| gear- heads |
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| What better way to say, "I'm obsessed." | |
| The equipment requirements of outrigger are actually quite modest, though there are plenty of things you can buy if you really need a fix. |
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| Of course you need a paddle (how's that saying go?). The club has paddles that you can use so long as you're civil. After a while we'll start hinting at how "that club paddle really doesn't fit you," and that, "you'd be much happier, not to mention faster, with your own." We buy our blades from Xylo in Australia, typically making a big order once or twice a year. | |
| Clothing makes the paddler. The most comfortable and sporting paddlers wear neoprene shorts (surf shorts will do, but there are ones specifically for paddling) and lycra shirts (surf tops). In Hong Kong our selection is fairly limited, but there are shops such as the Patagonia store in Times Square, Causeway Bay. Paddling gloves are optional (and difficult to get in Hong Kong). | Visit Patagonia, the sponsor of our Hamilton Island trip in June 2003. |
| For the serious paddler, there's no time to spare searching for that water bottle, unscrewing the cap, and taking a few swigs. You need a hydration system! Typical camelbacks (and knock-offs) are fine. The most popular variety is the round-the-waist type rather than the backpack style. | |
| For your feet, Tevas are good for getting the boat in and out of the water. Most of us prefer paddling barefoot though. | |
| Home boy |