Dabend

Thanks everyone for the responses. Looks like I have a lot of options up there. Fingers crossed for good weather. David

I'm planning a trip to Deer Isle Thoroughfare/Eggemoggin Reach and was considering a paddle over to Swan's Island. Trying to pick routes and was hoping there was someone out there with personal experience paddling to and around the island. Thanks. David

I didn't say anything about you, Rick. the guilty flee where no man pursueth.

Enough already. Paddlers who find value in a paddle float, bring one. Paddlers who don't, don't. I have a damn good roll that I have used in unexpected capsizes. And I always bring my paddle float. If someone here could give me one good reason why that was a bad idea, perhaps I would listen. But the only rationale I have seen for not taking one is that it saves space. All that space. Regarless of what some people say they are saying, the not-so-sublte implication is that if you require a paddle float, you are not as capable a paddler as those that don't need one. And furthermore, you are creating a false sense of safety for yourself. If that is the case, write a post warning people about that. But don't write posts that only seem to be aimed at patting yourself on the back for all your paddling prowess. It doesn't help anyone become a better paddler. And it could make someone leave their paddle float at home because they think it makes them look inexperienced. David

I agree. I have never needed a paddle float in 18 years of paddling and many times solo. In fact, I am seriously thinking about not bringing a PFD anymore since, like the paddle float, I have not needed it for that same span of years. If I ever go over, which is rare, I know how to swim and tread water. Of course, I am kidding. But really, what's the difference between that argument and the ones people are using for not bringing a paddle float? David

Looks like you've got plenty of advice about the currents. As for the landing, you can pull right up to the store last time I was there. But if you come in at low tide, you will sink into the mud well up your shins and, if your not wearing secure water shoes, they will come right off from the suction. David

Thanks DJ, just what I needed. d

I apologize in advance if this is being posted in the wrong place but I am trying to find out if the recurring Seabrook Surf Session is on for this Wednesday, August 14. I would be driving up from Boston and just wanted to make sure these were still happening before I make the trip. Thanks, David

It may not be great for racing, but any Garmin Foretrex works great. Straps to your wrist like a watch, waterproof, easy to read. I love it. Does not have graphic maps on it which may be a problem for you but otherwise it works great. David

I am looking for other paddlers' points of view on the use of pogies versus gloves. Let me first say that I am a three-season paddler. I have paddled as late as November and as early as April but i have yet to be out in truly frigid temperatures. I have a pair of NRS 3.5 mil gloves that I use in cold conditions but I have never tried pogies. Although they look like they would be warmer than gloves, I have concerns about two things: 1) What happens if my roll fails and I have to wet exit? Exposed fingers will become useless in seconds in frigid air/water. Do people who use pogies have a completely bomb proof roll? 2) I use my hands to do more than paddle. I may adjust my skeg or get some food out of my deck bag. On a cold fall day with a 15 knot wind and some rain mixed in, taking my hands out of the pogie to do this will quickly lead to numb hands. So all you pogie paddlers, can you tell me why you use them and how you avoid or handle the two scenarios I describe above. thanks, David

Just got it today. Can't wait to read it.

To that point, Ed, I have on occasion actually called ahead and bought in advance. I find the stores are reluctant to stock something for you knowing that bad weather can make you a no-show. I find that it's worth making the call. And the more remote they are, the more likely they may be on some kind of "island schedule".

I have been on many 3-4 days trips (although few solo) and I am surprised that no one has mentioned one of the most important areas of planning...locating general stores/marinas along your float plan that sell beer and ice. That and tide charts, of course (If you've ever tried walking through the mud at low tide to get to the Island Store at Isle ah Haut, you know what I mean).

