Gillian

that's it . . . i'm just going to employ someone to swim behind my boat and flip me back up when i go over. ps. what is IMHO and YMMV??? pps. thank you all for the tips, including ed, your tip about not thinking to hard about it . . . i will try this zen technique instead of yelling at my paddle . . .

Kev I promise only to use the stick for rolling if it works

if a stick can get me to roll i'll happily use one!!!!! dark side or not! i will not sacrifice chickens like you told me about though . . . i draw the line there . . .

hi there . . . okay, so the problem with my roll is a diving paddle . . . if i start my sweep with the assistance of someone supporting my paddle lightly i make it up, but when i do it myself the paddle dives every time. i figure all you rollers out there have some tips or tricks that you can share for me to practice. Bob mentioned sweeping about halfway out before starting the hip flick, the other Bob (wait there's lot's of Bob's here sorry) reminded me to look at the paddle during the sweep, David told me to keep my non-control elbow close to me, similar in a C to C roll, Kevin's going to try holding a dowel in the water and have me aim to sweep above it, and Deb told me to bite my pfd strap as I'm hip flicking to keep the head down. All fabulous suggestions and I'm working on all of them, but if anyone else has any tricks they've used to stop the stinking paddle blade from diving I'm all ears!! And arms! And Torso! (hopefully more torso than arms)

Rob, I will give you 20 bucks if you admit you hate greenheads.

ummmmmm, i believe you made that comment kev . . . no need to be shy

Hi there!!! We have a couple brand new people to kayaking that we're taking out in Salem Harbor tomorrow night. Kevin and I have one extra boat but we were wondering if anyone in the area has a boat they'd be willing to lend us for tomorrow evening .. . thanks in advance!! FYI, medium size paddler . . .

Thanks to the guys at the Mystic session last night, I'm working towards my roll. (I didn't get to attend the class, just the lake session) With Kevin spotting me I got up about 5 times with just minimal assistance under the blade at the start of the sweep . . . once unassisted we think but I think Kevin was ducking my blade at the time so he's not quite sure .. . I definitely have the hip flick correct as I got up and went right back over on the other side There were a few of us working on the roll and I think everyone agrees, how great the more experienced paddlers are at helping out and giving advice, and sharing their own stories . . . David, Bob, Kevin and the rest of the group there made it fun to learn again you guys are so supportive . . . you rock!!!!!!! Having a group of people to evaluate really helps you feel where you're going wrong . . . Also got to do a couple T-rescues . . . thank you Matt and Kevin for being victims Kevin sorry I left you out in the water so long . . . working on that sculling draw . . . Bob, I still don't believe in the cowgirl re-entry, I'd like to see you try that again next session!!! Hope to see you all again next week . . .

Deb, what the heck is a midgie???

Hey there!!! Actually Kevin and i are doing the Portland NSPN trip scheduled that Saturday which is why we're looking for camping in the area . . . want to join us on that one??? I think there's plenty of room left . . . . We may be convinced to do some paddling on Sunday too, and actually perhaps even an evening paddle . . .

Rob, why do I have the feeling you'd stick to your story even if you were woozy from gaping wounds caused by greenies . . . . Geesh you guys are stubborn!!!!!! By the way, for Christmas I'm getting you your own greenhead hatching farm since you like them so much . . . .

If you guys decide you want to do the longer trip to from Marblehead to Nahant, I'd be happy to pick you all up in Nahant and bring you back to Marblehead to save you the 10 mile paddle back . . . I can never quite make these trips b/c of work but I can certainly be there in time to pick you guys up and maybe even catch a few waves depending on when I get there . . .

Hi there, any recommendations for campgrounds in the Portland Area? We're going up for the Portland Island Hop trip in August and thought I'd ask around . . . last time I camped near there, there was an actual nightclub at the campground . . . looking to avoid another such disaster Thanks!

Good point, my draw on the move is still kind of shakey so be ready for impact And Kevin, if you're missing a couple hatch covers accidentally out on the water it wasn't me . . . can anyone say Cleopatra's Needle?

Come on you know you want to come!!!!!! Kevin and I are going to launch from Forest River Park at 7:30 pm tonight for a stroll around Salem Harbor and maybe over to Salem Willows . . . there are some nice rocks in the area, boats to play chicken with, a couple good channel crossings etc. etc. We're probably going to be in our boats most evenings this week as I've been punking out lately due to other plans so if you're interested in paddling in the Salem/Marblehead area this week let us know! Also, I'm hoping to get some rolling practice in, so the 20 bucks for the first person to get me to roll is still on the table for anyone who wants to join . . . Hope to see you tonight!!!

okay, these are the FUNNIEST pics i've ever seen . . . bob l., i know we've never met, but can you please do that to my boat!!??? i will even flip you over if you need provocation . . . . . awesome trip report kev and great pics . . . sorry i couldn't be there but it sounds like you guys were well equipped . . .

Mel, can't wait to see you guys again!!!

wow, i did a bunch of google searching and found nothing . . . i looked at OR and Wild Roses and couldn't find anything either . . . I emailed a couple folks to see if they know any outfitters . . . will let you know if I find anything out . . . i wouldn't mind some hiking pants or shorts w/ a drop seat either . . .skirt might be okay depending on whether or not you have to do some climbing and more importantly depending on who's behind you

TOUCHE!!!!!

Oh hey, while we're on the board, did you post yet about how to install that rudder on your NDK? I tried to google it for you . . . you might want to post about that on the main message board rather than here though . . .

Ummm noooo, it's where you, aka, me, hurls forward in level 4 rapids for thrills and chills while looking extremely cool. But, yes the hot tub and brewery is nice afterwards. In re. moose, ummm I thought you weren't coming this weekend???

I'm so bummed I couldn't make it in time to go, it sounds like you guys had a great time. . . oh and anybody who said that I may or may not be white water rafting this weekend, may or may not be totally lying . . . (kevin) Plus I heard he was a bit of a pansy and wouldn't go play in the rocks anyway . . . Definitely hope to make it on the next trip . . .

ernie, what the heck is this jet you're refering too? did you put an outboard on your kayak???

Hey David, I think we're rethinking coming tonight until the water clears up a bit more . . . it's too hot not to be immersed most of the session out there

Bob, you coming too?? Hope to see you there!