Kevin B (RPS Coach)

I'm signed up for the March sessions and would definately sign up for any Ipswich sessions offered in April.

I would also be interested if the sessions were in Ipswich--although Newburyport would be even better (wink, wink).

Joe, Many thanks for the site reference. It looks like it may have exactly the information that I need. Kevin

Has anyone paddled in the Chesapeake Bay area? I might have to spend six weeks this summer in southeast Pennsylvania and I'm looking for potential paddling locations to use while I'm there. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Edited to correct embarassing typo...

>There are much bigger things wrong with the bill... like >making people carry compass and whistle even when paddling >on their three-foot deep backyard pond in a 11' rec boat. >Those are the things we should work against... not the PFD >section. (IMHO, of course ;-))) > Regarding the compass, if those who would not wear a pfd without a law dictating that one be worn (indicating a severe lack of knowledge), then why would anyone expect that these same people would take the time to learn how to use a compass? I would think that a misinterpreted compass can be just or even more dangerous than not having one at all. I tend to agree with those touting eduation over legislation. The seatbelt controversy in MA comes to mind. For several years before and after it became law, I expect that the only reason why previous non seatbelt wearers buckled up hinged upon the tough police enforcement that followed the passage of the bill. Only through educating the public about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt were attitudes changed for the better. They might be able to legislate the wearing of a pfd, but the Coast Guard and other maritime authorities have to deal with much more important policy objectives. And speaking of the Coast Guard, they're also for education and don't single out kayakers: "Boating Articles 2003 Recreational Boating Statistics U.S. Coast Guard statistics released this week indicate 86 percent of all boaters who drowned in 2003 were not wearing life jackets. In addition, alcohol involvement was a contributing factor in approximately one third of all reported recreational boating fatalities. More than 95 percent of boat owners report having enough life jackets onboard for all their passengers, however 66 percent of them do not wear their lifejackets every time they go out, according to a Coast Guard study conducted in 2001 and 2002 involving more than 25,000 recreational boaters. “Boaters need to be responsible for the safety of themselves, their passengers and other boaters,” stressed Rear Adm. J.W. Underwood, U.S. Coast Guard director for operations policy. “This means not only having life jackets on board but requiring your passengers to wear them all the time. You never know when an accident will happen that will prevent you from reaching for and putting on for that lifejacket.” The statistics also show the leading contributing factors in boating accidents are operator inattention, carelessness/reckless operation, operator inexperience, and excessive speed. Eighty percent of those who died were onboard boats whose operators had not received boating safety instruction. “There are still far too many deaths, injuries and accidents,” he continued. “The key is education, which is why the Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety has joined forces with a number of recreational boating safety partners to launch our ‘You’re in Command. Be Responsible. Boat Safely!’ initiative.” Recreational boating fatalities were down 6 percent from the previous year, continuing a 12-year downward trend. The 13 million registered boats in 2003 represent two million more registered boats on America’s waterways than 12 years ago. For additional information boaters can call the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at 1-800-368-5647." link at http://www.uscgboating.org/articles/boatingview.aspx?id=79 The state would be much better off allocating all of the potential monies that would go to fund such a bill towards educating the public. Even those that are pushing this bill seem to be a little in the dark (http://www.cape.com/~harharb/ciha/kayakersmissing2.html)

Chris, Count me in for all three in March. I need as much practice and help as I can get! Kevin

Chris, Is that email correct? When I used cdwgodfrey at centennialfarms dot com is was returned as undeliverable; however, when I used cdwg at centennialfarms dot com, it seemed to go through just fine. Just thought I'd check. Kevin

If your weight and height put you in different categories, which do you follow? For example, the sizing chart may say you are a medium based on weight and a large based on height. Which should win? Ideally I'd be able to try on before buying, but no one really has them in stock at the moment so it will be purchased online (obviously it can be exchanged, but I'm trying to get it right the first time.) Many thanks for any ideas.

I would definately be interested as well...

I second the New England Small Craft referral. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff!

I'd be interested as well...

Well, the time to build a boat is getting closer. In fact, the idea of building a boat is what led me to kayaking in the first place. I've decided on the type of boat as well as the necessary plans, and I'm now looking for space. As this is a big project, I'm curious if there are any others out there who have built a wood kayak using strips. If you care to share any advice regarding pitfalls to avoid, success stories, etc., that would be great. Or, if you want to commiserate regarding things that have gone awry, I'm sure I'll soon have plenty to share!

Brian, Thanks for the quick response. I already have a cockpit cover and the kayak is stored on its side within the harness. Using the homewrap for a cover sounds like a great idea.

Hello Everyone, I am new to the board and new to paddling, having only started kayaking in August with PIK in Newburyport. It didn't take long before I became hooked on the sport (actually, I only had to out once before that happened). I hope I get a chance to meet everyone eventually through club events, etc. From what I've seen in the posts, there seems to be a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm here that I hope to be a part of. In fact, I'll finish up with a question with the certain belief that I'll get some good advice. Even though I just started, I bought a used touring kayak in October and I'm storing it outside using a harness; however, I now want to make sure that it gets covered so as to protect it from the elements. I've tried to use a tarp, but no matter how many methods I try, it seems impossible to keep it in place. After doing some research, I found some kayak storage covers that are specifically designed for this purpose, with resistance to UV rays, mildew, etc. Does anyone have experience with these items and if so, can you recommend one particular brand? Many thanks for any information, Kevin