WakaWai believes in doing what we can to help minimize our environmental impact locally and we also appreciate the opportunities globally, to include alternative resources into WakaWai, such as biodiesel, organic fabrics, sustainable forestry practices and recyclable plastics, which we feel is absolutely important in this day and age.

This is one of the things that was a major factor in including NOOKIE into our lineup. NOOKIE uses environmentally friendly bamboo charcoal fabrics in their thermal tops and pants.

Here is a brief description with benefits of the fabrics.

EXCELLENT THERMAL PROPERTIES Bamboo Charcoal textiles can raise the body temperature by more than 50 F. Common textiles only raise the body temperature by 33F to 37 F. It also has phenomenal breathability & wicking properties.

ANTI-BACTERIAL/ODOR CONTROL Bamboo Charcoal textiles absorb humidity, are fungus resistant, anti-bacterial and deodorizing. The wicking properties suck the moisture from your skin. This keeps you dry and prevents build up of bacteria, thus keeping you fresh and sweet smelling. ;)

MINERALS GIVE GOOD BLOOD CIRCULATION Bamboo Charcoal thread is made with abundant compacted minerals within it. These can improve blood circulation, especially during exercise.

UV PROTECTION Bamboo has natural ultra-violet protective properties.

EASY WASHING Washing Bamboo Charcoal textiles will not affect its functionality.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Bamboo Charcoal yarns and textiles are environmentally friendly because bamboo is a renewable resource.

Bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant and successfully harvested every few months from the same plant. When not mixed with unnatural fibres it is biodegradeable.

Bamboo takes in nearly 5 times the amount of greenhouse gases and produces 35% more Oxygen than the equivalent number of trees, so in addition to not making the world worse (as petrochemicals do), it is actually making it better.

More news and information below.

Nookie has three sizes for cockpits available in their skirts. The cockpit sizes are Small, Keyhole and Bigdeck. Only the Shock and Latex are available in all 3 sizes. The V-Shock is only available in Keyhole and Bigdeck.  Fortunately, 98% of all boats fall in the Keyhole and Bigdeck.

I have compiled a list of boat manufacturers and appropriate size that fit the boats the best based on the manufacturers specs. I have been trying them on the boats and so far so good. I am still working on getting all the manufacturers so you may not see yours specific. In some of the description I use the terms "tight fit" and "preferred fit". Preferred fit is easy on, easy off. Tight Fit is... well tight.

BLISS-STICK- All models will need Bigdeck sizing.

FLUID- All models will need Keyhole sizing.

DAGGER- There cockpit sizes fall right on the line except for the RX 6.7 & 6.9. The RX series will need the Bigdeck. On all other models for a tight fit use Keyhole. For a preferred fit, use the Bigdeck.

LIQUIDLOGIC- All of their models use Keyhole except Remix 69 & 79. They use Bigdeck.

PYRANHA- All models will need Bigdeck sizing.

RIOT- All models will use Keyhole except the Thunder and Magnum series.

JACKSON- Models with Keyhole: Hero, Fun1.5, 2 Fun, Star, Punk Rocker

Models with Bigdeck: 2008 Super Hero, All Star,Fun, 4 Fun, Super Fun, Super Star, Rocker, Mega Rocker

If you do not see your boats brand or model, please feel free to contact us

Please scroll down for more updates and information on NOOKIE Kayaking Gear! 

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There has been a lot of buzz in the States about NOOKIE. A small company that is based out of the U.K., that is now offering their technical gear, skirts, and accessories in the USA. Here is a little bit of history behind NOOKIE, including an introduction, fabrics they use, care of the product, sizing chart and video of the product in use.

We picked up these guys this summer and have been building inventory since with more to come. Here is a list of what we offer at WakaWai now, the largest selection offered in the US...

Assault Dry Top

Board Shorts

Delta Pro Shell

Softcore Long Sleeve Thermal Base Layer

Softcore Short Sleeve Thermal Base Layer

Thermalcore L/S

Xtreme Dry Pants

Xtreme Socks

Zone Latex Free Dry Shell

RiverMonster Whitewater PFD

Shock and Latex Sprayskirt

V-Shock Sprayskirt

Pro Throwline

Also if you will go to the dealer locator, change the country to United States and type in any major city on the East Coast, there is only ONE NOOKIE dealer provided... that would be WakaWai.com!

