Paddle Out Techniques

For this post in my surf kayaking series, I have surf guru Jeff Laxier sharing his tips for Paddling Out.  Jeff has a lifetime of playing in the surf and is a sea, whitewater, and surf kayak instructor for Liquid Fusion Kayaking.

Jeff Laxier surfing on the Oregon Coast.

Paddle Out Techniques by Jeff Laxier

There are many ways to get out to the waves and here we will explore the three methods I use most to paddle out:  Bunny Hop, Turtle Dive, Route Finding.

All three methods have four of the same components.

1.       Speed - We need to be moving to get through a wave.

2.       Angle - Boat angle to the incoming wave.

3.       Timing - When to paddle hard, when to hold position, and when to run away.

4.       Awareness - Of route, waves, other users, wildlife, wonder

The Bunny Hop: This is a fun way to blast up and over a foam pile (this can also work on river hydraulics).

1.       Generate speed with 3-5 strokes as you approach the foam pile.

2.       Change the boat angle to angle away from the wave (No more than 45 degrees)

3.       Lift wave side edge (drop shore-side edge)

4.       Forward sweep on shore-side

5.       Once over the foam pile, lunge forward and paddle, repeat when necessary

Bunny Hop - Generate Speed.

Bunny Hop - Angle/Edge Boat

Bunny Hop - Lunge forward and paddle away.

The Turtle Dive: This is a great way to avoid a dumping wave on your head, getting hit in the gut by a powerful wave or foam pile, and decreases the likelihood of the wave pushing you back to shore.

1.       Speed - Generate as much speed as possible (don’t get winded you will need that air)

2.       Flip - Capsize with precision so your bow will bury into the seam where white and green water meet then push up with your paddle (this brings the bow deeper).

3.       Pause (feel the wave go by)

4.       Roll up and GO! Do not be plankton - Dig in and paddle away!

Turtle Dive - Generate speed and capsize so bow buries in the seam.

Turtle Dive - Push with paddle to drive bow deeper and wait for wave to pass.

Turtle Dive - When wave has passed over you, roll up.

Turtle Dive - Dig in and paddle away!

Route Finding: Look for an easy path out to the line up with the possibility of a dry hair paddle out.

1.       Find a rip that will take you out to the outside.

2.       Establish reference points. These will help you make route changes as well and help you avoid the most severe sections. This can also help in reading your progress.

3.       Find the soft spots - Smaller or less consistent waves breaking (path of least resistance).

4.       Wait for your window of opportunity (wait for a lull).

5.       Be patient and aware.

Route finding - find a rip and ride it to the outside.

Route finding - find the soft spot of the wave or where it isn't breaking.

Conclusion:

Surfing waves is great fun, and getting out past the breakers is necessary in all types of craft. Whatever your craft (surf kayak, whitewater kayak, sea kayak, surfboard, stand up paddleboard), we have to paddle out.  A seasoned paddler will make this journey out to the lineup easy, effective and efficient and have more energy for surfing. We must plan and prepare both mentally and physically. The more challenging the paddle out the more physical and mental toughness is needed.

Getting Better at Surfing - Getting Out There

"How do I get better at surfing?" is a regular question that we get.

To get better at surfing you need to learn how to surf -  then surf, surf, and surf some more.

Cate enjoying a birthday surfari on the Oregon Coast.

Taking a class or lesson in the beginning will accelerate your surfing progression regardless of the craft (surfboard, SUP, surf kayak, whitewater kayak, waveski, or sea kayak).  Shop around and find the right coach to make the most of your time and to accelerate your learning.The best instructors are not necessarily those that "rip" the hardest or surf the biggest waves but are those that thoroughly understand the surf zone, surf culture, the fundamental skills, and are effective at teaching all of the above.

Kayak Instructor Ben Lawry teaming up with Liquid Fusion Kayaking for a surf kayak class on the Mendocino Coast.

After taking a surf class or lesson, ask your instructor for "homework." Or take a few notes on the skills from your lesson and make your own surf homework.  Maybe it is working on pop-up's in your living room or working on ruddering strokes in flat water.  Of course part of the surfing homework is getting out and surfing.

Running down the line looking for the cover-up.

