[Paddlewise] Good Kayaking Shoes - Bad Outfit

When I paddle, I normally could not wear shoes, as the
heel rand stuck out too far and caused the heel cuff
to dig into my Achilles tendon (not to mention bent my
toes backwards).

Other than pricy ultrasticky highdrain FiveTen Nemo's,

I will recommend contoured heel track shoes.

I found an end of season sale on track shoes and
picked up a pair of ugly ass Nikes (purple and
yellow).  They have crazy traction on the bottom, grip
tape type on heel/midsole and toe cleats. Most come
with two different choices of screw in spikes if
needed.

I selected my paddle shoes based on price
$100Reg/$4.99 Sale, material (felt + foam + plastic =
quick drain, dry and no polypro stink)

The hideous colors match my Perception accessory
colors perfect. 

I waited until the end of the trackseason and looked
for a deal, They fit great, wear well, and are low cut
in the heel so they can keep me in my thighbraces
without aggravating my ankle.

However, there is always a comedian at the put in/take
out. 
   While scouting a route through Pelican Rapids, MN
in full paddle regalia I was pulled over and
questioned by a cop.
 A buddy and I were crossing small town main street
wearing dripping skirts, rental Protec helmets (pink),

purple and black full wetsuits and our cheapo purple
and yellow trackshoes -  when traffic stopped for us.
There was no crosswalk, no light, just a bunch of
families in pickups who were waving at us to cross the
road in front of them.
 We walked, they stared, we laughed at how stupid we
probably looked. Through an alley, behind a bar, and
around a sand pile we went. When we saw a police
officer coming around the block in our direction.
  We nonchalantly walked past when he flipped on the
siren and rumbled up to us.
  He asked " Just where are you boys going dressed
like that?"
  "We are paddling the river, sir" I told him.
  " That don't look like any canoe outfit I've ever
seen" he said - seeming to want to take the
conversation further.
  " Well, sir, we are having a crazy get up show at a
gettogether afterwards, so we just wanted to be ready"
I continued, alluding to the takeout.
  "I see...(pause)... will everbody be dressed like
clowns?" 
     this is where two local folks started snickering,
and all I could do was speak local
  "Yep" 

   Ouch, even the local law enforcement makes fun of
our outfits. Of course, now all of my well dressed
kayaking friends choose to bring this story up
whenever my clothes are a little off color.

humbled again,
Phil Huck
thekayaker_at_yahoo.com



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