Jill

And, if you want to see a good visual and discussion of each of these rolls and compare them, Karen has them posted on her website. Click on each of them at the bottom of this web page to view photos and her descriptions: http://www.bobfoote.com/karen/tipsandtechniques.htm

REI Framingham. Take Exit 13 off the Pike. After toll, take the right hand ramp toward Framingham. At the second light you'll see REI on the left across the street. Make a U turn at the light and REI's parking lot entrance will be on your right. Pretty tough to miss. To get back on the Pike, exit the parking lot turn right (no left anyway), the Pike onramp if a block away.

If you can get out to So. Natick, Sherborn, or Medfield those are some of the most beautiful parts of the Charles at any time of year, but Fall in particular. Good places to put in are just next to the So. Natick dam - going up river; Farm Road in Sherborn - going up or down river; Rt. 27 in Medfield - going up or down river, but up river gets a bit wide open and treeless after a while; and Elm Bank in So Natick below the So. Natick Dam. No portages for miles and miles above the So. Natick Dam.

With deepest respect for Jed's experience with rolling and teaching rolling, I submit that the feet can play a significant and effective role in executing a sweep roll. I learned this from Bob Foote (no pun intended) and have put it into practice in rolling both sea kayaks and white water kayaks in combat situations. Bob's tip is this: At the same time as you begin sweeping the paddle out from the set up position, use your offside foot (if you are coming up on your right, your left foot) to begin to push the boat away from you (in the same way as you would use that foot and knee to push the boat away from you as in doing a balance brace on the right side). This foot action is deliberate but only the starting point. Then engage the knee and hips as the sweep continues. If done well, by the time the paddle is half way to perpendicular to the boat, the boat is already rotated half way out of the water. In my experience, using the feet in this way has made a significant and positive difference in the effectiveness of my roll. Jill

Ouch Liz! While waiting for you all at Karen and Bob's class last weekend, I almost sat on a fish hook on the grass at the Lake Cochituate put in. When you see all the trash and broken glass folks leave around ... Fish hooks are another good reason to have a knife handy... not for your finger, but for attached line. I was having a nice quiet paddle at a local lake a couple of years ago and reached down to pick up what I thought was a small plastic bobber that the fishermen use. What I didn't realize was that it had a fish hook and line attached. The hook got me in the fingertip (but not deeply as it did you), unfortunately, the line attached to the hook was attached to a log. I managed to extricate myself but it wasn't easy or comfortable and I didn't want to drive the hook in further. I cannot remember if I had a knife on my pfd or just wished I had. I think it was the latter. Best wishes, Jill

Another ambiguity but I believe the intention of the drafter is for the word "actual" to apply to "wet exit" rather than "training." Thus,to mean actually getting wet!

Below is the text of this legislation and, as it is written, in my view as a lawyer, it could impact clubs such as NSPN. Here is how: It refers to "commercial and/or professional kayak instructors" but it doesn't say they have to be performing commercially or professionally at the time. Therefore, anyone who teaches kayaking for money or conceivably already has a professional cert., such as ACA, BCU, Maine Guide, etc., would probably have to comply in all cases, even if no money is paid for the class. So, the law could apply to any NSPN trip, class or workshop being led by any "commercial and/or professional instructor" even if no money is being paid for the class. There are many in this club who teach or have taught professionally but volunteer their time for the club. I've had trouble coaxing students to wet exit on warm days with reasonably warm water in a lake, imagine having to do it on a cold day in cold water. Some instructors are opting to have students who haven't wet exited go without spray skirts, something this proposed law doesn't appear to allow. Can you imagine CRCK asking everyone who wants to rent a kayak for a hour (and they don't give them skirts for these rentals) to wet exit in the Charles. Their kayak rental business would suffer. Good thing they rent canoes! Regardless of how you feel about the substance of what is being proposed, this law is not very well thought thru from a clarity standpoint. Terms which need definition include "commercial" "professional" and "open waters." Jill SECTION 1. Chapter 90B of General Laws, as appearing in the 2000 Official Edition is hereby amended by inserting the following new section, after section 13A, Section 13B. All commercial and/or professional kayak instructors shall obtain and maintain the following: (a) Basic First Aid training; ( CPR or a higher level of first responder qualification; and © American Canoe Association certification or equivalent training. All commercial and/or professional kayak instructors shall provide training to each individual on the safety procedures appropriate to the level of paddling difficulty. Instruction of novices shall include actual wet exit training, the so-called practice in escaping from a kayak while submerged in a controlled water setting, pool or otherwise, before said individuals are allowed to use a kayak in open waters. No form of release, oral or written, shall be valid or otherwise effective so as to affect an instructor’s responsibility to comply with this section. Any such release shall be null and void.

