A few weeks ago, ACK was honored to be a part of the 50th Anniversary Gala of the Bayou Preservation Association, a Houston-based group whose mission is to celebrate, protect and restore the natural richness of Houston’s bayous and streams. We’re thankful of the relationship we have formed with members of the Association board, and we’re always willing to help out with several events hosted around Houston.

To aid our support of the Association’s work, our friends at Viking Kayaks were kind enough to partner with us in the donation of a Viking Profish 400 kayak to be included in the silent auction! Our Houston store associate Ben Reimers was able to attend the Gala and return with a full report on his experience. Not only was he overwhelmed with the beauty of the venue and bayous, but also with the generosity of the raffle winner, Terri. After winning the Viking Profish 400, she decided to donate it back to the Association. It was christened “Terri” in her honor and will continue to live on as an important tool for bayou cleanups and paddle trail maintenance. Here is Ben’s account of the event in his own words:

“The Gala started at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at the property of Colleen Holthouse. When we arrived at the event, we were greeted by Steve Hupp, Water Quality Director for the Bayou Preservation Association. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed that the property was overwhelmed with beautiful stone surrounded by enchanting vegetation. A large stone-made mansion graced us with its presence as we started to walk down a long path which lead to the Gala. Considering this property was on a mini-peninsula, the bayou was observable through the trees on both sides of the path. There were also many lantern-lit, stone-made staircases that stemmed from the path towards the shores of the bayou. Once we reached the Gala, we were received by servers as a local band named “KAOS” complimented the breezy environment with their blues-influenced song covers and originals.

The Gala surrounded a second “guest” house which had bars stationed in the front and in the pool area. In the pool area, the donated Viking Profish 400 in Aurora Blue shined among the clear water in the center of the pool. This donated kayak was the grand raffle prize for the Gala, and only looked more appealing as the wine started to flow among the crowd of what appeared to be 300 people all dressed in light blue formal attire. As the night enfolded, I met many interesting people and ate what I review as five-star restaurant quality food. The music continued to play until it was time for speakers to ACK-nowledge (get it?) and thank all those who made generous donations. Before I knew it, the person who won the Profish 400 was announced. She was in surprise and awe with the kayak she had just won, and graciously decided to donate the kayak back to the Bayou Preservation Association. It will now be used as transport to help clean and maintain the bayous of Houston.

Walking back to the entrance of the property, I realized I had forgotten I was in the city. The overall presentation of the property and the Gala assumed the role of a place far from the flat, unappealing urban areas of Houston. In accordance to this experience, the nature of the land had been preserved enough to simulate a place which had not been affected by the passages of time.”

To learn more about the Bayou Preservation Association, visit their website at www.bayoupreservation.org/Home.

With the holiday season upon us, we hope you’re all gearing up for adventures with your loved ones. To help outfit your holiday adventure, all ACK locations will be observing the following hours for the upcoming holidays:

Thanksgiving: Closed
Christmas Eve: 10 am – 3 pm
Christmas Day: Closed
New Years Eve: 10am – 4pm
New Years Day: Closed

Don’t forget, ACK.com is open 24/7!

2016 was the tenth year for KATS Texas, and it was one for the books! Competitors from all over Texas and beyond came together to fish a total of ten events, beginning in January and running all the way through October. The 2016 season saw over 600 registrations with 250 total anglers competing across the board, making it our biggest KATS season yet! 

The first seven tournaments were qualifying events in which contestants could compete in either the Pro or Social divisions. Those looking for more serious competition chose Pro and kept track of their progress over the season for a stake in the Classic Elite Series and for prestigious titles such as Kayak Angler of the Year and King of the Fish. Those looking to get started in the sport or improve their skills joined the ranks of the Social division, competing for lots of amazing prizes and certificates donated by our generous sponsors!

For more information about the Kayak Angler Tournament Series, visit fishkats.com.

Classic Elite Series

This year we decided to shake things up and have a three-part championship! The top 35 anglers competed in this series and were determined from the seven regular season events. The anglers traveled to Lake Fayette, Lake Fork and Ladybird Lake to duke it out for the gold.

We combined the scores from the Elite Series with the regular season events and took the best eight out of the ten total (7 regular season and 3 elite series) to determine the 2016 Angler of the Year.

Tyler Howell Wins Angler of the Year

Tyler Howell earned the Kayak Angler of the Year title at the final event in our Classic Elite Series at Ladybird Lake! Tyler had the most inches at 742 points after combining his best eight events. A solid performance in the regular season was strong enough to carry him through the Classic Elite Series and keep him at the top. His stellar performance won him a Malone Auto Racks MegaSport Fishing Trailer and an Old Town Predator XL Minn-Kota Package with a Lowrance Hook Fishfinder and Supernova Lights.

Joseph Sanderson Named King of the Fish

Coming in at 2nd place for Angler of the Year and 1st place for King of the Fish, Joseph was a force to be reckoned with! He broke the KATS record for largest stringer during the final Championship Elite Series event at Lady Bird Lake with 110.25 inches! His top 5 catches from this season totaled a whopping 111.75 inches, and won him a Diablo Paddlesports Amigo Kayak with Seadek outfitting and a Power-Pole Micro Anchor with a Battery Pak.

KATS Saltwater

This was the second season for the Saltwater edition of our KATS tournament, which also saw an increase in interest and attendance. There were three total Saltwater events, taking place in Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and Galveston. The first event had a total of 40 competitors setting the record for the number of participants for the KATS Saltwater Series!  

A big thanks to everyone, contestants and staff, for a successful season.

Want to join us in 2017? For more information about next year’s season, click here.

Combining his best eight events, with a grand total of 742 points, Tyler Howell was named Angler of the Year at the final KATS event in our Classic Elite Series at Ladybird Lake in Austin, Texas this season.

We chatted with him about all things fishing, from early memories to mentorship, to get a better picture of the guy behind the title.

How long have you been fishing KATS?

I have fished KATS for the past three years. When I bought my first Pro Angler from Ryan back when he was working at the San Marcos location, I noticed a flyer for the KATS series and I was ‘hooked’ ever since.

How did you get started kayak fishing?

My kayak fishing beginnings started when I was probably 11 or 12 years old. My parents had a friend who operated a canoe/tubing outfitter in Spring Branch, Texas, on the Guadalupe River. Whenever my family would elect to go on a tubing trip I would usually opt for a kayak because it gave me the mobility and independence to fish instead.

What is one memorable experience you have from fishing?

This is a tough question. I have had a lot of memorable things happen regarding fishing and it’s hard to choose one time that really stands out. If I had to choose, the memory of the first big bass I caught is something I can vividly recall (it was only like 2 pounds, but it made my little 10 yr old world) and was an experience that helped catalyze the passion I have for fishing still. I would also say the time I placed 2nd on Ladybird in the first event of my second KATS season is definitely up there.

What is your favorite lake to fish and why?

This is going to be a two part answer:

1. Lady Bird Lake: It is home to some truly monster bass and it is a place that I really worked on my skills as a kayak angler. The Bird can be tricky and demands a versatile skill and the ability to fish under highly pressured circumstances.

2. Fayette County Reservoir: Simply put, this lake is full of solid 4 – 5lb bass and they are usually pretty willing to eat.

Do you any tips or tricks for beginners and/or other anglers?

One thing I believe that helped me a lot this year was my commitment to covering a lot of water while fishing. Some days you can find a spot that is loaded up with fish, but more often than not (especially in a tournament situation), you are going to have to cover some ground to find not only numbers of fish, but the right quality of fish too. Pick a handful of baits or techniques that you have confidence in and allow you to cover a wide range of situations, make a lot of casts, and keep an open mind.

Who comes to mind when you hear the word “mentor”?

