brambor

Just curious. Has anyone here tried to drive through a carwash with the kayak on the roof?

don't forget to bring your boat

oy vey! ellen, glad you and your husband are safe, and welcome to wet and wild nspn general message board. it get's pretty fiery on here, but there are some very passionate paddlers, and then some very passionate paddlers who've been in your boat (no pun intended) and have been a bit luckier. most of us can't wait to share what we've learned about saftey, rescues, and equipment in a fun and safe environment, so i'm hoping you and your husband will come to some pool sessions, and some workshops so you can continue to paddle and feel confident in the skills that the group can help you attain, or fine tune.

Same here. I have capsized and had to wet exit after I failed my roll. Luckily I was at the YMCA.

Capsizing, wet exiting, losing a paddle during a rescue: all of these can happen to any of us, (two of them happened to me yesterday) ....

p.s. I have confeniently glazed over the fact that I identified poachers to the nationwide audience.

I sent the message above to Ellen, the author of the article. I did not understand initially, that the author and the paddler were one and the same. She has replied and asked that I post this response as she is getting a lot of mail from other NSPN folks. I get the impression she is feeling a little assaulted right now. I think Ed had it right when he observed that this piece was written for a specific audience.

At any rate; it goes like this...

Ellen writes:

Dear Mr. Kilroy,

The nincompoops in question were myself and my husband, I'm afraid. We

had paddled this particular bit of seacoast so often over the years,

that we had become complacent--and, yes, stupid. You mention that you

have been paddling for three years--well, after only three years of

paddling, we--like you--were much more cautious--but after nearly a

decade of no problems, we had grown over-confident and stupid--much

like an experienced driver rushing out for a bottle of milk might

neglect to wear a seatbelt (also stupid.)

So, we were tested, got lucky, survived. None of this will happen

again to us, and hopefully, readers will take note-and avoid making

similar mistakes--whether kayaking or hiking or whatever.

Thanks for the link to your site. Sounds like a great group--but

perhaps you'd prefer not to have nicompoops join?

Best,

Ellen

Jon writes back:

Dear Ellen;

It was only after rereading your piece that I realized the paddler and author were one and the same. I apologize but.... you were still nincompoops.

My frustration was actually in thinking that you were writing about paddlers in a way that failed, once again, to mention the missing components that led to the accident. Written in a way that leaves readers with the impression that those people that go kayaking are just plain fools.

I also think, if your account is accurate, that you did a bit of a disservice to those folks that hauled you out of the drink and very likely saved your lives. The lobster dealer with one good eye...? That seems pretty identifying given that you also specify where you were paddling.

Just a thought.

Nincompoops are every bit as welcome as seasoned veterans at NSPN; join in and start having fun with a great bunch of people who have one thing in common.... we love to paddle.

Take care and be well, Jon

Ellen replied:

Jon,

Just one final note...

I'm being deluged by well meaning folks from your site, who are basically echoing you. Feel free to post this response if you like... Of course we made incredibly foolish mistakes based on sheer hubris--we had paddled this little stretch of ocean so many times, and never had a mishap--even a minor one. Still, we were foolish to take our safety for granted--very foolish--and my hope is that the essay will remind everyone that nature is quixotic and unforgiving and that we forget this at our peril. But this is not a piece for Kayaker Magazine (and yes, we do subscribe.) It is for general readers who may bike or hike or kayak or--maybe just drive to work--all of which pose dangers. We should ALWAYS be prepared, but sometimes we are not--or cannot--be, and are forced to come face to face with things about ourselves we were unaware of...did not know, maybe did not want to know. The theme of this piece was not kayaking and its dangers. Its purpose goes much deeper than that.to a place that the editors at the New York Times--and many readers who have written me--understand and appreciate.

And I am more than happy to listen and learn from your membership---I will join your group, and suggest that my husband do the same.

Best,

Ellen

Jon

i don't get why she wanted the husband to get out of the boat and swim. He eventually capsized but had he stayed in the boat and accompanied his swimming wife to the island would be a better choice under the circumstances.

Even though I agree with your words describing the paddlers I would say that after she reads your e-mail she will opt out of paddling with us.

I sent the author a note inviting her to join this group and ask questions.

Copy of the e-mail follows:

"Dear Ms Ruppel Shell:

As someone who kayaks upon the oceans of New England all year 'round, I was disappointed that the two kayakers in your "Capsized" story were not better identified as the complete nincompoops that they were and NOT representative of ocean kayakers in general. I have always maintained that there is a big difference between poor judgment and a complete absence of it.

The two kayakers in your story are described as having "... nearly a decade of experience." What does that mean? I can tell you how it is perceived by your readers. It gives the impression that these folks knew what they were doing but that despite their ten years of "experience" they got into trouble.

I have only been kayaking for about three years now but when I head out on the water (as my wife and I did this past weekend), I am aware of what the tides and currents are doing and what is expected weather-wise. I carry with me: a VHF radio, spare clothing as indicated by the season, food, a thermos of hot tea, spare paddles, a chart of the area... the list goes on. I am dressed in dry suit (there are only a few weeks of the year that the minimum of a wetsuit is suitable for Maine waters and none of those weeks are in November).

To further my skills, I work with other paddlers more experienced than I am, I spend time training with professional coaches when I can. I attend symposiums where there is a concentration of coaches and intensive learning environments are created to further skills in rough conditions, rescue training, surf etc.

It seems that the only articles getting written about kayakers are of the idiots who literally don't know their butt from a hot rock but are described as being "experienced" and who go out and get into newsworthy trouble.

How about an analysis at the end of your article that describes how ignorance of basic water safety and a lack of common sense led to these folks near demise beginning with their decision to launch in the first place; how doing something badly for ten years only makes you experienced in doing that thing badly.

There is so much more that I could say but I refer you instead to the North Shore Paddler's Network web site to get an idea of what responsible kayakers are doing to stay safe. <www.nspn.org> Go to "General Message Board" under the "Message Boards" drop down menu.

Its free to join and I assure you that were you to identify yourself and begin asking questions you will get many responses from folks who are interested and informed (and passionate) about ocean kayaking.

Fear not, we are a friendly bunch.

Regards, Jonathan Kilroy"

So we'll see if this leads to the education of one news writer anyway.

Jon

I've got a nice pair of "forgotthebrandname (maybe nikon)" water proof binoculars and for some reason I seldom need to use them. It's not too much fun to bob around and look through binoculars at the same time, they aren't usually close enough to make a difference and the binoculars that are close enough are usually too heavy.

Would that be to yell, "Stop that you two." after careful/thorough observation determined there was a need for the admonition?

You mean your gear is just the the means for doing things? Radical thought.

Ed Lawson

That's it. Thank you Thank you Thank You

There is a video on this page that shows some of the features for this type of skirt.(and how to put it on)

http://www.immersionresearch.com/products/sprayskirts/sbd/

I believe that these types of skirts have fewer seams and are less likely to implode. I had an NRS one that I sold with one of my boats; never used it enough to be comfortable putting it on by myself.

How does the joint MITA membership work? Is it so that when we renew here the personal information gets transferred automatically to MITA ?

My one and only sprayskirt is Seals Surf 1.4

It goes on easy. Putting a skirt on the coaming is almost an afterthought.

Now my wife and son have these fancier skirts. One from Kokatat and one from PeakUK. They have a hard time putting the skirt on as there is about 2 inches of extra lip around the perimeter of the bungee.

Is there a reason for this or is this something that everyone just cuts off after the purchase?

I second the choice of a monocular.

After all that's what the pirates used...it's gotta be good...

Forgot:

What about a good MONOCULAR instead? My thought is that having one eye free increases local awareness and balance in chop while trying to scope out 8-10x, but one guy told me that extreme fatigue results, such that one necessarily resorts to shutting (or patching if target shooting with a scope!) the second eye.

Thoughts?

Yeah. I'm puzzled. I thought the chronology was: Qajariaq then Q-Boat then Anas Acuta HV

I think they should pick some tribal name like: "The boat of changing names" or something like that.

r

I think that was two names ago. That boat has had at least four names.

I thought they were renaming Qajariaq to Anas Acuta HV

I'll be there.

Advance notice of proposed trip for those using or wanting to try Greenland Paddles. Modest coastal trip from Colony Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine to Cape Porpoise area. Nice lighthouse to visit, nice protected areas for practicing Greenland stuff, nice islands/ledges to wander about in and out of boats, potential for surfing, enjoyable coastline up and back. Sightings of ex-Presidents a bonus? Around 12NM at most, more likely 8-10NM. Further details at date approaches. Notice up for advance planning purposes.

Ed Lawson

the site is up and running today

Hear me now and believe me later

It would appear that Valley's site is STILL down!?

At least the portage is easier. you just slide the yak on the snow all the way to the water. :-)

I didn't want to do it, I really didn't want to do it.

But she made me do it.

No new snow here making local skiing scratchy. So Gail wanted to paddle.

Perfect day for playing with radios and reading seemed to me, but oh no, its lets get outdoors and paddle.

Might be last chance to paddle this year.

So off to Winni we went.

20F air 37F water, wind gusting to 20+

Deck covered with ice from whitecaps.

Warmer upside down...at least until you're upright again.

I don't think I will be asked to do that again soon.

One can always hope.

At least it was short, and I will be free to play with radios the rest of the day.

Ed Lawson

If you get stuck in the middle of nowhere it can double up as a smoker if you stand it vertical.

...p.s. the web site is funny too. 'accept no boundaries' ... as long as you have a gas in your tank, as long as the engine is running, as long as the waves don't go over 2 feet in height, as long as you're near a shore, as long as it's not the 'fourth' season... accept no boundaries.

ewww. naughty:

Would there be anyway to enter this kayak in the Blackburn Challenge?

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/1513203069.html

Ed Lawson

It took me decades to get that first sea kayak. I always longed for it, wanted it but managed to avoid it for various reasons or excuses. I managed a canoe, a sit on top and a rowing skiff and a 'Zodiac' inflatable... Finally last year I got a sea kayak. Got a used Nordkapp. Freaked me out a little bit I must admit but it never dampened my spirit. That year I did only lakes and a few failed self rescues.

This year was different. From the start of the spring I felt better in my kayak, my legs were not falling asleep anymore. I managed to inspire the whole family, sold all the other non sea kayak boats and the kayak purchasing frenzy ensued. Now our family has 5 sea kayaks and we are looking into a double and a sail for next year. So this year I had my first self rescue lesson, first reentry and roll, first roll (in a pool), many ocean trips, from Casco Bay, Cape Porpoise, Great Bay, Seabrook and Tucks to many lake trips. Gradual realization that the bigger the waves got, the boat was still able to handle it and so did I.

I want to thank NSPN members for being friendly and providing helpful advice every time I posted here or when we met for paddling. I will paddle at least once in 2010 but I hope for even better year in 2011.

Thanks,

Rene

Valley Nordkapp H20 Red over white

Valley Anas Acuta HV (Quajariaq) white

Valley Pintail (original model) white

Seda Ikkuma 17 red over white

Seda Ikkuma 17 lime over white

Bob I did not see you use the pogies yesterday. Do you still like them?

Thanks for the photos, Rene. My wife sewed those beach footwarmers with what was left over from the home-made pogues. Both originated as a small diving wetsuit at a garage sale. It was yet another great trip. Ross, thanks for calling it.

Bob

Doug,

Impressive photos.

Can you comment on how the kayak fit you and how did you find the foam seat with the backbone support? What kind of conditions did you paddle it?

The kayaks look great. I won't be buying one but I think it's nice to have a dealer up here in the NorthEast.

rb

Maelstrom Kayak is only 2 years old. A bit early to have a "claim to fame". I rented the 1st States-side demo boat in September for 3 days. I found it to be the most responsive and intuitive boat in it's class. This includes the Valley Pintail (old school) & Tiderace Xcite (a bit fragile in normal lay-up and a tight squeeze for me given the exaggerated thigh braces) . The Romany Surf had many similar traits. There are lot's of nice boats out there and competition gives us choices we didn't have years ago. I am considering this boat for a future rock play/surf toy. The cosmetic issues I was concerned about at the time apparently have been addressed by the company since the demo boat was shipped here. Having issues at all surprised me a bit at the time since "Boreal Design" had recently become the manufacturer. I hear the new Vaag in Freeport is perfect.

Getting Ready

This helmet rolled

Lunch Break

BOB (butts out of boats)

Bob's Innovative Feet Warmers

... edit ... got it Tyson. I was messing with the reply and did not see your post above. Tx ...

Maybe it is this location. I'll see cars with boats on the roof and I'll find you guys. At this time of the year there won't be any other fools with kayaks so I'll know it's you.

Now, how do I do the link thingy ? It's actually very simple. First I go to googlemaps and find the location I would like to link to. Googlemaps allows to zoom in or out of the map. When I have the location just:

Ross take another look. Renee's map shows the Hampton side of the bridge....and yes...we need to have him show us how to do that "right here" thing with the map link.

Ross,

Do you mean right here?

Rene

Sorry for the late post but I have been keeping an eye on the weather, heres the latest....

SUN

SW WINDS 10 TO 15 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 KT...BECOMING S

15 TO 20 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS 2 TO

3 FT...BUILDING TO 3 TO 5 FT IN THE AFTERNOON. PATCHY FOG IN THE

AFTERNOON. A CHANCE OF RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON WITH VSBY 1 TO 3 NM.

Just off the phone with Sal. We are concerned about the winds in Manchester. We have decided to move this trip north to Seabrook Harbor (parking lot on left before the bridge). Better chances of finding some protected areas. We will be meeting @ 10:00. bring a helmet if you join us as we'll be venturing out to see if there is any surf or playing in the current as it flows under the bridge.

Ross

heh. Maybe instead of actual trinkets inside of the cache I design and print my own carbon credit currency. The description of the cache would be for removing flotsam for the reward of the certificate.

Can I suggest: http://www.seguinisland.org/

No issues with people walking to it. As for someone in an open canoe, I know I wouldn't do it.

The cove has tons of trash that can be removed to in exchange for your cache (starting to sound like carbon credits).

-Jason