Find an appropriate break for your skill level.  Beginning surfers often do best surfing the same break frequently. Look for small, spilling waves at an uncrowded surf zone that does not have a lot of current.  (Longshore currents, rip currents, and river/estuary mouths can be challenging and dangerous).  Check out this link for diagrams and explanations on longshore drift and rip currents.

Even small estuaries and creeks can cause tricky currents in the surf.

When you first arrive at the beach, watch the surf and other surfers.  When scouting the surf, I watch the surf for at least 5 minutes and often will watch for 15-20 minutes before going out.  Notice the shape, size, and consistency of the waves.  Identify rip currents and potential hazards and safe zones.  Look at where other surfers are lining up, paddling out, and taking off.  Decide where you want to surf and determine reference points.  Mind surf some of the waves and visualize your ride.  If you don't see your ride, reassess.  If the waves are not surfable, come up with a plan of skills to work on or move to another beach.  If it is dangerous, don't go out.

Scouting a friendly surf zone from the beach.

If you are going to be surfing with other surfers and around other beach users, be sure to be courteous and follow good surf etiquette.  For more on surf etiquette, check out Surfline's Bill of Lefts and Rights.

Sharing the waves and the surf stoke with others.

Now, get that lesson and get out there.  If you want to learn or brush up on the basics of kayak surfing, join Jeff and I at Liquid Fusion Kayaking for a surf kayaking class or a private surf lesson.  LFK's next surf kayaking class is October 28-29, 2017.

Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Cate Hawthorne using a sand diagram to demonstrate surf etiquette.

For more surf kayak skills, check out my blog on Surf Kayak Resources.  Please let me know if you find any good sites for me to add to the list.  Also stay turned for my next blog post on getting better at surfing when you cant' get out and surf.

Learn the basics and then surf, surf, and surf some more!!!

Summer of Love

I debated whether to call this post Summer of Love or Labor of Love.  Running a kayaking business is a bit of both.  This summer seems to be flying by.

Running a kayak business isn't all fun and games.  There is a lot of "invisible work" that goes into running the business.  Countless hours are spent on the phone, replying to emails, writing newsletters, scheduling, managing photos, posting on social media, planning trips, cleaning and maintaining gear, bookkeeping, managing the website, banking, and the list goes on.  In our 10th season I am learning to take it in stride and finding humor and enjoyment in it.  One question I got this summer was about our return policy - I could have verbatim rattled off LFK's cancellation/no show policy.  Instead, I responded "Our goal is to bring'em back alive."

Poster that I created for the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce.

This summer, I am spending a lot of time guiding our wildlife and nature history tours on the Noyo River Estuary.  I love it!  Each trip is different. Our trips often include first time kayakers that don't know how to swim, families with kids of all ages, as well as seasoned paddlers.  I like to challenge myself to improve my teaching and guiding methods to meet the individual needs and interests of all participants on the trip.

I really enjoy incorporating my knowledge of the natural world into the kayaking experience - aka "nerding" out on nature.

Doe and fawns checking out the kayakers on the Noyo River.

With the maturity of our business, I am continuing to learn how to create time to enjoy life within the busy summer season - and making Jeff do it too.  At the end of the day, we are dog tired.  We often go to bed early but with smiles on our faces.

Jeff and I enjoying dinner that we caught and grew. 

Carving time out for life means regular mountain bike rides, trail running, kayak surfing, kayak fishing, time with friends and sometimes quiet time with a book.  Last week, we managed to slip away to the South Fork American to connect with some friends and run whitewater.

Kayak fishing on the Mendocino coast.

Our summer garden is producing.  It is so nice to come home and pick fresh vegetables for dinner.  Our winter crop of kale continues to produce, and we have been eating it as well as fresh broccoli, zucchini, and lettuce.  The cabbage is starting to make nice heads and the tomatoes and cucumbers are coming along.

Last week, I was wishing I had some fresh potatoes to go with the rock cod that we just caught.  I was doing some digging in the garden and unexpectedly found a fresh batch of red potatoes.  Fresh kale and potatoes from our garden and fish that we caught in the ocean. YUM!

Food of our labor - fish we caught and vegetables from the garden.

All is not perfect of course.  The house is a bit of a mess.  Oh, well - its summer time!

Time is Marching On!