Does YouTube count? In all seriousness, this is a hard question for me. I can be a bit stubborn and have not sought out mentorship as much as I probably should. My dad taught me some of the foundational principles of fishing and I can definitely credit him for planting the seed for me. For better or for worse, in both life and in fishing, I’ve always tried to do things myself, although as I’ve gotten older I’m realizing that this is not always the best approach. When I do seek mentorship, it is usually in a more indirect fashion. I’ll look to people who have enjoyed success, both notable and everyday, trying to see what sort of habits and character traits they employ, and from there try to apply what I’ve taken from them into my own life.

Favorite fish dish?

It’s hard to beat some delicious grilled salmon, although fried crappie also has a special place in my heart.

Beyond titles/awards, what does your involvement with KATS mean to you?

Awards and titles are great and it is cool to look back at what I have accomplished, but in truth they are not the things driving me to involve myself in KATS. For some reason I actually get a bit uncomfortable whenever I get an award, it’s a strange feeling. I mainly just enjoy KATS for the camaraderie and the competition. I’m a pretty competitive person, so seeing the fruits of your labor come to fruition during a tournament is something that is special to me.

What’s next – in life and in fishing?

Right now I am just happy to be a part of a company that allows me to pursue and live out my passion every day. Somewhere down the road I would like to return to school in order to attain my Master’s Degree, possibly in the fields of Fisheries Biology or Nutrition. As for fishing, in a general sense, I simply want to keep getting better and learn as much as I can. There are so many good fishermen in KATS that if I hope to have continued success I will need to not rest on my laurels. That being said, I hope to continue my involvement with KATS and just tournaments in general. One day I would also really like to work as a fishing guide.

Our Austin, Texas store just got a new team member! We chatted with him to learn more about him as a person beyond his job title: Early memories of the outdoors, what brought him to ACK, his latest adventure hiking the Appalachian Trail, and more.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. My first experience paddling was in a row boat that my father built for me. By age 12, I was starting to try fishing from a kayak and my passion for kayak fishing grew from there. I attended the University of Alabama where I got a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management. I have worked in both automotive and furniture manufacturing and have studied Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Recently, I took a break from work to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. After finishing my hike, I decided I wanted to work in the outdoor industry, which led me to Austin Canoe and Kayak.

What is your earliest memory of the outdoors?

The first memories I have of the outdoors are from trips down to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. I caught fish using hook and line from piers, and used dip and seine nets to gather specimens at the beach. My parents would teach me how to identify the species I found using field guides. If I was having trouble catching creatures, I’d grab my boogie board and catch a wave instead!

Describe your ideal outdoor adventure weekend.

I’m a pretty flexible guy with a wide range of interests, so many different trips qualify as ideal for me! My favorite thing to do is to sleep under the stars in a place where I cannot perceive any light or sound pollution at all. Whatever the activity during the day– typically hiking or kayaking–any trip where I get to sleep out in the forest, desert, or up on a mountain sounds good to me.

What inspired you to hike the Appalachian trail?

Back in college my friend Rob invited me to join him and the Auburn University Outdoor Adventure Club on a weekend trip on the Appalachian Trail. I had been car camping a few times, but had never backpacked and never really hiked. I had some gear that I had accumulated over the years, but had never actually carried it on my back. I remember walking up and down the stairs at my apartment complex a few times to “prepare” for the trip and figured I’d be fine.

We found the trail head in the dark, and covered our first miles of the trip by headlamp. I’m not sure what my pack ended up weighing, but after a few miles of trail it seemed like a hundred pounds. I couldn’t believe how narrow, rocky, and root covered the trail was! The weather was freezing and I got very little sleep on the 2-night, 3-day trip. I was the last of our party to make it to our final camp site at the summit of Blood Mountain, Georgia. I remember stopping to rest several times in the snow. All that hardship made the view from the summit even better–I had truly earned it.That night the whole group huddled together in the old stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in the 1930s, trying to stay warm.

In some ways those were the most miserable few days of my life up to that point, but they challenged me in a way I had never before experienced. After the trip, I kept thinking about the AT. I became obsessed with the idea of challenging myself to walk the entire length of the trail which had so soundly defeated me on my first foray.

I slowly put together a kit with a base weight around 16 pounds, and ended up hitting the trail after I graduated in 2013. That attempt resulted in me getting off the trail after around a thousand miles, so in 2016 I quit my job and went back to Georgia to try again. The months I have spent on the trail have been some of the best times of my life.

What were your must have products for the journey? 

One of the things that made my trip in 2016 so enjoyable was the fact that I had gained the experience needed to put together a lightweight (12.28 pound base weight) pack which kept me safe and comfortable in every type of weather you could imagine for the East Coast over an almost 6-month trip. I’d love to share a few of my favorite items from the trail:

First thing’s first–I gotta talk about my food preparation! Food is the most important thing to any long-distance hiker, and I am no exception. I have used MSR products for a long time now, and I found the MSR MicroRocket Stove to be extremely reliable, easy to use, and lightweight. When weather conditions and local regulations permitted, I would cook over an open fire, but most nights, especially towards the end of the trail when I no longer had the energy to spare to collect firewood, I would just crank up my MicroRocket and have dinner ready in under 5 minutes. It weighs under 4 ounces and is super tough. I expect it to last me many more trips to come.

One of my most luxurious upgrades I purchased on the trail was my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Mattress. I finally caved and bought this inflatable after my body refused to stop protesting my decision to sleep on a closed cell foam Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest SOLite, which I had used for years. The difference was astounding. I slept better and longer on the XLite, and the 12 ounce weight meant I could hike longer and faster as well. My concern with inflatables on a long hike is that if one fails you in the middle of nowhere you will have to sleep on the cold hard ground until you can find another one. By the end of the trail, it did seem as though my XLite had developed a slow leak, but the quality of sleep I achieved with it means it still has earned a place in my go-to gear box. With both the Ridge Rest and the XLite I found a size “regular” to be sufficient, despite my 6’2″ height. I would simply let my feet rest on my backpack, clothing, or my food bag (if I was unable to find a good tree to hang it from).

Towards the end of the trail, I decided I wanted to begin my summit of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the AT, in the dark so that the sun would rise as I cleared tree line. Up until the final days of the trail, I carried a Petzl e+Lite Ultra-Compact Emergency Headlamp as my only light source. This headlamp is smaller than a pecan and weighs under an ounce. The light served me well from Georgia to Maine, but it just didn’t provide enough light for me to be confident using it to scale the nearly vertical sections of Katahdin in the predawn hours. I picked up a Black Diamond Spot Headlamp and used it for the beginning of my final ascent. This light is so versatile! With one button you can adjust from a very dim red light for organizing things in your tent or reading at night, to a super bright spot light which allowed me to spot blazes in the dark while clambering up the rocky approach to the Table Lands. I still use this headlamp to read in bed every night and haven’t changed the batteries once!

What are you most excited about working at ACK?

For me, the most exciting part of working at ACK is getting to help people get the gear they need to make the most of their outdoor experiences. A comfortable night out of doors or a day spent in a quality kayak appropriate for your needs are the kinds of experiences that can lead to a lifelong relationship with our natural environment. I think that outdoor recreation enhances life and builds character and skills we can use in every facet of life. I am also a huge proponent of environmental protection and conservation. I believe that the more people we get out in the woods or on the water, the more people we will have fighting for the preservation of these places.

What would you say are your outdoor industry areas of expertise? What can ACK customers come to talk to you about?

The outdoor activity I have been doing the longest is saltwater fishing, very often from a Hobie Mirage Outback Kayak. When I was younger I also worked on an inshore charter boat, so I learned to fish for king and spanish mackerel, redfish, cobia, tarpon, trout, flounder, and snapper. Sharks are also always a fun catch. I’ve been away from the salt for a few years now, but still like to fish for these species whenever I get the chance and would happily share my knowledge with anyone looking to get into saltwater fishing.