If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact us and let us know the best way to get back to you.

Earlier this month, I posted a part one of this video made by Eric from THCVideo. Here is the follow up, that shows you just how much the water did rise that day, due to thunderstorms caused the evening before.

Again the blue Bliss-Stick Super RAD 180 being driven by Pete Pickering...

...Andre and Pete on the Nolichucky River. The water was crystal clear, cold, and clean, but suddenly everything changed and the water surged two and a half feet in twenty minutes. Pete said, "It's a good day," and paddled out into the raging hole of Jaws. Music by Toubab Krew. video by Eric Crews from www.thcvideo.com

After many moons of hard work and planning we are proud to bring you Aotearoa 2, the latest Bliss-Stick DVD in the New Zealand series. Aotearoa 2 will give you an insight into the day and the life at Bliss-Stick, as well as some great local talent on New Zealand's whitewater. Special thanks goes out to the Bliss-Stick staff, musicians, ambassadors, agents and team paddlers for taking us to these great locations. And finally to Wayne Johnson, from Full Flow Productions, for the hours involved with filming, editing and production.

WakaWai will be giving out FREE copies of Aotearoa II, filled with stickers and whatnot this weekend at the NOC's Guest Appreciation Festival.

We will be wandering through the crowd. Keep an eye out for us.

Hope to see you there.

Please make sure to scroll down for more information and videos.

Thanks!

Oh! Almost forgot, I also wanted to mention that we have a few of our demos up for sale as well. Check them out!

And all 2009 NOOKIE Kayaking Gear is in stock and shipping!  RiverMonsters, Dry Trousers, V-Shock Skirts, Shock and Latex Skirts, and much more!  Make sure to check out our large selection and see what the BUZZ has been all about!  

Bliss-Stick paddlers Anthony Yap, Stephan Pion and Mathieu Coldebella surfing it up on Frances many big waves. The waves featured in this video are Lyon's Hawaii Sur Rhone wave along with, La Scie and the infamous La Malat.

I had a chance to meet Anthony this summer in Colorado while at the Teva Mtn Games and he is really a great athlete and a super cool guy!

Thanks Anthony!

Make sure to scroll down for other great videos and information!

Heard the buzz lately here in the States about this sweet PFD? If not, here you go... here are some of the features.

Features:

High Flotation Ergonomic body wrap platform

High strength shoulder webbing network with full harness

Multi pouch neoprene pocket

CE EN393 Certification

Removable & Reversible chest rescue belt

Retro-reflective Hi-Vis panels

Quick release buckles for 'once-only' adjustment

Construction:

Bar tacked reinforced Cordura

Soft PVC foam

Colour: Black & Red

Sizes: S/M or L/XL

Uses: Whitewater, Swift Water Rescue, Instructional, Rescue, Advanced Raft Guides

These are available, in stock and are shipping through WakaWai.com.

Click here to purchase yours today.

The largest selection of NOOKIE kayaking gear online in the United States.

Pillow Rock Rapid, Upper Gauley River. In order, Fluid Nemesis, Bliss-Stick Smoothy, SCUD 2 of them.. (the yellow one is against Pillow Rock and the red one just blazes a trail), RAD 175, and Fluid Solo. You can get somewhat an idea of down river travel. Good times.

Check them out!

Make sure to scroll down for information on our free shipping and DVD offers!

After many moons of hard work and planning we are proud to bring you Aotearoa 2, the latest Bliss-Stick DVD in the New Zealand series. Aotearoa 2 will give you an insight into the day and the life at Bliss-Stick, as well as some great local talent on New Zealand's whitewater. Special thanks goes out to the Bliss-Stick staff, musicians, ambassadors, agents and team paddlers for taking us to these great locations. And finally to Wayne Johnson, from Full Flow Productions, for the hours involved with filming, editing and production.

 
WakaWai will be giving out FREE copies of Aotearoa II, filled with stickers and coupons for great deals on Bliss-Stick kayaks and apparel, which will ONLY BE OFFERED at WakaWai.

LOOK for us wondering around the crowd and NOT at a booth.

Hope to see you there.

