tyson

Probably true!

My personal experience is that the paddle type doesn't matter much. I tried the euro rolls using a euro paddle with some success and some failure. Then I bought Dubside's DVD on Greenland rolling (it was the first one I happened to find). I followed those techniques, still using a 60 degree feather on a euro paddle, and learned to roll reliably. It wasn't until much later that I had the chance to pick up a GP. Cheri and Turner's recent DVD specifically covers the minor differences between using GP and a euro paddle for Greenland rolls. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone wanting to learn a reliable roll, regardless of paddle type. I now use a GP exclusively, but there is still a lot of "euro technique" in my forward stroke. One can even use a "wing paddle stroke" with a GP. For a GP it seems to be called a "reverse canted" stroke and works quite well at higher speeds. I don't use the GP because it is better for rolling. I use it because I find it to be a more efficient and versatile than a standard euro blade. The power in that blade when you scull or "fly" it is impressive. There are a few cases where a euro blade works better, but for my uses those cases are small compared to where the GP excels once you really learn to make them sing. Leon, what style roll have you tried with the wing? I have limited experience with wings, but I found that the standard Greenland roll works extremely well with them. The wing provides tremendous support when it "flys" through the water during the sweep. Cheers! Ty

I was going to bring this up, but you beat me to it. Yes, he paddles with no feather and recommends others do the same. I expect that most people are most comfortable with what ever they have recently paddled the most with. I've always used 60 degrees for a euro blade, but there is no good reason for that other than that was what I was taught when I started. I'm a bit puzzled about all this wind resistance stuff and maybe someone can enlighten me. Any wind worth talking about it _MUCH_ faster than the paddling speed of any of us (except Leon and Rick with his new V8) and can blow in any direction. So, unless you change your feather with every change in the wind, what does the feather do for us? I'm putting one more +1 next to sticks because there is no need to debate feather angle and wind doesn't bother them much. Cheers! Ty

Hey! I just might resemble that remark! ...besides, they can be used to spread peanut butter when you've forgotten your knife. Cheers! Ty

If you want low light sensitivity when buying a new camera, look for the newer "rear illuminated" style sensors. I'm now using a waterproof, Sony pocket cam which was one of the first ones to get this new technology, but a lot of others are offering it now also. With the old sensors, anything above 10MP generally took worse pictures than the 8-10MP sizes. This new one is 16MP, takes great pictures and has fantastic low light sensitivity. Cheers! Ty

...except when Emilie is busy punching holes in the glass.

I tend to have a busy schedule and can't get there this weekend, but I'm up for bump when ever possible. Cheers! Ty

First of all, I don't paddle an "anus". I paddle an Anas Acuta. ;-) As Doug mentioned, most of us are familiar with the Tide Race boats and have paddled many of them. The X-Cite S had a nice hull, but the seat/combing didn't fit me well. All the others were too large and tub-like for my taste. I spent a good bit of time looking at the P&H Delphin and also the Tiderace X-treme, but I found both to be much too large. I rather prefer a low volume boat with hard chines, a Greenland stick and a wet ride. Cheers! Ty

Perhaps true, but Tux is only in when there is snow, so the winter is for skiing and the dry suit gets only limited use. Hurricane season is when the kayak gets the most play. I'd be up for some bump this weekend, but things are looking pretty flat and I've failed to find any that is worth the drive. Cheers! Ty

Emilie and I paddle hard chine boats and use Thule Hull-a-ports. There is no problem with a hard chine in these racks. In fact, the bottom of them is flat and the flat side of the boat sits on it nicely. I do have some tricks for securely strapping in slender/low-volume boats to keep them from wandering around. Cheers! Ty

Emilie seems to have no trouble doing that with her Greenland which is considerably narrower and has a smaller cockpit than a Pintail. She can hop out and then climb back in with hardly any water getting in. I claim no such abilities.

I think I've always found the folks in Maine to be friendly. Respect them, they respect you.

