casousa81

I drive a Corolla and am around 5'11", so lifting the boat sideways onto the roof by myself has never been a problem for me. That being said, its always harder to lift the boat after a day of paddling then it does first thing in the morning

Hi all, I've been transporting my boat for a few years on foam blocks set on my roof racks, but have never been very satisfied with them. I'm trying to figure out what the best system would be for my boat, and am stuck between Thule hull-a-port "j racks" or using a saddle. I paddle a Chesapeake 16, so in particular I'm looking for input from those of you who paddle hard-chined boats. Any input would be greatly appreciated! ~Chris

I just penciled this one in. I sailed ipswich bay for years, and have always been interested in paddling the 'inside.' This will be one of my first NSPN trips (scheduling just didn't work out last season). ~Chris

Thanks John, I feel that way about my body at this point, and I've barely scraped by 30! I'm going to try the swiss ball/weighted paddle tonight to see how it goes. The chest is definitely feeling better, although still has its days. I was able to winch in the (very large) jib on our sailboat last weekend with minimal pain (although this motion is quite different from paddling). I have a feeling I'll be ready for a light paddle next week, and then we'll go from there. Hoping things will be in good enough shape by the time the July full moon paddle comes along.

I'm planning on joining the Walden group this year, but will have to wait until my torn rib muscles heal up... hopefully within the month. Eric, I also have a Chesapeake 16 (full size, not the LT)... splashed last May. Did you install a rudder or a skeg when you built yours? I noticed that in a 15+ kt breeze from astern and strong head-current on the Annisquam last year, weather-cocking was a significant issue without one. Thinking about making the change this summer. ~Chris

Thanks Nancy. Of course I'll be speaking with my doc, but the blanket response is usually not to do anything that bothers it... Once school ends in two weeks, I'll have my days free, and am hoping to get some small paddles in on the Concord. Trips in and around Cape Ann may have to wait a bit. My wife is hoping that we'll do some kayak camping this summer, but I know I'll need to heal before paddling a fully loaded boat.

About two weeks ago I strained an intercostal in my right chest while coughing. Well, my month-long upper respiratory woes are gone, but I'm now stuck with a muscle strain that I can't exactly rest effectively... I mean, you can't stop breathing or sneezing, right?? What I'm wondering is if anyone here has effectively paddled with such a muscle issue? I didn't get a chance to paddle all spring due to the continued chest congestion, and now this... My main concerns are shouldering the kayak and rescues, and I'm worried about the fact that intercostal pulls take 4-12 weeks to effectively heal (that could be all summer!!!). Advice??? ~Chris

Although I was comfortable in a kayak from my first time out, I have no doubt that learning to roll will be a much more complex skill then, say, developing a proficient forward stroke. The other hindrance will probably be the fact that my 'yak is pretty high-volume and feels like it rides on the water rather then in it. But I guess the only way to tell is to give it a shot! This week looks tough for me to get to either Walden or Chebacco, but I'll get there eventually! Thanks for all the kind words of welcome! ~Chris

Thanks for the words of welcome! I didn't make it up to Chebacco on Thurs, as my sister ended up calling the day before and we ended up sailing instead. If the Walden practice has been a weekly thing, I might start joining you guys for that (I was actually over there Weds morning for a calm solo paddle). I'm nowhere near ready to roll yet (although I simply haven't tried), but would definitely like to work on bracing, rescues, and overall boat handling. I finished building a Chesapeake 16 back in May, and am still getting used to the handling characteristics of the boat... Cheers, ~Chris

Hi all, Are the Chebacco sessions still taking place on Thursday evenings? Or the Salem Friday sessions? I'm looking to attend and finally meet some of you all (and see where I fall under the NSPN levels so I can finally start attending some group paddles). Thanks, ~Chris

I can second Pebble Beach, as I paddled to Thatchers from there last week. The only potential issue is launching into the dumping surf if you have a swell from the SE. Loblolly cove (right around the corner to the north) is also nice and protected, but the neighbors aren't too keen on people parking there, even for the short period of time needed to launch a boat. ~Chris

Its pretty much a very fine sawdust. When I built my kayak I bought it in bulk amounts because I simply didn't have that much sawdust kicking around the shop. Mix up your epoxy, then add in enough to make a peanut-butter consistency (which is what it will look like too). Creates a very hard bond, but is also very difficult to sand down, so careful with how much you use.

I would think about adding a thickening agent (wood flour, silica, etc) to your epoxy, as straight epoxy will have too much flow to it to seal properly. A couple layers of 6oz glass wetted over it might also be advised, especially if the crack is from structural stress in the centerboard housing.

We ended up using Corliss landing today. There were only two other cars there when we launched, which surprised me considering it was an hour before high tide. Great little spot... until we got back 4 hours later and had to carry the boats through a bit of mud. The carpets in my car will definitely need some vacuuming tomorrow!

Thanks! I took a drive down there this afternoon and it looks like there's plenty of beach to launch from.

Hi all, I've been lurking around the boards for a while, and will probably finally start attending the Chebacco Lake sessions next week (with the hopes of joining some trips after that). My wife and I are planning on paddling the Annisquam this weekend, and although I could launch from Smith's cove where we keep our skiff, I'm thinking the high school ramp will be more convenient. I know that they charge a fee to launch from a trailer at the ramp. Do they also charge to splash a kayak, or is there a better (beach) location adjacent to the high school? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, ~Chris