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Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee Shares the Love and Gratitude

Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee Shares the Love and Gratitude

by | Dec 18, 2019 | Ad, Eclectic Sun, Holidays, Lake Jocassee, News

Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee Shares the Love and Gratitude

Happy February! Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee wants to share the love and gratitude for the services provided.  So, Eclectic Sun’s owners and staff would like to share our unending gratitude for all our public service-related friends.  Teachers, Firefighters, EMS, Police, Nurses along with our military deserve to be recognized for their service. To celebrate these individuals for their services to our communities and nation, Eclectic Sun is offering a 10% discount to all public service fields. This discount will apply anytime a public service member books a Paddlesports reservation with Eclectic Sun. Just use the discount code SERVICE10 when booking your next adventure with us. Share this with everyone you know in any field that serves to better humanity through their dedication and hard work. Together let us share the love & gratitude for their service!

To make the offer even better, book Monday through Thursday, months of March, April, May, September, October or November, and receive a voucher, when you come, good for an even larger discount on your next rental. Jocassee is the perfect place to enjoy a day of paddling under the Sun with Eclectic Sun.

Eclectic Sun Paddlesports is located in Devils Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee. We are open 7 days a week March 1st through November 30th. You can reserve 24/7 using the reserve button above or on our website https://eclecticsun.com

 

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The Different Types of Canoes

The Different Types of Canoes

by | Nov 29, 2019 | Eclectic Sun, Lake Jocassee

The Different Types of Canoes

 

Eclectic Sun, on beautiful and scenic Lake Jocassee, is Devils Fork State Park’s on-site supplier for all things to do on and around the lake. The “PAVILION” in the day-use picnic area of the park is where you will find us. Eclectic Sun is a genuine Surf Shop and Snack-Bar combined. Watersports equipment is available for sale and rent.

Eclectic Sun is here to make your day on the water the best it can be. Whether you’re a Pro or just a Beginner our friendly staff is here to assist you with all your Paddle Sports needs.

Here is a helpful article we found, please let us know if you have any questions.

THE TYPES

Canoeing is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, athletic abilities, and backgrounds. One of the most ancient forms of transportation, today in the first world people mainly canoe for recreational purposes. The fact that there are different types of canoeing is often lost on beginners learning how to canoe. This is because the differences between the canoes are not readily noticeable to the untrained eye. Here is a list and description of different types of canoes to help you navigate the different options you have when choosing a canoe.

  • Recreational Canoe

    The typical recreational type canoes are the most common. These canoes are stable and durable. They are generally made of either plastic or aluminum and contain no frills. These are the canoes you’ll find in big-box sporting good stores, as rentals at your local lake, and in fleets at summer camps. If you want a versatile canoe that you can paddle around the local lake you’ll want to choose a recreational canoe. These canoes are durable and can be left outside without worry about damage.

  • Intermediate and Advanced Canoes

    The next type of canoe is an upgrade from the standard recreational canoe. They differ in the quality and workmanship of the boats from their less expensive cousins. Canoe enthusiasts will invariably want to upgrade from a plastic or aluminum canoe and the designs that usually follow. These paddlers opt for lighter materials, faster designs, and more comfortable amenities on their boats. These “nicer” boats will probably need to be purchased from a canoe outfitter or local sporting goods shop. Some of the uses of an intermediate canoe are longer paddles, bird watching, and fishing. These are the canoes of canoe enthusiasts.

  • Whitewater Canoes

    There are canoes made specifically for whitewater and river paddling. These boats have high sides to keep water out and have a high degree of rocker. Rocker refers to the curvature from bow to stern. They also have flatter bottoms which enable them to turn quicker but adversely affects the tracking, the ability to paddle straight. Whitewater canoes also have places to tie floatation bags into the stern and bow of the canoe. This flotation keeps the canoe from sinking when it takes on water or when it flips over which is to be expected in whitewater paddling. A final note about whitewater canoes is that they are generally paddled while kneeling which keeps the canoeists center of gravity lower in the boat and offers a more aggressive paddling position. The “seats” are designed to accommodate a kneeling position.

