Dee Hall

Interesting that your experience is so different, Mark. I definitely did plenty of swimming in nasty hydraulics. Maybe it's because my neck is smoother, that is no beard or stubble to create a rough surface to seal against? Certainly, under those conditions a tighter gasket is required. -Dee

> >Can one of the trip leader trainers answer this very serious >issue for the membership? > >What do you instruct people to do in this situation. This is >not a thing to have an "opinion" on. This is a time to have >some very good facts and make sound decisions. > Right from the notes distributed for the "Safety on the Water" module: Find a Safe Landing Get away from the water Get away from tall isolated objects Get away from the boats and leave your paddles Get out of the open If this is unavoidable, assume crouch position The reason for getting away from the boats is because of the wind. Karen Gladstone can attest to how high and far wind from a thunderstorm can toss a loaded boat. The Lightning Strikes book I mentioned has a chapter on the risks of wind that is as long as the chapter on the risks of being struck. Given the terrain of most of our impromptu landing spots, it seems that our best option would probably be nestled down between some big boulders surrounded by other big boulders. -Dee

The books I have on lightning, including "Lightning Strikes" by Jeff Renner, The Mountaineers Books says to avoid tall, isolated objects. This is consistant with pictures I have seen of poles and trees being struck. The lightning doesn't just hit the tall object. Pieces of the bolt diverge and hit nearby objects that are shorter. Also, as the charge travels down the object, bolts come off the object and strike objects nearby. I know that I was in a nasty storm in a pine forest once. I was in a parked car, so I wasn't too concerned, but a tree less than 20 feet away was hit. A good sized bolt came off of the tree and hit the pavement in front of our car. It was very impressive and sent some asphalt flying. Then I was REALLY glad I had stayed in the car. Perhaps Jeff Casey can explain why. -Dee

>A kokatat suit is definitly the Rolls Royce of dry >suits---but they can cost---the basic model is around 650$ w >/o boots(a necessity in my opinion) and a relief >zipper(another necessity) adding those two items on puts the >price close to 800$. Its kind of like a kevlar boat, nice >if you can afford it. My question is will other models do >the same thing---keep you dry in the water and comfortable >with breathable fabric out of it---for a more reasonable >price. The three-layer laminate Gore-tex in the Kokatat suits is definitely durable. The problems that some have had with the Ravensprings are that they are a 2-layer laminate, so the inside is more fragile. One has to be careful what one wears inside, and if one is an extremely agressive paddler (like a racer), it might not be an appropriate suit. My husband and I have had ours for three years, and I patched a few very small wear points (they give you some tape) a couple of months ago for the first time. Only one was leaking and it was due to something pointed I was keeping in a pocket at my waist. I did train for two races wearing that suit a couple of years ago, and it is very breathable. This suit, with latex socks and a relief zipper costs 360 pounds. At todays exchange rate, that is $630. It WILL keep you dry and comfortable, and if you take care of it, it should last you years. If it doesn't, they will replace it free of charge. By the way, the person that organized the group buy three years ago did not sell her suit because she had problems with it. She sold it because she lost a whole lot of weight and needed a properly sized suit. By that time, the dollar had fallen against the pound (and everything else.) >PS-- Brian--where in Maine did you have to wear a drysuit in July? Many of us find our drysuits to be much more comfortable and convenient than our wetsuits in cool weather and water. On multi-day trips, they aren't wet the next day, and they stink a lot less (so do we.) -Dee

Those gaskets don't have to be tight at all. My drysuit came with a gasket that was actually quite large, probably too large. It pops over my head with ease, and when I got it, it was incredible comfortable on my neck without trimming. It was also perfectly waterproof no matter what I did in the water including thrashing around in a most undignified way during trip leader training (as an instructor pretending to be scared of drowning.) Then I lost 20 lbs. It started leaking slightly during some manuevers. However, there is a gap now that I can put two fingers into. The gasket doesn't need to be very tight because the pressure of the water is going to press it against your neck. There shouldn't be a gap however. -Dee

When it's that warm, I'm usually down to a mid or heavyweight first layer bottoms and a Powerstretch top. Anything else would result in far too much sweating. Fleece would definitly be overdoing it. You can be in the water for a while, but you would warm up quickly when you get out. Sculling and rolling are great ways to cool off as is dunking your hat in the water. I have not found that Goretex is more breathable than all of the other brands. The Ravensprings are remarkably breathable. My Immersion Research Drytop is also fabulously breathable with a really nice hand. The Ravenspring has a typical nylon texture so it's kind of noisy.

