Piragis Northwoods Company
105 North Central Avenue
Ely, Minnesota 55731
1-800-223-6565
www.piragis.com
March 30, 2010
Your Friends in the Great Northwoods

News from Piragis Northwoods Company and the BoundaryWatersCatalog.com:

"Bert / Drew
 
Thanks for the thank you note. Once again our trip was very memorable - If I do meet anyone who is considering a trip to the Boundary Waters you can be sure that I won't hesitate to recommend you. You never fail to over great service and a welcoming smile and we certainly view Piragis and your team as part of the overall experience. 
 
So, thank you again. Hope to see you sooner rather than later."

Oliver Nottley

Our Biggest Canoe Paddle Sale Ever!
Check out blem Bending Branches Paddles at 30% off.


COSMETIC BLEM paddles from Bending Branches are 30% off.

To celebrate our untimely high temperatures, were dropping our prices on these fantastic paddles. A blem or blemished paddle is a great way to go if you like to save money and have been looking for gear a great deal prices. We all know paddles are the work horse of the trip and they get scratched and dinged almost immediately after the trip starts - or sometimes even before. We bang them, drop them, clean fish on them and hit the water every day the weather allows and some it doesn't. These particular paddles are marked down 30% to save you money, because somewhere on them is a blemish. It could be a varnish bubble, it could be a variation in the wood, a knot or soft spot filled with wood epoxy and sealed over, it could be that in the lamination process, something didn't come out to spec and isn't as pretty as it should be. It could be that the blemish is very hard to find. Bending Branches sets the bar high and at some point in the inspection process, these paddles didn't make the top shelf, but only for aesthetic reasons, not for anything structural. They will perform to spec despite their title of Blem.

NO BACKORDERS WILL BE TAKEN ON THESE SPECIAL COSMETIC BLEM PADDLES. ORDERS ARE FILLED ON A FIRST ORDER, FIRST SOLD BASIS, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IF YOUR SIZE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.



Loon ST Paddle special
Item # B0040031
List Price $49.95
Your Price: $34.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8014.html



Traveler ST Paddle special
Item # B0040032
List Price $59.95
Your Price: $41.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,7999.html



Arrow ST Paddle special
Item # B0040033
List Price $74.95
Your Price: $52.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8019.html



Explorer Plus special
Item # B0040034
List Price $94.95
Your Price: $66.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8006.html




Espresso ST Paddle special
Item # B0040035
List Price $109.95
Your Price: $76.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8023.html



Sun shadow ST special
Item # B0040036
List Price $109.95
Your Price: $76.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8030.html



Expedition ST special
Item # B0040037
List Price $129.95
Your Price: $90.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8018.html



Sunburst ST special
Item # B0040038
List Price $169.95
Your Price: $118.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8001.html



Sunburst ST XL special
Item # B0040039
List Price $169.95
Your Price: $118.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8022.html



BB Special Bent special
Item # B0040040
List Price $79.95
Your Price: $55.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8005.html



Cruiser Plus Bent special
Item # B0040041
List Price $99.95
Your Price: $69.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8024.html



Espresso Bent special
Item # B0040042
List Price $119.95
Your Price: $83.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8010.html



Sun Shadow Bent Special
Item # B0040043
List Price $119.95
Your Price: $83.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8013.html



Viper Bent Special
Item # B0040044
List Price $149.95
Your Price: $104.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8000.html



Sunburst Bent Special
Item # B0040045
List Price $179.95
Your Price: $125.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8029.html



Sunburst Bent XL Special
Item # B0040046
List Price $179.95
Your Price: $125.95
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,8004.html



Not so Common Trail Sense (in case it slipped your mind SUNSPLASH coming)

Saving at SunSplash Memorial Day Weekend May 28 - 30

This year at SunSplash Canoe and Kayak Tryout days on the water in Ely, we're going to feature our standard 10% off on New Canoes, New Kayaks and New Paddling Gear. We're also going to feature special deals on Blem Canoes and Inventory Clearance Kayaks. It will be a fantastic weekend to save like never before on your choice of canoes and kayaks. It is always the best time of the year to try out, to test drive, test paddle for FREE any canoe and any kayak you like. Three days of free paddling usually finds you with a variety of weather conditions and lots of opportunity for FUN. To get paddling experience in a variety of canoes and be able to compare designs and functions, this is essential!

Our no-nonsense approach to sales and service this weekend gives you one on one opportunities to "talk turkey" with our canoe sales people and reps from the manufacturers. We're on hand to answer any questions you might have, to teach basic paddling techniques and to, above all, make sure you fit the right canoe or kayak to your needs.

It is wonderful to be able to take advantage of super savings. We guarantee that SAVINGS is an integral part of the weekend!
Friday May 28: Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday May 29: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday May 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How do I get to Ely? and Piragis Northwoods Company?



If you need help with lodging for Sunsplash Weekend in Ely, contact Drew Brockett at 1-800-223-6565 and if you have questions about canoes or kayaks, contact Steve Schon.