  • Racing Canoes

    Canoe/Kayak has officially been an Olympic Sport since 1924. There is two types of canoe racing, flatwater and slalom (whitewater). Racing Canoes are for an elite group of canoeist and as such are not very common at all. These canoes are made of lighter materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar, and composites involving multiple materials. Racing canoes are also narrower at the beam, track very well, and are “tippy” to novice paddlers. Whitewater slalom canoes have closed decks and spray skirts similar to kayaks.

  • Other Specialized Canoes

    Canoes can also be bought with other activities in mind. Canoes made primarily for the purpose of canoe camping have room for gear and places to attach them to. Fishing Canoes can have rod holders attached to them. Virtually any sport that is done in conjunction with canoeing has their own spin on canoe design and accessories.

  • Solo Canoes and Tandem Canoes

    All of the other above categories represent different types of canoeing and different types of canoes. It should be mentioned here that all of the above categories of canoes can be purchased either to be paddled alone or with another person. Solo canoes are made to be paddled by one person. They are usually shorter and can be narrower to allow for ease of switching from paddling on one side to another. Tandem canoes are meant to be paddled by two people. Generally, these are much more common, are faster, and easier to paddle for beginners. As any husband and wife who’ve ever shared a canoe will attest, they also make for some great fights between the person in the bow and stern.

Article Provided By: ThoughtCo.

 

 

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Types of Paddle Sports – Explored

Types of Paddle Sports – Explored

by | Nov 15, 2019 | Eclectic Sun, Lake Jocassee

Types of Paddle Sports – Explored

Eclectic Sun, on beautiful and scenic Lake Jocassee, is Devils Fork State Park’s on-site supplier for all things to do on and around the lake. The “PAVILION” in the day use picnic area of the park is where you will find us. Eclectic Sun is a genuine Surf Shop and Snack-Bar combined. Watersports equipment is available for sale and rent.

Eclectic Sun is here to make your day on the water the best it can be. Whether you’re a Pro or just a Beginner our friendly staff is here to assist you with all your Paddle Sports needs.

Here is a helpful article we found, please let us know if you have any questions.

 

 

 

CANOEING, KAYAKING, AND SUPING

Paddling refers to the group of watersports that require a paddle to propel and steer a vessel through and across the water. Traditionally, two sports have fallen in the category of paddling, that is canoeing and kayaking. Technically speaking, rafting is also a paddlesport, whether river rafting or whitewater rafting. Also, It truly is amazing that after thousands of years of paddling that a relatively new paddlesport is on the scene. We’re talking about SUP, or standup paddleboarding.

While the above utilitarian definition is accurate it doesn’t even scratch the surface of what paddling is to those of us who find our passion floating just inches above the surface of the water. And, while there are many reasons why people paddle one thing is true of all of us. We love to paddle. We live to paddle. Here are descriptions of the sports that make up the category of watersports known as paddling.

 

Canoeing

Bongarts/Getty Images / Getty Images

Generally speaking, canoes are long slender boats that have raised seats in them. The canoeist sits in the canoe with their legs at about a 90-degree angle. Canoes are propelled with a single-bladed paddle and can be paddled solo or in tandem. While it is generally thought that canoeing is the most serene paddle sport of the bunch, that is actually a misconception. There are racing canoes and there are whitewater canoes. A whitewater canoe can do anything a whitewater kayak can do however it does require a higher degree of skill to do it in a canoe given that a canoeist uses a paddle with only one blade.

Canoeing is a paddle sport that is a tried and true favorite among the outdoor community. They are kept on the shores of camps and weekend getaways to use as a form of recreation. Canoes are often combined with camping trips, fishing outings, and even hunting. And, for years canoes were the rental vessel of choice in state and county parks all over this country.

 

Kayaking

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

While kayaking has as ancient of a past as canoeing, it has increased in prominence over the last 20 years. From about the 1990s, kayaking has been known as the fast-growing watersport. Only recently has this unofficial designation been in question as a new form of paddling has emerged.

