NateHanson

I've got an IR skirt with the "implosion strap" or whatever that webbing across the lap should be called, and it has given me a lot more trouble than assistance. Always getting tangled during rescues, scrambles, etc.

For those looking for a way to keep the grab loop accessible, Seals has a great, low-profile solution on their Rental skirt. It has those little tabs on the side of the skirt, (referred to above). They run a piece of bungie through the grab-loop, and through loops on either side, near the front of the skirt. This makes it impossible to put the skirt on with the grab loop under the deck.

Congratulations Warren!

Your rationale for taking leadership and guide training, despite not planning to work as a professional guide, perfectly reflects my philosophy of the role of leadership in the outdoors. Leadership is not a list of actions one person goes through when leading others through an environment. Leadership is a mindset that every member of a group can be employing silently throughout every adventure. If every paddler employs a leadership mindset (preparation, paddler assessment, risk management, etc.) the whole group is far safer.

Kudos to you for biting off big chunks this season! Glad I could be of some help with your successes.

(And rumor has it you didn't just pass the exam - you knocked the examiners' socks off!)

Nate

Pinniped Kayak

The video title might more accurately read "Kayakers paddle gently onto whale's head".

The charging port door on my life proof broke in less than a year and they have not responded to my warranty inquiry, so I'll be looking for a new case from someone else.

That's a bummer Michael. A couple years ago, my lifeproof developed a pinhole leak in the ear-speaker membrane, and they replaced it pronto. I hope they're not outgrowing good customer service.

Hey Marshall,

I've always been curious, how much weight do you you need to lift to raise a kari-tec 3-boat rack system up onto the roof, with boats loaded in it?

Thanks, Nate

I've had a look at the new Northwater Dynamic Tow Pro, and it seems to work well. I think it's well designed and the price is great.

I could be wrong, but I think Northwater may not be making the Sea Tec Pro (the burrito-bag style tow that's been popular with coaches around here) for retail anymore. So if you're thinking about getting one, you may want to grab the stock that's still in local stores.

Nate

Actually Tiderace does have a US Importer and a dealer network. Ryan Rushton at Geneva Kayak Center in Chicago is the man in charge of Tiderace in the US. He imports Tiderace, and distributes the boats to dealers. You can contact him for details about local dealers. (As far as I know, MaineSport is no longer a Tiderace dealer.)

For the original poster, Ryan will be travelling through Saint John in September with a trailer full of Tiderace Demos, on his way to the Bay of Fundy Symposium. There will also be demo boats available from Valley. Might be a great opportunity to try out everything you're interested in, (and maybe even pick up a deal on a demo.) For details about the symposium, visit www.bofsks.org.

I also have a handful of boats from Valley (Gemini SP, Etain, Aquanaut), for people to use during my classes, and I'm just a couple hours from you. If you'd like to come give one a try, let me know.

Nate Hanson

Pinniped Kayak

www.pinnipedkayak.com

Thanks for all your helpful input, friends. Have added the "currents" link to my favorites list. Interesting/important info to have on hand, especially when navigating Maine's coastal rivers. As an example, on day X, at Fort Popham (Kennebec), it takes 2 hours beyond listed LT for the weak(er) early flood to overcome (slack) the natural flow of the mighty Kennebec. For the Damariscotta, the delay is ~ 1.5 hours. All good stuff to know, as most of us prefer to paddle "downhill"!

gary

You'll find that this delay of slack current vs. high tide, is not just caused by river current competing with the tidal current - it occurs in large part because all that tidal water that's been pushed up into inlets can't drain back out as fast as the tidal level at the Fort is dropping. This effect is quite noticable even in purely tidal embayments (where there is no fresh water river contributing to the flow), merely because the water can't flow in or out through a constriction, as fast as the tide goes up or down outside of that constriction. The effect is most obvious at someplace like Blue Hill Falls (where the Salt Pond takes almost 2 extra hours to continue filling after local high water passes).

Here in Frenchman Bay, two of the most popular kayak training destinations are Sullivan Falls (a reversing tidal falls), and the cliffs, caves and currents around the Porcupine Islands and Mount Desert Island.

To make it easier for those travelling "from away" to experience the best of our area, Pinniped Kayak has scheduled back-to-back classes in these environments. Come spend a few days, or a week, and get to know this awesome paddling destination.

On July 21st and July 22nd, we'll offer Introduction to Tidal Currents, and Rocks and Ledges, appropriate for people new to these environments, or wanting to gain comfort handling their boat in moving water and around shoreline obstacles.

