Tag: Paddling

“Why paddle?” The paddle sport experts at Shep’s have the answers for you. And to top it off, you get 20% off paddles, vests and waterproof accessories when you buy a kayak or paddle board at Shepherd & Schaller.

Looking for a break from our hyper plugged-in world? Getting outdoors is an easy fix. There are numerous benefits to paddlesports. Do you have a goal in mind? Consider these basic perks:

• Many kayaks are work great for fishing and there are boats built specifically for anglers.
• You can maneuver the waters with stealth in a kayak, great for photography and relaxation.
• Paddling can be an excellent workout, building the upper body and burning 400 to 500 calories in a single hour when just paddling at a steady rate.
• Kayaks are fairly light weight, easy to transport and can be carried by one person.
• A silent sport, paddling is just the antidote to the noise of life. Here in Wisconsin it’s not uncommon to see eagles soaring the open sky, cranes and herons marching the shoreline, or frogs and turtles sunning themselves as you paddle by. Sounds awesome doesn’t it?
• There’s no feeling like gliding across the water.

The first step is finding a boat that fits your needs along with the lakes and rivers you plan to enjoy – that’s where the team at Shepherd & Schaller comes in. Consider that a longer boat will track better with a smooth ride while a shorter boat will handle better in narrow streams but need a little more correction (effort.) Will you park permanently at the cabin or travel with your boat? A life vest is critical (and the law in Wisconsin.) Paddling vests are created differently, and you’ll notice the comfort and convenience. The other decision you’ll make is the paddle, which can make more or less work for you based on fit, material and blade shape. Other considerations include a dry box for your phone and keys, a hat and sunblock to protect against the sun, shoes or sandals built for portaging, and maybe even some dry bags for camping outings or day-trips. We’ll even tell you how to take care of your paddling gear.

It’s important to note that all of these thoughts are specific to recreational paddling, not whitewater. For that we direct you to local experts, Wausau Whitewater Corporation, and we invite you to see what it’s all about at the internationally respected Whitewater Park, just a five minute walk from our front door! Check out this awesome video to see what’s in our neighborhood.

We love to share our passion and hints about local paddling opportunities like, for example, PaddleQuest, a two-day river competition in Stevens Point, WI where teams of two or three compete to find treasure and become “Protectors of Backwaters.” To participate, one only needs to register and beware of river monsters and the occasional pirate band.

Review the basics of paddling safety, then grab a kayak, a paddle, and paddle jacket to enjoy the many rivers and lakes that Central Wisconsin has to offer.