I’d say I’m equally well-versed in hiking and backpacking, having backpacked around 3,000 miles in the past few years. I’ve carried a pack on both the east and west coasts of the United States, in addition to a few trails in New Zealand. Backpacking is a great way to fully immerse yourself in nature and I’d recommend it to everyone, regardless of skill level or age. There are trails and backcountry camping options to suit almost everyone. Whether you are planning an overnighter or a 6-month thru hike, I’d be glad to talk backpacking any time.

My most recent hobby is whitewater kayaking. I started paddling whitewater in 2015 and it has become somewhat of an obsession. One of my favorite destinations on my days off is the whitewater play park at Rio Vista in San Marcos. I am still a novice, with a fairly strong on-side roll, so I enjoy paddling class 2 to 3 rivers. One of my goals for 2017 is to get together or find a group of Austin paddlers to help each other work on our skills, while also providing a network and river family so that I know who to call when the creeks start running. Whitewater paddling is beyond fun, but can also be dangerous. Never paddle alone, and always carry the bare minimum in safety gear– a PFD, a kayak helmet, and a good throw rope. I’d be happy to help set people up with this gear and I’m looking forward to meeting up with Austin paddlers!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I love to spend time outdoors and be active in a number of hobbies, including cooking, homebrewing, traveling, and making craft cocktails. I hold three nationalities and have traveled all over the US, Europe, Canada, and some of Central America. I live in Austin, Texas (technically, Leander) with my wife, our dog Brewski, and we have a baby boy on the way.

I hold a business degree from UT Austin (go Horns!). I have worked at ACK for over six years, including as a part-time seasonal associate, store manager, store operations, fleet accounts, buying/merchandising, KATS program manager, and now as the director of store operations.

I aspire to one day own one or more small businesses and spend my free time traveling and outdoors finding new places. You can usually find me in a lake during the summer or in front of a campfire in the winter.

What are you most excited about with your new role directing the ACK stores?

I started in the stores and have come full circle with knowledge from many other departments. I am most excited about being a part of improving our store presence and making them even more customer friendly. There is a ton of opportunity for ACK to offer the best kayak retail experience in the industry. Outside of that, I really enjoy the team I work with and tackling new challenges every day.

Can you tell us a little about your involvement with the Kayak Angler’s Tournament Series (KATS)?

I took on KATS soon after joining ACK in 2011. ACK had just acquired the series and it was brand new to me, as well as ACK in general, so we had no clue what to do. With a little help from the veteran participants, we grew it from a group of about 30 anglers to over 250 in the last few years. This year alone we hit over 900 registrants throughout the series and secured over $100,000 in sponsorships! KATS is a lot of work and it is a team effort; several folks, including ACK staff, the KATS Governing Body members, and local volunteers make this series possible. It’s a growing sport and it is certainly heading in the direction of being a full time professional sport similar to power boat circuits. Even as I get more and more help to run the series I feel a sense of ownership and pride in the work we have done and it is hard for me to step away from it.

“This year alone we hit over 900 registrants throughout the series and secured over $100,000 in sponsorships!”Kristian Kolflat

What would your ideal outdoor adventure be?

I took a 6-month camping road trip across the western part of the USA a few years ago. I hope to one day be able to take my family on a similar trip. Good food, a good tent, long hikes, a robust campfire, and some whiskey is all I need for a happy camp-out.

What are your top 3 must-have products for a weekend outdoors?

A quality pocket knife. I currently use a Sog Kiku.
A quality cooler. YETIs are great.
A cast iron pan. You can cook anything in those.

What is your favorite fish dish?

This is a really tough one as I love fish prepared in all kinds of ways but a rare or seared tuna steak would probably be it. Tip: Go to Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar and order the Sushi Grade Tuna Burger for a delicious meal.

What’s next? In life and at ACK?

A baby. Coming March 2017 I will have a little boy to share these adventures with. As for ACK, look for some sweeping changes in presentation, merchandising, and customer service within the stores.

The 2017 series is ramping up quickly in the Texas area with some serious growth! We have six qualifying events in the Texas area, including the Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, and Houston regions. A 2-day KATS Classic Championship will take place in the fall, testing the skill of the top anglers from the series.

Our competitor field is made up of kayak fishing fanatics with a deep rooted passion for catching while paddling. They compete in forces numbering 150 and up (expected to grow this year!) for prizes, payouts, honor, and several prestigious titles, including Kayak Angler of the Year, King of the Fish, and Classic Elite Champion!

This is the 11th year for KATS and the 6th year Austin Canoe and Kayak will host the growing series.

Program Director Kristian Kolflat will be heading KATS again with the assistance of Tournament Director Ryan Schaper and the KGB (KATS Governing Body). All look forward to seeing the die-hard regulars along with some fresh faces amongst the crowd.

In addition to KATS Texas, we are pleased to announce that in 2017 KATS will be returning to the Midwest area to host three events. For more information, click here. If you are interested in competing in this series, click here for the schedule.

If you love fishing, or fishing from a kayak, then KATS is for you! On top of selecting some of the best bass fisheries in Texas and the Midwest areas, the element of competition adds some adrenaline to your kayak angling opportunities. Bass fishing is already great, and it’s even better from a kayak where you can reach places most powerboats can’t. We love supporting the local kayak fishing crowd, so come join us for these fun yet competitive events in one of two divisions, Pro and Social!

Visit fishkats.com for series info and to sign up for the KATS newsletters!

Register for 2017 KATS Texas here.

Austin, Texas (February 20, 2017) – The Kayak Angler’s Tournament Series (KATS) organization is pleased to announce a donation total of $9,600 as a result of the 2016 series. The funds were raised through charity raffle sales to help support five Texas based non-profits, including the Kids Outdoor Zone, Austin Chapter of Heroes on the Water, C.A.S.T for Kids, Explore Austin and the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride.

The KATS organization, along with the support of its participants, sponsors and host, Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK), focuses on giving back to the community. KATS donates funds raised by tournament participants and spectators through charity raffle sales and event registrations annually. Each year, the charities are selected by the KATS Governing Board, an organization designed to represent the kayak angling community.

One such charity is the Kids Outdoor Zone, who hosts their annual Dell Children’s Hospital Fishing event every summer. “I knew I wanted to do something for kids and the outdoors is my personal passion. God placed the idea on my heart and I went to work, without doubt that we could bring fishing to these kids,” Kids Outdoor Zone Co-Founder Chris Roberts said.

“There is not a better feeling than seeing these kids show up in their hospital gowns and leave with huge smiles and their very own fishing gear. Putting on this event has been a life changing experience.”Kids Outdoor Zone Co-Founder Chris Roberts

In addition to the Kids Outdoor Zone, KATS also made a contribution to the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride. The non-profit organization is dedicated to helping those facing breast cancer as well as their families. Held in historic Martindale, the ride benefits nine local organizations that help central Texans facing breast cancer.

“On behalf of the breast cancer fighters and survivors in Central Texas, Texas Mamma Jamma Ride is thrilled to receive this generous donation from KATS,” Texas Mamma Jamma Board President Jenny Douglas said. “These funds will help to ensure that those battling breast cancer in our community get the support and care they need to win the fight.”

All proceeds raised in the 2016 season were used to support regionally based charities. Raffle items are generously donated by the tournament series sponsors. More information about the beneficiaries can be found below.

Kids Outdoor Zone – www.kidsoutdoorzone.com
Texas Mamma Jamma – www.mammajammaride.org
C.A.S.T for Kids – www.castforkids.org
Heroes on the Water – Austin Chapter – www.heroesonthewater.org
Explore Austin – www.exploreaustin.org

About KATS
Kayak Angler Tournament Series (KATS) has grown to become Texas’ largest freshwater kayak fishing tournament series. This is the 11th year for KATS and the 6th year for Austin Canoe and Kayak to host this growing series. The 2017 season has six qualifying events in the Texas area including Austin, San Marcos , San Antonio and Houston regions. A two day KATS Classic Championship will take place in the fall testing the skill of the top anglers from the series. For more information about KATS, please visit www.FishKats.com.

About Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK)
Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK) is an award-winning paddlesports and outdoor retailer dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, product selection and expertise. ACK is based in Austin, Texas area, operating its e-commerce store at www.AustinKayak.com and five physical locations in Austin, San Marcos, Spring, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with a KATS representative, please contact Andrea Heck at andrea@summitsports.com.

Austin Canoe & Kayak (ACK) is excited to announce its annual Spring Demo Day events, featuring over 90 kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards, as well as educational clinics from industry experts.

Austin, Texas (March 7th, 2017) – Outdoor retailer Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK), a brand of Summit Sports, LLC, announces its annual Spring Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Demo Days & Outdoor Expo. A total of four events will be held, located around ACK’s physical store locations, with events in Austin and North Houston (Conroe) on April 1st and 2nd and Houston and San Marcos on April 8th and 9th.

ACK’s bi-annual Demo Days are designed to provide both expert and novice paddlers with an opportunity to get out on the water and paddle over 90 kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards, as well as attend a number of informative clinics hosted by industry experts. These educational and entertaining seminars take place throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday, covering a wide variety of topics ranging from kayak fishing to paddling safety.

“There is no one-size-fits-all kayak and that’s exactly why we host Demo Days. We want our customers to get a true feel for how a kayak paddles and what is comfortable for them,” ACK Director of Brand Marketing Roland Jimenez explains. “The best way to achieve this is to get out on the water and paddle a few options. Demo Days gives people the convenience of doing just that with a large selection of makes and models all at once.”

Industry experts, ACK staff and representatives from major paddlesport manufacturers will be there to assist with picking out the perfect kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard and answer any questions attendees may have. Whether you’re deciding between boats or just getting into the sport, this is the perfect time for the whole family to come out, grab a high-end paddle and hit the water! Now in its 11th year, ACK’s Demo Days have paired hundreds of adventurers with their perfect watercraft.

“There is no one-size-fits-all kayak and that’s exactly why we host Demo Days. We want our customers to get a true feel for how a kayak paddles and what is comfortable for them.”Roland Jimenez, ACK Director of Brand Marketing

ACK’s Kayak Demo Days are held every spring and fall, and the event is free and open to the general public. Additional information and maps to each location can be found at www.austinkayak.com/demo.

About Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK)

Austin Canoe and Kayak (ACK) is an award-winning paddlesports and outdoor retailer dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, product selection and expertise. ACK is based in Austin, Texas area, operating its e-commerce store at www.AustinKayak.com and five physical locations in Austin, San Marcos, Spring, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas.

About Summit Sports LLC

Summit Sports LLC owns and operates a number of outdoor action e-commerce sites, including www.ack.com, www.skis.com, www.snowboards.com and www.inlineskates.com along with nine physical stores in Michigan and Texas. Summit Sports is committed to offering best in class action sports shopping experiences both in-store and online by providing one the largest selections of quality outdoor gear brands, extensive resources and knowledge.

Contact Information:
Andrea Heck
Marketing Manager
512-318-2941
andrea@summitsports.com

For the first time in the event’s 47-year history, the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic will be held in Houston, Texas, and ACK will be there!

Austin Canoe and Kayak will be joining fellow outdoor retailers at the Outdoor Expo, held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic. You can find us working in the booths of our Hobie and Old Town/Ocean Kayak vendors!

The Expo will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center; walking distance from the weigh-ins at Minute Maid Park. Featuring free admission to the public, the Outdoors Expo will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm Friday on March 24, as well as from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Oh, and did we mention admission to the expo is FREE? 

For more information about the Bassmaster Classic and Outdoor Expo, visit the Bassmaster website here.

Quick Info

What:
Bassmaster’s Outdoor Expo

Where:
George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, Texas 77010

When:
Friday, March 24: 12 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, March 25: 10 am – 7 pm
Sunday, March 26: 10 am – 4 pm

Price:
FREE!

If you’ve never been to ACK’s Demo Days, we highly recommend our upcoming spring series! The events, happening over two weekends in four different Texas locations, gives you a unique experience to try out the boats you are most interested in before making the purchase to ensure you find the perfect boat for your needs.

This year, we are honored to represent and carry some of the leading kayak brands in the industry, including Feelfree, Old Town, Viking, Wilderness Systems and of course, Hobie. Here’s some of the new boats we’re most excited to showcase this year:

Perception Pescador Pilot

The Perception Pescador Pilot is an affordable sit-on-top kayak packed to the gills with fishing features and complete with the included Pilot Drive pedal drive system. The kayak is performance-engineered to achieve the perfect balance of simplicity and ingenuity and is ergonomically optimized for all-day hands-free fishing. It’s outfitted with a Captain’s Chair with on-the-fly adjustable gear tracks and tension knobs, four molded-in rod holders, two YakAttack accessory tracks, a transducer scupper, and two storage consoles for mounting electronics. The best feature? A price that propels the Pescador Pilot into a class all its own.

Old Town Predator PDL

The Old Town Predator PDL Kayak is bringing hands-free fishing to the Predator kayak family. The Predator PDL hull was designed in conjunction with the PDL Drive for the perfect combination of stability and speed. It will get you to your favorite fishing spots quickly and efficiently, and the seamless forward and reverse will give you exact boat control in wind and currents.

The drive installs in seconds and can be tipped up out of the way instantly for obstructions and shallow water docking. Coming in at 21 lbs, the PDL Drive is so light that it will even float. In addition to the new PDL drive, the Predator hull still has everything you love about the Predator series, including the Element seating system, center console, mounting plates, and generous storage options. The Predator PDL comes with the pedal drive and rudder so you are ready to get out on the water right away.

Wilderness Systems Radar 135

The Wilderness Systems Radar 135 is an exceedingly versatile fishing kayak. It can be paddled with a traditional kayak paddle, pedaled with the new Helix PD Pedal Drive, or powered by the Helix MD Motor Drive. The SMART hull technology combines stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking for optimal performance in multiple water environments and configurations.

Design elements include an upswept bow for a dry ride, a defined keel line for excellent tracking, a rockered chine for responsive steering and a flat, stable platform for standing and freedom of movement in flat to rough water. The Radar features state of the art outfitting including the SlideTrax rails, multiple storage hatches, and generous rear tankwell storage.

The AirPro Max seat is as comfortable as it is functional; its quick-drying, breathable mesh fabric won’t fade in the sun, the quick-adjust levers let you slide the seat fore and aft, and it can be stored vertically to open up the deck for stand-up fishing.

Liquid Logic Manta Ray Propel

The Propel Pedal Drive is a highly acclaimed and revolutionary system that allows users to go further and explore more than ever before. Reverse capability enables users to easily slow down, stop, or back up in tight spots. Great for all ages and uses, the Manta Ray Propel is on the cutting edge of recreational kayak design.

Features include: a sharp bow and stern that enhances glide for easy cruising, adjustable ergonomic seating for comfort on the water, sealed bow storage, padded grab handles, and transducer mounting cavity and plate under the hull. Native Watercraft’s proven and durable Propel Drive System has become more affordable than ever in this user-friendly craft.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas, and grew up as an only child having to entertain myself. My folks lived on the edge of town and our property bordered two big ranches. Essentially I was left to my own devices and was allowed to take my BB gun and .22 out to keep busy. These early experiences hunting gave me a profound insight into nature and a yearning desire to understand the cycles of our Earth and its inhabitants that would later help me understand bass as well.

About the time I turned 9, my grandparents bought a house on Lake Dunlap and I began to fish for panfish from their dock but never really got a chance to fish from a boat or kayak. Within a few years I was working for an amusement park in New Braunfels and found myself staring at large bass in the crystal clear waters of the Comal River. Then the passion sparked. I’d take my rod to work with me and target largemouth bass with hours upon hours of frustration until I learned finesse techniques on 6 lb. monofilament.