Please call Steve Schon with questions at 1-800-223-6565



Early Ice out? Perhaps a record breaking year!

Today and tomorrow and March is over. With temperatures near 60 and possibly even 70, we're looking at open water perhaps by the end of the week. Some of the smaller lakes around are about half ice-free. The big lake to the South of us (Lake Superior) is open. Today the wind was high and that always speeds things up.

The bottom line is that we're all prepping our canoes and kayaks to get ready for the water. It is nearly time to paddle again, and it won't be an April Fool's Joke, we are looking at nearly the whole month of April with open water!

We'll keep you posted!



News from the Outfitting Desk Our newest group trip – Wilderness Camping Skills with Steve Johnson – is also our first sponsored trip of the season. The dates are May 15-21 and if you’ve ever wanted to learn about many different aspects of being in the wilderness, Steve is the perfect one for the job. He has been our senior guide for years and many of our trippers have found out why he is a top guide in this area as well as internationally. He knows the woods better than anyone. Join him for this fully outfitted trip into the Boundary Waters. There are still spots available so sign up soon to learn from one of the best. The price is $1395 + tax.

For all of you who still need to plan your trips, remember that we’ll want to get a permit soon so you get the entry point that you are looking for. Then we can get all the other details set such as canoe, pack, or tent rental. We do partial outfitting and will rent just about anything to you that you don’t have in your own supplies. But, if you want us to take care of everything, you can go with our Full Outfitting package. All you need to do is bring your clothes, personal items and fishing gear. We make it easy for you and you’ll be getting some of the newest and best equipment for this area. Either way, call Bert or Drew and get your reservation in so you can check that off your list of things to do before the summer season is upon us.

We look forward to talking with you and helping plan your wilderness adventure. Please call or email Bert or Drew to set up your trip today!

GUIDED GROUP TRIPS
Many of our Group Trips are starting to fill up, so if you are thinking about joining us, give us a call soon. Go to this link at our website and check out the variety of trips we offer, the dates, and the costs. http://www.piragis.com/outfitting/guidedgrouptrips.html.

The Smallmouth Trip, June 12-18 is one super trip. Last year the guys actually got sore wrists from catching so many fish. I am serious, this is not sales hype. If you like to catch Smallmouth Bass, lunker Northern Pike, and Walleye for dinner - this trip is for you. We have professional guides who are top notch fishermen, the best canoes and equipment available. We can’t GUARANTEE that you will catch fish - well, yes we can. So give us a call today.

We still have some openings in our Women’s Trip. Dates are July 10-16. All women - no men. Professional women guides. Great time of bonding with other women in a wilderness setting. In fact, after these trips the women come back raving about what a great time they had - it makes a few of us guys want to “sneak” our way on the trip. Maybe we could hide in a pack. That would be one heavy pack - but it might work.

Contact Bert or Drew to start working on next year's permits and trips.
Bert@piragis.com

Drew@piragis.com
800-223-6565




Cast your vote for Ely as America's Coolest Small Town!
Help us prove to America that (well at least on paper) we're deserving of the title. We all know Ely holds a special place in everyone's hearts. Now we can vote online to prove it. We've only got until May 9th and Ely is currently in first place! You can vote and tell your friends to as well.

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/CST2010.html?wpisrc=newsletter




BLEMS, Used Canoes and Kayaks and 2010 rentals on Sale!
March is approaching fast, and here in NE Minnesota the best part of winter is about to begin. In f
SPECIAL BLEM CANOE SALE (Available Now)

Contact us about arranging delivery for $75 to $300 depending on distance from here.

Call 1-800-223-6565 to get yours today
SOLO Canoe Model
Length
Layup
Weight
Reg. Price
Sale Price
Bell Rockstar
15'6"
Royalex
49 lbs
$1192
$999
Wenonah Wilderness
15'4"
Royalex
47 lbs
$1199
$899
Bell Yellowstone Solo
14'
Blk/Gold w/wood
33 lbs
$2693
$2100
Tandem Canoe Model
Length
Layup
Weight
Reg. Price
Sale Price
Bell Alaskan
17'
Royalex
72 lbs
$1592
$1299
Wenonah Adirondack
16'
Royalex
62 lbs
$1299
Sold
Kayak Model
Length
Layup
Weight
Reg. Price
Sale Price
Gulfstream
16'10"
fiberglass
51 lbs
$3249
$2599
Pamlico 160T
16'
poly
83 lbs
$1250
$999
Vision 150
15'
poly
59 lbs
$1499
$1199
Tsunami 14.5
14'5"
poly
56 lbs
$1325
$1099
Kestrel 140 with rudder
14'
hybrid
41 lbs
$2049
$1599
Kestrel 140
14'
tcs
44 lbs
$1799
$1399
Kestrel 120
12'
tcs
41 lbs
$1599
$1249

Check our our USED CANOES and KAYAKS below:

Used/Demos/Trade-Ins/Rentals (Available Now)
If you've got a boat to trade in call us. Steve Schon will be happy to check out your craft and apply the trade-in value towards a new canoe or kayak. Pick them up in Ely or contact us about arranging delivery for $75 to $300 depending on distance from here.
Canoe or Kayak Model
Length
Layup
Weight
Color
Price
Wenonah MNIII
20'
Kevlar
55 lbs
skin
$1600-$1750
Wenonah Seneca
19'4"
Kevlar
55 lbs
skin
$1900
Wenonah MNII
18'6"
Graphite
42 lbs
skin
$2500
Wenonah MNII
18'6"
Kevlar
44 lbs
skin
$1800
Wenonah MNII
18'6"
Kevlar
42 lbs
skin
$1400
Wenonah MNII
18'6"
TuffWeave
63 lbs
ivory
$900
Wenonah Escape
17'6"
Graphite
41 lbs
skin
$2400
Bell Seliga
17'
Kevlight
47 lbs
light/tec
$2500
Bell Seliga
17'
Kevlight
47 lbs
light/tec
SOLD
Bell Magic Solo
16'
Kevlight
34 lbs
light/tec
$2000
CD Crosswind Kayak Tandem
18'6"
Poly
96 lbs
blue
$1300
Necky Tesla Kayak
18'
Kevlar
50 lbs
teal/white
$1700
Current Designs Soltice GT Kayak
17'7"
Fiberglass
54 lbs
yellow/smoke
$2200
Perception Eclipse Kayak
17'
Poly
65 lbs
yellow
$900
CD Squall GTS
16'6"
Poly
58 lbs
orange
$900
SD Vision 150
15'
Poly
59 lbs
green
$1000
Perception Acadia Scout
12'
Poly
28 lbs
yellow
$300

e-mail Steve Schon with questions or to purchase your used boat

Click Here for 2010 Rental Canoes and Kayaks

You can reserve yours with $200 down today.



What if you've never been on a canoe trip but would love to go?

All it takes is one easy step! Call us toll-free at 1-800-223-6565
These are some of the things we’ll talk about:
Trip Dates:
Determine your vacation dates and give us a call or send us an email. This is the hardest thing you will have to do. We will do everything else for you.
Permits:
We will help you figure out what Entry Point is the best for the kind of trip you
want and get your permit.
Routing:
After we get your permit, we will send you a map and help plan your route. When you get to Ely, we will share all the information you need for your route.
Outfitting Needs:
Full Outfitting - You bring your clothing, camera, fishing gear, period. We do the rest.
Partial Outfitting - Just need a canoe? A tent? Food? You can pick ala carte. We have the best gear and we'll teach you how to use it.
Lodging in Ely Before and After your Trip:
We will make reservations for you.
Shuttles:
Need a ride from the airport? Need a shuttle to and from you entry point? We have you covered.
Fishing Licenses, Tackle, and Advice:
Get them all here at our store.

Forget anything?
We have a full-service canoeing and camping store full of everything you will possibly need.
The Boundary Waters Catalog



In local news: Join a Petition to Send Polymet to "Summer School"

PolyMet needs to do its homework. The Environmental Protection Agency recently gave the company's mine proposal in northeastern Minnesota a failing grade.

The EPA said that the mine proposal would cause unacceptable environmental harm, including long-term water pollution, massive destruction of wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat, and pose serious threats to public health. In addition, the EPA found the review itself was incomplete and failed to provide sufficient information to assess the mine's potential impacts.

The company and the responsible government agencies should bring this project up to the standards required by law to protect Minnesota's clean water and other natural resources.

read more and do your part, here:
http://ga0.org/campaign/polymet_summer_school/



African Safari with Steve Piragis
LIONS, LEOPARDS, RHINO AND ELEPHANTS

Special Piragis Group Trip to Africa Nov. 2 – 15.

Botswana, in the center of the south of the African Continent, is among the earth’s best preserved ecosystems. It’s a world away from North America, almost a different planet with its amazing variety of animals. In two weeks on our tour you’ll see all the major game animals, a dozen or more antelope species, perhaps 200 varieties of birds and live for a time in three distinct ecosystems. The camps of the our host company, Wilderness Safaris, are clean, comfortable, well stocked with food and drink and always located in the private parts of the national parks.

You fly to Johannesburg South Africa via Atlanta and on to Maun, Botswana. We’ll visit 3 remote camps in the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park and the Zambezi River. After a visit to spectacular Victoria Falls we fly down stream to Mana Pools National Park and 3 days of paddling and camping along the Zambezi R. Our adventure in Africa is specially designed for our group to experience the best of the best in southern Africa in 13 days. You may never want to leave and I’m sure you’ll want to come back.

Please call me personally to discuss this trip. The group is limited to 7 guests and me as liaison to be sure all your needs are met.

To spend spring in Africa call me on my cell at 218 343-3294 or email to steve@piragis.com

Thanks to our Newsletter Sponsors Below!