Like canoes, kayaks are also long and slender. The seats in kayaks, however, are not raised up as they are in canoes. Instead, they are on the floor of the kayak and the legs are out in front. While there are sit-on-top kayaks, most kayaks are sit-in kayaks. This means that the kayaker’s legs actually slide into the kayak. Experienced kayakers use spray skirts that attach them to the kayak and make the inside of the kayak watertight. Among the most popular types of kayaking are sea kayaking, touring kayaking, whitewater kayaking, and recreational or lake kayaking.

 

Standup Paddleboarding

Couple standing on paddleboards in river
Kolostock / Getty Images

 

While standup paddleboarding has its foundations in surfing, as it uses a paddle to propel the board it is technically a paddlesport. While standup paddleboarding seems like a new sport, there is some evidence that it has been around for quite some time, particularly in Hawaii where it originated. It is safe to say that relatively speaking in the paddling world SUP is a recent phenomenon.

There are many types of SUP paddling including surfing, touring, racing, fitness paddling, and SUP Yoga. Believe it or not, there is even whitewater standup paddleboarding. SUP is the latest craze in watersports and has unofficially overtaken kayaking as the fastest growing water sport out there.

 

Article Provided By: ThoughtCo.

 

 

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The Anatomy of a Canoe

The Anatomy of a Canoe

by | Nov 1, 2019 | Eclectic Sun, Lake Jocassee

The Anatomy of a Canoe

Eclectic Sun, on beautiful and scenic Lake Jocassee, is Devils Fork State Park’s on-site supplier for all things to do on and around the lake. The “PAVILION” in the day use picnic area of the park is where you will find us. Eclectic Sun is a genuine Surf Shop and Snack-Bar combined. Watersports equipment is available for sale and rent.

Eclectic Sun is here to make your day on the water the best it can be. Whether you’re a Pro or just a Beginner our friendly staff is here to assist you with all your Paddle Sports needs.

Here is a helpful article we found, please let us know if you have any questions.

 

 

THE CANOE

Knowing how to properly refer to the anatomy of a canoe will help you to learn the sport and to communicate with other paddlers as you begin to advance your canoeing proficiency.  Here are the canoe design features and parts that are universally applied to all canoes regardless of the canoeing genre.

  • Bow:  Simply put, the bow is the front of the canoe. This is universal for all boats. So, whether you sit in a motorboat, kayak, and every other type of canoe, the word “bow” means the front.  The pronunciation is the same as in “take a bow” and not like what little girls wear in their hair.
  • Stern: The stern of the canoe is the back of the boat. Same as with the term “bow,” the stern is the universal term for the rear of any boat. In a tandem canoe, one canoeist sits in the bow and one sits in the stern.
  • Starboard Side: The starboard side of the canoe is the right side of the boat.
  • Aft Side: The aft side of the canoe is the left side of the boat.
  • Hull: In the boating world, the hull is the entire body of the boat.  But, kayakers often use the term hull to refer to the bottom of the boat.
  • Keel: The keel on a canoe is a rib-like protrusion on the underside of where the canoe comes to a point both on the bow and the stern.  The keel helps the canoe to track straight through the water.
  • Yoke: The yoke of a canoe is the cross beam in the center of the canoe that connects the starboard and aft sides. It usually has a curved indentation in the center of it that ergonomically fits over the neck of a canoeist.  The yoke then rests on the shoulders of the canoeist when carrying the canoe upside down.
  • Beam: The word beam refers to the width of the canoe at its widest point which is taken at the yoke.
  • Thwart: There are two thwart’s on a canoe, one in the stern and one in the bow. Thwarts are cross-bars that connect the aft and starboard sides of the canoe.  They give rigidity to the canoe as well as provide a canoeist who is kneeling in the boat something to lean against.
  • Gunnel or Gunwale: The gunnel (also called gunwale) is the rim that runs all along the top edge of the canoe.
  • Waterline: The waterline of the canoe is the imaginary line along the canoe that the water comes up to.
  • Freeboard: The freeboard of a canoe is the area of the hull of the canoe that is above the waterline.
  • Draft: A canoe’s draft is the area of the hull of the canoe that is below the waterline.
  • Other Components:  Besides the design of the boat, canoes have other components such as seats, handles, and grab loops.
  • Outfitting: Outfitting refers to anything that allows the canoe to fit to the individual boater. It can be permanently placed or adjustable.  Examples of outfitting are foam and padding for comfort.