I can make some logical guesses as to why you think it is risky but can you be more specific? thanks, d

Has anyone ever mounted the cleats of a WindPaddle sail on an NDK Explorer? If I follow the manufacturers instructions, I am pretty sure I will scrape my knuckles on them on every stroke. And.... not that people here are ever shy about adding commentary...I'd be happy to get people's opinions on whether they even think mounting the cleats is a good idea. I just got the sail and it while it worked well, I had trouble steering the boat while holding the single sheet and my paddle. I mounted the cleats on an old plastic Sealution and they worked well but that also has a rudder so it was easy. Thanks, David

Hi all, I might be heading out to Baker Island in Bar Harbor in September. Does anyone have any experience approaching this island from Northeast Harbor? I have never paddled in Bar Harbor before and would love to get some first-hand opinions about what I might expect for sea conditions. Obviously, no one can predict what the weather will be when I go, but I am looking for local knowledge about prevailing winds, swells etc. It looks rather exposed. thanks! David

I have used nylon (Harmony Symptex) all neoprene (Snapdragon) and hybrid (snapdragon). Nothing is as watertight as the all-neoprene. Even the hybrid, which was pretty expensive (if not high quality) leaks in the seams between the nylon and the neoprene. And, of course, when you roll, the velcro never keeps the tube tight enough to keep you dry. Bottom line, my next skirt will be all neoprene. As for ventilation, I agree wtih Brambor, I rarely feel hot inside with the neoprene (although I am constantly told that I must by others with nylon) I have a question for the group though, my SnapDragons seem to wear out much faster than I expect. That is, any kind of abrasion point causes a leak within 18 months. Does anyone recommend another brand? thanks, David

I have been using a Garmin Foretrex 201 (there are others that have more bells and whistles) for the last 10 years. It straps to your wrist like a watch and is everything I ever need. It's always there, it's hands free and its very accurate. Great for checking speed, distance to target, heading etc. And you can plug it into your computer to transfer data. A bit low on the durability scale as I'm on my third one (the water seal is not completely bulletproof) but it is reliable for about three years at a time which, given its reasonable price, is acceptable as far as I'm concerned. It is not a GPS for people who like to see colorful charts and where they are on located on them. But that's what I'm supposed to be doing with my real charts anyway. Buy one and I promise you will never want or need another GPS for kayaking. d

Hi all, I have an Explorer that I got a couple of years ago. When I was cleaning it after my last paddle, I noticed that a piece of the skeg structure that secures it into the opening (not the skeg itself) was loose and was literally hanging down a outside of the skeg box. I looked closely and saw what appeared to be two whitish plastic bolts(?) that seemed to have sheared and were no longer connecting the piece to the inside of the skeg box. Any one have any experience with this or know how to repair it? See pdf attached. Thanks, David Explorer Skeg.pdf

Am I the only one that's a little lost here as far as what is happening, when it's happening and where it's happening?

Let me know about a reschedule. Weeknights are actually better for me as less chance for a conflict. Thanks.

Just wanted to let people know that I arrived at Masconomo Park at 12:45 yesterday (Saturday). There were no non-resident spaces when I got there but by the time I took the boat off the car, a car left and I was able to get a spot. Soon after, another car left and my friend who was meeting me there also got a spot. So we got lucky. But even if we could not have parked there, there were a lot of 2-hour spaces on the street (which I could not have used since my plans were for a longer paddle). There were also local lots but those were $25. I did check out the Elementary School and High School parking lots and those were wide open. And less than a half a mile from the Park so it would have been easy to park there and ride my bike to there. Anyway, for anyone who cares, the parking was pretty easy and the paddle was fantastic. d

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I will just put a bike on the back of my car. Then I can drop the boats and it won't be as crucial to find a parking space that close. I'll let you know what I learn. David

I am looking for a put-in on the North Shore on Saturday August 6. Because of the low tide at noon on Saturday, I am wary of the Essex River because I have paddled there before near low and I found it to be very busy with motorcraft and very little room for kayaks. I read about Masconomo Park as a put in and it sounds good. But does anyone have any first-hand experience with the parking there? I plan to get there around noon on a Saturday in August....am I crazy? thanks, David