On August 14th and 15th, we'll step it up a notch for improving kayakers looking for a little greater challenge. More Tidal Currents is scheduled for a spring flood tide, and in addtion to refining boat handling across strong eddy-lines and on bigger standing waves, we'll also work on leadership, towing and rescues in this rough-water environment. Rough Water du Jour, on the second day, will take us to wherever we can find the best conditions. Possible options include the open-water tide races near Bass Harbor Head and the cliffs and caves of Ironbound Island in Frenchman Bay. Registrants for either of these two classes should have good rescue and bracing skills, and some experience in moving water and bumpy water.

(Signing up for both double-headers could provide a nice challenge-progression for the right paddlers.)

We'd love to talk with you about these or any other options on our Training Schedule.

Thanks!

Nate Hanson

207-669-2174

pinnipedkayak@gmail.com

We have a great group of paddlers signed up for this comprehensive leadership training next month, but there's still room for a couple more paddlers looking to get their season off to an excellent start. Whether you plan to lead group trips, or just paddle with friends - Paddlers who think like leaders are safer paddlers!

__________________________________

Join Pinniped Kayak for a 6-day Sea Kayak Leadership and Guide Training in Stonington, Maine. Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, and Friday, May 23 - Sunday, May 25.

Whether you plan to work as a Registered Maine Sea Kayak Guide, or simply wish to gain a more comprehensive skill set for paddling with friends and family this summer, our course will cover all aspects of competent leadership so you can stay safe on the water. Time is split between classroom learning and on-water exercises, covering navigation, trip planning, group management, incident avoidance, boat handling, towing, rescues, hypothermia, LNT camping, meal planning, and an introduction to local flora and fauna.

Boat handling skills will be reviewed, but students should have previous paddling experience and familiarity with strokes and rescues before the class begins. If you have questions about your preparedness, or if you are interested in additional training before the start of this leadership course, please contact us.

I've had fairly good luck with air mats. Obviously they're more leak prone than ensolite foam pads, but the size and comfort advantages are huge. I'd put up with a lot to sleep that well and pack that small. One pad from Pacific Outdoors began to leak after a few years, but it was a very slow leak, and didn't affect comfort (except that I'd add a breath when I got up to . . . look at the stars). I couldn't find the leak, so I replaced it with a NeoAir 2 years ago. That's been great. It's wider, which I like. Sooo comfy, even on very uneven ground. The noise doesn't bother me.

Hi Cathy,

I feel obliged to weigh in, since I've been mentioned a few times, but I think the experienced folks here have mostly answered your questions already. Generally, the current splits and floods north along both sides of Isle au Haut, and then gets less predictable (and more diffuse) as it meanders through the islands between Isle au Haut and Stonington. At Stonington the current parts again and floods northwest into Penobscot Bay, and northeast into Jericho Bay. Generally, this is an area where current won't ruin your day, but it will lengthen it if you're not paying attention and using ranges.

You'll notice significant current between Kimball Island and "downtown". It's strong enough that I prefer not to paddle against it, but it's not impossible (probably 1-1.5 knots). And there are some eddys along the way. The other area near there with currents regularly exceeding a knot is off the northeast corner of Isle au Haut. Here currents flood north-northwest (perhaps this is where Ed was surprised by the direction?) and runs at up to a knot and a half in open water. There is a current prediction station out there, called "Isle au Haut, 0.8 mi E of Rich's Pt" to help you figure out what to expect.

Enjoy!

Nate

Pinniped Kayak

www.pinnipedkayak.com

I don't use my Werner foam core paddles in tide races or rock gardens. They're quite strong, but if you catch one just right, you can snap a blade like nothing at all. I did that once. Now I use a Shuna in those environments.

Actually, I'm using a Shuna more in general these days. The weight difference is a couple ounces. And they both paddle nicely. Yes the foam core Cyprus is a bit smoother and quieter. It's a very nice paddle. Just not quite as durable as the ribbed fiberglass Shuna.

Marshall is indeed a great spot. One of my favorites in the area and fairly unique. I think someone told me it's the largest uninhabited island on the east coast? Maybe?

Anyways, leaving from Stonington works well too. And Bass Harbor is another possible launch spot (though longer), taking you through some really great islands along the way.

I like the Sealect covers for my large ovals, but for day hatches I like the OE Valley covers better. It's easier to get the Valley cover on and off the day hatch with one hand.

While we're on the subject of charts: I need to have ~50 20" x 30" topo maps printed on a waterproof base, suitable for use on a kayak deck. While we plan to use (deck) chart cases, it would be wonderful to find a substrate that does not require them. I've tried out mylar and tyvek as media, with promising but not great results.

Would anybody know where to get waterproof charts printed and what media would work well?

Waterproof printer paper. You can get it on amazon. It's basically thin matte white plastic. I use it in letter size for deck scribbling and printing my notes for courses, but I expect they make it in larger sizes.