I think it depends upon the model within the Astral line. I have friends who've used the zip up Astrals and liked them very much. I purchased a women's pull over style wondervest for white water. At first I liked it because it was sooo comfortably fitted for a woman. The best feature was the inside back pocket designed to hold a drinking water bladder without having it flopping around on the outside of the vest. But, after using it for a season, I found that in making it comfortable for the chest area, the manufacturer had made it too bulky around the middle of the torso and the front pocket, which had a velcro closure had a tendency to come open when one had to lay on the front of the vest (for certain types of white water rescues). Both those characteristics could affect one's ability to crawl onto the back deck of a kayak during an assisted rescue. I also found that it really didn't float me as high in the water as some other vests (another important thing in white water, less so in sea kayaking). The two best fitting vests I've tried are one MTI model called the Nami (good for WW but not enough pockets for sea kayaking) and the Kokatat MSFit Tour. Both are well cut for short torsos, which is what I need. The latter has plenty of well designed pocket space.

The whistle/compass part of this legislation may have some benefit on navigable bodies of water, if followed. Remember, the two women who died off Monomoy were not wearing PFDs at a time of year when they are required by law. But, one of the things I find silly about the proposed legislation is that it makes no differentiation based on body of water. Why should one need a compass while paddling white water on a river, or flatwater on their local pond or lake? To be in compliance with this law, I'm going to need to put a compass in my pfd pocket every time I go run the Deerfield River or take a spin around my local lake -- ridiculous!

Others may have more insight, but I would caution against gluing anything to a helmet shell. Glues can affect the integrity of the helmet. The helmet I have came with a warning against applying any adhesive to the shell.

If you are going to wear a helmet for winter paddling and put layers under it, you might consider a helmet that has adjustable padding so that it can be re-fitted easily for summer wear. A too tight helmet will give you a headache, while a too loose one tends to flop around when rolling.

I realize that some don't like to wear headgear of any kind, but a properly sized and fitted helmet should not be uncomfortable. I wore one (a Shred Ready see link) at all times on the water for 14 days on the Grand Canyon in very hot weather and didn't find it to be uncomfortable. Sea kayakers just aren't used to wearing helmets all the time as white water paddlers are. If you are going to do rock play either planned or spontaneous, find a way have a helmet ready to wear when you need it. Rocks hurt! http://www.shredready.com/products/shaggy.html

Having made a serious foray into white water kayaking this past year, I cannot imagine not wearing a helmet when kayaking in moving water around rocks. I have now had the experience of my helmet brushing against rocks while I was upside down preparing to roll. In this respect ocean rocks are just as dangerous as those in a river. It is a given that white water kayakers always wear helmets.

Brian mentions OS Systems in his post about gasket repair. I have heard excellent things from professional paddlers who have their dry suits and put them to hard use. Although I presently have a Kokatat, if I were in the market for a new suit I would seriously consider OS Systems. According to their website, they use the brass heavy duty zippers. Jill

No experience with the company you mention, but I've had excellent experience with gasket replacements done by Amigos Drysuit repair: http://www.drysuit-repair.com/

The article Scott refers to is available on-line at: http://www.seakayakermag.com/2003/03Oct/breath1.htm One other thing I've noticed is that most people practice rolling by doing a full roll -- going over set up on one side and coming up on the other. In my experience, because you are already tucked, this makes my roll easier. But... it is rare that you'll capsize like that in real conditions. So, it is important to practice going over differently (backwards, twisted, without both hands on the paddle, etc.) and have to bring yourself into a set up position to roll.

Not sure where the person from EMS is coming from but a 3mm farmer john style wetsuit is perfectly fine and flexible enough for kayaking when the water is cold. Many kayakers use wetsuits of that weight. It would not be suitable for winter when only a dry suit will do. That said, I have found that I don't use my wetsuit much, but rather use my lightweight (hydroskin in NRS terms) neoprene clothing until it is too cold and then go directly to the dry suit. This isn't because the 3mm farmer john isn't suitable, it is just that I find the drysuit more comfortable for me. I have friends that love the 2mm NRS Rodeo Pant. I'm also hooked on the NRS Mystery shirt, which I've found extremely comfortable by itself or under a paddling jacket.

There are several good videos on the market. I haven't seen the one you mention. My favorite is "The Kayak Roll" which teaches the Sweep Roll, a roll which works well for just about all kayakers in just about all boats. An older video "Grace Under Pressure" is very good too teaches the C to C roll which can be difficult for some boats and some body types. For a visual representation of each of these rolls see http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/view_albu...bumName=album16 In my experience videos and books are big help but most folks need actual hands on instruction with someone who is experienced spotting you. NSPN winter pool sessions are perfect for this. There are plenty of folks there ready to spot and help you learn to roll.

