Hobie Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boarding at The Women's Story

Stand Up Paddle boarding and Kayaking at The Women's Story 2014

Crystal Springs Resort, NJ As many of you may already know, I've been stoked about The Women's Story event since I first heard about it last month. In fact my previous post showed just what I packed for the event itself!

Water World
Crystal Springs Resort (as the name implies) has the reputation of having some of the most gorgeous water-ways, pools and aqua parks in the NY/NJ area. So it was a real treat to get in some sit on top kayaking and stand up paddle boarding in such a beautiful setting.

Hobie Mirage Kayaks

Hobie Mirage Kayaks
We've taken canoeing lessons and were taught sit on top kayaking but the Hobie Mirage Adventure Kayak was a whole new experience...and a good one! Similar to sit on top kayaks, there is a paddle attached to the craft but the steering is done via a lever controlled rudder on the port side. You propel yourself by pedaling as if you were on a recumbent bicycle. It was so easy to pick up that literally within seconds were were steering around the lagoon like pros. Paddling was very easy, in fact much easier than a paddle boat, which we've also done. Ingrid Niehaus (demonstrating them in the photo below) said the inventor got the idea from watching penguins paddle with their webbed feet.

Hobie Mirage's Unique Pedal Paddle System

These would really be great for a vacation or expedition as there is ample storage in the stern area of the kayak for supplies. See more styles of Hobie Kayaks online at HobieCat.com or HobieKayaks.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
I didn't realize that some paddle boards were inflatable. The ones we've seen looked like a super-wide solid surf board. Still, being able to inflate and deflate your paddle board definitely helps in transporting them and buoyancy on the water. My photographer, Gina, was a quick study, having taken canoeing (and swimming) lessons before.
It appeared the basics were getting your balance over the board before actually attempting to stand up. She did this bare footed as the paddle board surface was quite grippy.

Gina gets into kneeling position and balances the board.

Keep in mind that it was raining, so that added to the slick conditions. All the same, Gina kept her grip as you can see. The entire surface of the Hobie Paddle Board has a non-slip texture. She started out paddling on her knees and riding bare footed is recommended vs the Sperry Topsiders we brought for the event.

She's got it! Notice the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island in the background

Now understand that we have had a fair share of on-the-water training and sports. Other than a few waterfalls, there was no wind or currents which we would normally encounter on open water. That having been said, I still believe anyone can easily master these sports and use this gear effectively in short order. I would recommend taking along an Adventure Medical Kit, especially the Marine Series 250. Also read up on Kayaking (Sea Kayaking by Dan Henderson) in general before you head out. Check out what you'll need to prep for a canoeing/kayaking trip here.

Hobie Eye Wear 
If you are going to spend time outdoors, make sure you have the proper eye protection as UV rays bounce off and are intensified by the water's surface. Hobie has some very fashionable eye wear that I plan to feature this summer at Best Picks Magazine and my Lucky Magazine contributor page. I wore a pair of the matte tortoise shell framed ones for my morning walk the other day and they are very effective yet lightweight. Sweeeet! Check out all Hobie has to offer by visiting them online at HobieCat.com or HobieKayaks.com

Hobie Polarized Lenses - totally fashionable yet funtional!

Eye wear c/o Hobie Kayaks

Fall Cycling Commuter Fashions

Cooler temps add up to even cooler style!  Photo: CityZen by Lazer Helmets, Lucky Magazine Picks - Leather Biker Jacket & White Cotton Tank Top by H & M

I really enjoy the autumn weather as we have beautiful colors changing here on the east coast.  If you are even thinking about using your bicycle more for fun, transportation and / or exercise, fall is the perfect time to do it.  I've put together a few outfits that look and work great on your bicycle as well as when you arrive at your destination.  No one need know you arrived on two wheels unless you want to tell them!

Pedal Panties Bicycle Lingerie

GETTING DRESSED FOR YOUR RIDE

I've often said, "Get dressed once in the morning and be ready for anything." If you think you need to dress in specific exercise clothing just to work out think again.  The pieces I'm showing here all offer comfort, are breathable and have a bit of stretch. These are key selections and staples of any fashionable woman's wardrobe.