This might be of interest to you.

http://www.captainsnautical.com/10146/578872/Kayaking-and-Canoeing/Dangerous-Archipelago-Sea-Kayaking-French-Polynesia-DVD.html

Also, for charts, you can google "marine chart agent" and find a number of businesses that specialize in providing paper charts for exotic places. One is Landfall Navigation, but there are a few others. I'd give one a call and tell them what you're looking for. I think you'll find just what you need that way.

Rob, I noticed on the website that some of the ICOM radios have a "full volume" button, that raises the speaker volume with a single push. I haven't noticed that option on the 92, but I'll take another look.

I know this is outside the price range you're looking for, but life's too short to use a crappy paddle. For Rocks and surf I'd recommend a good durable all-purpose paddle that you won't hate using. The Premium line by Werner is very durable, and doesn't need to be babied in the rocks. Yet it weighs somewhere around 25 ounces. Unless you're a really powerful paddler, I'd avoid the larger blade (Coryvrecken), and get a Shuna.

Icom replied that they'll cover parts and labor for replacing my knob. They say the battery isn't holding a charge (which I hadn't noticed), so I'm paying for that to be replaced.

I stand reassured by Icom's willingness to stand behind their product, even slightly outside of warranty, and that makes me happy that I've bought another Icom as a replacement. However, I think the M72 turns out to be a poor design for kayakers, because the knob doesn't hold up well to frequent salty exposure. A plastic-case radio with no knobs (like the M24, M36 or the M92) is probably a better idea for anyone who really uses their radio IN the water the way we do, and I'll stick to those criteria in the future.

Here's a great aggregation of current northeast water temperatures, and monthly averages.

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/natl.html

(not sure if someone already linked this, but I noticed the original poster was wishing there was something like this.)

Personally, my decision of what to wear depends on more than water temperature. If water temps are 60, but it's drizzly, and I'll be in the wet a lot (like playing in a tide-race) I'll wear a drysuit. If water temps are 65, and it's sunny and 75 out, I'll usually wear my drysuit for surf, rolling, or rescue instruction where I intend to stand in the water for an hour at a time.

On the other hand, if water temps are 50, it's 75 degrees out, and I'm going for a protected calm-water paddle with minimal consequences I might decide to wear neoprene shorts and a shorty drytop.

Basically, you just have to consider your specific situation, skills, and consequences - and then make the right decision for you on that day.

Nate,

How do you find the form factor of the M92D? I have never seen the unit in person, but I have heard it is "huge" when compared to the ICOM M88/72/73. One kayaker commented that they would never want to carry a radio that large on their pfd (can't remember where). The same person also mentioned that the text on the M92D display is quite small and for we older geezers very difficult to read.

Joe,

It is definitely larger than the M72, but it is lighter (and same battery capacity). I carry it in the belly-pouch of my Astral Green Jacket, so I don't notice the size. I am sensitive to the weight of stuff, because my vests can end up weighing quite a bit, so I appreciate that factor. I will be using a Sea Wolf vest this year, and expect I'll store the radio in the same place on that jacket. The M72 would probably fit in the clamshell pocket if the antenna is folded, but I'd rather save that space for organizing all my other junk anyways, so at least for me, the larger size isn't an issue.

My M72 has alternately turned on/off properly since my last update, and other times can't be switched off. I got a return authorization number from Icom when I first started this thread, and finally got around to sending it in last week. We'll see how they treat me. At first contact they seemed inclined to take care of me, but I did take quite a while to get it to them, and it's a 2 year-old replacement of a radio originally bought 3 years ago.

Hi Warren,

I know different folks have different approaches that make sense to them. Personally the approach of calculating angles and speeds using trigonometry doesn't work as well for me as plotting vectors on a chart. Just the way my brain is wired I guess.

By plotting vectors you can get correct ferry angle and speed over ground using only an orienteering compass. No math. I know there are a number of folks in your area who have a good understanding of BCU 5-star navigation, and one of them might be able to demonstrate this technique for you if you'd like. (Also we can go over it together in May, during the leadership/guide course.)

Nate

As a follow-up, I've used the M92D a few times now, and I'm pleased. It is certainly larger than the M72, but it's also quite a bit lighter. (I guess that metal case weighs something on the M72.) No nobs, and fully plastic case, which I like.

The M92 has menus and programable soft keys. You can set those 4 soft keys to do whatever you want, so you don't need to enter the menus for routine functions. I haven't navigated with it (and likely won't), but numeral entry is good with this interface, so entering a waypoint would probably take about a minute. Position is displayed right on screen at all times.

Nate