Shortly after I married my wife, Valerie, we went to visit some family in Alaska to do offshore fishing in the Prince William Sound and often I found myself paddling a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135 tandem with my wife and realizing that the access of a kayak into skinny water was exactly what I needed for my Central Texas rivers. That trip to Alaska was one of the most memorable- fishing for rockfish, lingcod, halibut and salmon (and eating them fresh). I can directly link my love for fishing to that trip.

Together, Valerie and I have made two trips to Costa Rica as well. The experience of climbing a muddy foot trail in dense fog to ascend the crest of a dormant volcano and descending down into the caldera where a crystal clear lagoon invites you for a swim is a religious moment I will never forget.

Q. Describe your ideal outdoor adventure weekend.

A weekend just isn’t long enough sometimes! I’ve had this grand scheme to steal away for a few weeks during the Alaskan summer to be dropped off on an island in the PWS with a kayak, my saltwater fishing gear and no connection to the outside world except a pickup date. Combining camping in an extremely remote area with kayak fishing and hunting small game for subsistence would satisfy my needs.

I’ve had this grand scheme to steal away for a few weeks during the Alaskan summer to be dropped off on an island in the PWS with a kayak and all my saltwater fishing gear and no connection to the outside world except a pickup date.John Henry Boatright, ACK San Antonio Store Manager

Q. What is your most memorable outdoor adventure?

The most memorable outdoor adventure I’ve had would have to be a backpacking trip to Big Bend with my buddy Benjy. This guy is the epitome of an adventurer – a former whitewater guide, an AT thru-hiker and recently rode his Harley from the southern tip of Texas to Alaska. So when we decided to head west and complete the Outer Loop Trail I was thrilled. Starting in the low desert we trekked through the hottest of heat among the sage and yuccas.

Benjy was adamant he was going to cook dinner the first night. As we set up camp he busts out fajitas, tortillas, avocados, pico and a little flask. Now I understood why he wanted to cook the first night – to drop that weight. His Jetboil made quick work of heating the meal and I was sold on adding one of these to my backpacking gear.

The next day we ascended over a mile while hiking only six miles by foot. Our legs were obliterated. We camped 10 feet from the edge of the South Rim overlooking Mexico and watched in anticipation and silence as a thunderstorm crossed the Rio Grande and inundated the Chihuahuan Desert with water before coming to us. We had decided not to pitch our tents, just to roll up with our gear in our rain covers and let the water rinse us clean, and what an experience that was.

The final day we descended down meandering trails to our vehicle, hit up the Lodge in the basin and had ourselves a greasy burger, a shower and some ice cream before our drive home. I’d repeat that trip in a heartbeat.

Q. What are your must-have products for any outdoor adventure?

A Jetboil is a must-have for any minimalist camping or backpacking trip. The size and weight conservation mean more room for other comfort gear. It’s quick to boil (hence the name) and doubles as your camp heater when you can’t build a fire.

A Jetboil is a must-have for any minimalist camping or backpacking trip.John Henry Boatright, ACK San Antonio Store Manager

I also won’t camp without my Sea to Summit collapsible cookware and utensils. Again, saving on weight and space is the name of the game in kayak camping and backpacking and these silicone cups, bowls and pots are easy to pack and clean and they hold up to heavy usage.

I always carry my Black Diamond headlamp. From hunting, fishing, camping or just working on my gear around a campsite – Black Diamond headlamps withstand a beating, are easy to use with a gloved hand in cold weather and they’re BRIGHT!

Q. What are you most excited about working with ACK?

I’m most excited about the connections I’m making and how those connections allow me to expand my knowledge base. Not only am I getting to know my employees and other peers better, but the wealth of knowledge each customer brings in is a huge resource. I’ve already made new friends, fished with a few folks and get those insider tips on local fisheries that would typically take a few trips to develop.

Q. What are your areas of outdoor expertise? What can ACK Customers come chat with you about?

I’m an avid kayak bass fisherman. I write for an online publication (KBFMAG) and devote a lot of time to “field study” and practical application of my techniques. I also lived in South Padre Island, Texas, for awhile and spent a lot of time fishing the Lower Laguna Madre, targeting Redfish, trout and Sheepshead.

Lastly, I’m an avid camper and backpacker and love to test my will by just loading and going. I’d love to offer tips on gear, meal planning and destinations and really enjoy a combination of kayak fishing and camping- where planning is a must and load capacity is the difference in dragging your heavy kayak or floating and fishing.

We hope you’re as excited for our upcoming Demo Days as we are!

To help you know what to expect and make the most of the event, we answered some of the most frequently asked logistical questions we’ve received over the years:

1. What Time Are Demos?

The opening and closing times are the same at all four Texas demo locations: Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm. There are always eager paddlers who show up early hoping to be first on the water and end up bummed when we make them wait until either 10 am or 12 pm sharp. Due to insurance and liability, we just can’t let anyone on the water until opening time. Please feel free to show up early, but be warned you will not be allowed on the water. You can chat with us, though!

2. What’s The Deal With Check-In?

Speaking of everyone at Demos being eager to get on the water, there’s some quick paperwork to get out of the way before that can happen! All locations require you to sign an ACK waiver to be able to use the demo boats, and some of the locations also have property waivers so you can enter the area. It’s not all bad though! When you sign the ACK waiver, you’re automatically entered into our raffle drawing. Who doesn’t love free stuff?

3. What Do I Need To Bring?

The simple answer: Just yourself! You’ll want to come prepared for the elements, the possibility of getting wet and a day of being outside; read more about that on our blog here. We’ll have paddles and PFDs in an array of sizes for anyone wanting to get on the water.

4. Are Dogs Allowed?

It depends on the location. Our Austin, San Marcos/San Antonio and Houston Demos are all pet-friendly, but please don’t bring pets to our Conroe demo. For the locations that are pet-friendly, we just ask that they play well with others and stay on a leash!  If we notice that your pet is not playing nice or we receive complaints, we reserve the right to ask you and your pet to leave. And of course, please clean up after your pet

5. How Do I Demo A Boat?

All of the boats will be separated out by vendor/manufacturer, with the vendor/manufacturer staff nearby to answer any specific questions or help people get on boats. Don’t be shy! If you’re interested in demoing a boat, you will first need to grab a PFD and paddle, which are located near the check-in tent. Then, feel free to hop on whatever boat you’re interested in!

The staff is there to help out when needed, but you don’t need someone to give you the go-ahead to test a boat. The vibe at Demo Days is pretty relaxed and we want you to feel comfortable testing these boats at your leisure.

6. What If I’m Interested In Purchasing A Boat?

You have two options. You could go to the “swipe table” at demos and put a deposit down on the boat you’re interested in. If you go this route, the ACK store will call you the following week to finalize the details of your purchase, but you lock the price down with your deposit. Deposits are 100% refundable and transferable to different boats.

Your second option would be to leave the demo and go to the ACK store, where our store staff will walk you through color and accessory options. You can also pick up the boat right then and there if they have it in stock!

7. Which Boats Are On Sale?

We have three categories of boats for sale at Demo Days. New 2017 boats and models will have green price stickers on them. Purchasing one of these means you will be receiving a new boat that hasn’t touched the water.

We’ll also have clearance boats. These boats could be on clearance for multiple reasons: they’re older or discontinued models, or they’re blemished or warranty items. These boats still haven’t seen the water, though!

The last category are the used demo boats, those that are actually out on the water. These boats are first-come first-serve, and there are generally only one of each style. While they’re available to purchase, you won’t be able to pick them up until both weekends of the demo are over.

Hopefully we covered everything! If you have any other questions, comment below. Can’t wait to see y’all out on the water!

Last weekend was a wrap for our 2017 Spring ACK Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Demo Days!

