Walter

Thanks Liz. This is very helpfull. Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

I'll be there. Reads like the start of a song! Wonder what the title was? I heard that the man in black might attend? Do you think he is giving out autographs? I heard that he has been seen resently with Jay Low!!! Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst/Ivory

I would be interested in joining the group. What time will we meet? I will bring a paddle float. Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

I have 10 1/2 wide feet. I use size 11 Yamaha above the ankle boots. The extra half size works well with the addition of dry suit and fleece socks. Suggestion maybe a half size bigger and the Yamaha line? Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

I agree with the layering. I use Pantgonia long johns (also used for sking, they have lasted longer than I care to tell you(:-))) and then add fleece top and pants as needed and carry a wind breaking breathable jacket. Those interested in a great price on fleece tops and bottoms try Wal Mart(sorry Liz) $15.50 each, for both that's $31.00(:-)). You can also try them on to get the correct fit. I also use a nylon with fleece backed vest(it is thin) for really cold days. All the above is under a BREATHABLE PALM DRY SUIT. Those interested in a great price and great service on a breathable dry suit call(800-286-0083) and see Doug Gray(owner)at Billington Sea Kayak(http://www.billingtonseakayak.com/). Palm dry suit was $395 w/ no feet, with breathable material feet it is another $100. That's a total of $500. By the way I take an XXL(there was no extra charge for the larger size). The advantage of buying at a store is that you can try it on. No return or restocking charges if it does not fit. Also, they are located on the Billington Sea. You can walk right into the water to make sure there are no leaks before you take it home or you can demo your next kayak(GREAT SALES going on, web site http://www.billingtonseakayak.com/)and try the suit out doing wet exits and/or rolling.He has a great line of kayaks. He also carries the more expensive KOKATAT.(KOKATAT wanted $1200 for the same suit. OUCH!) Make sure you tell Doug that you are a member of NSPN. Keep a paddle in the water. Stay warm and comfortable by layering under a breathable dry suit in cold conditions(:-)). Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

Hi Dan Great pictures. Looks like we do not have to travel to far to see ruins. Keep the pictures coming. Keep a paddle in the water. Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

I just left Joe's Creek(AKA Walker Creek). The wind is blowing at 30 Plus. There were two kayakers with life jackets an protective suits trying to go out the creek. One had a skirt but was not useing it. The waves were three feet plus mostly white caps. The waves started to fill the kayak. She was blown back to the beach with a kayak partially full of water Her friend was not able to paddle against the wind and he was blown back to the beach also. He had his skirt on. There was also a gray haired man in a rubber boat with a small motor on it. He was sitting up high trying to paddle it. He had no life jacket on and was having trouble paddling and starting the motor. He almost flipped the boat a couple of times as he was blown up the river away from shore. Finally he was blown into a boat that was anchored. He was able to hold on and get his motor started. He attempted to go to his boat that was anchored but turned back as the wind was too much for his little motor. At times like these I wonder why I care? Since they show so little care for themselves. The only thing I could have done for them was watch, call the authorities, and informed there next of kin were they went down. I do believe what is good for the goose is good for the gander. If there is any legislature passed it should apply to all that use the water in any means of conveyance with very little exception. We also needs to bring in the other problems that we see. Walter Mears Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

Brian >John, > >Thanks for getting involved and providing the links; I'll >see what I can do. I agree completely. >Although I do the majority of my paddling >in MA waters, I'm not a MA resident, so I don't know how >much local politicians are going to care about what I have >to say, since I can't vote for or against them. The fact that your not a MA resident does not preclude your feelings and thoughts toward this important topic. Also, this could be a steping stone for how other states handle this matter. > I also have >to plead ignorance when it comes to the inner workings of >the political system in MA. I guess I'm going to be >learning... I am in the same boat here. Therefore I think the question needs to be asked and answered; "Are there members that have this experience and concern that would like to help? Please post here." >One thing I feel I need to state clearly is that the >opinions and suggestions in my posts are my own Yes, but I believe others have the same concerns( boy I wish I could spell this word). > and do not >reflect any kind of "club position" on this issue. I think the club should take a stand on this matter and decide if it wants to make a statement. Especially since we state in our opening statement on our web page, that we are safety oriented. >AFAIK, we >have no established club stance on any political issue. Maybe its time we stepped up and were counted. This matter effects us all. >The idea of the club attempting to become a political force >locally is surely to be a controversial subject. I'm not >sure the membership would want to do that and I understand >the reluctance. I think the club should decide. I would ask; "Members to voice your opinions here." >There may also be more value in voicing our >opinions individually, as many separate statements from >individual voters would likely carry more weight that a >single one from an organization, That should also be done. The outcome will determine its effectiveness. >unless it is submitted in >the form of a petition. This is another tool that should be looked at. >Unless there is a groundswell of support within the club for >more active involvement in promoting our sport, perhaps the >best thing we can do is what has been done here; make people >aware of the issues and encourage them to become involved >individually. I think that making "people aware of the issues" is always a way to get things started. >The lack of participation in this thread is >not encouraging. It is early yet. I think if you would agree to chair this matter or even co chair it with John. Assuming you were both interested in getting this subject matter together and presented to the proper ears in a way that they could understand and support. Setting up items chronologically that you both felt should be consider and posting here,for a start, so that members could comment.This would give me and others a way to consider and comment on the items individually. You could also have meetings at peoples homes( I would be willing to host such a meeting), or a common meeting place (Conomo Point Yacht Club Building,Essex Ma. is available free,no heat. You could paddle after.)to get members thoughts. Another suggestion would be to have memebers that are interested in this subject to e-mail other paddlers to advise them of this subject requesting there support by posting here. I would ask at this time that all members that have and interest in this subject,which effects us all, post there thoughts and suggestions on how we can support this cause. Keep a paddle in the water. Walter Mears Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