You can find out information on any bill before the Massachusetts legislature by going to http://www.mass.gov/legis. There is also helpful information on that site which describes the legislative process and a glossary of terms. The current legislative history of the bill under discussion is at: http://www.mass.gov/legis/history/h04456.htm. Note, according to the legislature's web site, the whistle and compass requirements are still in there. As to thoughts on the subject. Legislation enacted in response to a specific tragedy is often flawed because it is reactive rather than proactive. It would seem that this bill is designed for the ocean but doesn't limit its affect. So, if you are paddling any kayak on a hot August day on your dinky local pond or calm river, you'd need to wear a pfd. I find that requirement more oppressive than being forced to wear a pfd on the ocean -- something we all do or should be doing anyway. In my experience most people who paddle canoes and kayaks do not know what the current law is (Sept. 15 - May 15 requirement for wearing a pfd and having it in the boat at all other times). If I'm not mistaken, the tragedy on the Cape last year took place during the time when pfds were required to be worn. Making the requirement more strict won't help unless paddlers know the law and follow it. If they really want to save lives, they should require all those who rent paddlecraft to supply properly fitting pfds and require that they be worn at all times on the water. They should also require those who sell paddlecraft to provide a written statement as to the law on wearing pfds and about the dangers of paddling without one. Jill

I have posted some pictures of Karen Knight's rolling demo from this past weekend. These pictures demonstrate the C to C and Sweep rolls. I believe these pictures illustrate well the differences between these two rolls and I've tried to point those out in the captions. For those of you who were in Bob Foote and Karen Knight's classes recently, these pictures should give you a visual refresher. http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/view_albu...bumName=album16 Happy rolling practice! Jill

I've had no experience with dry ice, but I can tell you that I've had experience with Maine Guides preping for week long trips by buying cubic foot blocks of ice and sawing them with a buck saw into about 1 inch thick slabs. They placed each slab in a zip lock bag and used them in soft sided coolers. The larger ice pieces melted more slowly and worked very well for several days with no spoilage. They also did a pre-cook and pre-freeze of some perishable foods. The most perishable foods were used earliest in the trip. Of course, the cold Maine waters do help when coolers are kept in the bottom of hatches or between the feet in cockpits. Jill

It is much harder to describe in words than to show in photos. I'm planning to post some photos on this topic soon. If you look at some of the rolling videos out there, one called "Grace Under Pressure" teaches the C to C. Another excellent one called "The Kayak Roll" teaches what is called the Sweep Roll. Which one is right for you is, as Bob Foote and Karen Knight would say, "boat and body dependent." According to them, the sweep roll used to be the preferred method, then the white water boaters began using the C to C roll and that technique filtered into sea kayaking. Now, the sweep roll is becoming the more common method taught for both disciplines. The name of the C to C roll derives from the relative body positions. The paddler capsizes, then orients his or her paddle at 90 degrees to the boat, making a "C" with the body arched toward the boat hull. Then the paddler executes what is called a strong "hip snap" or "hip flick," at the same time shifting or "dinking" the head toward the water so that the body makes a "C" in the other direction toward the water, the head coming up last. (This is the same motion as a high brace, only more extreme.) Thus righting the boat. The C to C body positions give the manuever its name. This manuever requires flexibility, timing and some strength, and is easy for some and difficult for others. It is much harder to do in some boats and with some body types. The older white water boats are much rounder and somewhat narrower than the newer play boats which can be wider and flatter bottomed. Thus, the C to C technique adapated well to those older boats, where the sweep roll can be easier with the newer styles. The sweep roll requires similar skills, but is easier for some because doesn't require as much flexibility or as strong a hip snap motion. The sweep roll combines a sweeping action of the paddle with a hip snap and head dink, but it is more gradual than the more "explosive" C to C snap. The sweep roll can also be done with a fully or semi-extended paddle, providing more leverage and making it easier to right the boat. For those who can do it, having both types of rolls is helpful. There are also many other rolling techniques. These are just the two most common. Best to have someone demonstrate for you. Hope that helps. Jill

The ordinary instructional progression is to teach bracing first, particularly, if you are doing the C to C roll, as the motions are essentially the same only more pronounced in the roll. However, I agree with Bethany. It depends on the person. Learn whatever skill makes you comfortable and makes it fun. Years ago, I learned to roll before I learned to brace. Not because I consciously chose that path, but because I wasn't taught bracing in the intro kayaking class I took. I then wanted to roll and sought that out. Yes, after I learned to roll, it made learning bracing easier, but it took me a long time to get a roll. Perhaps had the bracing come first, the roll would have come more easily. Who knows. I see no reason why you cannot develop both skills essentially at the same time. Jill

Just so there is no confusion, the Knight/Foote class is full, will be held at Lake Cochituate and is not part of the Mystic Skills Session.

Some of it is not the camera, it is the memory card. Many of the small digitals have the capability of shooting several frames per second, but the camera cannot shoot faster than the card can write. I just purchased a very fast 80X professional speed card for shooting fast action in a digital SLR. I'm told it will also allow my Canon S40 to shoot more quickly but haven't tried it yet. There are a variety of card speeds out there from 4X to 80X. I remember asking Sean Noonan about this and he said card speed is a key variable. Jill