Melker Kayaks

One of the central missions of Melker is to redefine the manufacturing process in the paddling industry. Ultimately they want to make it completely sustainable. The founder is an engineer from the tech world who wants to bring sustainable ideas to the world of paddle sports. 

As part of this, all Melker kayaks use locally sourced flaxweed instead of the standard composites, carbon kevlar, and carbon fiber. Flaxweed is more environmentally friendly and gives the kayak a beautiful wood-like finish. The Melker Uvlon, like all Melker kayaks, is visually stunning. But the real question is, how does it paddle?

Melker Ulvon HV Specifications

Price: $3900 (USD)
Length: 17’ 5”
Width: 21”
Weight: 54 LBS (24.5kg)
Capacity: 165-240 LBS
Best use: Touring

Features of the Melker Uvlon

The Melker Uvlon is a long, narrow sea kayak designed for speed. It has no rocker. It has plenty of volume at the front – although there is no upturned front to help with waves. In general, it has volume. With a capacity of up to 240 LBS, you can take the Uvlon on a real touring trip. 

The Uvlon does not have thigh hooks meaning it isn't designed to use in rough water, rapids, surfing, or rock gardens. It is designed to cover long distances. The benefit of not having thigh hooks is that people who aren’t as comfortable feeling enclosed in a kayak will feel more secure. 

The Uvlon is still rollable. The contour of the deck allows you to grip it with your knees and roll it. It also comes with pads that you can place in the kayak to make it easier to roll. 

Another neat feature of the Melker Uvlon is that it comes with both a rudder and a skeg. You do not need to choose. I don’t typically use rudders as I can maneuver easily without them, but the Skeg is a great addition. With the slight breeze on the Ottowa River, the skeg was helpful to keep my kayak on course. Typically I would choose a skeg but getting the option to use both is fantastic. 

Comfort

After about two and a half hours, I needed to take a little break from kayaking to stretch my legs. The seat is basic but is surprisingly comfortable for what it is. That said, it doesn’t have a lot of padding so my butt needed a little break at some points. Luckily I had to scramble over several obstacles so I got plenty of chances to stretch. 

A Note on Greenland Paddles

For this adventure, as the plan was to cover the distance, I used my Greenland paddles. These are incredibly lightweight and suitable for covering large distances. They took some getting used to when I first started using them as the blades are so small. I constantly had to think about the angle I used to pull them through the water. But nowadays, it feels more natural. 

The Greenland paddle takes more time to get comfortable with than a typical paddle. So if you don’t have the patience to get used to it, it might be a frustrating paddle experience. If you go for a Greenland paddle, you should prepare to spend some time figuring it out and getting to know it. It isn’t as intuitive as a standard paddle. 

All in All 

I didn’t test the Melker Uvlon in rough water, but I did try it in rough conditions. I dragged it over five beaver dams and gave it its first scratches. But, as I always say, a boat without scratches is a boat without experience. And my Melker Uvlon certainly has experience now. Throughout the entire adventure, it was a fun boat to paddle and easy to portage. It really is a beautiful kayak. 

Be sure to have a look at the other Melker review I've done: Melker Rödlöga Review, an Environmentally Friendly Kayak

Kayak: Melker Ulvon
Paddles:  Gearlab Outdoors Greenland Ipik
PFD:   NRS OSO Lifejacket
Storage: Gearlab Outdoors Deck Pod 2
Clothing:  NRS Short Sleeved Guide Shirt
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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The Boats I'm Showing Off

For this article, I'm going to be using the Perception Hangtime 11 paddle kayak and the Perception Showdown pedal kayak. Though both are in different categories, both represent their niche very well.

Where Will You Use Your Kayak?

Where you intend to use your kayak is a factor that will answer the paddle or pedal kayak question immediately. You can use a paddle kayak anywhere and for any type of kayaking (with the right kayak). On the other hand, the pedal kayak does have some serious limitations. They do not perform well in:

• Rivers with current
• Shallow waters 
• Zones with thick vegetation 
• Surf zones

These are just a few examples of places where the pedal system is a liability. In these environments, you should not use a pedal-driven kayak but instead, choose a paddle-driven kayak. 

