Sponsors of Big Water 08

We would like to thank Current Designs, Aqua-Bound, Level Six, Seals Sprayskirts, Superior Outdoors, Brunton, and Backpackers Pantry for contributing to Big Water 08.  Scroll down on this page to learn more about the companies and the products that we will be using to complete our expedition this summer.  Also if you are interested in purchasing any of these products check out www.wildernesssupply.ca for pricing, and special ordering, or drop by either of their two locations at 623 Ferry Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and 244 Pearl St. Thunder Bay, Ontario. 

How can you help?  With an expedition of this size and distance we have come to the realization that we can not do it alone. As we are compiling different gear lists and planning the ins and outs of the trip we need people and companies like Current Designs, Aqua-bound, and Seals Spray skirts who are interested in joining our team. What we need most comes in the form of gear. We are grateful for the support of the companies that have come alongside us and are supporting us in our BIG WATER adventure! If you are interested in helping us with our adventure please contact us at bigwater08@hotmail.com

We are excited to welcome Current Designs on as a major sponsor of Big Water 08. They make some of the best kayaks in the world, and in doing an expedition of this size we do not want to paddle junk. We want kayaks that will track straight, be stable, and also give us the storage room we need. We are excited to say that we will be paddling kayaks that by far exceed all of these expectations. We will be paddling the Current Designs Solstice GTs. These boats which come in fiberglass, kevlar, and carbon are some of the fastest and straightest touring boats on the market. They also have lots of features for big water paddling such as a flared bow to keep us dry in big waves, and also a nice stable platform. Check out these kayaks at www.cdkayak.com under their touring section.

For more information on Current Designs kayaks email: info@cdkayak.com

There are some things which are completely necessary when thinking about going kayaking, and one of those things is a paddle.  Thankfully we will be using paddles that are extremely light and shaped specifically for long distance touring.  Aqua-Bound has done a great job with their paddles specifically the ones we will be using, the elite touring eagle ray paddle made completely of carbon fiber.  It is designed with the blades longer and narrower for low angle paddling and also comes with a fully adjustable blade angle control.  When dealing with a paddle that weighs less than 28oz at the end of the day we will be able to focus on making a good dinner rather than the fatigue we would have from using any other paddle.  You can check out this paddle and their full paddle line at www.aquabound.com.

For more information on Aqua-bound paddles email: sales@aquabound.com

When dealing with water temperatures just above the freezing mark one of the most important things in kayaking is to stay dry.  For this reason we were excited that seals spray skirts has come on board with our expedition.  They have some of the driest, most comfortable, and breathable neoprene skirts around.  Throughout our expedition we will appreciate the tight fit around the cockpit; the 3.5 mm neoprene deck; the breathable adjustable tunnel, removable suspenders; and also the double stiched seams for durability.  These skirts are the best.  Check out their full line of skirts and cockpit covers at www.sealsskirts.com.

For more information on their products send an email to: info@sealsskirts.com

Dave and I are excited to welcome Eureka tents as a major sponsor.  We needed a tent that would keep us dry and last in the unforgiving winds of Lake Superior.  The Autumn Wind 3xd from Eureka is just that tent.  It will give us plenty of room for gear and sleeping.  It will also give us room in the vestibule to get out of our wet clothes before soaking all our stuff in the tent.  also with the second door on the side we won't have to worry about stepping on each others heads when nature calls in the middle of the night.  For more information check out their website at www.eurekatent.com

There are many things which make Dave and I excited in having Level Six on board with our expedition.  The first is the quality of their technical clothing and paddling gear.  With over ten years of experience Level Six continually comes into peoples minds when they want the best for their whitewater and touring gear.  We can rest easy knowing that we will be dry and warm when wearing the Superior Jacket and the Georgian pant.  It is nice to know that we will be using gear that was designed specifically with Lake Superior in mind.  Based out of Ottawa, Canada Level Six knows how to deal with cold water paddling and being fellow Canadians there isn't any other company that we would rather wear.  Check out their website www.levelsixinc.com to learn more about their products.

For more information on Level Six send an email to: info@levelsixinc.com

 Superior Outdoors is a magazine which dives into the outdoor pursuits and lifestyles involved in the world's biggest fresh water lake. Through articles and pictures Superior Outdoors tells the stories and adventures that Lake Superior has to offer. Things like a 50 km ice skate from Thunder Bay to the Sleeping Giant; a profile of the Lake Superior surfing community; or a 740 km sailing trip along the northshore of Lake Superior. My favourite part of the magazine is the reflections section which shows different local photos of people enjoying their outdoor pursuits around Lake Superior. Superior Outdoors is a high quality magazine in which Dave and I are excited to be partnered with in our upcoming Big Water expedition. To learn more about Superior Outdoors visit www.superioroutdoors.ca, or email info@superioroutdoors.ca.

One of the things that worried Dave and I was how we were going to power our digital cameras and camcorders without having any plugins. In looking at different gear and what other expeditions have used we were excited to find that Brunton has solar panels specific to this type of trip. In being waterproof, flexible, and having an output of 14 watts we won't need to pack extra batteries which increase weight, and waste. While the solarroll is a definite improvement on our gear list we are also looking forward to Brunton's other gear such as stoves, potsets, compasses, and lanterns. Brunton is a company that offers many different products which will help make our adventure more comfortable. To learn more about Brunton visit www.brunton.com, or email info@brunton.com.  

There isn't much to say about Backpacker's Pantry except that Dave and I want lightweight, filling, and tasty meals.  Backpackers Pantry comes through in all that criteria.  Having entree options like Pad Thai, Lasagna, Risotto with Turkey, and Fettucini Alfredo we will be well fed and comfortable.  Also for our sweet tooth we will be able to dip into such things as Hot Apple Cobbler, Lemon Cream pie, and Dark Chocolate Cheese Cake.  For more delicious treat options check out www.backpackerspantry.com.