leong

I left the group because I thought it wasn't worth the risk.

In CAM trips I thought top-down leadership is generally avoided unless, perhaps in an emergency, it is necessary for the concern and well-being of the group. The destination was discussed when we started. The route was the shortest distance. The conditions deteriorated as time passed.

I’m traveling in a pod of four on the way from Manchester Harbor to Marblehead. It’s a fairly rough day (winds 15 knots to 20+ knots). At about 20% of the distance between Misery Island and Marblehead I decide that the remaining open-water crossing is too dangerous for the pod, especially since we will have to cross the ferry lane near Marblehead and the afternoon winds are steadily increasing. I make my concerns known. The other three paddlers disagree and the arguing continues. I can’t change their minds. So I tell them that I’m heading back to the shore along Beverly and they can follow me or not (note: I’m a very experience paddler and I could have easily paddled to Marblehead at almost twice the speed that the pod was going). The others eventually turn and follow me back. Near shore they complain that I broke the CAM rules by leaving the pod. By my own rules I’m in the right since I make my own risk assessments. But who’s right according to the CAM rules? -Leon

One layer of medical tape (something like this) wrapped around the male end kept my Epic Wing from slipping from the feather angle setting.

Perhaps nobody is looking back

Ha, ha. This video compares the Epic (a stiff hulled, low-rocker and plumb bow/stern kayak) vs. the opposite. Perhaps we need a similar video of the first (the Epic) vs. a Baidarka.

From here about Baidarka kayaks it says “His book is very interesting reading, and provides basic theoretical background to support claims about their speed and seaworthiness with its forked bow and transom stern.” So perhaps it's the bow and stern and not the flex that accounts for their speed in waves. I don’t really know. Perhaps Brian can comment?

Wow!

Certainly flexibility contributes to performance. But I'm not convinced it increases average speed. Nevertheless, I was mainly thinking of racing style kayaks. They will run the fastest if the hull is as streamlined as possible, not flexing or deforming from the intended design. Ocean surf skis have a very stiff construction. The keel is not designed to flex. The Epic V14 GT is Epic's fastest surf ski and it has the stiffest construction.

Stiffer is better as less energy is wasted as the hull flexes. So the stiffer boat will go faster for the same effort (power). However, it’s not that noticeable unless you’re racing. -Leon

Oh, so you do carry a VHF. So why did you include VHF's in the list of unnecessary devices for solo paddling? Or is it that you don't think other paddlers know how to properly use a VHF so they shouldn't carry one. BTW, I'd classify the call you made as equivalent to a directed Securite call; i.e. a Securite call is sometimes "a warning needing to be issued that may concern the safety of life at sea."

Why wouldn't you carry a VHF? Wouldn't you call for help in an emergency? Don't you like to monitor the weather when it's changing fast? Don't you do a Sécurité call when crossing a channel in a fog or at night?

This annoys me too. I gave a presentation on sea kayaking to educate some folks on the safety of kayaking. Here’s a quote I used in the presentation: From Yachting Magazine, April 2001: A well-designed sea kayak paddled by a competent, prudent individual may be the most seaworthy craft afloat. I used Figure 3 from Sea Kayaking by Derek C. Hutchinson to help explain why narrow kayaks are more sea worthy than flat wide ones. Oops, I couldn't insert the picture from my PowerPoint presentation.

Paul, I was afraid that might be true. Removing and replacing the seat is probably too difficult for me with this QCC 700X. The seat is suspended above the floor (glued to a hanger on the coaming) and only touches the floor via a lip on the front of the seat that's glued down). I'm afraid to cut through the suspension adhesive and then re-glue it. Yes, it is a super light layup (about 38 pounds ... I ordered it as a custom layup from the factory). PS The picture of the hole is exaggerated. I should have put a penny in the picture. The total length of the missing gelcoat is only about 1/2 inch and the hole is about 1/16 inch. So small perhaps it could take the flexing.

Thanks, David. I found this epoxy putty in my garage. I followed the directions and pushed it into the hole. Doesn't look pretty, but I hope it will work. I'm wondering if water in the cockpit (at the top of the hole) will dislodge it. -Leon

There’s a small hole all the way through the hull of my carbon fiber kayak. I can’t get to the inside because it’s beneath a glued in seat (which I don’t want to remove). I’d like to inject some low viscosity epoxy (or something similar) into the hole and than gel coat over the damage. Any suggestions? -Leon

Check this earth view.

That little stream is narrow and shallow, except near HT. On a hot and sunny day children play in the stream. Besides, if the life guards are on duty, I don't think they'll allow you to land anywhere on Good Harbor Beach. Gloucester residents correct me if I'm wrong. -Leon

Congratulations to Sid Cohen for his second place finish in the Essex River Race. -Leon

He should have been dressed for immersion, but at least he was wearing a PFD and helmet. Once he perfects Greenland rolls the invention will be a winner on Sharktank for sure. -Leon PS The Hi-N-Dry Kayak Rolling Aid would help too.

We at NSPN know how seaworthy sea kayaks can be. But my Florida yacht club neighbors are amazed that I often go paddling on days that are too rough and/or or windy for their stinkpots. They’ve asked me, "How could my skinny seakayak be seaworthy?" I gave a presentation explaining why sea kayaks are seaworthy. Obviously, I covered self and assisted rescues and all the other basic safety skills. Also, I including the following statement from the April 2001 issue of Yachting Magazine (it may be of interest to you):　 A well-designed sea kayak paddled by a competent, prudent individual may be the most seaworthy craft afloat.

Folks, we’d love to munch with you there. But please wait till the water warms up a bit. We stay away from Cape Cod until the high 50’s. -Mr. and Mrs. Great White

Ugh, not my dream! I favor more environmentally friendly (no stinkpot required) and physically demanding sports like this. More eye appeal too. I’ve watched these kiteboards fly at over 50 knots. But, as I said, to each his own

To each his own I guess. Port of Palm Beach.

Looks like it’ll be a bumper year for the Great white sharks.