Boat Control

A paddle kayak offers a lot more control. The paddle allows you to make small corrections, and quickly turn, stop, or reverse. You have a lot more control using a paddle kayak compared to a pedal kayak. 

That being said, some pedal kayaks are remarkably maneuverable, but it depends on the type of pedal kayak. Some pedal kayaks don’t even offer you the ability to reverse which can be very limiting. Even if you have a pedal-driven kayak, you will need to carry a paddle with you. 

Kayak Speed

A pedal-driven kayak is generally considerably faster than a paddle kayak. Although this isn’t the case for every single kayak, when you take two kayaks with comparable build, style, and size, the pedal kayak is generally faster. 

Comfort

The comfort of a kayak depends on what works best for you and your body. That being said, pedal-driven kayaks tend to be slightly more comfortable than paddle-driven kayaks. The reason for this is that the ideal position to pedal in is leaning-back and lounging. The lounging position is more comfortable for a lot of people, especially for those with tight hamstrings. It can, however, exacerbate back problems. So comfort-wise there is no clear winner and it depends more on what position is most comfortable for your body. 

Another aspect to take into consideration regarding comfort is the shoulders and knees. A lot of people have shoulder pain, in which case a pedal-driven kayak is a better choice. On the other hand, the pedal-driven kayak can aggravate bad knees, in which case a paddle-driven kayak might be a better choice. At the end of the day, it comes down to your specific body and how it works. The best way to decide which method is most comfortable and enjoyable for your body is to test out both a pedal and a paddle-driven kayak before buying one.

Pedal Kayak Advantages

The pedal kayak has a distinct advantage when it comes to kayak fishing and photography. When you drive your kayak with your feet, your hands are free to fish or hold a camera. They are not completely free because you still need to use them to steer the kayak every once in a while. 

The other caveat is that you lose some boat control with a pedal kayak, which means you will have less control over where your boat is moving or pointed to than in a paddle-driven kayak. But as a general rule, there is a real advantage to using the pedal kayak for fishing and photography. 

Price

Price is one of the biggest factors for most people. You pay a hefty premium to get a pedal kayak. You can expect to pay $1000-1500 (USD) more for a kayak with a pedal drive system. This is a lot of money. It is, however, absolutely worth it for people who want to use a pedal-driven kayak. As a general rule, people who choose to buy pedal-driven kayaks end up loving them. 

Some people argue that you save a bit of money when purchasing a pedal-driven kayak because you don’t need to spend on a paddle. However, you do need to take a paddle with you when using a pedal kayak. You might have a mechanical failure or end up in a situation where you need the paddle to maneuver the kayak. So the reality is that you do pay a hefty premium for the pedal-driven kayak. 

What is The Right Choice?

The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong choice to make. It is completely up to your personal preference and situation. The kayak location will influence your choice. In some locations, a pedal-driven kayak will simply be the wrong choice. Physical limitations are also a factor to consider, whether you have bad knees, shoulders, or other limitations. 

I am a paddler at heart and have been paddling for 35 years so personally would always choose to use a paddle-driven kayak. That being said, I can appreciate the benefits of a pedal-driven kayak, particularly when I am fishing or filming. I am glad that I don’t need to have just one kayak. If you can only have one kayak then you have a much more difficult choice to make! 

I did a post a while ago on the Showdown and the Hangtime. Check out the Perception Showdown 11.5 Kayak Review – Pedal Fishing Kayak and the Perception Hangtime 11 Review.

Kayaks: Perception Hangtime 11, Perception Showdown
PFDs/Life Jackets:  NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec)
Paddle:  Aqua Bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece
Shirts and Tops:  NRS Guide Short Sleeved Men’s Shirt
Paddling Shorts:  NRS Benny Board Shorts
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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Family Fun in Ocean City Maryland

Today I’m going to share with you five of my family’s favorite things to do when visiting Ocean City. And as each of us came up with something different as we all enjoyed individual experiences, activities, and adventures, you’ll have a diverse list of Ocean City attractions that may appeal to you and your family. 

Staying in a Cottage

For me, the number one thing I loved most about Ocean City was the fact that we rented a cottage. I got to open the door and walk straight out onto the beach. So that was definitely the highlight of my entire trip, just being able to enjoy the beauty and the scenery of the ocean. 

