PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
You get in your vehicle, turn the key, and nothing happens; insert your obscenity of choice.
It happens to all of us. Sometimes we have a friend nearby or a good samaritan helps us out with a jump. Enter The Zeus from Uncharted Supply Co. The Zeus is a portable jump starter you can store in your vehicle for these types of moments.
The Zeus is compact and portable, perfect for storing in any vehicle, large or small. It comes in a simple black carrying case which fits all the accessories which come with it.
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The Zeus power system
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AC/DC wall adapter
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Car charger
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Jumper cables
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Three way USB charging cord
The Zeus is easy to use. It has a four dot indicator light to note the power status of the system. The Zeus has two USB output plugs, flashlight, two DC output plugs (12V – 16V), and one DC input. It can fully charge an iphone from 0% to 100% ten times.
Our Take
PaddleXaminer tested The Zeus this winter in the mountains of Colorado. I was on constant lookout for a stranded motorist this winter. In early January I spotted one in Avon, CO. I pulled up and asked if they needed help. “Oh I called AAA, they will be here in 45 minutes” they said. “Well, that is a bit of a wait, how about I just jump it right now”? I replied. They looked at me a bit puzzled, but after thinking it over a few seconds said sure. I hopped out of my truck, grabbed The Zeus and went to work. The person looked on skeptically but said nothing. I quickly connected The Zeus; once the battery clamps were connected, I said “Fire it up”. They turned the key and Voila, their car started!
The Zeus is easy to use. The instruction manual is short, I recommend reviewing it before using The Zeus to ensure you complete the steps in the correct sequence. I really like the compact size of the battery pack. The carrying case is great to store all the parts, with the exception of the zipper compartment. The zipper moves horizontally across the case and it’s a pain to fit in all the accessories in and zip it. I’d suggest relocating the zipper to the edge of the compartment to make it easier to put the accessories in the carrying case.
Ukraine’s Oleh Kukharyk and Ihor Trunov fought back tears after storming home to win the men’s K2 500, a new event on the Olympic program for Paris in 2024, and then issued a plea for the world to keep helping their country in the fight against Russia.
“My grandfather, my mother, my sister, they are all in the war area,” Trunov said.
“A rocket bombed my town. My parents are hiding under their house. The railway station was bombed. Many people, many children died.
“Please help Ukraine.”
Liudmyla Luzan similarly struggled to control her emotions after winning her second gold medal of the weekend, adding the C1 500 to the C1 1000 she won on Saturday.
“It is so difficult for us to train and compete when we know what is happening in our country,” Luzan said.
“My family is in a safe place at the moment, but every day is different and there are always missiles and rockets, so you can never be sure.
“We believe we will win, not just on the sport field but the war as well. Every day we think about people who are being killed, including children as well who shouldn’t be in this war.”
The Lithuanian men’s K4 500 team also achieved a fantastic result, claiming the bronze medal in their first World Cup after the long winter training season. Ukraine took the silver and Spain won gold, +1.36 ahead of the Lithuanians.
Next up, the second 2022 Sprint World Cup in Poland, May 26 – May 29.
It’s no secret that spending time in the elements will take a toll on your skin. Between the constant sun and saltwater exposure coupled with intensive workouts, my skin and muscles take a beating daily. Luckily, there are companies out there that make all-natural therapeutic formulas with ingredients derived from the earth. Cue EiR NYC.
Designed with athletes in mind, EiR makes their products with simple, 100% natural, and chemical-free ingredients. Their mission is to make clean products that have minimal impact on the environment and as a result, all of their products are biodegradable, cruelty-free, paraben free, and packaging is recyclable whenever possible. I recently had the opportunity to try out a line of EiR’s products and was very pleased with the results.
Surf Mud ($24.00)
This reef-safe formula is made from seven, all natural key ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide, beeswax, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and tea tree oil. Inspired by the Mayan chocolate mask, this reef safe sun paste smells like chocolate, is hydrating, and does a great job keeping up with my long days in the sun.
Sunset Oil ($35.00)
Made from coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, among other natural ingredients, the Sunset Oil is the ultimate moisturizer. Perfect for daily use or after excessive sun exposure, the oil smells delightful and provides your skin with the hydration you need.
Dream Deep ($60.00)
Nothing is more invaluable than a good night’s sleep. Made from a combination of essential oils known to promote restfulness and rejuvenation, rosehip oil, and plant-based squalane, the combination works to hydrate, reduce UV damage, and fend off free radicals. This formula smells good and is super hydrating, perfect for applying before bedtime.