Starting with underwear, consider these very well constructed Pedal Panties Bicycle Lingerie.  Pedal Panties have just enough padding for a short bicycle commute without feeling bulky.  They also are completely invisible under even the most clingy cycling capris.  Pedal Panties work with skirts, tights, jeans, etc. and are comfortable enough to wear all day at work.  They rinse out easily and dry quickly but get at least a couple of pairs.  Genius!

STRETCHING YOUR WARDROBE

Go There Blazer by ExOfficio & Southside Capri by Terry

Keeping in mind that your will be traveling by bicycle and perhaps doing a bit of walking, fabric choice is key.

Go There Blazer by ExOfficio
This essential blazer is made of drirelease® french terry and has large snaps at the front and sleeves.  It has built in stretch and a zippered security pouch to stash a bit of cash or a letter for the post office.  This is where form meet function as the Go There Blazer is also made of odor resistant fabric that wicks moisture, dries quickly and stays fresh. We paired this cool blazer with a chic Paris Striped Scarf by Carve Designs of California.

Go There Blazer by ExOfficio

Southside Capri by Terry
I added a red brad studded belt from H & M to these sweet gray checked capri cycling bottoms. Features: Unattached mesh liner with Italian comfort chamois; side hand pockets; snap/zipper front closure; belt loops; gusset crotch; houndstooth print. 18" inseam.
These pants have just enough stretch that they don't fight you even when riding a diamond frame bicycle with drop handlebars.  Even better is that they look as fantastic off the bike as on.

TIGHTEN IT UP

Roughian Skirt by ExOfficio

Speaking of stretching your wardrobe, opaque tights are the perfect fashion staple that will allow you to wear your favorite skirt or dress a bit longer into the season.

Try not to get sheer black pantyhose.  Pick good quality, thick tights that don't allow any skin to show through.  Add a pair of black leather riding boots for extra warmth, (a low to moderate heel works best on a bicycle). You can also add a pair of low pumps or flats in the same color as your opaque hose to give your legs extra length.

Roughian Skirt by ExOfficio 
Totally up to the challenge of cycling, walking and commuting.  The cotton blend canvas, french fly closure and high strength stitching of this Roughian Skirt means that it is made for action and comfort without sacrificing looks.  I especially like the secret rear zippered pocket and that this skirt is: Treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) for water and stain resistance. Made with durable canvas that has high tear strength.  UPF Sun Guard 50+.  Really the last thing you need while cycling is for your skirt to rip for all the world to see.  The Roughian has double needle reinforced contrast stitching and just enough stretch to make pedaling and or walking a breeze.  This is another hot item that works perfectly on or off the bicycle.

Cadence Wool Dress by Terry

Cadence 3/4 Sleeve Dress by Terry

The Cadence is my favorite fall dress period!  However, on the bicycle, the real beauty is in the details. So well thought out down to the invisible zippered rear pocket.  It is made of a dri release wool fabric blend that allows moisture to wick away, keeping you cooler and drier.  3/4 sleeves, two hand warmer pockets and ruched sides that can be hiked up, make this dress super adjustable.  

You could wear a pair of cycling tights under it or throw a vest over the Cadence for extra warmth like the Countdown by Gore Bike Wear. Perhaps a blazer or leather jacket?  Add a bright helmet and red scarf for a pop of color if you are going to wear that much black on your bicycle.

Gore Bike Wear Countdown Lady Vest

All of these pieces allow you to mix and match so you can pull together multiple looks. While you'll get the most play choosing neutrals, don't be afraid to accessorize with color.

So why not get the most bang out of your buck?  When you choose fashionable pieces like these, you are lowering your "price per wear" ratio because you will get MUCH more use out of them. Leave those "yoga pants" on the rack!

Get your exercise while en route. We often only think of bicycle commuting to work but you can also run errands to:

The Bank
The Post Office
The Library
The Farmer's Market
Anywhere you want!

Shopping the Farmer's Market with my Basil Cosa Rear Basket.  Cross Body Leather Bag by Fossil.