Jolly Rogers

When I asked my son, Tucker, what his favorite thing to do in Ocean City is, he said ride the rides at Jolly Rogers. Jolly Rogers is an amusement park in Ocean City. And although Tucker was at first nervous about riding the roller coasters, by the end of the day, he was riding all of them. So not only did he enjoy the experience, but he also overcame his fears. 

Flying Kites

My daughter Parker’s favorite thing to do in Ocean City was flying kites. Flying kites is a popular thing to do in Ocean City. And there are huge stores that sell hundreds and hundreds of different styles of kites. When we were in Maryland, it was quite windy. So the kids got to pick out their special kites and then spend time flying them, which was obviously the activity that stood out most to Parker on our trip. 

Jet skiing

Nick’s favorite part about Ocean City—no surprise to me—was jet skiing. During our time in Maryland, Nick absolutely loved having the opportunity to get on a jet ski. And he also loved watching the kids have fun on them too. Parker especially was so enthusiastic, which made it a really big win. 

Nick did get to rip around by himself. So I think for him, he just really enjoyed being on something motorized out in the ocean—that’s kind of Nick’s style. 

Kayaking

And the final favorite Ocean City activity that we would all agree on—because my whole family loves it—is kayaking. We went kayaking inside the Marsh Bay Area of Ocean City. And it was a really special experience because it was incredibly educational. We learned all about the ecosystem and the environment. And then, on top of that, we saw an eagle. So it was really great for all of us to be out on the water together. Our trip to Ocean City Maryland was filled with family fun!

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, Great Family Adventure, and keep an eye out for more awesome videos we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

Clothing: Cotopaxi Fuego Down Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Teca Cálido Reversible Kids’ Jacket, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, Cotopaxi Trico Hybrid Women’s Jacket, Do Good Kids’ Trucker Hat, Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker
Kayak: Jackson Kayak TakeTwo
Bikes:  E-Bikes Powered by Bosch – Yuba Spicy Curry, Riese & Muller,
Portable Firepit: Lavabox
Sunglasses: Wiley X

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When it comes to selecting the perfect pair, there are tons of options to choose the best sunglasses for fishing. In this article I would like to touch on a few things that can help you make the right decision.

Polarized is Key

First off, they need to be polarized. Polarized lenses will help cut the glare are a must. Not all polarized glasses are created equal though so you need to pick a good brand. There are tons of great brands out there. I would suggest finding one that makes a quality product and stands behind it.

I have chosen to partner with Wiley X over the past couple of years because they are light, durable, polarized, and have a great warranty. They also carry an impact rating that will protect my eyes from that inevitable lure flying back at my face. Once you have narrowed down the brand, you want to think about the following three things. Comfort, Coverage, and Color.

Comfort

They must be comfortable! Trying on different pairs to dial in the fit and feel is super important. The different styles are more than just different looks. They are typically designed to fit different head shapes and sizes. If your glasses do not fit properly it can lead to headaches and fatigue, which will lead to not wearing them and defeat the whole purpose. Finding a shop that carries multiple brands and styles can help you make the right decision.

Coverage

By coverage I mean how much of your face is covered. It can be easy to get caught up in all the many awesome looking styles out there, and while they may have super high quality polarized lenses, they may not be ideal for spending a day on the water. I spend a lot of time sight fishing, and this comes into play even more when I am trying to see through the water. I prefer glasses that wrap around my head a bit. This gives me more coverage on the sides which helps prevent glare  off the water from coming in.

The more sun I can block the better when it comes to seeing fish. This comes into play with a hat as well. The more I can shade my eyes, the easier it is to see the fishies! That being said, on those hot muggy days where the wind is dead, you want to have some space so the air can circulate. Otherwise, you end up with foggy glasses. It is a fine line for sure, but I look for glasses that wrap a bit and are not so tight to my face that they are touching the skin. This allows just a bit of air flow and still blocks the light.

Color

I am specifically talking about lens color here. This is probably one of the most overlooked attributes when it comes to choosing the right glasses for a day on the water. Let’s dive in a bit on why this is so important. Different lens colors also typically offer varying shades of darkness, meaning some will let more light in while others will block more.