Wow!!! March sure seems to have slipped by quickly.  I have had many blog posts in my mind but haven't found the time to write them up.

My smile muscles were worn out from a fun surf session.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

I am juggling many balls at the moment.  On the business side of things, we are teaching private lessons and gearing up for Liquid Fusion Kayaking's busy summer season.  Tasks include CPR certification, wilderness first aid training, renewing insurance policies, communicating with individuals and groups interested in tours and classes, organizing classes, advertising and promotion, website work, organizing equipment, and maintenance and repair.

Wilderness First Aid Training with Foster Calm.

Jeff and I are also preparing for our annual Spring Run Off Trip.  One of our goals for the trip is a wilderness river kayak camping trip.  We aren't exactly sure where and when we are going but have a couple of ideas.  (please share if you have any recommendations for us). Last year we slipped off to the Owyhee River.

Whitewater kayak camping trip on the Owyhee River.

Regardless of where we go, preparations are underway.  I have had the dehydrator out and have a couple of tasty new recipes for our trip.  Stay tuned for a post on recipes and tips and tricks for multi day kayak camping trips.

Dehydrated food for kayak camping trips. 

Of course, I have to stay in paddling shape and keep my skills up.  The Storm Gathering USA in early March was a good opportunity for me to knock the rust off my sea kayak skills.

Storm Gathering USA Photo by Pelle Hammarstrom

This month, I have had the occasional river run.  Including a fun run on Mendocino County's Rancheria Creek.

Running "The Ledge" on Rancheria Creek. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Most of my time this winter and spring has been paddling and playing in the surf.  Several breaks are close to home so I can get business work done and then slip out for a surf.  Some days the waves are good and very surfable.

Kayak Surfing on the Mendocino Coast.  Photos by Jeff Laxier

Other days, it is just fun to get out in my Jackson Kayak 2 Fun and bounce around on the foam piles.

Engulfed in the wave.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

Stay tuned for some of my dehydrated meal creations and other tips on packing for kayak camping trips.

Feeding the Soul

Troubling times are upon us.  Between the winter blahs and the turmoil of US politics, our hearts and souls are under assault.

Now, it is more important than ever to cultivate joy in your life.  Get outside! Spend quality time with loved ones! Do activities that energize and renew the spirit!

Getting some fresh air is sometimes all that we need to reset.

Taking a vacation is one way that we recharge our batteries.  Take a mental daydream for a moment and think of your last vacation or trip . . . .  As you put yourself back on that vacation, do you feel the stress of the world drift away?

My mental daydream puts me on the Owhyee River - the Grand Canyon of Oregon.
The desert landscape intrigues my brain, the quiet soothes my soul, and the whitewater invigorates my body.

Unfortunately, we can't always be on vacation so it is necessary for us to cultivate soul feeding activities into our daily lives.  Build 30 minutes into your day for soul feeding activity.  For me it is a run, bike ride, or surf session.  Find what works for you and do it!  Do it solo or bring along your kiddos, dogs, friends, coworker or significant other.

Jeff joins me for a "$hits n Giggles"mountain bike ride.

Find ways to avoid excuses - time, weather, distance, deadlines, responsibilities.  I challenge you to get your act together and make it happen.  Here are some tips that I find helpful:

1.  Find a local trail, walking route, waterway, gym, or pool in your neighborhood or near work.

2.  Schedule the time into your day like you would an appointment.

3.  Enlist someone to hold you accountable.  A buddy can go with you, can encourage you to get out the door, or check in with you at the end of the day.

4.  Always have you gear bag packed ready to go.  Throw in a rain jacket and rain pants or what ever you might need for the weather.

My surf kit ready to grab and go.

Feeding the soul keeps the heart alive.  It allows us to live and to love.  We need to do it and need to encourage others to as well.

Surfing waist high waves on a rainy day.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

Solstice Surf

A long period swell rolled into the Mendocino Coast for the Winter Solstice.  I could hear it rumble and roar as I plugged away on the computer working on website revisions for Liquid Fusion Kayaking (and occasionally glancing at the buoy readings).  The day was warm and sunny and after a morning of office work, I was ready to get wet.  Jeff and I went on the search.  We checked a couple of spots, but the tide wasn't right or the swell was too big.  We settled on a spot that we thought might get better as the tide filled in.  It didn't look promising but there were waves.

