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Doug

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Posts posted by Doug

  1. Hey Rob, so sorry you have been tormented by this whole thing. I think this thread has helped you work things out in your head and made you accept that the 4* award is not something you should or even can rush. It will happen for you soon enough. Sometimes the "fast track" is not the best route to take. You simply tried to learn too many things in too short a time.

    It seems like just yesterday I was coaxing you to dunk your head at a cold water workshop. You have come a long way since that day. Your physical setbacks didn't help the cause nor did your work related issues. Life just has a habit of getting in the way. When it happens for you, and it will happen for you soon enough, you will savor the acheivement that much more and your confidence level will be satiated as well. Many accomplished paddlers have been passed over on their first attempt so don't beat yourself up over it. While its a landmark achievment, it's only a title. Enjoy the journey. Sometimes it's fun to relax and simply enjoy being on the water.

    Doug

  2. This Thursday will be the last official surf session of the year.

    Sunset Thursday is 7:10 pm so I suggest people get there as early as possible. 5:00pm is a good target but I know there are some that may not be able to arrive then. It's okay to arrive at 6 but surf time will be limited. Those that can get there before 5, be sure to paddle to the surf zone with others.

    Be sure to bring a light for your PFD for sunset paddling.

    See you there.

    Doug

  3. Great pics!

    You inspired me to do this trip the following day, Sunday. Launched from Kittery town docks, up the creek, around Braveboat to Little Harbor, returned via The Pasacataqua. The current under the bridge next to WENTWORTH By the Sea created standing waves and was raging so hard making it nearly impossible to get through.Progressing inches at a time, Andy and I made it through.

    Doug

  4. Hampton Seabrook Surf Sessions have been going on weekly on Thursday nights for the past 4-6 weeks.

    Join us tonight!

    Below are a couple stills taken from the Cinnamon Rainbow Surf Cam on Hampton at 8:00 am today.

    Doug

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  5. This area (Newburyport to Plum a Island) is a very nice paddle and under normal conditions not a big deal unless you are returning back to NEWBURYPORT as 10 of 11 of us did yesterday with 30mph headwinds and higher gusts. It was a tad squirmy at the mouth and the sand bar on the Plum Island side. We left one person behind on Plum Island to be picked up later as she didn't have the strength or confidence to deal with the slog back.

    It was a really nice paddle with plenty of adrenaline pumping conditions after Fridays storm. Typically, this venue is very easy and Plum Island kayak often takes novices to view the seals on the rocks just before the jetty. We saw a dozen or so there yesterday.

    As Rob mentioned in another post, avoiding the channel as much as possible is prudent of course and especially dangerous on the rivers north jetty. It's not against the law to cross the channel as he mentioned he over heard someone saying but if it can be avoided on normal busy days between the jetties, everyone will be happier.

    The boat traffic there yesterday was sparse so we had the river mostly to ourselves with the exception of numerous shoreline fishermen. Good times were had by all.

    Doug

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  6. Gene, the flutter is most likely due to the fact that you are using a GP like a Euro blade.

    The entry should not be at your feet but perpendicular to your kayak at around arms reach and angled back from the bottom of the blade. Take out well beyond your body on rotation.

    I'd be happy to work with on this sometime. Also I'm sure the comparison of your first home made wood paddle does not compare in quality or design to a professionally finished carbon paddle. You should try a well made wood GP with similar measurements to the Superior paddle you tried.

    Rene, yes, my hands make a squeaking noise on my carbon paddles. Take your gloves off and you'll see what I mean. The sweak or creaking sound I was referring to from the 2 PC carbon paddle was eminating from the friction of the male and female parts of the 2 sides. I just recently found a cure for the 2 piece creaking noise.... Add surfers "sex wax". This works on all 2 piece paddles that creak.

    Doug

  7. No GP feels better than a wood one. The constant hand sweek on a carbon paddle can drive me a bit bonkers but in the ocean around rocks etc, carbon works better for me. The flexibility and soft feel of wood is unsurpassed. I usually save my wood paddles for fresh water to protect them from getting chewed up. If you stay away from rocks, this is not an issue.

    Carbon paddles are a great expense. I agree with Ed, experiment with wood first. I personally made my 1st and 4th GP. If you want a nice cedar paddle made for you, contact Jill at http://www.adanacpaddles.com . She is finishing one up for me this week.

    Doug

  8. Hi Gene,

    Your not that tall and your shoulder width will probably put you at an 18" loom. I'd go with an 84" paddle. I have 2 Superior paddles. One at 86" (2pc) and the other at 88" (1pc). Both have a 20" loom. I prefer the 1 piece paddles because I'm not fond of the Lendall fittings. Unless you plan to travel and need the 2 piece, the 1 piece is the best choice and feels more natural.

    Good luck with your purchase.

    Doug

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