If you are unable to get fresh water you could do it at Conomo Point. My house is three buildings from Joes Creek(AKA Walker Creek). Creek is tidal. No water at low tide. However, you could also do it down front in the Essex River. I have an outside shower(with hot water)as well as inside shower, first floor at the back door. The presentation depending on numbers could be done at my home or at the Boat House (building is not heated) or the beach. I would need advance notice of when so that I could procure a key to the boat house. As much notice as possible as people are not as readily available. Keep a paddle in the water. Walter Mears Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory

Hi John >Although I'm new to the group I want to thank you,as a new member and an individual that is concerned about safety on the water, for your involvement and input on this subject.It is nice to see people step up. Please do not >feel the heat in >posting) here. This subject is to important. I believe this subject, brings out a lot of opinions that show a great deal of dispare on a subject, that brings on some emotion along with a lot of thoughtfull logical suggestions(to us), that have come with years of experience and have fallen on deaf ears.(Boy thats a mouthfull) >I assume that if, as a group, you advocate a >certain position in which you are undoubtedly both experts >and an interested party, then your views may very well >prevail. This subject is so important, you may have hit upon a way that we as a group and individuals could express our thoughts. >If you feel strongly about the subject, As you can see we do. >contact the people >in the Senate: Do you know if is it posssible that we could have a meeting with someone or the legislatures that would allow us to present a clubs point of view. We would then need someone to organize the club members(Brian would you be interested in chairing this?) for there input and have someone that would have the time to present our views. I think Brian has hit upon a lot of the frustration,true or purseived, that a lot of us have. At the same time he has very eloquently touched upon a lot of the flaws in this bill and problems dealing with the legislative body. I would like to see and hear discussion on a lot of the solutions to the problem,with the legislation, that Brian has brought up. I think ,Brians and others, solutions to this matter should be considered, possibly expanded and researched for the ability to make them work.They should then be presented in such a way that they are lissened to and considered. There may be members that have some knowledge of how to get this goal achieved. Brian brought up another very valueable point. That is there is no purpose passing laws that can not be instituted and enforced. In closing I want to thank you and the other members that have posted here with there thought provoking suggestions. However, I believe we as members and obviously conserned Paddlers need to take this to the next step; organizing our thoughts, constructing a proposal and presenting it SO THAT WE ARE HEARD, AND OUR PROPOSAL IS THOUGHFULLY CONSIDERED (:-)). I would support this and look forward to supporting those that know how to proceed with; A) Putting our suggestions together and B)Getting the presentation presented so that they are considered and do not get lost. Walter Impex Serenity Sunburst / Ivory (I finally have the colors correct.)

Thanks Brian, the pictures were great. I just had a couple of questions. What size Fiberglass mat did you use? Was there any problem taking off the milk jug form at the end? I assume you left it there until everything was cured? Did you put a patch on the inside also or was that not necessary? Thanks Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

WAA-HOO. Looks like the waves were great. Thanks for sharing. Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

Bill thanks for the pictures. It looked as though you found some good conditions for playing. You seem to have a lot more visability than there was in Portsmouth were the fog was in with no visability for most of the day. We were at a lobster bake at the Science Center on Odiorne State Park from 11 to 3. It is good to see Roger is back. Werner looks as though he has gained a step with the new kayak.Sorry I missed the outing. Walter Impex/Serenity Orange/White

Thanks Bill for the great pictures. I am sorry I did not make it last night. As Werner puts it so articulately, "Walter, some times you have to work. Its called responsibility." I had to wooooorrrrrkkkk last night. I even have trouble typing the word let alone saying it. The sun set was real nice. Well since I am tied up at night this week got to go get a paddle wet this morning. Keep a paddle in the water(:-))) Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

Bill thanks for the pictures they are great as usual. Was that Werner in the yellow Explorer? Keep your paddle in the water(:-)). Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

Bill it was great paddling with you and Roger. I see you have not had the heart to tell Roger that we eat lunch in Loblolly cove. The pictures were outstanding. I have several of your pictures on the wall. Walter Impex Serenity