We had some incredible vendor reps and employees out on the water, and we hope you were able to take advantage of the great clinics they hosted. We went live with a few of them (i.e. Kayak Safety with Viking Kayaks, How to Paddle (The Basics) with Native Watercraft, and Kayak Fishing with Native Watercraft) on our main FB page, if you’d like to watch the saved videos.

We want to thank all of our vendors and employees who came out on their weekends to help our customers find the perfect boat for their needs.

A great big “Thank You” also goes out to everyone who attended any of our four locations (we know some of you came to multiple events, which is awesome). The weather wasn’t as cooperative as we would have hoped for the first weekend, but we are super grateful for those who stuck it out and still came to spend the day with us.

Year after year, we love seeing your enthusiasm for paddlesports and your eagerness to get on the water and test out our boats.

Without y’all, our Demo Days wouldn’t be half the event it is today! Check us out on Instagram and search #ACKdemodays for all event coverage. Feel free to tag us in your own content and use that hashtag as well!

We will be back at it in the fall, hope to see y’all then!

Did you know that each of our five Texas retail stores has its own page?

That’s right! On our blog, you will find pages dedicated to each retail store and its local happenings; just browse the top header to navigate between the stores.

You can take a peek inside the stores through virtual tours, check out any upcoming events (either at the store itself or in the community) and see the associates who work at each location before you drop by to meet them in person or give ’em a call with any questions you may have.

Take a virtual tour of our Austin store before you visit:

If you’re interested on staying even more up to date on the daily happenings associated with your local ACK shop, each store has a dedicated Facebook page with all the info you will need. Here you can see what’s been happening inside the shops, pictures of our adventures, photos from events we’ve attended, and much more!

Click below to check out the Facebook page of your local ACK shop:

Austin
San Marcos
San Antonio
Houston
Spring

And of course, for anyone living in Texas or planning to visit soon, come out to one of our stores and say hi to us in person! 

Clean-Up Crew 

Last weekend, some of our ACK staff headed to Lady Bird Lake here in Austin, Texas, with kayaks in tow to assist with a clean-up organized by the American Rivers as a part of their National River Cleanup®, an American Rivers program that keeps rivers and streams trash-free. 

We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who volunteered for the cleanup and helped us OWN IT!

The Numbers + Sponsors 

Austin saw 128 volunteers come out to clean up about 2,575 lbs of trash from four sites along the river. (That’s awesome.)

A huge shout-out also goes to the sponsors and partners of the cleanup – Cox Enterprises (the Austin-American Statesman and V Auto) and Cox Conserves, YETI Coolers, the CAN’d Aid Foundation, Sendero Provisions, Keep Austin Beautiful, and The Trail Foundation.

OWN IT: Take Initiative 

If you weren’t able to make it to the cleanup or you don’t live in Austin, there are still many ways you can get involved and help. Seek out organized efforts in your local area or decide to OWN IT yourself!  If you see a piece of trash along a walkway or water way, pick it up. You can take the River Cleanup Pledge with American Rivers and pledge to pick up 25 pieces of trash in 25 days.

We pledge to do our part to keep our playground clean – we hope you do too!

Spring has sprung, and our KATS season is moving along full steam! We are already more than halfway through our season here in Texas, and with the weather heating up, we’re ready for our mid season break. 

Record-Breaking Attendance 

It’s been a great season so far! Our first event this year on Lake Somerville saw 166 anglers on the water, breaking the KATS attendance record. We saw many familiar faces, as well as a surprising number of people fishing their first KATS event ever. 

Since then, we’ve had four more stops along the way in Lake Fayette, Coleto Creek, Decker Lake and Lake Livingston. A common thread between all these events has been unpredictable weather (no surprise in Texas). This year has brought wind, rain, more wind, and thunderstorms, but the conditions haven’t held our KATS anglers back.

They have embraced the weather at each event and brought home some stringers; the biggest bass so far this year came in at 23.75” from Mr. Michael Hanson. (You can check out the current full KATS leaderboard here.)

What’s Next?

We’re gearing up for our KATS Saltwater event in Aransas Pass come July. Anglers will compete inshore on the Texas Coast on the hunt for redfish, July 22nd, 2017.

As of now, we only have one regular season event left to fish before the championship this fall. We will be out on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas on June 10th. The championship will include the top 25 anglers from the regular season and put them to the test over a two-day tournament.

Make sure you are staying up to date on all the KATS info by following our KATS Texas Facebook Page here and joining our mailing list here. 

This year for Earth Day, our Austin Canoe & Kayak Austin Store teamed up with Give 5% to Mother Earth, pledging to donate five percent of our sales from Earth Day to the Give 5 Fund.

Give 5% to Mother Earth is an annual Austin environmental campaign that takes place on Earth Day where participating businesses pledge to donate 5% of their gross sales from that day to benefit local environmental non-profits.

We are proud to report that we donated just over $1,000 to help preserve Austin’s green spaces!

The 2017 Give 5 to Mother Earth Day campaign benefits the following organizations:

Shoal Creek Conservancy, Hill Country Conservancy, Sustainable Food Center, Waller Creek Conservancy, Austin Parks Foundation, Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund, Friends of Barton Springs Pool, Park Pease Conservancy, and TreeFolks.

Feature photo provided by the Give5 Blog

Hunter Amidon is one of our youngest KATS Anglers, but also one of our most enthusiastic! Not only did he finish in the top 5 at our last event on Lake Travis, he also qualified for the National Student Angler Federation tournament in Florence, Alabama. He and his fishing partner, Justin from Bowie High School, are traveling to Alabama this weekend to compete for over $75K in scholarships.

We caught up with Hunter to see how he is preparing for the tournament and ask how KATS has helped him in his fishing career:

1. Can you give us a brief history of your fishing career? How did you get started fishing?

I’ve been fishing all my life. My whole family fished almost every weekend so getting into the sport wasn’t really a choice, but I always enjoyed it. I began fishing at the coast, but once I started bass fishing I knew that it was more of a fit for me. I began tournament fishing 2 years ago with KATS, and then when I reached high school I started fishing the Student Angler Foundation tournaments. I now have a total of 5 top ten finishes in my fishing career.

2. You are also a seasoned KATS angler – what is your favorite part of fishing KATS?

My favorite part about fishing KATS is the competition. Every angler is just so talented, and they always seem to find ways to catch [fish]. I also enjoy fishing KATS because everyone is always so helpful and laid-back.

3. What do you think your biggest challenge will be going into the tournament?

The biggest challenge going into the national championship is being on new water. I only have one day of pre-fishing so I have to rely on fishing reports and past tournaments for information about the lake. We are learning a new lake in one day, which can be very tough.

4. What is you and your fishing partner’s secret to working well together as a team?

My partner and I work well together because we have been fishing together for a long time. My partner is also my best friend, so we have a trust level with each other. We seem to work together well because we make the best out of the situation and always try to have fun.

“My partner is also my best friend, so we have a trust level with each other.”KATS Angler Hunter Amidon

5. What is your most memorable kayak fishing moment?

My most memorable kayak fishing moment was my last cast fish at Decker Lake during the KATS tournament. That fish was the smallest fish I caught all day, but it finished out my limit and helped me anchor a 5th placed finish.

6. Lastly, what is your must-have fishing accessory?

My must-have fishing accessory is my depth finder.  My unit allows me to see the fish and saves my time instead of blind casting an area. I really think that my Lowrance will play a major part at Lake Pickwick, just like all of the other tournaments.

We are now in our 11th year of KATS, and the tournament series has come further than we ever could have expected, in large part thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Most of our generous sponsors have been with us for many years and we have been more than happy to welcome them back with open arms.

Charity Raffle

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we have also been able to extend the charity arm of our Kayak Angler Tournament Series. We host a charity raffle drawing at each event, with all ticket sales going straight to Central Texas organizations. Last year, we were able to donate $9,600 to five local charities!  