Cooling Lip Balm ($5.00)
My lips are in a constant state of sunburn from spending so much time in and on the water. The combination of shea butter, coconut oil, and mint results in a cool, soothing, and hydrating feel which is essential for long days in the sun. Additionally, the balm includes a touch of zinc for added protection.
Cooling Butter ($24.00)
Between dryland workouts, core workouts, and water sessions, I find that some part of my body is always achy or sore. Between the combination of shea butter, coconut oil, arnica, and a touch of peppermint, this butter does wonders for aches, bruises, swelling, and burns. It has quickly become one of my favorite recovery tools.
Post Session Salts ($20.00)
Salt baths are a must after hard sessions and the Post Sessions Salts is the perfect recovery tool to soothe sore, aching, and tender muscles. The combination of Epsom salts and thoughtful ingredients like bergamot and ginger are calming for both the body and the mind. The smell is delightful and the experience is relaxing.
Heating Massage Oil ($40.00)
I’ve never been a huge fan of massages, but sometimes they are necessary for especially tender spots. This oil combines arnica, comfrey, and black pepper, which creates a heating effect while simultaneously working to relieve soreness.
Rolling Liniment Heat Rub ($24.00)
This convenient heat rub is the perfect go-to option for quick relief for muscular pain, strains, and headaches. The formula is a combination of menthol, comfrey, arnica, calendula, peppermint, spike lavender essential oil, and white camphor essential oil, the combination of which provides a gentle relief for aches and pains without being too intense.
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
California State Parks today announced it is temporarily closing vehicle access to 59 additional state parks and beaches to avoid dangerous visitation surges and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This brings the total number of state-operated parks and beaches closed to vehicle access to 98. A list of closures can be found online at www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Last weekend, many state parks and beaches received record visitation numbers, which made it impossible for the public to implement appropriate social/ physical distancing practices. As a result, State Parks is working closely with local county and public health officials and assessing park operations on a daily basis to provide access to healthy outdoor options while maintaining required social/ physical distancing.
Everyone has the responsibility to “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks.” Avoiding groups of people and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others is critical to slowing the COVID-19 pandemic.
As such, please adhere to the following guidance:
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Stay home if you are sick.
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Stay close to home when you get outdoors. This is not the time for a road trip to a destination park or beach.
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Venture out only with people in your immediate household.
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Walk around the neighborhood and enjoy neighborhood parks.
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Always maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more when recreating in the outdoors. If you cannot maintain physical distancing, leave the park.
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Do not congregate in parks.
State Parks will continue to monitor visitation and physical distancing at all state park units, and if the safety measures implemented thus far are not sufficient to protect public health, additional measures may be taken to fully close parks, including trails, bathrooms and other amenities. State Park Peace Officers, in cooperation with allied law enforcement entities, will continue patrolling all state park units and enforcing all regulations.
To date, the department has implemented various safety measures such as temporarily closing all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers in the State Parks System; cancelling all events; and closing vehicular traffic to parks experiencing high visitation. As of today, all non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open. Day-use restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to bring soap for handwashing and to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available. California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting Californians from COVID-19. State Parks is monitoring the situation closely and is following guidance provided by the Governor’s Office via the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Protecting visitors and all who take care of state parks from the exposure to the pandemic disease is a top priority for the State of California.
State Parks has developed a one-stop resource center––www.parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve––to find park safety and closure information, and messaging and graphics from the “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” social media awareness campaign. Please check this website regularly, as it will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
NOCCO, a prominent Europe-based sports beverage company, set up shop this past March down the road from PaddleXaminer HQ in eclectic Venice, California. Short for No Carb Company, NOCCO’s beverage range specializes in providing fitness customers with a no carb, low calorie, sugar free beverages loaded with branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Amino acids, such as L-leucine, L-valine and L-isoleucine, have been known to protect and fuel muscles, and promote muscle growth and tissue repair.
NOCCO is available in four flavors, three of which contain 180mg of caffeine. All four flavors are lightly carbonated and provide 3,000 mg or 5,000 mg of BCAA, along with 50 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin and niacin. Each flavor in the range is designed to be consumed pre, during, or post workout and sold in 12 oz cans. Flavors include:
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Caribbean
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Tropical
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Peach
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Apple (caffeine free)
PaddleXaminer tried out the entire range of NOCCO sports beverages and came away impressed with each flavor. If I had to choose just one as a favorite, the hints of pineapple in the Caribbean had me from the moment I cracked open the can. I enjoyed the product best as a post workout drink to rapidly rehydrate and replenish my body with essential nutrients. The taste is clean and refreshing. Not too sweet and the light carbonation adds the perfect amount of perk to enhance the overall experience.
NOCCO can be found throughout the region at many of Southern California’s finest fitness facilities or purchased online via Amazon.