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Shaila_27

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Posts posted by Shaila_27

    theft provides opportunity for new camera

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I received an Olympus 790sw for Christmas. So far I like the perfomance but I haven't used it paddling out on the water - just in pool sessions and for personal use. It is shockproof (when dropped from 5ft and under), it is waterproof to 10ft without a case and it is ok to have in freezing temps. The lcd screen is large but I don't think it has a viewfinder. You can put it on different powersave options and I bought 2 back-up batteries for $20 online (way cheaper than olympus site). I have heard that the battery is short-lived but I haven't had that experience. The video clips are pretty clear and you can zoom before (not during) filming for a better shot. I have used it underwater during the pool sessions while taping people rolling and it works well. I also find it easy to hold and snap, but it may be different for different people.

    The Olympus 770sw works to 30ft underwater without a case and it is crushproof but I can't really say that I will be 10meters underwater too often. If so, my PFD certainly didn't do it's job. :jawdrop: I thought the 790 had better picture taking options and features also.

    I simply like the fact that I can drop it, stick it right into my pfd and I don't have to be too careful if I am in a hurry to put it away (or need to leave it out and attached to my pfd when I need my hands on my paddle in a hurry). Later when I have time I will try to post pictures and/or pool session video clips so you can see what they look like. I am using it as my primary camera on and off of the water and I know that I will be the coolest Aunt to my 14 nieces and nephews this summer when I show them that I can take pictures and video underwater!

    NSPN Workshops

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I have a couple of requests for workshops.

    -Navitgation (pretty much all aspects)

    -Day trip planning (tides, conditions, etc.)

    -Paddling in Current

    -Kits that you always take with you (what is in boat repair, first aid, etc.)

    I have learned a lot from just being out with more experienced people but some more thourough and formal information would be great! I missed the beginners session last year but I am assuming basics were covered in that but not specifics.

    Thanks!

    Shaila

    Rolling in Salem!

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Many thanks to Brian and Rick for the help at the Beverly Pool Session and Kevin and Gillian for the help at the Salem State pool session!!! :notWorthy:

    Now the challenge is seeing if I can do it again!

    Oh, a special thanks to Gillian because she took a (light) shot in the head with my paddle. What a demonstration of giving "whatever it takes" for the cause of teaching.

    paging Ralph C (I think)

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I would be more than happy to talk about Mexico - you may not be able to get me to shut up! I am definitely an "off the beaten path" type of person... and there is a lot of information that tourists don't know about that are safe and will save them a lot of money (ie. taking $4 clean, air conditioned busses up and down the coast vs. a $70 taxi).

    Shaila

    sbgent@gmail.com

    paging Ralph C (I think)

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Hi Gay

    I visited Holbox in 2000 and stayed at an eco-resort called Chimay http://www.holbox.com.mx . It was a small walk from the center of the tiny village but it is unique, eco-friendly, secluded and beautiful. The woman who owns it is Swiss so she speaks numerous languages so she is a nice reference if your spanish is rusty. If you are going during the whale shark season, it will be warm. I am sure that this place doesn't have air conditioning so that may be a drawback. I haven't been back since (sadly!) so I have not seen the place since Hurricane Wilma hit it a couple of years ago. I know that the rebuilding happened pretty fast, though so it should be better than ever.

    As far as reefs near Tulum... I know there is a biosphere reserve South of Tulum and you can go on boat tours of the reserve and reefs. I can't really speak to the quality of the reefs though. Right off of Cozumel is the Great Maya Reef - the second largest in the world next to the Great Barrier reef. This reef was hit hard with Hurricane Wilma as well, but reefs tend to come alive fairly quickly and it has been a few years. The really cool aspects of this reef can be far down, so snorkeling would be neat, but scuba would be ideal. Otherwise Cozumel isn't the best place in the area. The oceanside of the island is secluded, has beautiful beaches (but scary undercurrent) and has a couple of places to get a bite of food and drinks. I was in Tulum a couple of years ago (also on the warmer side during Whale shark high season) and I stayed at another eco-friendly resort/spa place. Beautiful huts over looking the carribean paired with the charm of no electricity and a clothing optional beach (?!) made for a wonderful and relaxing couple of days. This place is a couple miles south of Tulum and is called Cabanas Copal http://www.ecotulum.com/.

    Good luck and sorry for the book. Feel free to contact me if you need any info - I lived in the Yucatan for half a year. I wish I could join you for the Whale sharks...

    Shaila

    Canon Elura 100 or ZR 800?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I have the Cannon Elura mini DV. I have had good luck with it and really like the picture it provides. I am not a techie but when I read very technical assessments of similar cameras, the Elura had better low-light filming and was better to adjust manually, if that is your thing. The techies said that it was the best buy for price, etc. and if you were going to get higher quality, the next step is a major leap in price. The strap and feel wasn't as comfortable as the Sony Handycams, but the performance was better and it does have an external mic jack. In some of the reviews there were complaints about motor noise, but I found it was no different than any of the other cameras. Another plus is the zoom and the widescreen - it is true widescreen... it doesn't just crop off the top and bottom of an image. I bought it last December from the online vendor 6th avenue electronics. It was around $100 cheaper (about $268 at the time??) than in any store and/or other online venue. I also really like the miniDV tapes, etc. They are cheap, easy and compact. A lot more bang for your buck in a camera to use this type of recording media.

    Hope this helps.

    Shaila

    Help needed....

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Funny, I got that email forward through a different line of people. I foster dogs for NEARR (North East All Retriever Rescue) and I emailed the address of the people with the puppies to let them know that they can contact NEARR. If they are still having trouble, let me know.

    Shaila

    9/12 Early Morning Paddle, Salem MA

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    I may be crazy :blink: , but I am considering an early paddle tomorrow morning (9/12). Launch from the put-in at the end of Leach St. Salem around 6:30-7am and return by 9:30ish. It will be near low tide, but shouldn't be a problem at the launch site. I just want to get out on the water once more before I leave town for a few days.

    Shaila

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