Here’s a comprehensive list of our amazing 2017 KATS Sponsors: 

Johnson
Malone
Yeti
NRS
Railblaza
Feelfree
Diablo Paddlesports
Engel
Confluence
RAM Mounts
Oskar Blues
Yak Gear
Bending Branches
Scotty
YakAttack
Lowrance
Powerpole
Marine Mat
Big Worm Productions
Supernova
Danuu
Stohlquist
Promar
Icemule
Seals Skirts
Werner
Buff
Trac Outdoor
Black Diamond
ENO
Kammok
Ray Marine
Yakima
Immersion Research
Plano
Astral
Slumberjack
Suspenz
Humminbird
KBF Magazine
Kayak Angler

With the ACK home base in Austin, Texas, we’ve got some awesome company in our nature-blessed city (think Yeti and Kammok). While we love our neighbors, we want to give a special shoutout to one of our newest and closest, the Oskar Blues Brewery (conveniently located within a five-minute drive of our HQ and Austin store).

Oskar Blues recently celebrated their one-year anniversary here in North Austin, and we couldn’t be more grateful they came.

While the Oskar Blues team has been great at quenching our employees’ particular thirst (if you know what we mean), they’ve also been great partners in the outdoor and fishing communities.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the cool things the brewery’s been involved with in their first year:

Tie One on Tuesday 

Oskar Blues’ head brewer is also an avid fly fisherman, so he’s helped create  “Tie One On Tuesday,” an open invitation for any and all anglers to come out, hang with fellow local fishermen and tie flies together.

Not to mention, the event coincides with the brewery’s $2 Can Tuesdays! What more could you ask for? The event takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, and more info can be found on their Facebook page.

We know we’ll be at the next one – hope to see you there!

Can’d Aid Foundation

The Can’d Aid Foundation is Oskar Blue’s non-profit organization that focuses on helping local communities. Some of their main focuses include community support, sponsoring outdoor activities and music programs, and spearheading recycling and clean-up programs. One of their most notable activities is their canned water for communities facing unclean drinking water conditions.

From their website: “The CAN’d Aid Foundation is all about diggin’ in and makin’ a difference where we CAN. We focus our “do-goodery” efforts on supporting Towns, Tunes, Treads + Trails and Love Yur Mama programs.”

Learn more about the Can’d Aid Foundation, including how to get involved!

Lady Bird Cleanup

Earlier this year, Oskar Blues and the Can’d Aid foundation helped support a cleanup of our beloved Lady Bird Lake (still often locally referred to as Town Lake)! They worked closely with the American Rivers Association to help make the cleanup possible, and even got out there with us to their hands wet and dirty.

During the cleanup, we cleared 2,575 lbs of trash from the river, and all volunteers were treated with Oskar Blues tasty refreshments afterwards.

Kick Ass Holiday Party

Last, but most surely not least, they opened their doors for us and helped us throw a kick ass holiday party for all our employees this past winter!

Happy one-year anniversary, Oskar Blues! We couldn’t be more excited to have you and we look forward to a long, thirst-quenching relationship.

Combining his best five events, with a grand total of 483 points, Guillermo Gonzalez was crowned the KATS 2017 Angler of the Year at the final KATS event in our regular season at Lake Travis.

We caught up with him to chat about this season and what we can expect from him in the future in both fishing, and life.

How long have you been fishing KATS?

I fished my first KATS tournament in 2014 on Lake Bastrop.

How did you get started kayak fishing?

I actually didn’t own a kayak of my own until I was in college. Growing up back in Miami, FL, I had a family friend that owned one. I would bother them constantly as a kid to let me take it out. It was a tandem ocean kayak and my friends and I would wreak havoc on Snook and Tarpon in the Biscayne Bay backcountry!”

What is one memorable experience you have from kayak fishing?

I’ve been blessed to have a lot of amazing experiences out on the water in my life. Perhaps the most memorable ones though were back in the bay with great friends growing up Snook fishing. I had an obsession with those fish. I can remember each and every sleigh ride like it was yesterday.

As far as KATS memories are concerned it’s hard for me not to remember my final battle against Greg Blanchard in the 2015 AOY race and how my day unfolded on Gibbons Creek Reservoir. The reason this was so memorable to me was because of the day I was having and how a little faith in my strategy and own ability allowed me to overcome an otherwise mediocre day. Below is an excerpt from an article written about me on Kayak Angler Online magazine about that day.

Going into the final KATS stop, I knew that however unlikely, I had a chance at winning angler of the year. Greg Blanchard (AOY winner, and probably one of the nicest guys in kayak fishing) is a great angler who needed to have a pretty bad day in order for me to win. On top of him having a bad day, I had to have a great day.

In pre-fishing I found several schools of smaller fish and one school of larger fish. The catch was that the bigger fish wouldn’t eat till the sun got high in the sky. I had to save my best spot for literally right before the weigh-in. On tournament day, I had a decent limit going into the afternoon but certainly nothing that I felt was capable of helping me pass Blanchard in points. Mildly frustrated, I paddled to my last spot hoping to make a few culls.

The fish were there but they were not fired up. I didn’t get a bite in a whole hour of fishing it. This heightened my frustration a bit. After about an hour, I started to notice increased fish activity on my graph. Those fish that had just been sitting there began moving around. I switched over to a 6XD in hopes of putting some of those newly active fish in my boat. It was on! I caught about 8 fish and made 4 culls in about 10 minutes. My final cull during that flurry was the most memorable moment of the season. I’m pretty sure the whole lake heard my sigh of relief when that fish made it into the boat.

While it wasn’t the biggest fish I caught in a tournament this season, it was a 22.5″ that culled 17.25″, and under the circumstances, it was necessary. Greg had a great day on the water, and deserved every bit of the AOY winning trophy. But it was good to know I at least gave myself a chance if Greg had faltered.”

“Perhaps the most memorable ones though were back in the bay with great friends growing up Snook fishing. I had an obsession with those fish. I can remember each and every sleigh ride like it was yesterday.”

What is your favorite lake to fish and why?

LAKE FORK HANDS DOWN. I love this lake primarily because of what it’s capable of. I also love it because it is challenging and rewards hard work. All of the best days of bass fishing I have ever had have been on Lake Fork; along with some of my worst. Just a few months ago I had a day out there where my combined best 5 were over 113”.

Do you have any tips or tricks for beginners and/or other anglers?

My biggest piece of advice to up and coming kayak tournament anglers is to diversify yourself as much as possible. The more tricks you have in the bag, the easier it is to get ahead on a tough day of fishing. A big part of diversifying yourself is putting yourself on lakes that are challenging to you. These are the lakes that force you to fish outside your comfort zone and ultimately become a better angler. The more I have done this the more my weaknesses have become my strengths.

What is your must have fishing accessory?

As simple as it may seem, to me, having a lightweight, well designed paddle is a must as a paddling tournament angler. Those who have fished around me know that I like to cover a lot of water quickly. Unfortunately in tournament fishing you can’t choose the conditions the lake is going to throw at you; you can however choose your equipment. My paddle of choice is a Werner Kalliste 240 cm. This paddle is perfectly designed for a low-angle paddler like me. Since switching I have noticed that I have greater range and can carry a slightly higher cruising speed than I was able to previously. One of the cool things about KATS is that they offer paddlers the ability to rent high-end paddles during a tournament. I would encourage anyone to take advantage of this program and see the difference for themselves!

“As simple as it may seem, to me, having a lightweight, well designed paddle is a must as a paddling tournament angler.”

What was your strategy this season heading into KATS?