To get you started here is another fine video from David Arnaud

In celebration of 25 years of Gauley Fest (25 years of predictable flows) starting tomorrow, September 11, 2008 and ending September 30, 2008, WakaWai.com will be dealing with shipping cost in their own way. We will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all in stock Fluid Kayaks! This offer is for all locations that are used by Forward Air. If you are not familiar with them, please make sure to click here for more details.

The short of the long is that they ship from airports, terminal to terminal. Find the closest one to you and we will ship there for free!.

In order to have the best customer service, please notify us of the airport code that you live closest to and check on availability before going to the online checkout to purchase your boat. This will save us and you a lot of time and disappointment.

We have a great selection, with one of the last Solo Expeditions in the US.

The colors that are not in stock are marked accordingly.  This is on a first come first serve basis and only applies to in stock inventory.  The inventory will be updated daily.  No sale prices on the kayaks and no special orders. 

Here is what we have in stock...

____________________________

Nemesis:

Small: 2 Yellow

Medium: 1 Red, 2 Orange, 1 Yellow

Large: 1 Red

Solo:

Small: 1 Green

Medium: 1 Green, 1 Orange

Large: 1 Yellow

Expedition: 1 Yellow

Flirt:

Medium: 2 Orange

Element:

Medium: 2 Yellow, 1 Orange

Spice

Small: 1 Orange

Medium: 1 Yellow

____________________________

Make sure to take advantage of this SWEET offer before the end of September.

Happy Gauley Season!

WakaWai.com has decided to expand our inventory of NOOKIE kayaking gear for the next season. But to change it up a little bit, we are bringing it in sooner than next Spring.

All of the NEW 2009 NOOKIE gear will is available now, just in time for winter boating. WakaWai will be the FIRST and ONLY place to purchase this new gear online offered by NOOKIE until February 2009. Other retailers will simply not have it! We are taking advantage of the new pricing structure and getting the gear in for you to get a jump on your winter boating needs and maybe some early holiday shopping. It is just around the corner...

The great news is that you don't have to wait until October to order... We are taking orders now and SHIPPING NOW with the new pricing structure and not pretending to have end-of-year-discounts. Passing the savings on to the paddlers at all time!

Be the first to have the NEW 2009 NOOKIE gear at your local creek, river or playspot!

Here is what we are adding to the collection:

NOOKIE Assault Drytop This is a The Assault is a 3ply full latex dry shell with Enduro mesh reinforcement...

Features:

Full latex twin neck & wrist seals with Ti-Glide O-ring outer cuffs

Deep Ti Glide fully taped inner waist and fully adjustable outer waist

NEW Enduro mesh reinforced elbows (developed from motorbike hyper-breathable & tough wear)

Spraydeck clips

Retro-reflective piping Stronger OPUS power-up

Athletic cut for a better fit when sitting in a kayak

Construction:

New super comfortable & breathable Xtetra4 fabric

Fully taped deep inner Ti-Glide waist tube

Colour: Graphite

Sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL

Uses: Whitewater, Freestyle, Squirt, Surf

NOOKIE Xtreme Socks

Hardflex sole for more grip than kevlar...

Features:

The only sox with sticky soles & reinforced bumps

Hardflex sole for more grip than Kevlar

Puncture resistant

Aramid Kevlar reinforced toe & heel

O-ring & loop make them easy to put on

Superstretch panel

Construction:

3mm neoprene with hardflex reinforcement where its needed

Colour: Black

Sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL

 
NOOKIE River Monster PFD

Features:

High Flotation

Ergonomic body wrap platform

High strength shoulder webbing network with full harness

Multi pouch neoprene pocket

CE EN393 Certification

Removable & Reversible chest rescue belt

Retro-reflective Hi-Vis panels

Quick release buckles for 'once-only' adjustment

Construction:

Bar tacked reinforced Cordura

Soft PVC foam

Colour: Black & Red

Sizes:SM or LXL

Uses: Whitewater, Swift Water Rescue, Instructional, Rescue, Advanced Raft Guides

NOOKIE Thermalcore Longsleeve

Ideal paddling mid layer...