Little me in the Big SEA! Photo by Jeff Laxier

Being out on the ocean in a "little" kayak on a "big" day is exhilarating.  The energy is intense as mountains of water collide with the off shore rocks and headlands.  The explosions are spectacular and mesmerizing.  On the Mendocino Coast, we are fortunate to have protected coves that dissipate the swell so it is possible to paddle out on a big day.

Mountains of water. Photo by Jeff Laxier

I have been primarily surfing in my surf kayak but didn't see any surfable faces so I opted for my Jackson 2 Fun (whitewater kayak).  The 2 Fun is a blast in bouncy surf.  It likes to slide down the face and then squirt out in front of the foam pile.  My freestyle repetoroire is limited but I have fun bouncing, spinning, and back surfing it.  

2 Fun in the surf. Photo by Jeff Laxier

I did find a fun wave to play on.

Trying to make it down the line. Photo by Jeff Laxier

My little boat wasn't fast enough to make it down the line.  If my timing and positioning were precise, I could drop in, climb back to the lip, turn to float down on the cascading foam, and then surf along in front of the foam pile.  However, it didn't always work that way.  Sometimes the lip crashed on my head and other times, I bounced out in front of it.  

Bouncing out in front of the foam pile. Photo by Jeff Laxier

It was always fun and had me going back for another and another and another . . . . until the sun started dipping behind the headlands and it was time to surf in.

Surf until the sun goes down.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

The Mendocino Trilogy

Sea + River + Surf = The Mendocino Trilogy

When it rains (typically winter and early spring), Mendocino County has whitewater river kayaking, surf kayaking, and world class ocean rock gardening.  It sets up perfectly for whitewater kayakers who want a sampling of all 3 - sea, river, surf.  I am getting excited for Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Holiday Whitewater n Surf Safari.  This is an annual event that Jeff and I host during the Christmas - New Year time period.  

Kayak surfing on the Mendocino Coast during LFK's whitewater n surf safari. Photo by Mark Boyd.

The Whitewater n Surf Safari is my favorite events because it is all about playing in whitewater kayaks.  I enjoy teaching but when we take people on safari, it is all about guided play.  I get to coach students on surfing, riding rock garden features like pour-overs, and playing down the river.  Of course a bit of coaching involves demonstrating - demonstrating how to play.

Whitewater river kayaking on Mendocino County's  Eel River.  Photo by Mark Boyd.

Things are looking good for this year.  Regular rains have the rivers flowing and large period swells have shored up the sand bars at a couple of our favorite surf breaks.  So far, we have 2 participants coming for their 3rd Whitewater n Surf Safari with us and two newbies to be initiated.  We have space for a couple more.  If you have class III whitewater skills, a reliable roll, and know how to play nicely in the surf and rock gardens, you can put your playground application in with us.

Playing in a blowhole off the Mendocino Headlands . Photo by Mark Boyd

Check out this photo gallery of Mark Boyd's photos from LFK's 2015 Whitewater n Surf Safari.

Exploring Mendocino's sea caves and rock gardens in whitewater kayaks.  Photo by Mark Boyd

Best Gear of 2016

I guess I am a bit of a gearhead.  In the past, I have felt a bit frustrated with the offerings in kayaks, kayaking apparel and equipment for smaller paddlers.  I often felt that what I wanted either wasn't available in my size, was too expensive or not just right.  This year, I feel that I am getting closer to the "just right" in my kayaking gear.  Here is a list of my current "go-to's."

Dry, warm and comfortable in my Immersion Research Shawty Drysuit and charging down the Eel in my all purpose Jackson Kayak Zen. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Immersion Research Shawty Drysuit - Shawty is urban slang for hot woman.  Of course I need a drysuit that makes me hot!  Colorful, comfortable, and dry is how I would describe both my Shawty Drysuit and Shawty Drytop.  The purple color is fun and bright on the water.  Everyone asks about breathability.  I find it to be as breathable as any other top of the line drysuit/drytop.  For sizing purposes, I am 5' 4" and 120 pounds and wear a size medium.  New in 2017 is a electric blue color.  If you are attached to purple, get them now while they are on sale and in stock.

