Bob C

I didn't upload all of them the first time. The first group is at http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/Solstice-Paddle-2007?page=1 and the additional pictures are at the end of page two: http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/Solstice-Paddle-2007?page=2 and I updated the captions, identifying the guilty parties where I could.

at http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/Solstice-Paddle-2007

As former Slipstream owners, both Deb and I do not recommend the Slipstream for smaller paddlers -- the cockpit, even padded, is enormous and then some. The initial stability is somewhat lacking although secondary is adequate -- the problem is that the chine is so soft there is no transition zone between upright and "not upright". (One of my instructors compared it to a bleach bottle.) The P&H Vela and the Romany LV are worth taking a look at as are those recommended by Ed and Gail. (Deb and Gail have compared notes on boats for smaller paddlers.)

Hi Jon, I was also out Sunday with friends, in my Tempest 165, 20kt winds peaking to 25 and seas 2-5 ft out of Rye Harbor. I didn't have any problem with lee cocking (though I almost got blown over, a first!) but I also load my boat down quite a bit, both to offset my lack of weight and also per BCU 4* guidelines for safety equipment. The day hatch contains the most weight followed by the rear hatch. I'm a light paddler (148 lbs) and pack my gear as follows: front hatch: drybag with spare fleeces, pants, hat drybag with storm cag empty mesh gear bag day hatch Poland Springs spare water bottle, I think it's 64 oz (also useful for stretching neck gaskets) 2-3 Poland Springs 16-oz water bottles lunch including 2 vacuum flasks of hot tea (beats figuring out the plural of Thermos!) helmet and hood 2 Nalgene bottles with tools, ding stick, patches, etc. rear hatch dry back with more repair kit: spare hatches, deckline, bungee cord (heavy) dry back with first air kit, bivvy bag/shelter, Sam Splint (heavy) sometimes a spare paddle (broken-down Lendal) in addition to the one on deck When I have loaded the bow hatch heavily I've had trouble maneuvering, so I've stuck with the above procedure. Hope this helps, Bob

I paddle both a Tempest165PRO and a Pintail with an ocean cockpit. Primary stability is similar -- I can do a cowboy in both and I can stand in both -- but the Pintail is much lower volume and more nimble. Turns on the proverbial dime and extremely easy to edge. But then there's paddling in a straight line... I can paddle both kayaks in a straight line but... the Pintail has so much rocker that paddling with the skeg down is almost always necessary. The Tempest weathercocks so I usually have the skeg down about an inch in the wind, more in high winds. Otherwise I edge as necessary to keep the boat straight. (P&H boats also weathercock, by design, as do NDK, though NDK boats seem to weathercock less.) The stability of a boat is not only a function of the boat's hull design but also the paddler's body type and the boat's loading. To cite two extremes, Buddha-shaped paddlers tend to have a low center of gravity and thus can experience good primary and secondary stability from their kayaks; a weightlifter, on the other hand, with a big chest and shoulders, may experience less primary and secondary stability because of his higher center of gravity. Some long, skinny expedition kayaks (i.e., the Nordkapp) have to be loaded down for optimum stability. I used to paddle a Slipstream, which has very little initial stability, and discussed this issue with its designer, who said that the boat is meant to be paddled with 100 lbs of gear. Note that the Slipstream doesn't have room for 100 lbs of gear! It's a cut down version of the Gulf Stream and is really a short boat for big people rather than a true low volume boat. Just goes to show ya, there's a boat for every butt. Cheers, Bob

I watched the first video and it looks good for basic launch technique EXCEPT when he holds his paddle parallel to his chest when he crosses over a wave. If the wave catches the paddle he's toast. Basically you continue to paddle through the wave: lean forward a bit and spear the wave if necessary and pull yourself through. Don't hold the paddle in an exposed position!

Jim Kennedy, who is a Level 5 BCU/ICU Coach leads Baja tours, with info at http://www.atlanticseakayaking.com/ Deb and I paddled with one of his guides in Ireland a few years back. Regards, Bob

As a beer lover, I'm not sure this is the one I'd like to drink: "lite" and "less filling" in the description scare me away. This one sounds like making love in a canoe, to use an old description for light beers.

