Gcosloy

Gerrish/Cutts circumnavigation never disappoints. Black Friday was no exception. Winds were strong 13k to 20k gusts from the SW so we elected to paddle North on the ocean side first benefiting from a quartering push and following seas. The trip around Gerrish provides alternatives: paddle 1000 yards from shore and you're immune to breaking rollers; paddle within 200 yards of shore and because of the shallows you better have good bracing skills; and then there's the allure of the rocks. Brave Boat harbor usually has some surf to bring us in, but not this time. After a lunch break around a corner sheltered from the wind we headed back via the marsh and Chauncey Creek. Even though we were paddling southwards we were in the lee for most of the trip until arriving back at the Piscataqua and entering Pepperrell Cove. this was at most a half mile but saw the brunt of the SW wind. The air was so mild I felt we were paddling in North Carolina. Thanks to all who eschewed "shopping" yesterday to join me on a favorite paddle. Parenthetically, I didn't take pictures, not because of the big seas, but I lose so much time that I then need to catch up and I'm not good at sprinting. Some day I'll get a GoPro!

Welcome Doug, PM me your float plan. Meet at Kittery (Frisbee wharf) on Pepperrel Cove at 9:30AM for a 10AM launch. NOAA forecast is for SW wind 9K and gusts to 20K. 46T at 10:00 and 56T by 1PM.

Commitment time: register your commitment by PM'ing me your info (boat, emergency contact, phone, car and license) and venue preference. If Gerriish launch is 10AM, if Odiorne launch is 11AM. Majority will rule.

I would like to accomodate preferences for venue. My choice is for Gerrish for this reason: current NOAA forecast is for T in the 50's by the afternoon and SW wind at 10K with gusts to 15K. If we circumnavigate counterclockwise (the ocean side) we get a push from the wind and the return via the marshes and Chauncey Creek are protected from most of the wind. If we elect to do the NH coast we will need to paddle directly into the wind and get a break coming back. So let me know your preference.

Day after xgiving predicts warm weather and HT at 11:30 Kittery Point. launch at 10AM from Frisbee Wharf for a circumnavigation of Gerrish/Cutts. Or if you prefer meet at Odiorne and do the NH coast. Prefer a mellow paddle of medium distance. RSVP here or PM with interest.

I'm learning much about my new GP however I have a problem: Years of feathering R at 45 degrees with a euro paddle causes the left blade to enter the water not optimally. The only way I can overcome this almost unconcious predicament is to overcome the loom from slipping in my left hand by holding it tightly before entering the water on that side. My carbon GP is slippery however and I thought that paddle wax would help. Does anyone know of a source at a local outfitter? I can order online but the postage is usually equal to the cost of the product itself?

I'm learning much about my new GP however I have a problem: Years of feathering R at 45 degrees causes the left blade to enter the water not optimally. The only way I can overcome this almost unconcious predicament is to overcome the loom from slipping in my left hand by holding it tightly before entering the water on that side. My carbon GP is slippery however and I thought that paddle wax would help. Does anyone know of a source at a local outfitter? I can order online but the postage is usually equal to the cost of the product itself?

Good for you Cathy!

Way to go Rob-congratulations!

After listening to this hysterical women I think I have more sympathy for the poor bear.

I too am interested. Will PM with details.

Jeff, You are now the Sheriff-who's the Deputy? Congrats on your acomplishment!

I don't have a dog in this fight other than to observe that in learning to roll I used Leon's skyhook method to isolate the hip snap. When I was fully comfortable coming up I then moved on to the paddle sweep and combined the hip snap with the paddle motion. One of the difficulties many newcomers experience in learning the roll is how to coordinate the two. By focusing on one at a time via the skyhook, success was achieved.

Pru, Consider getting one with no-pneumatic or solid tires. The ones with blow up tires after a couple of seasons getting wet in salt water immersion rot out their stems and then need to be replaced. KTP sells a couple of versions.

I recommend you wear nose and ear plugs at Walden during the summer months. A decade ago I spent a couple of hours learning how to roll there and without nose plugs developed a sinus infection that persisted for 6 weeks. Everytime it rains the surrounding lands release more bacteria into the water. Living in Maine, Walden is just about the only thing I miss about Mass.

Pru and Beth, I had a mixed response reading your report of your Alaskan adventure. Part one with cold uncooperative weather felt so daunting that I wondered when the fun was to begin and envied you and your companions not. However, the more I read and thought about it I felt that in retrospect the pleasure of satisfaction in overcoming obstacles and your palpable acomplishments would long trump a few days of discomfort. You have my admiration for doing this awesome trip.

Pru and Beth, I had a mixed response reading your report of your Alaskan adventure. Part one with cold uncooperative weather felt so daunting that I wondered when the fun was to begin and envied you and your companions not. However, the more I read and thought about it I felt that in retrospect the pleasure of satisfaction in overcoming obstacles and your palpable acomplishments would long trump a few days of discomfort. You have my admiration for doing this awesome trip. Jason: Isn't there a way to delete a redundant thread?

Christopher, Any of the oil products that have some drier will dry to a soft lustre not hard finish-linseed by itself can always remain sticky. You can also dilute the Watco or whatever with turpentine if you want better penetration. Bon chance!

Linseed oil never really dries to a hard finish. A better solution is to either add some Japan drier to the oil or use a brand like Watco which has the necessary driers already in it.

Yes Kate's point is a good one-the Pawlata is very similar to the Greenland layback roll. And no one disparages it either. I think the knock on the Pawlata is part of the knock on all extended paddle strokes, like the sweep. Derek Hutchinson must be rolling in his grave!

The most important use for a back band or the foam block is not back support but something to keep your back from hitting the coaming during a layback roll, IMHO!

I have to agree with Rob. I don't think he was being smug or even scolding of the unfortunate kayakers involved but was simply addressing the Harbormaster's simplistic conclusion of the incident. On a general note however there are too many in today's world who are willing to shut down the meaningful flow of information and discussion of same lest someone's feelings get hurt. This kind of attitude appears to be rife in some universities and colleges today where students are provided "safe places" to retreat to if debate or discussion seems to hurt their feelings.

Gary, If you're not familiar with the foam block substitute for a back band, here is a picture of one in my Explorer. Many paddlers prefer this to the factory back band.

I have enough trouble and anxiety getting ready for a day trip. Now I understand the benefits of camping solo!

Brava, Kathy!