Shane

Here, Here! I can't tell you all how much I appreciated all the help (and Dee could probably quantify how much help that is) I got. If was great - much thanks for everything! _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Hey Jeff, I will be at the session tomorrow morning. In lieu of a installing an underdeck pump holder, on the aft deck and if you have a dry hatch, I managed a unique Shane bungie tie such using two rounds around the circumference of the day hatch section and by using a cross bungie on the half opposite of the day hatch I can effectively hold down a paddle float (on the lower) as well a bilge pump over the held down float. It's battle tested and works really well for Brenda and I. You can make it out somewhat with the picture of Bren in front of the kayak on our page at http://www.2paddles.com I hate having crud on the front bungies that get in the way of my already crappy stroke, so an effective rigging system in the back was a real dilemia. I'm sure if there are any good knot tyers coming, it could be even better done. I'd be happy to show it to you and to learn what others may have done tomorrow! _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

IMO, that's an ideal model. I didn't get a free lesson from EMS when I bought the mighty Perception Sierra, but if I had, I would have taken advantage of it. Is it NSPN organizationally possible to do this? Is it that easy of a win-win? Usually there are downsides to everything, I don't see any here. What am I missing? _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Hi Buddy, Perhaps I am misunderstanding, but I envisioned this more as an awareness initiative opposed to an introductory kayaking course. Definitely the kayak courses are best left to those trained in teaching and those with the skills to do so. -or- Are you suggesting that if such a thing happens, the content for the "event(s)" could leverage information in the ACA outline? What I wonder is how many people go from REI with Carolina or similar strapped to their car down to the Mystic River - not passing go so to speak. I know a couple years ago, there was at least one such person Is there a way to raise awareness before someone knows enough to take a class? If so, this awareness may help people get into a "real" kayaking class sooner? For me, this kind of approach, even if it seems too much on the kayak safety mantra side, is far better than being legislated out of my boat. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

From my perspective, NSPN recognizing this need, taking ownership, taking initiative and organizing such events is an absolutely, fantastic idea. In hindsight, I wish that I had had something like this before I went out the first several times. It's NOT knowing what you don't know that can be most dangerous in this sport, and we could perhaps make a difference here. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Albeit wearing a PFD is just plain common sense (IMO - in any body of water in practically any boat), I do not support legislature to tell me to do so, nor do I believe our US or state government has the right to do so under our Bill of Rights. Seat belts (same common sense thing applies here) I see differently as a driving license is not an entitlement of being here. As a privilage of being able to continue to drive, I have to follow rules in order to maintain that privilage. This is, at least, my reasoning for not being upset over the belt laws. I don't think of paddling in the same light. Not even close. Buying and paddling, I don't see as a privilage - it's my right. With that said, if this law is the only law being considered as a result of the trajedy off of MV, I am relieved. I figured that something much more radical would be proposed. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

*LOL* Good one Peter - I bet no one can argue with that. Reminds me of the what is the best kind of beer question (which is, of course, free beer). But does that boat have a rudder or skeg? _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

I thought it was a neat item, but the practicality of storing it, knowing that it may not work, didn't really do it for me. To be honest, I pack it in my day hatch "sometimes", with the thought of giving it to someone else if needed. The footpump seems pretty cool and most useful but I am just not comfortable with that kind of modification - perhaps I remember the boat cash a little too vividly still. Instead, I am going to be putting in a foam bulkhead into my boat at the next workshop. My hope is to get some of the same benefit of the a sea sock. If it doesn't by then, maybe I will have the nerve to take a powerdrill to my hull ) _Shane >Shane had one too. How did it turn out, Shane? How does >MIKCo use them -- I understand they have quite a few among >their crew. > >--David _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

I think there is a dive shop on Mass Ave. that will do gasket dry-suit work. I also think I "heard" it on one of the trimming neck gasket threads. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

I would really like to get in on the workshop as well, if space is still available. I'd like to do the foam bulkhead thing, if possible. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

I plan to be there. Possibly Bren as well. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

I'm in _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Aw crud - you are right, it was an Elaho; what a dud. All my feedback is wrong, and I actually thought I had something first-hand to add on this one Funny though, because as I was writing it, I was actually thinking of you getting in an "Elaho" and there just was no way that was happening. ) Thanks for the correction. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Michael corrected me on the boat I described below, I had tried the Elaho, not the Eskia. My feedback is all to not - sorry for any confusion! _Shane |begin WRONG| While traveling, I tried the Eskia on a day trip. Neat "smaller" boat - 15 footish, like the Avatar. With that said however, I would be in utter awe if you get a 6'6" anything in there let alone the other dimensions. IMO, the Eskia probably IS a square peg/round hole experience for your friend. Go for something else. _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner |end WRONG| > Boats available for his use are >Sealutions XL or Necky Eskai. Of couse, if he could find >one of these boats near home he could try it out. Assuming >he cannot, anyone have some measurements or experience that >would ensure he does not have his knees in his nose?

