Paul Sylvester

I never had any trouble spinning my Outer Island around. It spins as well as any 18' boat that I have paddled. Technique, Technique, and Technique. It might be for sale since I have 10 boats and need to pair down the fleet...........

This is a problem that I have also. There are many little open parking lots around Boston. Most of them fill up early in the morning. There were open lots between Northern ave. and Congress St. but I am not sure if they are still there since all the buildings went up by the World Trade Center. If you get into the city early you can drive around with no traffic and scope out some garages for sizes. They always have the swinging board over the entry and they are well labeled. Paul

I swam last weekend most likely because I didn't go to my offside in the river, offside had the downstream advantage. And there was a little swim last fall....... It is all relative to how much you push yourself. Ken, We have missed you. Any time we can work it out I will bring a boat for you to paddle. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Mostly bombproof if the seas are less than 6 foot or the river is class 2... above those levels and many things can break your concentration..there is no shame in the occasional swim. If you push your limits you will swim at some point. Paul

It is done, except for the varnish or paint.The designer called it a lite duty river boat or a kids kayak. I was the one who saw the surf potential in it. I plan to try it out in the surf one of these weeks, but the ends are a little pointed for busy areas. It is my 11-year olds boat......but I made the cockpit big enough for me.

If you fit than I should just sqeeze in. I am always looking for a new design to build and I will try to check yours out if you are surfing it at a beach near me. thanks,

Mark, What size paddler will it take? Inseam, foot size etc? Are you putting fins on it? Thanks, Paul S.

Hey Binks, Be careful or we might end up with those 3 inch high numbers on our hulls proving we have bent our knee to the king. There is at least one state in the midwest that imposes these numbers on the kayaks and they look silly. Most ocean emergencies are handled by the CG or the local harbormaster, local fire rescue team. Not exactly state agencies............It sounds like this money would go to the inland marine patrol. Speak up and vote no! Paul Sylvester

If you are solo and pushing your limits you may want to rethink what you are doing unless you are very experienced. I would try tethering off to the bow for two reasons: you can see and grab the line easier and if you swim and tow the boat you want to pull from the bow. Less water will fill the cockpit.

Hi all, Five of us had a great time in Wales the last week in sept. Rough water and force 4 to force 7 wind most every day. The tidal races are the best...... Did the BCU 5 star training over the course of the week.Check out the pictures and let me know if I can answer any questions about the trip. Thanks, Paul S. http://community.webshots.com/user/paulsylvester

I recently bought a Canon A75 with an extra 256 card for 300$ and the Canon waterproof case (wp-dc30) for about 170$. It is 3.2 megapixels with a 3x zoom. It has many settings and features that this Luddite has not used. Both were new. This is my first digital and I find it very easy to run. The zoom was something that I had to have for the action shots.Being able to stay in a flat area while your mates are catching the waves seemed to be the way to go. I considered the cameras that have the ?? JS-7 ?? water resistant rating but was concerned about the water pressure when in the maytag machine in big surf The case is very well made and easy to use but it is a little bulky. It will want to pop out from under the deck bungies in surf and rough water, so I am going to come up with a way to hold it on my chest. this may be a strap on pouch or bungies. Whichever you chose I suggest getting real comfortable with it by practicing on the water and then looking at the shots on the computer. The delay on the (shutter) button and the water on the lense are things you need to know and manage for optimum shots. Let me know if you would like dimensions on the case. Paul

I agree with pulling the blade out by the hips, many people keep the blade in the water far to long. I am still stuck on the idea that neither hand should go over the centerline of the boat, got that from and old DH class. Tried this variation on the weekend and liked it.Still learning............

The way the blade swings out to the side looks more like a wing paddle stroke. But I still have trouble with my forward stroke. Perhaps this is one of the things I am doing wrong. Ken or Andrew, any ideas on the end of a wing stroke VS the end of the standard Euro stroke. It is a great showing of the body dynamics, seems you want to be a little loose in the boat for good hip movement.

Call Vertex Standard at 714-827-7600 and order a new one. It should be part # cat350. It is the "antenna with stud connector". I have the same model and have had a two week turn around twice. The second time they just sent me a brand new one which was a pleasant surprise after owning it for 2 1/2 years.

I am interested a waterproof camera, digital most likely.I like the idea of a zoom but am not interested in paying top dollar to get one unless needed. So a few questions: What cameras work for you and why? How breakable are the digitals? Is a zoom worth it, or can I just get in closer? How is battery life on the digitals? Waterproof case or waterproof camera? What if you are away for a week and fill all your memory cards? Can you download them on any computer or do you need special programs? I am used to waterproof disposables and cheaper 35MM's. I like Bill's (no quarter) pictures and wonder what he is using for a digital. Thanks for any ideas and suggestions, Paul S.

I have had to use the R&R in conditions to get out of a tough spot real quick. Sometimes your buds can't get in to tow you as quick as you would like so you R&R, then go to a safe zone asap. Then you can swim and do a normal rescue in a safe area. This should be practiced in conditions.

OK, I am going to get this someday. I have downloaded Quicktime but still won't open or run. Can it be sent in MP3 form? I am told that I can't access any MP4's. Is this correct or a load of crap?? Thanks, Paul S.

I have downloaded this twice and can't open it. It is asking for what program supports or runs this video and I can't seem to get it right. Anybody have any idea what I am doing wrong? I have a newer Dell w/ XP. Thanks Paul S.

My understanding was that you should not use epoxy on a polyester (fibreglass) boat because there are problems with bonding due to the different compositions of the substances. Mr. Nystrom please chime in on this..................

The scull for support is a great way to show commitment to the paddle since it uses torso, legs and paddle angle. People think they can do it all with their arms and that is the basis of the problem learning it.

I take my 10-1/2 yr old daughter out in the double and it works out great for her. I do the work but do have fun. She can't go far in a single and I end up towing her. We would try to make some summertime paddles where kids were involved if I could.

I have seen a few flags on masts on kayaks up on Winnipesaukee. Mostly rec type boats. That lake is such a joke in the summer, the higher the horsepower the lower the IQ. Self-government, self-disipline by ALL boaters = less state regulation

Sounds like you had a great week. That was a neat write up, thanks for taking the time to make it so complete. Interesting how you were able to "sit" under so many different coaches. Congratulations, Paul

I am bailing on the trip on friday. There is no known interest of folks leaving from Riverhead or Gloucester. Manchester is to short of a paddle to justify a trip down. Sorry, Till next time, Paul S.

Just checked the forcast and it is going to be very windy. 25-30 kts out of the south. I might have to pass up on Marblehead unless the wind dies down. It would be a real slog back through the Salem sound area. Gloucester might be a better put in. Free ride back, following seas, wind waves. Level 4 PLUS. Might sit this one out, Paul