I lent my large pullman to Karen to take to NZ. As far as I know, she put your four piece paddle in it. You are welcome to borrow it. It fits a lot of gear and has wheels and has a hard structure to protect things like your paddle. -Dee

Thanks, Ben. That's a good summary based upon my reading of the document, and it confirms what I suspected probably happened during the drafting of it. Frankly, if trimming it down results in many more people taking it, then it was probably worth it.

I am quite certain that there is not a problem here with embracing the ACA. There is a policy of not requiring trip leaders to spend money on training, otherwise they would be required to take, at the very least, CPR training and almost certainly WFA which is very strongly recommended. We also very strongly recommended any other relevant sea kayaking training they can get their hands on. Requiring is another issue that would be a distinct change in policy and attitude. See, we already require a very substantial investment in gear: boat, paddle, PFD, tow gear, radio, etc. Once we start requiring them to pay for their own training, who knows what will happen. As far as the new Coastal Kayak Day Trip Leading Assessment, currently it falls into the strongly recommended category. Since the only requirement is that you be a strong level 2 paddler by ACA's grading systems (which is VERY close to ours), all of our trip leaders should qualify. There is another issue: I think that the ACA and BCU may have taken to opposite extremes when it comes to trip leading. Correctly planned for and run, trips come in all flavors and risk levels. The ACA has targeted the mild, level 2 trip for 2 days of training. The BCU with their 5 star certification creates a leader that can handle any trip that can be run (I actually don't know how high their bar is set) at the cost of years of training. If we sound disappointed with both it's not because we are snobs or feel the need to invent it ourselves, it's because neither solves our problem. So we have 6 days of training to create level 2, level 3, and (very occasionally) level 4 leaders. In general: The ACA has come out with some interesting new instructional and certification programs this year. I encourage everyone to take a look at them and try them out and then share your experiences. Learning is fun and sharing is even more fun. -Dee

In the beginning, Bob and I each had an ACR C-Light on our PFD's for when we ended up paddling in the dark. The first time I needed mine, it worked. Everytime after that, neither did and each time we opened them up, the batteries were corroded. Myself and many others have blamed this on leakage of salt water, even though the metal contacts inside were fine. Today, I was talking to Alex and New England Small Craft and she mentioned that the rep for ACR said that the problem is gasses building up from the batteries and that the light needs to be opened periodically to let them out. We checked the label on a packaged one, and then I checked the website and neither had mention of this. However, I have an expensive, waterproof LED lantern that does have such a warning. This evening I looked at my abandoned C-light and noticed that the contacts have since corroded. I left the light opened up in my gear box after throwing out the batteries, so at some point salt really did get into it. Later this evening, I did a fairly rigorous waterproof test on it (I won't bore you with the details) and it passed. I now believe that it is waterproof and the gasses from the alkaline batteries caused the corrosion. I find the need to keep opening up my light to let gasses out a bit of a hassle, so I am going to stick with my lithium battery solutions. However, for those who have C-lights, this is a wise move to prevent early self-destruction of the batteries inside.

