ccarlson

Mary... wow, sounds like an awesome adventure. Have a great time! Carl C.

...yes, indeed. And, don't forget to put all those valuables in good vinyl drybags or pelikan boxes before burial ;-)

Stonington is the classic paddling Maine paddling venue and is "sort of" on the way to Acadia if you wanted to experience both. In fact, you can paddle from Stonington to Acadia by way of the Swan's Island area if you're so inclined. Beautiful places both! Carl C.

I took it last Spring and it really is a blast. Very much a beginners class just so your expectations are appropriate. I suspect that if you've had Zoar training, there won't be too much covered here that you haven't already been exposed to. Great seal launchings from the snow/ice covered river banks! Carl C.

No license is required for marine VHF, EPIRB or marine radar since the Telecommunications Act of 1996 unless on an international voyage. So, yeah, if you're paddling Maine to Canada, you may want to look into it though I understand Canada is pretty forgiving for US types on recreational missions ;-) You probably mean GMRS band... GSM is a cell phone technology. GMRS, does require a license but the lower power FRS does not.

Power = Force X velocity So, power at 3kts is 2.61, at 6kts is 37.44 which is 14.34 times the power expended at 3kts

I have experience with only two radios... My Icom M88 has been reliable for several years. It has excellent standby battery life as well. My previous radio, a Standard Horizon HX460 died three times before I finally gave up having it repaired/replaced. Lots of newer radios have come out since I got my M88 though so I'm sure others will relate their experiences with these. Carl C.

Well, at Kennebunk Beach it was, indeed, flat flat flat! Fortunately, we weren't out for the surf ;-) Carl

Red and white neoprene of course?

Yup, the "fast ferries" are catamarans which draw relatively water. So, they are often found tearing along OUTSIDE the marked channels. As Bill suggests, keep your head on a swivel. Carl C.

Now, that looks like fun! Carl C.

I just may join you all. Is the boat ramp fairly obvious once headed to Deer Island? Haven't been there before so will be strictly on instruments ;-) Carl C.

Generally, the AMC rentals are for AMC-sponsored trips only. Carl C.

Planning to be there... Carl C.

For those who may not have but would like to look at charts of the area around Odiorne before Sunday's trip, I've put up a few sections of the marine chart for that area. All are PDF files and will print on 8.5" X 11" paper (use highest quality setting on your printer). OdiorneSouth1 OdiorneSouth2 OdiorneNorth1 OdiorneNorth2 PortsHarbor1 PortsHarbor2 Carl C.

And, in fact, there is a great event going on this Sunday out of Odiorne. Check out the calendar for details! Carl C.

Well, I'm generally not in favor of anything being "mandated" insofar as kayaking is concerned. However, pure common sense (not so common anymore I guess) would suggest that one put a name and contact phone number inside one's kayak. Perhaps manufacturers could add a blank label inside the cockpit and provide a free sharpie with each boat purchase? Another good practice is to put a cockpit cover on boats that are left shoreside when not in use for extended periods like overnight... or perhaps a sprayskirt with the tunnel tied... so that, should a floater be found, the authorities would know that it was an unmanned (oops, sorry... unpersoned) craft when cast adrift. Of course, selling "tags" would be another great way for state and local governments to raise some more tax dollars Carl C.

I've never tried a wing paddle so not sure whether this will work or not.... I've used sculling to the surface as a backup for a failed roll attempt. Just scull to the surface, get some air then either flick upright or resubmerge and give the roll another go. Carl C.

Neil, I have the Northwater tow system and it works well. No real complaints and it's held up over the past several years. Carl C.

I have weekdays free from time to time so pls add me to your dist list. Thanks

No, but the (U)nited (S)tates (P)ower (S)quadron does

I got mine from Gempler's. It used to come on a roll but now appears to be available only in a 6-pak of strips. Flourescent Tape Strips Carl C.

I was just made aware that the Town of Bremen (west side of Muscongus Bay) passed a flag law this past Winter. It requires all kayaks to carry an 8" X 11" flag 4 feet above the deck. It was stated that the reason for the new ordinance was to protect lobstermen from liability, not to protect kayakers. The Marine Patrol has indicated that they will not enforce this ordinance and questioned whether or not the DA would even hear these cases. The Harbor Master said that they would probably issues warnings this season and will look again at the ordinance. This kind of law is, of course, totally irrational. However, it does suggest that there is a perceived problem with visibility of kayaks on the water. Any of us who have tried to spot a kayak or even a group of kayaks on the water in any chop at all can probably confirm that visibility can, indeed, be an issue. I will be adding hi-vis orange tape to my black paddle blades as, in my experience, this makes a considerable difference. Not cool looking but otherwise a reasonable way to help other boaters see us? Carl C.

Also interested dependent upon scheduling, etc. Thanks!