tyson

Probably true!

My personal experience is that the paddle type doesn't matter much. I tried the euro rolls using a euro paddle with some success and some failure. Then I bought Dubside's DVD on Greenland rolling (it was the first one I happened to find). I followed those techniques, still using a 60 degree feather on a euro paddle, and learned to roll reliably. It wasn't until much later that I had the chance to pick up a GP. Cheri and Turner's recent DVD specifically covers the minor differences between using GP and a euro paddle for Greenland rolls. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone wanting to learn a reliable roll, regardless of paddle type. I now use a GP exclusively, but there is still a lot of "euro technique" in my forward stroke. One can even use a "wing paddle stroke" with a GP. For a GP it seems to be called a "reverse canted" stroke and works quite well at higher speeds. I don't use the GP because it is better for rolling. I use it because I find it to be a more efficient and versatile than a standard euro blade. The power in that blade when you scull or "fly" it is impressive. There are a few cases where a euro blade works better, but for my uses those cases are small compared to where the GP excels once you really learn to make them sing. Leon, what style roll have you tried with the wing? I have limited experience with wings, but I found that the standard Greenland roll works extremely well with them. The wing provides tremendous support when it "flys" through the water during the sweep. Cheers! Ty

I was going to bring this up, but you beat me to it. Yes, he paddles with no feather and recommends others do the same. I expect that most people are most comfortable with what ever they have recently paddled the most with. I've always used 60 degrees for a euro blade, but there is no good reason for that other than that was what I was taught when I started. I'm a bit puzzled about all this wind resistance stuff and maybe someone can enlighten me. Any wind worth talking about it _MUCH_ faster than the paddling speed of any of us (except Leon and Rick with his new V8) and can blow in any direction. So, unless you change your feather with every change in the wind, what does the feather do for us? I'm putting one more +1 next to sticks because there is no need to debate feather angle and wind doesn't bother them much. Cheers! Ty

Hey! I just might resemble that remark! ...besides, they can be used to spread peanut butter when you've forgotten your knife. Cheers! Ty

If you want low light sensitivity when buying a new camera, look for the newer "rear illuminated" style sensors. I'm now using a waterproof, Sony pocket cam which was one of the first ones to get this new technology, but a lot of others are offering it now also. With the old sensors, anything above 10MP generally took worse pictures than the 8-10MP sizes. This new one is 16MP, takes great pictures and has fantastic low light sensitivity. Cheers! Ty

...except when Emilie is busy punching holes in the glass.

I tend to have a busy schedule and can't get there this weekend, but I'm up for bump when ever possible. Cheers! Ty

First of all, I don't paddle an "anus". I paddle an Anas Acuta. ;-) As Doug mentioned, most of us are familiar with the Tide Race boats and have paddled many of them. The X-Cite S had a nice hull, but the seat/combing didn't fit me well. All the others were too large and tub-like for my taste. I spent a good bit of time looking at the P&H Delphin and also the Tiderace X-treme, but I found both to be much too large. I rather prefer a low volume boat with hard chines, a Greenland stick and a wet ride. Cheers! Ty

Perhaps true, but Tux is only in when there is snow, so the winter is for skiing and the dry suit gets only limited use. Hurricane season is when the kayak gets the most play. I'd be up for some bump this weekend, but things are looking pretty flat and I've failed to find any that is worth the drive. Cheers! Ty

Emilie and I paddle hard chine boats and use Thule Hull-a-ports. There is no problem with a hard chine in these racks. In fact, the bottom of them is flat and the flat side of the boat sits on it nicely. I do have some tricks for securely strapping in slender/low-volume boats to keep them from wandering around. Cheers! Ty

Emilie seems to have no trouble doing that with her Greenland which is considerably narrower and has a smaller cockpit than a Pintail. She can hop out and then climb back in with hardly any water getting in. I claim no such abilities.

I think I've always found the folks in Maine to be friendly. Respect them, they respect you.

Are you familiar with getting back into your boat in deep water? Are your sons? The currents and "bump" that can turn up in that bay are great fun, ...or dangerous if things go badly and you don't have some basic skills. Be careful, Ty

I just looked at the Point 65 on rei.com. It may be worth noting that the singe review of that kayak is by a kayaker with limited knowledge: I believe you'll find that NSPN has quite a number of VERY skilled and experienced kayakers. Though rudders do have their place, I doubt that any will backup the blanket claim that long kayaks need rudders. ...most of us prefer kayaks without. That really isn't a big deal. Many promote removing the stock seat/back and installing a foam seat or seat back that is not adjustable at all. Those thigh braces are important safety gear any time you are paddling in other than bathtub flat conditions. They are an important feature to assist with controlling the boat and staying in it. ...again, consider a used boat. If you are serious about sea kayaking, your next purchase will be primarily a learning experience for what to buy next. Cheers! Ty