you on the water soon.

Paddle On,

Gabriel Cash

P.O.A.

Wine Paddle Announced

Wine tasting and the outdoors...
what else is there in life? Well, here is your chance to experience both in the same weekend. Our next trip is scheduled for July 26 and 27. This trip is a 2.5 hour paddle through a chain of lakes. But that is just the beginning. This trip also includes two seperate wine tastings (a white and a red), some food pairings, as well as the option to camp overnight and enjoy a gourmet dinner in the evening and homeade breakfast in the morning. Now that your mouth is watering, you need to check out the details and
SIGN UP HERE!

Hope to see you on our next Adventure!

Paddle On,
P.O.A.