As a group we have already started saving energy by choosing a sport that doesn't require petroleum products to propel ourselves or maintain our gear. However, Nick's point of long drives to paddles and other's points about car pools are very important. Also consider how you drive. It continually amazes me that so many people complain incessantly about the cost of gasoline, yet they haven't changed their driving habits. They are driving just as fast and just as aggressively, accelerating and deccelerating hard and often. This uses up a lot of extra fuel. Leave yourself extra time. Slow down and enjoy the ride. Maybe if enough of us are driving closer to the speed limit, others will start to feel less urgency to drive 15-25mph over the speed limit and gasoline consumption really will drop! Another way to help is to sign up for Green Up on your electrical bill. It's a little more expensive, but it insures than none of your electricity comes from fossil fuels. -Dee

For those who might be surprised by Bob's response: Although there are a few exceptions, broadcasting without a license is seriously illegal. Not long ago, a license was required for VHF marine radios, but the USCG wanted to encourage all mariners to use them, so the requirement was eliminated. -Dee

And do you need an FCC license for those bands?

Not sure which one. If it's the Currituck, will be epoxying in some tie downs in the day hatch and maybe replacing the bungies. If it's the Orion, we will be adding a paddle park in the front for the storm paddle and some extra bungies in the back for storing the short tow. -Dee

>Does REI sell the bags?--What about LL Beans---for the past >5 years I've used gallon jugs which have a flat >shape---would like to get more water jugs into my boat. http://www.rei.com/product/489.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC These are actually a rebranded Stearns product that can also be found elsewhere. REI now sells these through online and catalog only.

One gallon per day has worked out just right for me. It might work out to more if you are using backpackers' dehydrated food. -Dee

Thanks for the heads up. Yes, the Navigation module is in the afternoon. -Dee

I will also bring glow-in-the-dark beads for those that want them. Does anybody want fluorescent and reflective tape for paddles too? I have some left over from our paddles. Another helpful tool to have with you for working inside boats is an LED headlamp. If your bulkheads are glass and the resin isn't pigmented, it's even better to put a bright flashlight or lantern on the far side of one. It really lights up the inside of the boat without blinding you. -Dee

The existing TLT program was not designed with a particular training program as a guideline. However, there may be portions of the modules that were developed using training guides as references. -Dee

>My question is what are the differences in their respective >approaches to paddler education? Not interested in opinions >on which has greater value or whatever, rather just the >differences in approach. Interestingly, your timing couldn't be better. Within the last week or two, the ACA just got their Level 2 through 4 sea kayaking awards documents up onto their website. The descriptions are strikingly similar to the BCU 2 through 4 star awards. >Does NSPN in its training tend to follow either approach, >blend them? Outside of trip leader training, NSPN does not have any standarized club training. We do have guest professional instructors that come in to teach to the members, but their approach is their own. Otherwise, our "instruction" is actually peer sharing, or as we call it "pass it forward" so the approach will depend on the peer that is sharing. As far as trip leader training goes, it is definitely not ACA or BCU. -Dee