Are you familiar with getting back into your boat in deep water? Are your sons? The currents and "bump" that can turn up in that bay are great fun, ...or dangerous if things go badly and you don't have some basic skills. Be careful, Ty

I just looked at the Point 65 on rei.com. It may be worth noting that the singe review of that kayak is by a kayaker with limited knowledge: I believe you'll find that NSPN has quite a number of VERY skilled and experienced kayakers. Though rudders do have their place, I doubt that any will backup the blanket claim that long kayaks need rudders. ...most of us prefer kayaks without. That really isn't a big deal. Many promote removing the stock seat/back and installing a foam seat or seat back that is not adjustable at all. Those thigh braces are important safety gear any time you are paddling in other than bathtub flat conditions. They are an important feature to assist with controlling the boat and staying in it. ...again, consider a used boat. If you are serious about sea kayaking, your next purchase will be primarily a learning experience for what to buy next. Cheers! Ty

I'd like to 2nd and 3rd the suggestion for a used kayak. If you have to ask which kayak you might want, you don't need to pay for a new one. You will get a MUCH better value in a used one. ...either a better kayak or a better price, or both. Craigslist, Charles River, Contoocook River are all great suggestions. I used all three. Cheers! Ty

Surf skis are SOT's. They're not so wide and they are used in "big" conditions with great success.

The last guy _WAS_ wearing a PFD: http://touringkayaks.com/blog3/2011/06/%E2%80%98perfect-storm%E2%80%99-of-conditions-leads-to-kayaker-death/ http://downeastdenizen.blogspot.com/2011/06/avoidable-tragedy.html _I_ don't respond well to "zero tolerance" type campaigns. They tend to lack reason and understanding. Though neither of these cases qualify, I still say there is no reason what so ever for a PFD in a context that I would freely swim unaided. Walden pond is an example. If every article of a kayak fatality included information of the context the person was in, why a PFD would have helped and how one might have overlooked the need for one, then people who can be educated will learn something. We need to tell people _WHY_, in what contexts it matters and in what contexts they may not realize the full risks of not wearing one. ...but tell me that I need one for Walden pond and you'd better have good explanation or I'll label "you" as ignorant. Cheers! Ty ...who's PFD has been rinsed and dried after using it for every minute of paddling this past weekend. I don't free swim without aids in rocks with waves crashing against them.

These reports _REALLY_ need more information, even if it includes (and declares) a small level of speculation. How in the world can a person drown while within reach of 2 kayaks?! What actually happened? It is so common to hear that they weren't wearing a PFD. ...or in car accidents, that "speed was a factor". But you never actually hear enough about what happened to learn anything. People go in the water without PFD's all the time and they don't drown. ...esp. with a flotation device so close. ...and people exceed the speed limit _all the time_ without crashing. Much more detailed analysis is needed.

Jeff needed a full exit to extract himself from that one. ...if only she were so delicate with her boats! I was happy to see you guys. We had considered that trip instead, but Rye Harbor seemed like too much tour and not enough rock play. Which chapter organized that trip? Cheers! Ty ...back to the garage to do some more glassing on the Greenland.

If you find a Pungo tippy, PLEASE don't go out on any open water, waves or current. You are favoring boats and paddling "style" that are not well suited to these conditions. Most of the folks in this group thrive in and love such conditions and that is why we paddle the boats that we do. IMHO, if I didn't get wet, I didn't go paddling. If you are interested in learning to paddle in these conditions, you can find a wealth of knowledge here as well as opportunities to learn. ...but you will need to be prepared to challenge some of the preferences you have already expressed. Cheers! Ty

What area of Maine will you be near? There are several first class rental places that could be recommended by folks on this list. You might also check out http://www.smskn.org/. There is a bunch of first class paddlers from Maine in that group who may have opportunities for you. Cheers! Ty

...it turns out, that you can add lightness by adding money. Leaving things you don't need behind helps a lot also. Cheers! Ty

You're gonna love it.

This was our third Maine kayak camping trip, so this is the third time we've been introduced to Maine fog. ...though this was the thickest I've paddled in. In the past we've done longer crossings but with 1/2 mile visibility or more. With 1/2 mile you can find the buoys! The lobster buoys are always good for checking the current and maintaining your heading vs. the current. Cheers! Ty