I'm definitely interested! Will have to deconflict with kids & personal schedule. Awaiting the Sat. or Sun. decision _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Thanks Brian! _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

I am in the same exact situation as Dave. If you fall right on the border, whats the recommendation? Any opinions on erring up or erring down? _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Mark on - you'd highly recommend these? _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Firstly, thanks for setting this up. It was a great mix of really skilled paddlers helping us participants. The 1-to-1 ratio made for a real good safety net, especially considering that chop. This was a very valuable experience. Kudo's to all who made this happen! Some of my lessons: 1) I can't turn my boat AT ALL in rough conditions with the skeg down. Is that normal? 2) Ken Cooper has an incredible amount of patience and is really good at going slow right behind you in rough conditions in case he needs to save your life. (Thanks Ken, I appreciate the help!) 3) I can't C-to-C roll with bad technique and cold hands. (thanks Jim for not laughing at me - it must have been hard to contain yourself though) 4) Water in your hood and under your helmet makes for almost a complete noise block. I couldn't hear anything for a long while after getting back up. 5) I need more top fleece. 6) Double check to make sure you didn't leave your thermos bottle, gloves, and lunch bag at the launch site before you drive home. 7) I also learned my "across-the-street" neighbor has a Prijon in his shed that he hasn't used in a while. He's committed to going to practice sessions when it warms up! New member? _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Hi all, Cold feet would have had a better ring to it, eh? Okay, so I learned in yesterday's session that my hands get cold QUICK. After paddling a bit and my core temperature rises, they do get better, but it really was absolutely miserable for me in the interim. A personal note here too, I am a big cold wimp. Another lesson: I was goofing with a low scull around in the cove after coming back in and I botched coming back up. I believe Jim B witnessed my pathetic and unsuccessful CtoC rolls. I finally remembered to get back up using the extended paddle roll. Other than being cold, rusty, and not keeping my head on my shoulder, I DEFINITELY noticed the non-coordination of my handgrip on the paddle. I am going to partially attribute this to my hands being icicles. So I need to address this. As a solution, I was thinking about things I could do to keep my hands dry and shielded - objective being dry and shielded and thereby being less reliant on my core temperature to warm-up moist gloves. I was thinking of a big latex glove that you could layer regular gloves underneath and then tuck the ends under the drysuit's wrist gaskets. I would think that latex on latex would make for an outstanding seal. Something like this maybe from NRS: http://www.nrscatalog.com/product.asp?pfid=2278 Does anyone else have miserably cold hands and/or explored options such as this? Recommendations? Much thanks in advance! _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

All I know of is: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/wtg12.html I don't believe it does lakes though.... _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

As a drysuit rookie, I got a piece of advice as to storage of the suit that I would like to share. The gas released from pilot lights (water heater, dryers++, etc...) will expedite the deterioration of the suit materials. Cool and dry is the best; a garage may be ideal. I always reserve the right to be wrong, but it made sense to me! _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Hi Bethany, I had the same issue with mine, it was absolutely unbearable - purple, head-rush, the whole nine yards. I had no doubt if I wore it, passing out would be a reality. The fact that I apparently have a short neck as well which caused the gasket to roll down a bit over itself just applified the death grip on my neck. With this said, I, also, got VERY strong advice against not doing this from people and especially Joel at NESC. I tried streching it for about a week using a coffee can. Unfortunately, it still was incredibly unbearable. I decided to do it and cut it. I carefully cut along to the second ring on the gasket. Well, it came out okay but almost TOO comfortable by comparison to before. I was worried that I had gone too far, and last Saturday I went out to put it to the test. I did about 10 mins of some rolls and deep sculling at the end of the day to see how it react after a day of being worn. I feel that I spent an adequate amount of time with my head submerged. The bottom line is that it didn't leak, so I MAY have gotten very very lucky. In hindsight, if you do it, I would recommend only cutting at most 1/4" at a time to get it to the right just bearable point. Additionally, remember that any imperfections in your cut are a weakness or risk-point for leakage, so do the best you can to keep a continuous and straight cut to minimize these imperfections. Good luck! _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Jim, What/where did you have in mind? _Shane "Would a knife help protect you against a ‘curious’ shark? I don’t know but I would like the option." - Trevor Gardner

Hmmmmmm, November 1st - Highs in the mid-70s in MA. We're planning a SNG out of Marblehead this Saturday at 9:30 to accomdate those who want to get out or may have not gotten into Scott's rough water class this time around. Forecasts are calling for incredibly high November temperatures - mid 70s! Water/wind conditions are calling for: Sat: SW Wind 10 to 15 kt. Seas 2 to 4 Ft. We're putting in at 9:30am and will plan the trip to comfortable water conditions. We'll keep the SNG to no higher than mid-level 3 conditions. If this wind is too strong we'll stay more in the sheltered harbored areas. Routes out of Marblehead are practically endless: over to Misery for lunch, circumvent Salem Harbor, over to Tinkers, etc.. etc... We'll determine the route when we get there and by consensus. Despite the hot air temperature the water will be COLD. So of course, appropriate gear should be worn. I am planning on wearing the new drysuit and getting wet! Directions to put-in from our board: Riverhead Beach/ Deveraux Beach-Take Route 128 to exit 25, Route 114 east to Marblehead. Take a right on Ocean Ave at the Fire Station. Follow Ocean Ave to where you can see the beach parking lot in front of you. As the horizon opens on your right, Deveraux Beach will be dead ahead and Riverhead will be on your left (very small driveway).