Scott Lundquist

Gene, great pictures and report! I wanted to get out that day given the mild conditions but instead tried different boats at CRCK, useful but sounds like a missed a memorable day...

Ern, thanks for the heads-up -- I've been doing web research, and it also turns out that CRCK is open for another week, so hope to get down there too to try boats on the water. The Looksha IV gets a wide variety of reviews (and tons of them). A guy I know at CRCK apparently has a CD Extreme/Nomad (meaning Nomad is the follow-on to the Extreme?) at a v. good price, is that too much boat for me? (Length, initial-stability wise) Sure would be nice to go glass... On the other hand, my wife suggests I focus on getting a "family boat" (uh-oh...).

Thanks Ern, I'll try to check out those boats -- good to see you again yesterday, I really enjoyed the workshop and getting to know the NPSN folks...

I'd like to add my sincere thanks for Suz, Scott C., and Liz for holding the workshop, it was terrific -- I'm just hoping I can decipher all of my notes and take in the wealth of new information! As a new member, I'm very impressed by the depth/breadth of knowledge in the club, and equally by everyone's openness to share it (e.g., Deb taking time with me on the water). I look forward to paddling with you soon (as soon as I get real forward flotation bags and/or a seaworthy craft, that is). -- Scott L.

Hi Ernie, glad you liked the photo. And thanks for the tips about NSPN classifieds and CRCK, I will try to get over there; I'm also very interested to see the various craft people will bring on Sunday, and to hear opinions. Gene's carbon boat looked really nice, I've had mine 6 weeks and am already lusting after others! My paddle is an Aqua-Bound Manta Ray (as you probably know, carbon shaft, plastic paddles), and I'm very comfortable with it -- I tried out higher-end Werners, etc. but it felt right to go mid-range, and the swing weight was fine (I'm v. sensitive to that from nordic sking). Besides, if I want to go up a grade, my wife will happily take it! See you Sunday...

That was an extraordinary day! I'm new to the sport, and waited out those interminable small craft advisories for just such a day to try my first open water trip -- it could not have been better! It was certainly enhanced by meeting Ernie, Sid, and Gene, who (by example) pursuaded me to join NSPN as of this morning. I hope to see you at the cold water workshop. (As we discussed, I'm very aware of my neophyte status and need for skills dev't before venturing out into open water again.) Did you all see the sundog on the return trip? (see photo.) I also caught one of you on the way out (second photo), not sure who, although you'll know from the boat and hat.

Hi Suzanne, I just e-mailed you for directions, etc. and then found this. I'd like to attend, sounds like a great opportunity to learn and to meet the membership, as I've just joined. Thanks!