Immersion Research Shawty Drysuit comfortable and functional off the water.  Coaching throw bag techniques on the Eel River. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Dagger Stratos 14.5S - The Stratos is so much fun to paddle!!!  The performance hull has me keeping it as my go to coastal play sea kayak - and has it in Liquid Fusion Kayaking's fleet for students.   There are quite a few things that I don't like about the Stratos, but it performs so well.  The stability is confidence inspiring, it accelerates quickly, and is extremely maneuverable - especially when edged.  I paddle the small and would recommend it for most paddlers under 200 pounds and under 6 feet tall looking for a sea kayak for rock garden and surf zone play.  If the fit is a little tight, there are outfitting modifications that can be done.  There is a larger size for taller, heavier paddlers.

Rock gardening on the Mendocino Coast in the Dagger Stratos. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Jackson Kayak Zen Small -  This is the best fitting and most comfortable whitewater kayak that I have ever paddled.  It seems to be sized just right for a paddler of my size.  The narrow bow and narrow fit are well suited for performance paddlers who like a vertical stroke and like to use their legs to power their strokes. I find this boat to be all day comfortable whether I am teaching out of it or doing a longer river run.  It has enough volume for carrying a bit of gear - for an overnight trip or for guiding.  It also has the volume and speed for running big water and challenging rapids.  It is super easy to roll and surf and has enough of a rail/edge to carve into eddies.  I also like that it is relatively lightweight for carrying and has a smaller size cockpit so that I can get a dry, snug fitting skirt on my myself.

Jackson Kayak Zen Small - a great all around whitewater kayak for smaller paddlers. Photo by Jeff Laxier.

Jackson Kayak 2 Fun -  It is TOO FUN!!!  The 2 Fun is almost my do it all whitewater kayak.  I feel fortunate to have a nice quiver of kayaks but often fantasize about having just one kayak (or realistically two - a short and a long boat).  The 2 Fun would fit my short boat needs for play.  It is fun and performs well on both the river and in the surf.  In addition it is lightweight, has simple outfitting, and fits in the back of our car.  Paddling a boat like the 2 Fun on both the river and in the surf has made me a better paddler.  It doesn't have the speed or forgiving volume of classic river runners so I have to make sure that my technique and positioning are precise for catching eddies and catching waves.

Jackson Kayak 2 Fun is fun river running whitewater kayak.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

2 Fun in the surf!  360' flat spins like a dream. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Mega Bullit Xs -  The Xs is categorized as a high performance surf kayak.  There is definitely a learning curve to hp surf kayaks.  The Xs seems to be a bit more on the friendly side than other hp boats.  Being a smaller paddler, I appreciate the overall low volume.  The Xs is narrow compared to many surf kayaks.  In particular it has a narrow bow and a low stern and back deck. Being 8 feet and 11 inches long, it is on the long side for an hp surf kayak.  However, it has lots of rocker which makes it very responsive.  The length of the hull makes it quite stable and fast.  It excels on low angle waves and days when the surf is a bit on the mushy side.  I am so excited to paddle my Xs.  Every time I paddle it, I feel like I learn its nuances more and surf it better.

Mega Bullit Xs, Oneil Mod Wetsuit, Immersion Research Top and Spray Deck, - my go to surf kayak kit. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Jackson Kayak Sweet Cheeks - Keep all your cheeks happy!  Jackson's Sweet Cheeks are so comfortable that I have put them in all of my kayaks.  They are basically bean bags that you inflate and then deflate to get a comfy custom fit for your butt in your kayak.  They are handy if you want to add some extra height to your seat or change your seat position while in the boat.  I also think that they are warmer than typical kayak seats.  I typically use the 100 but will use the 200 in boats that are too deep for me.

Jackson Sweet Cheeks - yep they are in all of my kayaks.  Photo Jackson Kayak

Oneil Women's Mod Wetsuit - In Northern California, a good wetsuit is a must for ocean play - surfing, coasteering, snorkeling, abalone diving, swimming, body surfing, ect.  A huge thank you to Dylan at The Lost Surf Shack in Fort Bragg for turning me on to this suit.  It is a warm 5/4 with super flexible and relatively quick drying neoprene.  This suit is super comfortable, warm, and versatile.  The neck on the Mod wetsuit is interchangeable.  I like using the hood for diving and surfing and the suit without a hood for kayaking.  I pair my IR shorty top with it for kayaking to block the wind and to keep water out of my kayak.