The NSPN Trip Leader Committee announces its 2006 trip leader training program. NSPN club trips are organized and led by volunteer leaders who complete the club’s training program. Trip leaders are NOT necessarily the fastest or fanciest paddlers. Many trip leaders chose to lead only relaxed trips on quiet waters. Under NSPN policy, trip participants are responsible for their own safety by paddling with required skills and gear. Trip leaders are responsible for organizing trips and for making good faith efforts to ensure safe trips through planning and safe practices on the water. If you are interested in volunteering to lead or assist on trips, NSPN offers trip leader training to prepare you for the role. What's in it for you? * High quality skills training for free. * Opportunity to develop leadership abilities. * Access to the knowledge and wisdom of experienced paddlers. * Great camaraderie with people who love to paddle--and love to share it! Here’s the deal: * We provide classroom and on-the-water training in the skills needed to lead club trips. * You commit to lead or assist on club trips. * The training is led by volunteers who are club members. * We assume you are a solid Level 3 club paddler since much of the on-water training is in Level 3 conditions. (We do not teach strokes or other basic skills.) * All of the required training is offered free of charge to participants. If you are ready to lead after taking the course, we will coach you through your first few trips. If you aren't sure, we always need assistant leaders to support leaders on trips and you can build experience watching other trip leaders. No one will make you lead a trip. You are the one who decides when you are ready to lead a trip. Equipment Note: While all required classes are offered for free, there will be some equipment items you will be required to have as a trip leaders. You will need to purchase or otherwise arrange to borrow these items for your On-the-Water sessions. A list is posted on the club web site and will be distributed at one of the class room meetings. 2006 Trip Leader Training Program The trip leader training program is modular. What this means is that you do not have to complete all the requirements in one year. Club members can take one or all of the modules in each season. They can also complete all the required courses in one season or over several years. However, you must complete the list of all required classes to become an NSPN trip leader. Required Courses * Trip Planning Classroom 8 hours * Safety on the Water Classroom 4 hours * Navigation I Classroom 4 hours * Navigation II Classroom 4 hours * Trip Administration Classroom 4 hours * Rescues and Tows On-the-Water 8 hours * Leading Trips On-the-Water 8 hours * Scenarios Day On-the-Water 8 hours Recommended Courses * WFA/CPR Classroom 20 hours 2006 Trip Leader Training Schedule All classes are 9 AM to 5 PM * March 5 Trip Planning Classroom 8 hours Planning for trips including chart reading, wind and waves, tides and currents, route selection, put-in and take-out, equipment, safety procedures, emergency procedures and risk assessment. * March 19 Safety on the Water Classroom 4 hours Pre-trip organization, beach briefings, equipment check, launch and landing procedures, paddle formations, signals, comfort and health, boat traffic, VHF procedures and emergencies. (Morning) * March 19 Navigation I Classroom 4 hours Basic chart reading and compass work including plotting courses, taking bearings and following headings. Equivalent is needed in order to take intermediate navigation. (Afternoon) * April 2 Navigation II Classroom 4 hours Planning routes, boat speed, piloting, use of ranges, effects of winds, waves and currents, compensating for winds and currents, dead reckoning. (Morning) * April 2 Trip Administration Classroom 4 hours Trip selection, float plans, equipment list policy, parking issues, community impact, communicating with participants, cancellations, waivers and liability, paperwork and role of the club trip leader. (Afternoon) * April 23 Rescues and Tows On Water 8 hours Towing equipment, rigging tows, contact tows, single and multiple line tows, self-rescues, Eskimo rescues, T-rescue and variations. * April 30 Leading on the Water On Water 8 hours Beach briefings, route selection, group control, launching and landing, signaling, boat traffic, emergencies, leading groups on the water. * May 7 Scenarios Day On Water 8 hours Simulated trip leading scenarios where candidates lead a group for a segment of the day, during which interesting things may happen. Includes feedback and self-assessment. * May 21 Trip Leader Make Up On Water 8 hours Make up day for required on-the-water classes (May ) that may be cancelled due to weather. The make up day has been necessary in two of the past four years. If there are no cancellations, this day will not be needed. REGISTRATION To sign up, please email the following information to Dee Hall at: dee.hall@verizon.net * Name * Trip Leader Training * Home Phone * Work Phone * Cell Phone * Email Address * Mailing Address * Emergency Contact Name * Emergency Contact Telephone Number * Description of boat (Manufacturer, Model, color, length) * ACA Membership Number To make it easier to cut and paste for registration, please submit in the following format (example): Jane Smith Trip Leader Training home: 617 333-4444 cell: 508 555-6666 --- jsmith@verizon.net 123 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 John Smith 617 333-4444 or 617 222-3333 cell Impex Diamante, yellow over white, 16.5’ 10888 ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL us at: dee.hall@verizon.net or Brian.Nystrom@verizon.net Thanks. We hope you're excited about this as we all are. NSPN Trip Leader Committee Dee Hall, Co-chair Brian Nystrom, Co-Chair Linda Shelburne

I haven't seen this video, but Jason is referring to a roll that starts on the back deck, not one that finishes there.

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Are you building another custom design this time? Or is it something we would recognize? -Dee

Paul, In order to better support my back, sometimes I do this one dumbell at a time while supportimg my torso with my other hand and knee on a bench. However, when it comes to back stuff, I generally prefer to balance the load on my back when possible. -Dee