gwlesher

Selling unused Epic Mid Wing paddle in Club Carbon construction, with length adjustable from 205 to 215 cm. List price on Epic web site is $399 (see https://www.epickayaks.com/mid-wing-paddle). Asking $300. Located in Hamilton, MA.

I can add two more NSPN'ers to the list of Blackburn participants. I paddled my ivory/ivory Gulfstream and Mary Beth her yellow/white Capella (our boats make a background cameo in Ty's before-race pictures - photo #7). This was our 6th and 5th Blackburns, respectively. As Lisa said, it was a fast day - favorable weather and tide conditions (except for the final slog across Gloucester Harbor against the ebb tide - I'm impressed by that 6 mph finish by Ty and Emilie). The fog was definitely an issue for some of the boats - there were quite a range of lines taken on the more open water legs. Didn't see any surf skis in peril. I did, however, find myself worrying about the mental health of those guys on paddleboards. I had a good day, finishing at 3:27 - 3 or 4 minutes behind the winner of the Sea Kayak (SK) category (Tucker Lindquist, in a green/white Surge) and just a minute or two ahead of the woman SK winner (Sarah Evertson, in a matching green/white Surge). Mary Beth clocked in at 4:45, which just about gave me enough time to get my breath back to cheer her across the line. As always, the Blackburn was a great experience. We're still recovering from this year's race, but already looking forward to the next. Greg

I believe it's the Lady Maryland. Greg

Thanks for the encouraging replies. I'm in. Greg

Hoping someone will comment on the appropriateness of this paddle for me. Just joined NSPN a few weeks ago but have been paddling in the area for past 7 years. Reasonable amount of fair weather open water paddling experience, but self-rescue and assisted rescue practice limited to flat water (and, sad to say, not all that much practice there either). Skills mostly self-taught from books. Under meticulously controlled conditions on flat water, successful roll is, uh, let's say "not too uncommon". Bracing OK in theory, but limited experience with real-world use. No towing experience. No surf experience. Kevlar CD Gulfstream. Wetsuit only, no helmet, never-used tow rope, no knife, cheap paddle leash. I'm looking to improve my rescue skills and comfort level when in less-than-ideal conditions. I plan on attending some Chebacco Lake sessions this summer for flat water work, but felt like this trip might be a good introduction to some open water practice. If I lack the baseline equipment or background skills, however, please let me know. Thanks. Greg