paulariegel

Hi Walter, Where to carry spare is personal perference, what conditions you're paddleing in, and what your body can physically do. If your comfortable reaching around behind you in conditions most likely to loose or brake paddle (surf, upside-down, high winds/seas, etc), back-deck is fine. Else fore-deck may be better. I typically carry spare on back deck in light conditions. I recall an instructor questioning me about where I placed my spare when training down in GA. And basically his take was if you're in shi**y conditions, fore deck is easier to reach. So, you may want to try practicing retrieveing 1/2 from either back or fore deck and seeing what works better for you. Then try it upside down. Regarding the scratches/protective tape, I think Suz had some nifty clear tape put on her Explorer. Believe it was also used on cars.

Hi Jenna, Welcome to area and NSPN. In case you don't get any responses from single male kayakers, you'll be happy to know there are a number of proficient woman sea kayakers in the club too who are very helpful and supportive in the learning process. In fact, the last time I looked at the calendar, it appeared more women trip leaders were posting club trips then the men. (Ok guys, you can take that as a challenge if you want!). Too add to Rick's suggestions, you might want to check out local outfitters for instruction. There's a number of them listed under "Links".

I noticed that the other day. Suz sent them and the person that does the programming for their website an email about it. I hope they get it back on-line. There's alot of good information there - it would be a shame if paddlers couldn't access it.

At the KTP paddle sports show Nick mention the proto-type boat for smaller (read women) paddlers and looking to get some feedback on it. Can't wait to check that puppy out. I'll be there!

Please write your senators. It just takes a few minutes. The links Sing provided have all the information. It's unbelievable they are considering taking this tax-payer funded service away. NOAA and bouy data is critical to our safety on the water. In NH, Sununu is on the Commerce Committee.

The AMC/MVP class was definitely fun - the MVPers were a great bunch of folks. They love to paddle, eat alot of good food and drink beer... hmmmm... sounds familiar. Skills learned for sea kayaking: low brace turn, duffeks, bracing, rolling, and edging the boat all came in handy. Especially the rolling. That's a key skill most WW paddlers learn quickly as fellow paddlers get tried of fishing them out of the river. It came in handy when I hit a rock and flipped. What amazed me was how the WW paddlers could read the river. What looked like a swirling mass of water to me was things like smilies, frownies, downstream/upstream v's, holes, etc. And surfing isn't just an ocean sport! Oooooyyyyyaaa, I'm hooked.

Hi Sing - I was going to borrow boat/skirt. Have a 210 shaft paddle that I was going to bring. But perhaps a shorter paddle would be better. Sure, I'll give the Trickster a try. I can always use work on combat rolls too :-)))

!@#$-ing work! Can't go. Have fun guys!

Thanks Sing. I got into the AMC WW course the weekend after next - if you're there maybe I could try it out. Cheers!

And that's from the person who's after a Romany LV??? Something about a pot, kettle and a certain color come to mind ;-))

Looking to expand the fleet the spring and add a boat that can be used for ww and surfing. Any suggestions for a small (125/5'5")paddler? Thanks!

Sing, Thanks for the 'heads up' on this. I've been wanting to try WW so this is perfect!

Thanks Ken - good site w/ alot of information.

>Here she is practicing raising her arm to drink a pint... >she will add that to the equation at the next trial, in >Wales. Actually, not sure if I was practicing the pint raising or laughing to Ricks comment of "I can see right up your nose!" when the photo was snapped : - ))) One thing's for sure - neck gaskets and hanging upside down don't mix! I thought my head was going to explode!

Bill - Thanks so much for the great photos!

Restaurant/patio next to the tug boats...that'll be the Blue Claw. I know one of the owners. She sits next to me at work. Next time you pull up, ask for Christy, tell her Paula sent you, and maybe she'll pass you down a beer ;-)

Awesome pics - thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you guys had a great time.

Saw this story and was wondering if NSPN might offer a navigation workshop sometime this season. Might be a good idea for newer kayakers and a good refresher for others. Just a thought... http://news.mainetoday.com/midday/index.shtml#4

Great job last night! Alot of creative ideas.

Thank you and, more importantly, a BIG thank you to the TL trainers who spent the time and energy in preparing the classes and doing the training. It is really appreciated.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I actually do have a saddle/roller set up on the other side of my car. I do, however, prefer the way the j-cradles carry the boat. Seems a little more secure - but then maybe I shouldn't be driving 80mph on the highway with a boat on top! (I do recall a post about brit boats flying...hopefully it won't be mine!)

Hi, I'm looking for ways to load/unload my kayak myself. It's frustrating to always have to depend on someone else to help get it on/off the car. I saw this product and it looks like just the ticket. Has anyone used these or know anything about them? They are kinda pricey (like $399) so if anyone has other suggestions for ways to load/unload solo(I have yakima j-bars on a subaru outback), I'm open to ideas. Thanks!

I have total block 65 (my ski buddies call it the "ozone layer" sunscreen). It works well, but I don't believe it's waterproof. After putting it on, I have gotten sunburned after doing rolling /rescue practice and not re-applying. I recently used a sample of a sunscreen from rocky mountain sunscreen. (www.rmsunscreen.com) It it waterproof, non-greasy and doesn't feel heavy. I ordered some and like it so far, but have not as yet put it to the salt water test. Probably this weekend!

Hi Brian, Please count me in if there is still space. Would like to make holder for pump to get it off deck. Thanks for putting the workshop again.

Please keep me posted too.