Hi Dana, Deb forgot to mention that I also had a loaner Palm from my friends at Osprey until the Kokotat loaner arrived, no booties, I think the mid range model. Having wrestled my way in and out of both brands, I can say that my Kokotat had a much better zipper with heavier construction; I did not like either the puniness of the Palm zipper nor the way it sealed when fully zipped. Whatever brand you get, there are two must-have features: 1. Feet 2. A relief zipper! Best of Luck! Bob

I may not make the pool sessions, but let me recommend http://www.watchcitybrew.com/ for post pool meals. My favorite beer is "Hops Explosion" (63 IBUs) and they sell growlers. (Beer list at http://www.watchcitybrew.com/brews.shtml) Regards, Bob

Hi Peter, I'll draw diagrams on napkins (standard engineering practice) next time we go the Agawam to show how the standing waves are nature's way of preventing a discontinuity in fluids flowing in opposite directions (i.e., tidal current vs. river current). ;-)

I'd like to thank Doug whose long reach enabled a quick adjustment of the footpegs. Otherwise I would have had to crawl into the ocean cockpit upside down to adjust them!

OK Kevin, here's more info: Lots of the small stuff is divided between three Nalgene bottles in the day hatch, which keep them dry, visible, and organized. I need to put the three bottles in a single, clear dry bag to speed up the loading and unloading of the boat. Also flares, which I should carry in my PFD along with the VHF, but haven't thus far... Future additions: Spare screws and deck fittings for each of my boats. Possibly a dye marker. Reading glasses (Lasik works great, but now I'm farsighted!) Spare rope, ~50ft (to repair a tow line, for securing boats, etc.) I passed 4* using Alex Landrum's well-stocked repair kit, which I had borrowed for the test and am now trying to replicate. Regards, Bob

Hi Joe, I cheerfully admit that I did 2*, 3*, and 4* in succession. I'll be glad to explain the differences next time we meet. Cheers, Bob

To quote the gospel according to Steve Maynard: 1. Things for fixing things 2. Things for fixing people 3. Things for fixing boats (BCU 4* gear) Partial list: Spare fleece top and pants, first aid kit with splints, patches for boat, patches for wet/dry suits, pliers, screwdrivers, knife, sea snips, bungee cord, spare toggle, plastic bags, glue, "ding stick" (moldable epoxy sold at Home Depot etc.), flashlight (torch), glow sticks, matches, high-energy snacks, space blanket, bivvy bag, fits-over-everything anorak with hood (doubles as backup spray skirt and changing room), marine VHF radio, ... Compass, signaling mirror, whistle in PFD, secured by short lanyards. Regards, Bob

Two names, one factory. Long story. Joel Thomas explained it to me.

I'll work with you.

Hi Jason, I can show you both next time we're both in a pool. Bob

Hi Suz, Forget the stove, the most important item to pack is the is the CAMpaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide, found at http://shop.camra.oxi.net/acatalog/CAMRA_M..._Guides_51.html and probably Borders and B&N. Deb gave me this as a gift a few years back and we've used it to sample many fine ales in pubs from Stornoway to Dartmouth. Who needs Le Guide Michelin when there's CAMRA? Cheers, Bob

Speaking as both a ham and an EE, it's not worth hacking the firmware and probably breaking the radio in the process. I've left my M88 alone. Realistically, there are no normal circumstances where unlicensed operation is allowed. Don't even think of it!

Sing, Good Call! Let the knickers twist. Best Wishes, Bob

Hi Jason, I was able to do the one in the video Mike posted in my WW boat -- I'll show you next time we're both at a pool session. Bob

Deb and I are going...

Hi Kevin, Home Depot carries clear flexible tubing in assorted sizes. It may be cheaper to buy a replacement piece and sterilize it with bleach. I've used the sterilization kit for my Camelback, but it was a bit pricy. It does have a plastic frame that inserts in the Camelback to make cleaning easier, comes with a long narrow brush and a couple of cleaning pills. Another possibility is Beer and Wine Hobby on New Boston Street in Woburn. They carry food-grade tubing, which is used in bottling homebrew and I know they carry the cleaning solution. They also have a nice selection of homebrewing supplies, but that's another hobby! Regards, Bob

Yeah, we know who SHE is, but who's the Coach 5 in the kayak?