ThomasL

Along with my love for human powered watercraft I have been an avid "photog" for years. I have spent multiple thousands on dedicated photographic gear in my life. However, after observing the technological progression racing along I tonight ordered a Lifeproof waterproof housing for the I Phone 4S. Taking that once in a lifetime pic of your paddle buddy dumping and posting it instantly to the internet has to rank high on the instant gratification index!LOL Tom

I am certainly unsophisticated when it comes to "calculating" an efficient course to a goal. However, a few painful efforts in varying conditions of wind and current surely teaches even the most unsophisticated the best approach. Tom

I paddle quite often from the Kernwood bridge in Salem to Misery and around Bakers. It is my understanding that the folks on Bakers shun visitors. Are we going for a non stop round trip, or do You have a friend on the island? Tom

Leong, All the math and informed speculation are certainly interesting, but your GPS "solution" makes the best sense to any 21st century layman. Less talk....MORE PADDLING!! LOL Tom

The new Nikon with a built in GPS function looks interesting. $269 on line last time I checked. Kind of putting the "hurt" on the Go Pro units which are considerably more expensive. Technology marches on! Tom

Helen and I atended our 1st NSPN "activity' on Thursday in Hamilton, and I am very happy to report that it was a very good experience. I, as a rather "free spirit" self indulgent type, was just a little put off by the focus initially exhibited by the NSPN regular making the the educational experience happen. However, he determined who among the attendees was most in need of encouragement and guidance and, in a very professional manner, taught those participants basic outfitting requirements of their boats. After hitting the calm water and gathering us a few from yards suitable soft beach he showed unbelievable focus doing his utmost to instruct. Helen, my wife, who benefitted from his attention, and now is a confident beginner is anxious to work and evolve into a safe and serious sea kayaker, has overnight become a true "participant". I've who have been paddling by the "seat of my pants" for 50+ years learned the proper terminology applied to skills acquired , and additionally from other experienced members in attendance learned that there are many very efficient and safe practices/methods that all serious paddlers can benefit from. I'll never pay to put my boat in a swimming pool, but I will certainly be back at Chebacco Lake another day to learn. Also, it is significant that among the participants it was about 4 to 1 skilled paddlers anxious to HELP! Tom

WOW! $250 is the best. I work cheap, and my labor on the Quest involving minor chipping to the fabric cost me in sweat materials and bad language far more. Good call. Tom

It's in my GPS. Hope to get there next Thursday. A few trips out in the Surge this year solo made me realize a comfortable roll is a MUST. It is kind of scary when no one else is about! Tom

I am currently involved in some gelcoat repair on my P/H boat which I dropped on pavement in February. Obtained gelcoat from UK and began on 1st warm sunny day this spring. Bad move! Every scratch seems to call out for repair, and each one calls for countless minutes/hours of application, wet sanding and polishing. A plastic boat would be less vulnerable and somewhat easier to cosmetically repair with a heat gun and spatula. Maybe I should just give the Quest and Surge to my sons and enjoy the 41 year old glass tub without concern. Guess the key phrase is..."use them for what they were designed". Lucky I have the time, Tom

Guess I'll continue to enjoy my less than contemporary novice status. Not too old to learn, but definitely too old to be concerned.LOL Tom

Very interesting, particularly to a "paddler" like myself who following initial canoe paddling guidelines provided by the Buy Scouts in the 60s has progressed from that point to what is today apparently a novice position. Over the years, I have cautiously involved myself with the water/sea without mishap. I definitely, and without reservation appreciate the level of knowledge and experience NSPN offers. However, some of you folks do appear to be a bit over emphasized when it comes to an activity that really for most of the population is a simply enjoyable pursuit. As much as I in my retired situation I have focused on kayaking, it is truly for me, just one significant one part of my life. I am very happy for you all, but wonder if You making kayaking and other physically demanding pursuits an obsession is a positive situation? Wish I had your stamina! Tom

While Kayak/kayaks are still upside down on pickup rack I hose them down inside and out with garden hose. While kayaks are draining, everything else paddles, pumps,PFDs, paddle leashes, wet or dry suits boots,gloves and anything else that has been exposed to salt water is soaked and flushed thoroughly with fresh water. Everything other than kayaks and paddles are hung to drain and dry. Then boats are removed from truck, remaining fresh water in cockpits pumped then swabbed out with Shamwow cloths as are the hull and decks. When all is dry zippers and rubber items treated with silicone. This kayaking is a full time business. Glad I'm "retired"! LOL Tom

Looks like that new Epic 18...but MUCH sexier!

Don't know the science of this, but experience shows me that paddling into the wind, not feathering the paddle imposes a considerable impedance to forward progress. As humans we only generate fractional HP even when utilizing our strongest muscle groups in the legs. Unless You are running the Mirage drive in a Hobie, feathering seems logical. Tom

Yes, my drysuit, a Palm is of the bargain variety and not fitted. It does the job well( I went out in February with a layer of fleece). Nothing is as comfortable as an August day in a floppy hat and swimsuit, but though my drysuit is more than adequate in the very cold conditions, my two experiences in my NRS Farmer John topped with a paddle jacket/jumper this spring worked well. In fact, I plan to wear the wet suit thru the summer. Even in "warm" water conditions on this coast, more than 30 minutes in the water will sap heat and energy. The wet suit is far less of a burden for me at least. I will reserve the dry suit for those winter days that I just MUST get out on the water. Plus, in spite of my increasingly rotund physique, the Mike Nelson (Sea Hunt) effect, inspires this old fart! LOL Tom

Suz, You are right, I guess. I'll keep muddling along as I have been for 45 years. Tom

Water temperatures are currently rising. A few more weeks and a wet suit, much less expensive, and more comfortable should be adequate. Tom

Folks, It seems obvious that "what works" for the individual is the key here. Simple physics show even the layman that force applied and drag determine how far one will propel oneself with a given amount of effort. How fast one gets from point A to point B depends on how efficient their stroke is, and how well their hull displaces the water around it, and quite frankly how young and determined one is.. This is simple! Some of You are way too involved in the question. If You race for a living or ego , then the discussion is important to You. Otherwise it does appear a bit silly, at least to me. Tom

I'm not an engineer, but I do remember an article in one of the Peterson publications in the 60's 0r 70's concerning a competition among very efficient motorized vehicles on the road. The winner of the contest won by accelerating to an optimum velocity for his vehicle and then coasted until the vehicle slowed to a predetermined much lower speed and repeated the process. Though I'm sure you folks are much involved in the nuances of advanced paddling, certainly the fact that in a motorized vehicle the pause produced better use of applied energy might be considered relevant. Tom

Went out of Ipswich last Friday with a new armless wet suit and a paddling jacket. dumped myself for the heck of it, and was warm enough. Did not have to stay immersed for too long, but never felt threatened by the water temperature. It was of course a sunny beautiful day! Tom

My suggestion is to read carefully what the members here suggest and do your own research with the help of their that knowledge. Also, as the season warms this club offers opportunities to pick up skills with the help of some involved members at various locations and times. I have made some good purchases on line of wet suits, less confining PFDs paddling jackets and shoes at REI, Outdoor Play, and Austin Kayak. Tom

I have had several Nikon pocket type cameras. My current model died last summer(It happens). For $100 Nikon repaired/replaced it and had it back to me in a few days. Unless your camera is more than a few years old, manufacturer repairs make sense. Check mfg. website. Tom