CLapite

Hi: I just got the same message from Gwen on my voice mail. She is mixing up two kayaking groups. Constance

Bob: Gwen from the Beverly Y just called me. She wants to change the time for the remaining Saturday sessions to a bit later. She indicated the time was originally 5-7 pm, and she would prefer you come at 5:15 instead (they are in "meter season" - something about changing the pool length). I did not realize the session started at 6, so you may be all set anyway? Please give her a call at (978)927-6855, x106. Thanks, Constance

I used to do that with canoes every 4th of July for the fireworks. I have not done it in a few years. I could always find a spot to park within a few blocks. >Maybe one could park at the Galleria mall and launch from >the fountains. Constance

Thanks for all the great ideas! Constance

Before you start thinking my self-image is way warped, I am asking on behalf of a friend: How do you pad a seat when you don't have natural padding over your sitz bones? What type of foam and where could he purchase it? Thanks for any pointers you might have - Constance

Birds from your kayak Fishing from your kayak Rescues Rough water training Surfing Navigation and trip planning -- intermediate First aid for kayaking throw in some injury prevention Forward stroke -- refinement Intermediate/Advanced strokes and manuevering More or less in that order Thanks, Constance

Soapbox, please: Gas consumption with boat is one thing, but have you ever noticed how many people drive around everywhere with empty kayak racks (or bike, or ski, or whatever)on their car and nothing in them? Based on the mileage we tracked on the Golf, the bars alone were a 10% reduction in MPG- that buys me almost 50 more miles on that pricey tank. I can't see any good reason to leave them on: It takes me about 5 minutes, tops, to get my Yakima setup off or on my Honda. Are other setups really that hard to take off? Constance

Actually, the price on the first model is less than $150. If I put it in my cart, it is under $130...Thanks! Constance

For comparison, what are the costs for the completely waterproof versions you recommend? Constance

Are details available for this trip? I got a brand-new drysuit just in time to go!

Hi - Count me and one friend. Thanks, Constance

Suz - REI usually does the Yakima sale either spring or fall. I think it is spring this year and the sale will be first week of May. If you can get it there, it would be 15% off. Constance

I am enrolled in the Coast Guard Auxilliary Basic Navigation course right now, and I would tend to agree with Adam. I think I actually picked up more information that was pertinent to kayaking from the 2 nights of navigation class held at Suz's place. Not having much experience, I find I really have to sort through the information to see how I can apply some of it. Incorporating tides and currents into trip planning won't be covered in the basic, and there does not seem to be an advanced course available to civilians. I am not saying that the class is not helpful, I just don't think that it is the most time-efficient approach to learning kayak navigation. Constance

Am I waiting in vain for a series of pool sessions on the North Shore this year? Thanks and Happy New Year! Constance

Hi Suz: Sounds like you have a crowd - any room left? thanks-Constance

Bethany: Thanks for organizing this. Unfortunately, the realtor set up appointments for us Saturday morning instead of tonight as we requested. I won't me able to make it. This house-hunting business really gets in the way of my paddling! Constance

I am interested, but have an evening commitment. Any ideas about what time we might get back? Thanks,Constance

I have not tried the suits, but I have a sunscreen which I like: My dermatologist recommended SolBar (see http://www.coolibar.com/sunscreen-solbar.html) for my persnickety skin cells, and it seems to be keeping them happy. I like the SPF 50 cream. I have been pretty pleased with how well it stays on, and it is noncomedogenic, so you don't feel like you have a layer of wax on. It is not cheap. I have ordered it through the local CVS in the past. A cheaper alternative that I think works fairly well is the Coppertone formulas for babies-in the big pink bottles. Constance

I'll bite. I am in that early phase of boat ownership that requires the purchase of a bizzilion widgets of suprising expense. Bring it on. Constance

Hi Liz: I would be interested, although my response may be too late to be helpful...Constance

Thanks, I would be interested.

I have just bought a boat, and I have not paddled much, so I have no preconceived notions about what outfitting would be useful. Can I determine this at the workshop, or would it be best to spend some time in advance determining exactly what I need? Thanks