Over the years I have noticed it goes a bit deeper than that though. The tint of the lens can play a big part especially when you need to see through the water. So how do you narrow that down? For me it all comes down to where and what type of water I am fishing. Weather conditions also play a role.

When I am fishing inshore in brackish water, I am typically sight fishing. This means I will want to wear my glasses even when it is low light and cloudy out. The idea is that the polarized lens will cut the glare and when it is cloudy, or the sun is low in the sky the glare is at an all time high. I usually lean toward a lens that has an amber or copper base in these conditions. It will let a bit more light in and brackish water tends to have more a of a copper or tannic color to it. The copper-based lenses seem to cut this much better.

When I am fishing offshore in blue water or even in super bright sun conditions where the water is super clear and may even have a blue tent to it, I go with a blue mirror lens. Blue mirrored lenses usually have a darker grey base lens color, and this will block more light in those bright sunny conditions.

Lastly a green or grey based lens can come in handy in those freshwater lakes and rivers where the sun is bright, and the water has more of a green color to it.  In a perfect world you would have all these available for changing conditions, but let’s face it, glasses are expensive.

So, if owning a few pair is not an option for you, I recommend thinking about where you fish the most and starting there. For me the copper or copper mirror lenses that have the amber base tend to be the most versatile. I can keep them on even when it is cloudy outside and they seem to work with the broadest amount of water types.

To quickly recap how to choose the right sunglasses for fishing, first and foremost they must be polarized. Second, find a reputable brand that not only makes a great pair of sunglasses but stands behind it.

Thirdly, make sure the best sunglasses for fishing are comfortable and fit properly. The Fourth thing is coverage. If they don’t block enough of the side light out that can reflect off the water, they may not do the job. And lastly lens color. This is just as important as the others. Copper is supper versatile, blue mirror is great for bright offshore conditions, and grey/green can be idle for water with a green tent. Think of your glasses as a tool that could be the difference in that next big catch!

Follow my Adventures and Subscribe

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more adventure fishing tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures? Head on over to the Road Trip Angler YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter. 

Sunglasses: Wiley X Peak, Wiley X Kingpin
Life vest: NRS Chinook PFD
Shirt: NRS Varial Hoodie

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I landed in Kigali at night and met Maurice and Emile, who would be guides and drivers for my time. For a capital city, I was surprised at the clean, crisp air and the blinking lights rolling on endless hills into the horizon. Welcome to the land of a thousand hills.

Rwanda: A history of strife and a mindset towards change

I arrived in April, which is an important time in Rwanda, for it marks the beginning of observing the 100 days of genocide, which began in April of 1994 and lasted until July of that year. It was a brutal, heartbreaking time when all across the country, murderous violence broke out, neighbor against neighbor, even inter-family murder, over the fomented differences between Hutus and Tutsis. Long-laid political agenda to wipe out the Tutsis erupted overnight. During the 100 day campaign, a million Tutsis were killed.

Since this awful time, Rwanda has been healing. Now, I walked the grounds of the Kigali Genocide Museum alongside many Rwandans who had come to visit loved ones buried in the mass graves, and to remember so that this never happens again. While it was difficult to take in, a visit to the genocide museums of Rwanda provide helpful context for travelers coming to visit.

Hiking in Rwanda: The Start of our Adventure

But like I said, Rwanda is home to much more than gorillas and genocide. The next day, I headed off the Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe is the lungs of Rwanda and the source of water. Here in the mountains, shrouded in dense canopy and mist, I came to hike into the literal tree tops. I met Ami, a local guide. Together we would hike under massive trees until we came to a rope bridge strung across the sky. From here, we would no longer need to stare with our necks craning up to see the tree tops, we could hike above them.

Ami and I watched as the sun went down from our spectacular vantage point. It was a wild welcome to the national parks of Rwanda.

An Early Start

I awoke at 4:30 in the morning as rain and wind lashed at my tent. It had rained fiercely all night, it was the rainy season after all. I began packing my gear and preparing for a trek to see the chimpanzees of Nyungwe. Sleepily I greeted Ami again. He communicated via radio to the trackers who were following a band of recently awoken chimps. We hurried to hike along the trail to find them. We met the team of trackers who urges us into the forest, we needed to move fast. After waking up, the chimps were on the move and hunting for food.