Features:

Softcore stretch panels for extra comfort

Environmentally friendly warm bamboo charcoal fleece

Keep warm when wet or dry

Wear with a shell or on its own

Quick drying

Zip opening at neck

Superwarm & comfy

Versatile base layer

Construction:

Flatlocked, bamboo charcoal fleece

Softcore stretch panels

Colour: Black with Red trim

Sizes: Big Kidz,S,M,L,XL,XXL

Uses: Base layer or on its own. From paddlesports to sailing, boarding to climbing or pimpin in Amsterdam

NOOKIE V-Shock Sprayskirt

Huge dry lip keeps ALL the water out....

Features:

Hardflex reinforced, protection that stretches because Kevlar doesn’t!

Super sticky latex for grip & durability of neoprene

4mm hi-density neoprene

Liquid taped seams

Mesh anti-wicking neoprene waist tube

Construction:

4mm hi-density neoprene with 3mm stretchy neoprene waist

Cockpit Sizes: Keyhole or Big

Waists: SM or LXL

NOOKIE Shock and Latex Sprayskirt

Undoubtedly THE greatest deck on the market....

Features:

Hardflex reinforced, protection that stretches because Kevlar doesn’t!

Super sticky latex for grip & durability of neoprene

4mm hi-density neoprene

Liquid taped seams

Mesh anti-wicking neoprene waist tube

Fits all boats well if you buy the right size

Construction:

4mm hi-density neoprene with 3mm stretchy neoprene waist

Cockpit Sizes: Keyhole or Big

Waists: SM or LXL

Make sure to check out this new gear along with WakaWai's already extensive NOOKIE collection!

The largest NOOKIE online dealer in the USA.

From Celliers, Fluids Director and Designer:

To my shame I have to admit that I never told the world that we indeed have a kids kayak in our line-up. The Small Spice was released about a year ago, but we never announced it properly. So here goes.

First of all, the Small Spice is quite a bit smaller than the small versions of our other whitewater kayaks. There is quite a big size difference between the Small and Medium Spice. The Medium and Large Spices that were released first proved to be exceptionally good kayaks for beginners, and also for paddlers who wanted one boat that can do it all. The Spice surfs like a playboat, but it is faster than modern spud boats, a lot more forgiving, and very easy to roll. It runs difficult rapids with ease, and is equally at home on big water as on easy creeks.

So when we made the decision to create a Small version too, we decided to create a kayak for kids. We already have the Vaya sit-on-top in our line-up, which is a great introductory boat for kids. But kids progress, and eventually they want to start doing some real kayaking. That's where the Small Spice kicks in.

The Small Spice is narrow enough to make it easy for kids to maneuver, the cockpit is a bit smaller than our standard cockpits to suite their smaller bodies better, it has enough volume to give them a stable ride, it has a lot of speed to make it easier to stay with adults when doing longer paddles, and like the bigger sizes, it is super easy to roll. With this kayak, kids are able to learn all the skills needed to become competent kayakers, and have fun while doing so.

Cheers Celliers

Length: 208cm / 6'1"

Width: 60cm / 23.5"

Volume: 175 litres / 46 gal

Weight: 12kg / 26lbs

Cockpit size: 45.5x79.5cm / 18"x31.50"

Paddler weight range: 30-60kg / 65-130lbs

WakaWai has these in stock along with a demo. We can put a packages together to help get your young ones into the sport of kayaking. Please feel free to contact us through the website for more information.

Finally... Gauley Season is upon us and I can't think of a better place to test out the NEW Bliss-Stick Smoothy. I managed to capture a little bit of footage from Diagonal Ledges on the Lower Gauley yesterday. Hardly any crowd and no line in the eddy. Made for one sweet day!

WakaWai has decided to make our demo fleet available for the 25th Anniversary, 2008 Gauley season. Choose from boats made by Bliss-Stick or Fluid and have a chance to test it on some world class whitewater.

Here is a list of what we have to demo...

Bliss-Stick Demos: Mystic, Mini-Mystic, RAD 185, SCUD, Smoothy 6' 1, Super RAD 180

Fluid Demos: Element, Nemesis M, Solo L, Solo S, Vaya

WakaWai does not take the boats to the Gauley River, unless arranged in advance. The customer is in charge of getting the boat to and from the Gauley River. The demo fee is $25 a day and the latest time to sign up for a demo is 5:30 pm on Friday afternoon. Want to demo the boat for more than one day? We can do that as well. Contact us through the link below and will be glad to accommodate you and your schedule.

Demos

Wakawai.com