Coasteering on the Mendocino Coast in the Oneil Mod wetsuit. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Immersion Research ShockWave Plus Spray Skirt - For 3 seasons, this has been my go to skirt.  I have a Large and Extra Large to accommodate my different boats.  After 3 years, they are still dry and look almost like new (despite many days of use).

3 year old Immersion Research spray skirt still dry and looking good.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

Maui Jim Pipiwai Trail Sunglasses -  Sunglasses are a necessity on the water to protect your eyes from glare and UV rays.  Polarized are a huge benefit for those of us who like to see what is under the surface.  It is always a trick finding the right glasses - ones that have good optics, are comfortable under a hat or helmet, and don't fog up.   I have found the Pipiai Trail to be just the right fit for my small head and on water needs.  The MauiPure lenses are super lightweight and comfortable.  HCL Bronze tint good contrast in all but the lowest light conditions.  These have become my go to glasses both on and off the water.

See your wave, surf your wave!  Thanks Maui Jim for comfortable, functional, and stylish sunglasses. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Ear Plugs -  I finally found my go to earplugs - Mac's Ear Seals.  Here is a link to my blog on protecting your ears and my experience and recommendations on ear plugs.

Warm Gloves - Winter whitewater kayaking requires gloves (and pogies too).  I actually will wear glove and pogies.  This year I discovered Patagonia's R1 Fly Fishing Gloves.  The XS fits great.  The R1 gloves are warm and have good dexterity and grip for paddling.

Huppy Bars - Yummy, gluten free energy bars.  Huppy Bars are made in Flagstaff, Arizona.  The company was started by Lindsay Hup who is a Grand Canyon raft guide.  She has been making her own delicious and nutritious bars for years in her home.  Her bars became such a hit on the river that others nudged her to start her own company and make the bars for others.  My favorite flavor is pecan orange spice.  It might sound weird but it is not and is delicious.  Check them out and definitely follow them on Instagram.  Lindsay posts some awesome photos of outdoors and Huppy Bar athletes.  And often has specials on her bars.

Grab a Huppy and Go!  Perfect snack to keep me going on the water! Photo by Cate Hawthorne

Changing Station - A few years ago, a friend made a fleece poncho for me to use to change in and out of my wetsuit.  I love it and take it just about everywhere with me.  Peeling off a wet wetsuit on a chilly day is no problem with the fuzzy warm fleece blocking the wind and cold.  It is also a discrete way to take ALL the wet stuff off in mixed company or in public parking lots.  Also it is a warm extra layer for lunch time breaks.  On camping trips, it functions as an extra blanket and as an extra warm layer for chilly evenings or mornings in camp.

Relief Zippers in Wetsuits -  I like wearing a wetsuit for surfing and playing in the ocean.  When playing, I can take a break and peel my wetsuit off to answer mother nature's call.  When I am teaching and guiding, I only have moments to take care of business.  I really don't like peeing in my wetsuit so I am super fond of relief zippers in wetsuits.  My NRS Farmer Jane Ultra has one and it works great.  Unfortunately, I like wearing a surfing fullsuit for teaching in the surf and they don't come with relief zippers.  Then I discovered Chris at Terrapin Wetsuits.  She makes custom wetsuits and does alterations and repairs to wetsuits.  She put in an awesome relief zip in my wetsuit.  Now answering the call of nature is a breeze.

Girl Stuff - On another note about the call of nature - girl stuff isn't always fun in the outdoors.  I have to share that I have become a fan of menstrual cups.  Menstrual cups are a healthy, no waste way to deal with one's period.  No more packing in and packing out tampons.  With a little research, you will find that there are quite a few options out there.  Ladies and concerned guys, feel free to contact me privately for more thoughts on girl stuff in the outdoors.

And what I am still searching or hoping for - 

A whitewater helmet with good coverage that fits a small head and has a dial for an adjustable fit - so that I can potentially wear a hood or hat under it.

Hoping for the Immersion Research Shawty drysuit to sport a drop seat.

Outfitting and structural changes to the Dagger Stratos - better plastic, stiffer hull, shorter cockpit, better hatches and more secure foot keepers.

A girl can always dream right?