Thanks Jill. I have printed the pictures so that I can review them before I go out to practice my roll. Thanks for your help on last Thursday. Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

This has been a stange year for the GREENIES. Last week I was out Monday morning paddled the River from the point, staying in the wind, out to the bay. I road some waves and then headed back up the river. The Greenies were with me all the way. There were even a couple on the bow of the kayak as I road the waves. When I turned around to go back out to catch another wave they would attack me. Last Thursday morning I when out early 7:30 A.M. to test the new knee pads I had made up for that nights lessen in Rolling with Knight & Foote. I put in at Joes Creek and had to take out at the pier. The Greenies were so bad that day that I had trouble seeing in front of me. However, since Saturday's cold spell and rain they have not been bad. I was out yesterday afternoon for and hour and half, staying in the main part of the River were the wind blows. This morning I went out at 8:30A.M. for two hours.Paddling over to Hog Island staying this side, as the Greenies started to get bad out of the breeze. There was a mild breeze blowing from Cranes Beach and a couple of herons taking flight.It was so quiet you could hear there wings flutter as they flew by. As I paddled out into the bay there were a couple of bass that were slapping the surface of the water as I paddled by the pillings off of Hog Island. I was pleasantly surprised that I was not accompanied by the Greenies. They were not bad when I took out at Joes Creek. There was some new fresh meat on the beach which helped. A couple and their two young daughters had just come to the beach. The father was fraticly try to swat the bugs, while balancing him self on one foot and put skin so soft on. The greenies love skin so soft, as it softens the skin so that they can bite deeper. The daughters were waving their hands about their heads and body as they ran toward the water. The mother was putting a long sleeve shirt on. She had long pants on. I think she might have been here before. We (locals) expect them(THE GREENIES) the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks in August. Some times they are here and extra week on either end. I myself try not to be here during this time because THE GREENIES,the mosquitos and midgets(if no wind) can be real bad. If you are coming,I suggest bringing a long sleeve shirt,pants,a new large can of deet and a back up just in case they eat the first one before you can get back into your car. The full moon and high tide is suppose to knock them down. But since it has been relatively mild so far they may just be starting after the full moon until the next one. Walter Conomo Point Essex, Ma P.S. It is very comfortable and beautiful from an air conditioned car this time of year. You get to see people running, waving shirts, hands and towels, beating themselves, and jumping up and down;doing the GREENEY SHUFFLE.

It is good to hear that it is finally coming together for you. That means you will have more time to spot and help me at the skill sessions and when we go paddling this Sunday. Keep your self fine tuned will you, so I have a good roll model to follow. Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

Thanks to Nick Dyslin, Lendal paddle rep, Tom Bergh of Maine Island Kayak Company and our one an only Suz I had a great afternoon Demoing Lendal paddles while in kayaks provided by Tom Berg of Maine Island Kayak Copmany. Thanks Suz for putting this function on at Pavillion Beach in Ipswich. Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

Both of you are funny as it is raining so hard that your kayaks will be full of water before you can get your skirts on. Well look on the bright side(next Saturday the sun will be out) you will have a rare opportunity to practice paddling with your boats half full of fresh water while paddling in the Ocean. I would of said on the Ocean but with the terrential down pours we are having I think you will be more in than on. I'll bring the sun at 3:00P. M. when I arrive. So just hang in there.Sorry hanging is surfing slang. I should of said brace up. Walter Impex Serenity Orange /White

I would be interested in a trip to Casco Bay. When were you thinking of doing that trip?

i loved the way the prijon kodiak handeled, especially in a turbulent sea. i would suggest you paddle one. i would recommend it without reservation if it was the right kayak for you. you need to paddle it and other boats in its class to determine that.if a club member does not have one then i believe you can demo one at mountain road trading post, raymond,nh. prijon's web site is www.wildnet.com. for dealers click purchase put in state and it gives dealers. call the dealers as they did not all demo. the trading post let me take the kayak down the street to the local lake. i did not purchase the kodiak. i am paddling an impex serenity and love it. i would suggest you try the impex models(www.impexkayak.com). the serenity(w-23")(not to be confused with the serenity sport) and the susquehanna(w-22"). they have very large cockpits and the depth is about 13", which gives you a lot of room for your legs. charles river canoe and kayak had these models for demoing in newton. i did not like there seats and have replaced mine. if you would like to demo it e-mail me. i live at conomo point in essex. 4 houses from the water. we can schedule a time for you to try it. good luck. paddle a lot of boats in the type of water you want to paddle in. Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

Can anyone provide directions from Essex to Lake Cochituate, Wayland, MA to were the rolling classes are? How is parking? Is there any fee? Were do we meet instructors Knight & Foote? Classes start at 5:30 P.M.. How early are participants getting there? If there is any other information anyone whom has taken this class has to offer please provide. I'd like to be well prepared. I've been watching the tape "The Kayak Roll" and practicing the drills in it. Walter Impex Serenity Orange/White

I third that. The sessions are very valuable.