The chimps were elusive. While we saw did catch up to them, they were hustling down the trail. Each time we were able to catch up to them, they would turn and jaunt deeper into the jungle. I saw a lot of chimpanzee backsides, but very few faces!

Rwanda’s countryside in lush, green, and extremely fertile. It’s also where some of the best coffee in the world is grown. As we drove alongside Lake Kivu, a giant lake of incredible beauty, we passed through vast coffee fields and farms growing all sorts of food products.

Volcanoes National Park

I arrived to Volcanoes National Park, one of the most special places of East Africa. Here lies the Virunga Uplift and, a la the namesake, a string of volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park lies at the junction of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The three countries share this unique and important landscape, the only place in the world where the famed mountain gorillas call home.

Following Dian Fossey

In the 60’s, a daring young woman named Dian Fossey moved here and began to study the mountain gorillas. She played an integral role in launching the scientific study of mountain gorillas as well as the conservation effort to keep the gorillas from going extinct to habitat loss and poaching. Her book, Gorillas in the Mist and her work with the National Geographic Society, inspired people all over the globe.

Today, you can visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund campus, where the research of gorillas and education of new generations of conservationists (such as the locals who live in the land surrounding the lone remaining habitat) continues. The gorilla population is on the rise. The people who live near the gorillas have discovered that it’s in everyone’s best interest to care for these gorillas. This is one of the few good news stories in conservation today, and is worth celebrating.  

In Search of Gorillas

I met with Jolie, a guide, to hike into the forest to visit a family of mountain gorillas. We set off early with the hopes of spotting a family group of 22 gorillas, a dominant silverback, his entourage of females, and their offspring. The family is growing. Two brand new babies had just been born a few weeks prior.

Trackers radio’d to Jolie that the group had been spotted. We pushed through the brush and suddenly I found myself standing right next to a juvenile gorilla, quite the surprise! The family was lounging in an open area, casually eating their daily rations of 20+ kilos of vegetation. Getting to see the family in such an open area was a rare treat, as often they are obscured in the dense bamboo forest. I was so lucky!

The best moment came when one of the brand new babies became curious and approached me. Still learning how to climb and move, he awkwardly clambered up a bamboo barrier that was right in front of me. Penned in by the bamboo jungle, I couldn’t move away. Swaying and standing at the top, the little tyke reached out, curious about my camera lens. The mother casually watched, unconcerned. The baby, who’s not old enough to have a name yet, did his best to balance on the top of the bamboo. His fuzzy, matted hair glittered in the sunlight. My heart melted.

Mount Karisimbi

I had one more goal in mind for my time in Rwanda, to hike to the top of the highest point, Mount Karisimbi. There are eight volcanoes in the chain, five of which are in Rwanda. Karisimbi is the tallest.

To get there is no small accomplishment. I met with Beck, a guide familiar with Karisimbi. Joined by a team of porters, we set out across the forest to begin our two-day ascent. The mud! Oh the mud! There’s no getting around the mud if you are hiking in rainy season. We hiked for miles in ruthless, never ending mud. Often sinking up to my shins in mud, the trail was an exhausting adventure. It felt truly wild. I was loving every minute of it.

After a long slog, we at last made it to base camp. We had climbed over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, which is not easy when every step it feels as though the mud will suck your boots right off your feet.

At the Peak

We set out in the early morning with a fog still hanging thickly over camp. Today would be no easier, as the mountain got steeper while somehow remaining very muddy. As the sun rose, the clouds began to slip away, and we were treated to a gorgeous view of the other volcanoes poking their summits through the clouds.

As we approached the summit, the wind was howling. The clouds were ripping past us, but clinging to the rocks. It was a strange and beautiful sight. Gazing off, I could see the vastness of East Africa, clouds huddling in the forest of the Congo, and the beautiful landscape of Uganda and Rwanda. A stunning experience to celebrate such a beautiful time alongside wonderful people.

MANY THANKS TO VISIT RWANDA FOR ALL THEIR HELP!

Check out my previous article on Australia’s Grampian Mountains and the Great Ocean Walk.

Backpack: Mystery Ranch Bridger 45,
Top: Otero Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Jacket – Men’s

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