Kevin B (RPS Coach)

SNG at either Conomo Point or Gloucester High on Wed. Gillian and I will be launching from one of these places late in the evening (6:30 ish, although I'll be on the water sooner) to paddle for a short while and try to be off the water by dark. It won't allow for much time, but for all those 9 to 5 people out there, it might be a good way to get the rust out from a lack of winter paddling. I'll post here Tues. night in re final location. Plan is to paddle against the tide on the way out and ride it back it. Drysuits and other normal precautions apply.

I wish this were a joke, but read for yourself. It seems like water resources all over are coming under attack. From the NHAMC email list: http://www.oxbownh.org/ I know most of us don't paddle this far up the river, but what starts upstream always finds it way downstream.

Checked today and it is in fact full.

Liz, I would like to join you since I've never done that route. Also, how does the Foster paddle stack up to some of the others you have used?

Adam, There was one review of the Artic Hawk at paddling.net: http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=1638

I had the chance to compare this radio with the m88 at West Marine the other day and for the most part I don't see much advantage to it. Although the specs say they weigh the same and they are the exact same height when including the antenna, the M72 seems more ungainly. If you are one to keep the radio tethered to a shoulder while paddling, this might not be the radio for you since it has more of presence than the m88. Notwithstanding the different transmitting power, battery life levels of waterproofness and different sized screens, I'm curious as an economist why there is such a significant price difference between the two radios. Although not a foolproof indicator by any means, the old maxim that you get what you pay for does in fact generally hold. That being said, it makes me slightly suspicious of the M72.

John, I have one that I'm happy with but I can't remember the brand at the moment. When I purchased, I ask myself several questions: 1. Do I want a version that can be stowed in a hatch? (mine can) 2. How heavy is it? 3. What will I be portaging over in terms of terrain? These things operate much differently going over dirt versus sand for example. I'm sure I asked myself other questions as well, but that's what I can think of at the moment.

Thanks for all of the input. The compass is now in place, so it looks like all of your advice pointed me in the right direction

I want to install a Brunton 70P using the recess on the Valley Avocet RM. Are there any tricks or things I should be aware of in trying to do this task? The instructions are rather vague. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Carl, I would like to participate.

I completely agree. Brian's patience and generosity were limitless. Not only was I able to tether all my hatch covers and foam out the cockpit, I was also able to replace both hatch rims over the two days.

Is there anyone going to the pool session on Sat. that can bring an extra boat? A friend is attending, but she lost access to the loaner boat she has used previously. I'm spotting but also attending the outfitting workshop so I can't guarantee that my boat will be available for her to use.

Brian, I'd like to go both days to work on my Explorer. Ideally, I'd like to foam out the bulkhead/cockpit, including a place for the bilge pump, rework the deck lines and apply Pro-stripe to the deck. Time permitting, I'd like to install a towing rig on the back deck as well.

Adam, I think exit 12 is Framingham and 13 is Natick. Your best bet is to both get off at exit 13 and just meet at the Natick Mall parking lot. Pretty hard to miss that place. REI is not too far from there as well from that exit.

You could just meet at the rest stop on the Pike between Framingham and Natick. Pretty easy to reverse direction from there if need be.

Hey Ed, I might be interested. I'll probably be out both days so just let me know.

>Also, there is the competition from the new thermoformed, >harder plastics from some of these manufacturers. For now, >it's a little more expensive, but the end result is a more >rigid, attractive boat that can be glued and repaired more >easily. Dee, Are you referring to what Perception calls Airalite?

For balance and strength training, yoga has done wonders for me as an alternative. I plan on trying the technique that Adam posted, but the Vinyasa (not sure of the spelling) yoga I have done really improves balance, strengthens the upper body and conditions as well. Hint on balancing on one foot: curl your toes up.

Brian, It's interesting that you brought up Perception. I'm trying to convince someone of the merits of the Valley plastic boats over the "equivalent" Perception models. I happen to agree that the Perception plastic is sub par since I started with an Eclipse, but I'd be interested to know why you think so as well. Each company seems to use different lingo for their plastic. Both Dee and Bill's comment regarding the three layer system used by Valley cleared up a lot. As for Perception, they say they use Super Linear Polyethylene (straight plastic not the Airalite stuff) and I'm curious as to why it's so super.

Thanks Bill. Your response verified much that I had read. Your comment about the Valley boats was particularly helpful.

Does anyone know the pros/cons of the different types of polyethylene on the market for plastic kayaks? For example super linear poly versus a triple layering system?

Oh, no offense taken! Perhaps it's just a quirk I have about words that end in "ie"

We could just use the label "apprentice". Afterall, they would be learning a craft

Ok, I won't use the term "newbie" for the simple reason that I personally don't like it. So for those new to kayaking or for those coming back after a long absence, you can't beat the pool sessions for camaraderie, peer support and practice. I attended almost every session (to the point of it being comical) last year and it was well worth every dollar and second of my time. Don't miss this opportunity!

I'm in. Let me know when the meeting will take place.