The above list really just reflects the basic anatomy of canoes. Each genre of a canoe has its own list of unique components. For instance, whitewater canoes also have tie-downs for float bags. And, the design features even vary from tandem to solo canoes. Obviously, tandem canoes have two seats. But, this basic list gives the basics.

Article Provided By: ThoughtCo.

 

 

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Paddlesports on Lake Jocassee

Paddlesports on Lake Jocassee

by | May 25, 2019 | Eclectic Sun, Lake Jocassee

Paddlesports on Lake Jocassee

ECLECTIC SUN PADDLESPORTS ON LAKE JOCASSEE

Paddlesports recreation is usually a life-long passion that begins with a casual outing just to have fun with family and friends. Paddlesports include any of the sports of Kayaking, Canoeing, and Stand-Up-Paddleboarding. There is no better place than Lake Jocassee to get started. If you are a beginner or looking for help getting started, Eclectic Sun Paddlesports at Lake Jocassee is here for you.

A world of adventure awaits you. The Lake Jocassee waterways can take you to some stunningly beautiful places. You can take a short- fun canoe trip or spend the whole family vacation exploring the waterfalls and inlets of Lake Jocassee, immersing yourself in the thrills of mother nature. There is never an end to how much wonder and beauty awaits you on Lake Jocassee, starting with a day away on the water.

Whether you are camping out under the stars, watching wildlife from a canoe/kayak or just out for some exercise after a hard week’s work, your options are limitless. The benefits you discover from your engagement with paddlesports can last a lifetime. Paddlesports on Lake Jocassee could be a new beginning for you on your journey or another round of exploring and enjoying the nature that surrounds the lake itself. Canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding are all available at Eclectic Sun Paddlesports to begin your exploration of the waters of Jocassee.

Our friendly staff, here at Eclectic Sun is ready to help you get started on your journey today. All your safety equipment along with paddles and a map are included with all rentals. Any special needs, just let us know.

Give us a call @ 864-944-1191 and let’s get started. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to see our latest water sports adventure.

 

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Enjoy Fall 2018 With Eclectic Sun @ Lake Jocassee

Enjoy Fall 2018 With Eclectic Sun @ Lake Jocassee

by | Sep 18, 2018 | Ad, Eclectic Sun, Lake Jocassee

Enjoy Fall 2018 With Eclectic Sun @ Lake Jocassee

So Labor Day has come and gone and the kids are back in school, but never fear “Eclectic Sun” is still here! We are open and renting kayaks, canoes & SUPs daily. Weather permitting and barring hurricanes threats you will find us here. Our Fall rental hours are 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Thursday and 9 am – 6 pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday. We are open through the end of November! So make your plans to visit us and Lake Jocassee while it is still warm and beautiful. Online reservations are available 24 hours a day. Interested in a Fall Waterfall Tour?  Select a time to see the splendors this lake has to offer! Give us a call at 864-944-1191.

Coming up, we have two very interesting events happening. Saturday, October 13th, 2018 Friends of Jocassee are putting on the First Annual Lake Jocassee Paddle Splash Competition. The race start and finish is the Eclectic Sun @ Lake Jocassee launch in the picnic area of Devils Fork State Park 238 Buckeye Drive, Salem SC 29676. You can sign up for this race at https://paddleguru.com/races/LakeJocasseePaddleSplash. Beginners and advanced paddlers are welcome, and are grouped by age and the speed of the craft to keep the racing fair. Choose between long (six mile) and short (three mile) loop courses. Kayak and SUP rentals are available on-site at the Eclectic Sun Paddlesports concession or bring your favorite ride.

Our next event we are planning to coincide with the Paddle Splash will be Eclectic Sun’s Annual Used Boat & Equipment Sale. Starting October 12th and continuing until we have depleted the boats & equipment we have for sale this year. A list of boats and equipment will be posted here when available.

A big shout out to all our faithful fun loving outsiders who love Lake Jocassee as much as we do. You are what makes Eclectic Sun Paddlesports what it is. We appreciate you all so much!

Thank You, Debbie & Crew

 

 

 

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