Love that new paddle smell!! Here is a description and first impressions of the Bending Branches Navigator Paddle.

First thing all Bending Branches paddles are hand crafted in the USA! The Navigator Plus is a lightweight wood blade paddle mated with Bending Branches patented T700 carbon shaft. In all the two piece snap lock ferrule paddle weights 28 0z total. The blades are crafted from Red Alder a hardwood and Roasted Basswood a softer type of wood which gives this paddle a vintage look and rigidity but adds a flex that gels to your paddling style.

Making its debut in 2010 as an advanced low angle touring paddle it is now catching the eye of those in the kayak fishing scene. The low angle style of paddling allows for less fatigue during the fishing trip. After all less paddling fatigue equals more time on the water catching fish!

The blade being crafted from Alder a hardwood is additionally protected by Bending Branches patented Rock Guard then covered in a layer of protective fiberglass. So the paddle if cared for should last a lifetime.

Overall the blade construction is impressive being made from wood this eliminates the spline on the back side of the blade. This should prove to be a quieter paddle which is essential while fishing for spook easy fish. In addition the paddle is also available with the Plus Ferrule. This provides you with an additional telescoping length of up to 15 CM. A great advancement for kayaks with high/low seating systems.Very much looking forward to using this paddle over the 2015 fishing season! Check back for a complete extended use review in the fall!

For more information please visit the Bending Branches website!

Image from Columbia.com

Comfort at its best!
These shirts keep you cool in the sun while wicking perspiration away from your body keeping you cool. The blood and guts addition. As i have stated in other articles I prefer not to use sunscreen if I dont have to. This shirt with its UPF 50% is excellent for protecting you from the suns harmful rays.

This shirts relaxed fit is very comfortable to be worn under your PFD all day long. The sizes do run a little larger than advertized. The lighter colors such as white are high visibility for when you are fishing on your kayak in the area of motor boats.

The Blood and Guts technology makes the clothing easy to clean and come out always smelling fresh. Speaking of clean the shirt also includes a sewn in microfiber sunglasses wiping patch! Great for cleaning dried saltwater droplets off your lenses.

I rate these pants a 5 out of 5 rating due to all of the factors mentioned above and how functional this clothing actually performs.

The MSRP is $55.50 USD On Columbia.com

 Pros:

• Omni-Shade UPF 50 provides maximum protection for long hours in the sun
• Omni-Shield Blood ‘N Guts technology sheds the stains and smells associated with angling
• Sunglass cleaning patch

 Cons:

None

Image from Columbia.com

This booney hat has multiple functions! Designed as a rain hat it also doubles as a great hat for generating shade! These are both very important while kayak fishing!

The Columbia patented Omni-Tech protects you when raining by deflecting water keeping you dry but still breathes to keep your head cool. The built in sweat bad wicks perspiration away keeping your head comfortable and dry.

There is a built in adjustable chin strap for keeping the hat on your head in high winds and a draw cord with a lock on the back that you may adjust  the hat to fit snug around your head.

The only downside for me is use on windy days. The brim is not very stiff and seems to blow up or down heading into the wind.

I rate this boonie hat a 3.5 out of 5 rating due to all of the factors mentioned above and how functional this clothing actually performs.

The MSRP is $45.00 USD On Columbia.com

FABRIC:

100% textured nylon poplin

Lining 50% polyester / 50% recycled polyester mesh

 Pros: