Doug

Last Saturday's HAVERHILL Pool session was the last of the season. I'd like to thank everyone that attended.

As usual, the HAVERHILL POOL filled up to maximum every week but the IPSWICH POOL was really not well attended. I think it may be a combination of location and time (5-7:30pm Sunday) that may have caused poor attendance. I am reaching out to all members to get their opinions.

As an added note, Portsmouth has agreed to have us come back next year.

See you on the water soon.

Doug

A ribbed paddle is usually heavier and stronger. It also creates a bit more unwanted turbulence on the entry. Usually less expensive older technology.

Doug

Hi Cathy,

This is one of my most memorable paddles. In fact, we will be doing another circumnavigation leaving from Old Quarry again late July. Launch at high tide. If you launch from Old Quarry, plan on a 24-27 mile paddle but it's not all that bad if you follow the tide out around the eastern side and hit Western Ear as the the tide turns. This will allow you to ride the tide back in passing through the Kimball Island cut. This will push you home nicely following the returning tide. There is a moderate amount of time to to take breaks if you start between 8-9am at a high tide but if you decide to take a bike ride on the island you may risk having to paddle against the tide on your last leg home.

Pick the calmest day possible as the 2 mile crossing between Eastern and Western Ear can get quite lively. If you choose to travel along the shore between Eastern and Western Ears, plan an extra mile or two.

If your interested in seeing pics of our circumnavigation go to http://www.pixel8er.net/Other/Stonington-Maine-July-27-30/i-VZ68pc3 or don't, and be surprised....

This is the cut between Western Head and Western Ear at low tide.

Doug

Looks like a very nice one.

I thought that you had a preference for one that had a lens that had a protective shutter to keep the water away. Have you found something to apply to the lens or anther trick?

I can't understand why they are not continuing with the retractable lens cover. I assume they must have taken back quite a few with warranty issues as the RLC was the most delicate mechanism exposed to the elements. Salt build up hung mine up from time to time but the slight inconvenience was well worth no spots or orbs on my pics.

I surmise they must have perfected the lens coating to repel most droplets. I'll keep a little fresh water squeeze bottle handy to rinse the lens should I see the need to. I will miss the retractable option. I do like the optional fisheye and telephoto snap on lens features, the 16 megapixels and most important wifi for quick downloads.

I just need to teach this old dog some new tricks.

It won't be out until June but this is my choice. http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tg-3.html?utm_content=tg3_banner&utm_campaign=TG-3_SH-1_launch&utm_source=email_etprm&utm_medium=email

In black of course!

Doug

http://www.lendalna.com/node/26

Lendal North America and Lendal UK (going by the name Celtic paddles) are now 2 separate companies. The new owners of Lendal NA purchased a new 20,000 sq foot mill in NY State and remodeled it into a state of the art manufacturing facility. As rumor has it the two type A personalities of Nigel Denis in the UK and Mack Duffy (of Big Sky a Technology LLC, new owner here in the USA) simply could not see eye to eye and parted ways. Mack Duffy, a retired self acclaimed wealthy hedge fund investor has now sunk his teeth into his new Lendal NA project. Two years new and they have made some great headway with their newly refined bent shaft and the new Lendal Storm which I personally think is the best paddle I own.

I placed a link to the website above as it can be a bit challenging to locate for the time being until all the legal mumbo jumbo is worked out. . Apparently, Nigel still owns the Lendal rights in the UK.

Doug

For those of you interested in the new line of LENDAL North America paddles! not to be confused with Nigel's UK brand should check them out at the Kittery Trading Post Paddlesports Show this weekend at UNH.

After breaking an average of one Werner Ikelos per year, I reached out to Ben Lawry for suggestions. Apparently he swears by the new LENDAL STORM. He claims its lighter and stronger than the Ikelos. I in fact own one now and absolutely love it. They are a bit difficult to find but the Kittery show will have a Lendal rep there with Lendal paddles at his Stellar Kayak booth. His name is Vaughn Smith.

Check them out.

Doug

I can just imagine the dialog between you and Karen when all attempts to navigate resulted in such a daunting experience.

I'm sure the fishies and crustations were well entertained!

Glad you both returned safely.

Doug

I know what you are thinking. Can we use sea kayaks here? I'm waiting for a call back from the owner but I do know that "Jackson Freestyle Kayaks" (shorties) are allowed. Not sure if the pool is long enough for traditional kayaks.

In any event, this looks awesome!

http://www.skyventurenh.com/surfsup_nh.php

Doug

This will be formally posted very soon.

Today I confirmed a reservation for the May 10th date for both the introduction to and pool session experience at the Portsmouth YMCA on the same day at the one location. Bob Levine will formally post this later. My only function was to secure the location where Bob and company will be doing all the planning, instruction and most of the work from this point on.

In a nut shell:

From 2-4:30 ish will be an either indoor, outdoor venue or both, depending on the weather for the intro workshop. From 4:30-7:00 will be the pool session with a potential pool fee going towards a free membership for those wishing to take it to the next step which will also help defer the pool cost a bit. (We are still ironing out the details of that part of it).

Doug

Rick, I don't know what your objection to this post is. You are not being clear are you suggesting that it was posted in the inappropriate forum? This was set up to benifit all members of NSPN. It was created, discussed, and voted upon after the specifics were ironed out.

I must be missing something here.

Doug

This was an program developed by the board in an attempt to offer all club members an incentive opportunity to post more trips and receive credits towards advancing their leadership skills by professionals in an attempt to perpetuate the growth of the clubs leader base and increase posted paddles funded by member dues and the clubs bank account.

I think that sums in up.

Doug

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RAPID MEDIA ACQUIRES SEA KAYAKER MAGAZINE

READERS FOR ADVENTURE KAYAK

Palmer Rapids, ON, February 26, 2014 – Rapid Media boosts paid circulation of Adventure Kayak by acquiring subscribers of recently discontinued Sea Kayaker magazine. Adventure Kayak is now the only North America-wide magazine delivering the 100-percent kayaking editorial these enthusiasts crave.

Adventure Kayak and Rapid Media’s other titles have benefited from increased readerships due to partnerships with the A.C.A. and Paddle Canada. “Former readers of Paddler, Kanawa and now Sea Kayaker magazine are reading our mags,” says Scott MacGregor, Rapid Media’s founder and publisher. “No publisher likes to see magazines close their doors. However, our editors are pleased to offer enthusiasts magazines exactly targeted to their interests, feeding their passions for kayaking, canoeing, whitewater and kayak fishing.”

Adventure Kayak was an obvious choice for Sea Kayaker magazine publisher Michael Collins. “We always took pride in being an independent publication,” says Collins. “We felt that Adventure Kayak, also an independent publication specifically written for kayakers, was the best fit available.” Rapid Media and Collins will be working cooperatively to promote the Northwest Paddling Festival, a Sea Kayaker event now in the hands of the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

MacGregor and Adventure Kayak magazine editor Virginia Marshall have invited long-time Sea Kayaker editor Christopher Cunningham to join the Rapid Media stable of award-winning contributing editors. “Chris has been contributing to the kayaking community for as long as I can remember,” says MacGregor. “Readers build relationships with editors. I’m excited about having him in the magazine, and he’s looking forward to not having to get the entire issue off to production.”

Sea Kayaker readers without subscriptions may purchase a subscription to Adventure Kayak at a super-discounted rate. In the final issue of Sea Kayaker readers will find a coupon code offering one-year subscriptions to Adventure Kayak for only $5.95.

About Rapid Media

Rapid Media has been the leader in paddlesports media since 1999. Rapid Media publishes Rapid, Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots & Family Camping, Kayak Angler, Paddling Buyer’s Guide and Paddling Magazine, and produces the Reel Paddling Film Festival and Rapid Media TV.

www.rapidmedia.com

###

Media Contact

Scott MacGregor, Rapid Media

(613) 707-0467, publisher@rapidmedia.com

Haverhill Pool Session PICS! 2/22

Here are some reviews of the cameras currently out there.

http://www.itsjustlight.com/photography-gear/best-waterproof-cameras/

I must admit, the (Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5K 16.1 MP Tough Digital Camera with 9.3x Intelligent Zoom) is impressing me more and more.

Of course it's use of a Leica zoom lens is a big plus.

The Wifi capability allows you to download without a cord.

The 16 megapixels is cutting edge (well almost) for cropping pix without losing lots of resolution due to pixel loss.

A couple things I don't like is:

1. Supposedly the manual states, if you drop the camera and then it leaks its not covered under warranty. Um isn't the point of a tough camera so it can be dropped? Why is that voiding the warranty?

2. The camera has a rattling noise when it is off. Panasonic's response was: This is normal. The camera contains an Optical Image Stabilizer. When turned on the optical image stabilizer is engaged and thereby compensates for hand shake or camera movement. However, when it the camera is turned off the Optical Image Stabilizer is disengaged and allows movement of those components. This is the rattling or clicking that you hear.

I'm still holding out to see if Olympus will launch an updated model. I may have to break down and get a GoPro.

Lisa, interesting tip on the rice container.

Doug

Thanks Marshall...

http://glacierglove.com/our-products/cycling/perfect-curve-glove.html

Doug

I have used the Olympus 8010 for a few years now with absolutely no problems. The only downside is the long power-up lag which had been fixed with a newer model. At 14 megapixels it has provided me with pretty crisp pics but I fear it's on its last leg.

My Olympus 8010 has had its share of bumps and numerous bruises over the years. My big initial attraction to the 8010 was the built in retractable lens cover which I think Olympus may be discontinuing. I suppose they may have been getting tired of returns for this feature malfunctioning. I have experienced the occasional slight sticking when a grain of sand got lodged but it always seemed to fix itself, at times with the aid of a bit of finger pressure. I'll take that inconvenience over all the potentially lost pics due to salt water spots.

So what's next? I'm not sure but typically March will unveil updated models but be prepared to pay list price for those puppies!

I'll most likely stay with Olympus because they have been without a doubt the strongest waterproof/shockproof cameras produced in my experience but you never know until the fat lady sings!

Doug

I use GLACIER GLOVES and carry 2 pairs. I use the 1.5 mm pair when I launch and change to the 2 mm pair after the mid day break. Typically I limit my paddles to one or two breaks at the very most during the winter as previous frostbite causes my extremities to get cold pretty fast.

I did a quick search and was a bit hard pressed to find the 1.5 mm gloves at this time. I'm sure if spend enough time you can find anything.

Interesting that when I went to the Glacier Glove website, they only listed a fishing version of the gloves I use. Perhaps they are specifically made for certain outfitters.

Note: The only breakdown I have had in the past with these gloves has been a delaminating of the seams. They seen to have beefed up the gloves I currently own and I have had no issues with them.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___63483

Doug

Yes, FL. With all the hanging chads and other nonsense it doesn't seem like one of the states.

I could go broke on this bet. I'll have to try it myself down here.

The problem with a plumb bow boat is you can't slide it on until you lift it high enough.

Leon,

Please don't try it with one of your thin skinned glass boats. They are made for speed not abuse.

I used a bulletproof Romany. I would also have no issues other than the sprayskirt issue of course to use my expedition layup Cetus, also bulletproof.

Doug

>>Your sliding them over you deck, only the cockpit has water, it's not like all the hatches are full.

Yes, I know. So the bet is on, right? Wait till next June for my return to America.

Leon, I had absolutely no problem pulling Kevin B's boat with at least half full cockpit of water onto my deck and after a proper dump he only needed to sponge out the rest due to owning a self draining new style Explorer. It's easier than it appears perhaps.

I'll take you up on a larger wager if you pay for my sprayskirt! Haha. I think we have reached an impass!

Doug

Seems like this would be a good roll to play with at Walden Pond. Useful when you're practicing "stupid kayak tricks", have a boat full of water and don't want to come out to empty it. Also, not sure why you would need to approach the other boat with speed. You could simply drag the boat across your lap and go from there. Agree this might not be a "go to" rescue in some circumstances. Might be fun to play around with, though!

I believe it's not the initial mount that tears the sprayskirt although its most likely the mount with a boat full of water, even with a slow approach, that will damage the structural integrity of your kayak deck or combing.

It is the dump with the twisting and tearing effect of deck lines curves and edges of the rescued boat that rips up the sprayskirt in my opinion.

I can however as mentioned earlier see a use for this rescue.

Doug

"Seams" like someone in the club might suggest a person/place to patch your skirt defect Doug? Local Dive Shop maybe?

Thanks Gary,

but the skirt is not defective. No neoprene skirt could hold up to that repeated abuse. Seals has agreed to replace the eye panels at no cost. I could have patched it myself aqua seal but given the fact that I had but a half season with it, I wanted it repaired right even if it cost me. I'm elated that Seals is stepping up and taking care of it. I even explained how it happened which is really beyond what they should warranty but they were happy to accommodate me.

Doug

Re: "THE DUMP" by Body Boat Blade

As some of you know, Leon Somme of Body Boat Blade has come up with a really great rescue called "The Dump" as shown in the YouTube video below.

I have practiced 'The Dump" during pool sessions and following his instruction carefully, this rescue method can be of great value in nasty conditions. As Leon states, it is important to lean your boat towards the person being rescued as he approaches and mounts your deck with his bow. This is to create as smooth and impact free transition onto your combing as possible. It's also important to lean your boat away from him as you dump all the water out of his cockpit in an attempt to get his bow as high up in the air as possible. These two things are very important!

The upside is that this rescue is fairly simple when helping someone that has a bombproof roll. The downside is you do take on some degree of risk to damaging the deck and or combing of your boat according to JC. My big concern is the definite damage you do to your spray skirt. (see pics below).

I contacted Leon Somme today and had a discussion about this rescue. I asked him if he knows of other people damaging their neoprene skirts and he replied that YES, it does happen at times. Neoprene skirts will tear which is why he suggests only doing it with a Snapdragon Expedition skirt. Leon also states that it is why it's the only spray skirt he sells and stands behind and claims that Snapdragon has a good warranty policy. We will see how long that lasts.

I would have liked to know this prior to ripping apart my new $150 Seals custom "Pro Shocker" skirt.

This "Review" is an attempt to simply warn fellow paddlers and hopefully save them some costly grief. If you plan to practice this manurer, do so with an expendable back-up skirt.

The crew at "Body Boat Blade" are wonderful people and among the best in the sport. I certainly have no intent to discredit their name or reputation in any way. Leon agreed in retrospect that perhaps he should forewarn those attempting this rescue in the future.

"Happy Paddling"

Doug

With a record breaking 87% of the Great Lakes covered with ice and snow right now, this wold make a nice snowshoe trek.

Just sayin!

Doug