This season my strategy differed a little bit from previous seasons. I was only able to actually pre-fish one event. As a result, I made it a point at each tournament to fish my strengths according to the conditions. Luckily on a lot of the repeat lakes from previous years, I was able to fish a little bit of history and get by. Not being able to practice usually meant I had to cover a lot of water fast before I found stumbled into some fish; which is another reason why I feel like my Kalliste was such a valuable piece of equipment for me this year. Above all though, I really tried to stay open minded this season. I think not pre-fishing actually helped me stay open minded this year on some bodies of water

Who comes to mind when you hear the word “mentor”?

My goodness! A lot of people come to mind! Of course, my father taught me a lot about fishing. But most importantly I learned a lot about the value of hard work from my father. Those are the lessons that I feel have been much more valuable to me as a tournament angler.

As far as mentorship as a whole is concerned I feel like one can learn a lot from their peers as well. One of neat things about KATS is that it gives us an environment in which we can learn from each other as anglers. A cool thing that came into being this year, (thanks to Ryan Herzog) was the “Ask the Pro” segments on the KATS Facebook page. This is just one of many examples of how KATS provides a platform for tournament veterans to mentor new tournament anglers.

Beyond titles/awards, what does your involvement with KATS mean to you?

Everyone that fishes KATS wants to win; including me. If this was the only reason I had for fishing the series though, I wouldn’t fish it. Being from North Texas and traveling to fish a primarily Central Texas series can very exhausting. I do it though because it gives me the opportunity to connect and fish with some incredible people. Over that last few years I’ve gotten to know and become to close to a lot of the KATS crowd; some of which I can honestly call lifelong friends. I think fellowship is an important part of kayak tournament fishing; and with the dynamic group of competitors KATS attracts; I’d say KATS does fellowship right!

Favorite fish dish?

If I’m back home in Miami it’d be whichever fish dish my mother is whipping up next. Otherwise, it’s between a well made ceviche and grilled Wahoo!

What’s next – in life and in fishing?

I recently passed my real estate exam and I’m hoping to put my foot in the door in Farm and Ranch Sales. I don’t quite know yet how that is going to affect my tournament fish for next year, but I am hoping to run a similar schedule to the one I ran this year fishing KATS, the NTXKC, as well as other national kayak fishing tournaments. Hopefully next year I’ll also have the opportunity to fish in a few boat tournaments with my good friend and former TCU fishing team partner Joseph Sanderson!

ACK Demo Days is a unique experience for paddlers. Weather you’re in the market for a new kayak, or just getting into the sport, it gives you the opportunity to try out kayaks that just hit the market and determine what is right for you before you make a purchase.

Check out the new boats that will be at our 2017 Fall ACK Demos:

1. Kaku Kayak Wahoo 10.5

The Kaku Wahoo Fishing Kayak offers a roomy and stable platform to fish from. The open cockpit gives you plenty of space to move around for sighting and casting. The raised seat is comfortable for long days on the water. The Wahoo has four top-load gear tracks, 2 flush mount rod holders, and is Micro Power Pole and rudder ready. It also offers plenty of storage in the bow hatch, rear tankwell, and rear day hatch.

2. Perception Hi Life

The Perception Hi Life 11.0 is your one stop shop for fun on the water. The Hi Life is an 11-foot kayak with smooth tracking and enough stability to paddle as a SUP. The super low profile is reminiscent of a paddle board, but still provides a sturdy platform for kayaking.

Perfect for a day trip, this sit-on-top features a fold down seating system, with a cooler storage area under the seat, a rear tankwell for additional storage, and a center cup holder in front of the seat for easy access. Swim decks make exit and re-entry for kids and pets a breeze, and the track pads on the bow, midship, and stern help you keep your footing while paddling.

3. Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Kayak

Dive in feet first with the Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Kayak. The Malibu Pedal features an advanced PDL Drive System that makes for a fresh new kayaking experience. The Malibu Pedal is fun, zippy, stable and has turn-on-a-dime performance. A kid’s jump seat in the stern makes family outings a breeze, and the Malibu Pedal even has plenty of room to bring your dog along for a complete family adventure.

The PDL Drive System is capable of reaching 5.5 MPH with an impressive 10.3:1 gear ratio for efficient pedaling. It mounts into the Malibu Pedal in seconds and in shallow water it can tip up to its docking position in an instant. The pedals are padded for barefoot comfort and grip. The PDL Drive System console also doubles as splash resistant storage with a 6-inch access hatch

4. Hobie Mirage Compass

**Hobie Compass will be at ACK Demo Days, but may not be water ready to test**

Set your course with the new Hobie Mirage Compass, the newest addition to Hobie’s fleet of award-winning fishing kayaks. Simplicity defined, its time-tested MirageDrive pedal system with Glide Technology moves you easily through the water.

Outfitted with a breathable mesh seat, the Compass offers maximum stability and an oversized cockpit and flat deck for standing. A sharp turning radius makes it nimble in tight quarters, yet able to speed over open water in stealthy fashion. Fishing features include molded-in rod holders, H-Track accessory mounts and a transducer cavity ready for you to install a Lowrance fishfinder.

5. NRS Heron Fishing Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

The NRS Heron SUP Board is an incredibly stable platform for fishing. Dual 7″ diameter side chambers act like outriggers so you can move around the board with ease to make pinpoint presentations and to land hard-fighting fish.

The double sidewall construction increases durability and the heavy-duty PVC drop-stitch construction stands up to abrasion and abuse no matter what conditions you fish in. The Heron includes 3 accessory mounts, bungee deck rigging at the front and rear for your cooler, tackle bag, or crate. Six stainless steel D-rings provide plenty of options for attaching gear. Fold up the Heron, chuck it in your rig and sneak to the fishing hole your buddies can’t access in a jon boat.

6. Old Town Castine

The Old Town Castine day touring kayak comes in three different sizes, making it easier to find a model that fits just right. The models gently tip the scales at 50, 53, and 56 pounds, respectively—giving boaters of any stature the ability to easily transport to-and-from the water. And, with ACS2, the most comfortable kayak seat in the industry, Castine gives every boater the customizable back and leg support needed to tour far and wide all day.

All models feature removable day storage on a sliding track for easy access when seated, and a phone cradle for use while out on the water. Sealed compartments are located in the bow and stern for dry storage. All three models have generous legroom. Available in four popular colors: Lemongrass, Sunrise, Black Cherry, and Cloud.

7. Old Town Sorento

The hard-working coastal Maine community of Sorrento lends its name to an equally hard-working kayak. The versatile Old Town Sorrento features a drop-down skeg to help paddlers of all levels track like an arrow – but also allows retraction for more maneuverability in shallow waters. This kayak’s adaptability makes it perfect for the beginner or intermediate paddler.

The Sorrento comes in two sizes, the 106sk and the 126sk. Just like the Castine, the Sorrento features ACS2 seating for supreme comfort, and a sealed stern compartment for dry storage. Available in four colors: Lemongrass, Sunrise, Black Cherry, and Cloud. Both Sorrento models weigh less than 51 pounds.

Thank you all for coming out to our 2017 Fall ACK Kayak Demo Days!

We had some incredible vendor reps and employees out on the water, and we hope you were able to take advantage of the great clinics they hosted. The ever popular ‘How to Paddle (The Basics)’ was a hit, as well as our ‘Kayak Safety’ seminar, just to name a few.

We want to thank all of our vendors and employees who came out on their weekends to help our customers find the perfect boat for their needs.

Shout out to everyone attended any of our four locations (we know some of you came to multiple events, which is awesome). If you weren’t able to make it, or were unable to try all the boats you were interested in, check out your local ACK shop for rentals. If you do rent from our shop and decide to purchase the boat, that rental fee will be applied towards your purchase!

Without y’all, our Demo Days wouldn’t be half the event it is today! Check us out on Instagram and search #ACKdemodays for all event coverage. Feel free to tag us in your own content and use that hashtag as well!

Demo Days will be back in the Spring! Mark your calendars now for April 7-8, 2018 in Austin and Spring, then April 14-15,2018 in New Braunfels and Houston. See you then!