Well it's been a hell of a year.
It started with a switch from a long term Jackson Kayak
relationship to Dagger because the Karma and I just didn't get
along. Plenty of people love the Karma but it just didn't work for my
paddling style. It came as a huge surprise to me to quit Kokatat this
year. We don't see eye to eye about something on their new PFD. I've
used some other "dry" wear and it's been enlightening to see just how
good Kokatat's drysuit is. On the flip side using an Astral Greenjacket
has change my perception on what a PFD should be. Truly incredible
design. Since the sad passing of Rick Franken it's been unfortunate to
see that the quality of Bomber Gear skirts is not what it was. He put a
lot of personal effort and drive into the company, and I think the time
he spent managing production showed in the end product. Needing a good
dry skirt that would stay on my boat I switched to Immersion Research
skirts late this year, and had a similar revelation as with the Astral
PFD. I now know why these companies are so popular; they set the
industry standard for their product.
The Nomad 8.5 could be my favorite kayak of all time. This last year in
it was fantastic. It's an easy boat to paddle, the outfitting is easy
to setup and did I say it's easy to paddle? I was fully expected to
renew with Dagger/Confluence this year, but just before contract time I
received an offer to work for Prijon. The offer was more work and less
sponsorship oriented. I had to think about it long and hard. The Nomad
is a great boat and Confluence has treated me well. On the other hand I
do love family run businesses like Prijon, and the durable plastic.
Plus I'm 33 this year. I'd say my time as an extreme athlete is waning
unless I want to be a hanger on, milking it as long as possible. So I'm
working for Prijon helping import kayaks this year. We'll have a
container here in April. Dagger pretty much has all their ducks in
a row; in this new position I feel needed. It feels good to be needed
at work. There are things like the outfitting to improve and random
problems to solve as Prijon has not been imported for almost five years.
Outside of that life has been busy biking, backpacking and even doing a
little kayaking when the weather allows. We're deep into our third year
of drought here in California and things look bleak. We need a Miracle
March and so far the next week is all sun and 70's.
Mike Janoska, Brandy Creek into Whiskeytown Reservoir
Sony A6000, Sony Zeiss 16-70mm f/4
Sony A6000, Samyang 12mm f/2
Sony A7, Samyang 14mm f/2.8
Sony A6000, Samyang 12mm f/2
