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I just want to extend a thank you to all who arranged the CAM on-water workshop yesterday in Marblehead. The worshop was my first and was excellent. I know the skills I learned will help me be a safer team member on any future CAM trip. (Hey Rick, the $5.00 fee to join your group was worth every penny!) Warren

It might be beneficial to our membership if I share how I have used the NSPN “Trip Level Ratings” Guide Sheet as well as the “What to Bring” Guide Sheet. As a fellow kayaker who is beginning his first season, I have used the documents repeatedly to guide me in how I structure my instruction program which began in April. Also, the “What to Bring” Guide helped me assemble the gear/clothing I would need. Although I understand the differences between levels, I always understood that any L3 trip on the ocean can become an L4 before you finish so my core competencies must be geared toward a L4 skill set. Training in April with John Carmody off Southport in “textured” waters helped to prepared me for my first NSPN trip. I did want to share a couple "lessons learned" that I did not fully understand when reading the guide sheets that I learned on the trip. We all know that paddling in cold water adds an additional level of risk. When you combine that risk with a L4 level trip, you begin to understand the value of preparing yourself for a safe emergency bail out. With that goal in mind a helmet becomes a necessity and an understanding, prior to launch, of the emergency bail out locations becomes very useful. As a result, I have set for myself a goal of always wearing or having near at hand a helmet. Also, since I want to be a potential asset to any paddling team, I will plan to carry a nautical chart and during the beach briefing understand the location of any and all emergency bail outs. Warren

Hey Gene, It was a great , Tuck's to White Beach, trip and L4 as well? Wow! For a beginner with only a BCU 1* - Pool award, I feel like I accomplished something. Clearly, it was not my skills but the combined skills of the group working together that made it a safe and fun trip. Boy, it is going to be a great summer!!!! Is there an L5 trip planned?? Warren

Sounds Great! I will be there. Warren

Gene thank you for initiating a great trip. This was my first NSPN trip and it was most definitely a 4G Network trip; great location, great weather/conditions, great paddling buddies and a great time on the water. I hope all my future trips will be as good. The enthusiastic beginner, Warren P.S. Lorrie, great job organizing the post paddle de-briefing. I hope it becomes a new tradition at all NSPN trips.

Gene, I'm in. Should be a great day! Warren

I was really enjoying the evolving discussion on the use of a bow rudder and it's effect on speed reduction as discussed on the "Eddy Lines, Boils and Rips" thread. Phil appropriately suggested that this topic might deserve it's own thread. So here we go. I really like the bow rudder and have concerns that it might become my "go-to" stroke that I use when ever I want to turn the kayak. I believe it is intended for turning the bow into the wind when the wind speed is moderate or higher. In lower wind speeds the sweep is the preferred stroke since you experience less loss in speed. I am interested in perfecting a crisp forward stroke transition from a bow rudder, being certain not to accidently employ a sweep. I think the combination may lessen the loss in speed. I am curious regarding the placement of the blade relative to the knees. When I was turning into the wind at speeds of approximately 15 mph or greater, I found it better not to place the blade too far forward since paddle flutter was in evidence. I do believe I suffered some effectiveness in the turn with the more "conservative" blade placement. I am curious as to the "best practice" methods used by our more experienced paddlers. While on the topic of "best practices" how about the top hand placement relative to your sight line in the execution of the bow rudder? I have seen the top hand and fore arm both above and below the sight line. For me, it feels more comfortable to be below the sight line, but I am concerned that it may be problematic in rough water conditions. Any thoughts? Warren

Pru, Whatever make and model you decide to purchase, you may want to consider purchasing an AA Battery Case if one is available. Most VHF radios come with a Li-ion battery which you can charge using the battery charger included in the purchase. The battery will probably last 6 hours on one charge. That does not help you much if you are out for longer than 6 hours and need your radio. The AA battery case will give you longer radio use and if you bring spare AA batteries in a dry bag you will be good to go for a multi-day trip. I purchased an IC-M88 (~$226.00) and an AA battery case (~$34.00) the goal was to prepare for multi-day trips down the road. Warren

Thank you for a great workshop. I am very much looking forward to the two on-water CAM workshops in May. Warren

I will attend both. Warren

Hey Gene, As you know I have a Romany as well and use a Snapdragon, Ocean Tour Flirt EXP. I have been out on the water a lot this spring and really like this spray skirt. It goes on really well in cold temps and comes off very well during wet exits in cold water. I am planning to add a second one as a back up. The main point I want to stress is how the "Flirt" version has been great for me versus the standard Ocean Tour EXP. Once I discovered the value of the Kokatat MsFit Tour PFD to aid my torso rotation, I applied a similar logic to the spray skirt. The reduced height on the tube top is great for my body and helps with my torso rotation. I have not discovered any down side to this design. Just a thought to consider. Warren

Friday was a great day to be out on the water. Started out of Rye Harbor at 1:00P and paddled up to Odiorne hoping to see you guys. Needed to be off the water by 4:00P so could not journey further. Still getting my sea legs and getting use to the Romany. Hope to join you guys on future trips. Safe travels, Warren

Count me in as well! Warren

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too. Warren

John, Thank you for an outstanding presentation. I will forever remember your famous lines; "Moon the Current" and "Timing is Everything" Warren

With our facination for all things related to kayaking, I thought you would enjoy the following; 1. Go to Google Maps and click on Get Directions. 2. Write USA as your start point. 3. Write Japan as your destination. 4. Look at the 31st and 46th directions!!!! Anyone up for the trip? Warren

Bob, Upon reflection, I thought I should expand on my posting above. Just as Doug has asked above, I need to ask if you have a boat. You will need a boat. Also, your arrival onto NSPN has given me an opportunity to try and join what I call "The Helpful Clan". NSPN has many helpful people who can teach you a great deal. As a potential member of that clan, I need to state very clearly that I highly recommend that you seek assistance from a trained sea kayak instructor. When I stated in a previous posting that I will bring two paddles for you to try that is in an attempt to show you two possibilities. I can not and will not make a recommendation for you. There are many great instructors within NSPN who are trained to do that. Seek one out and pay for their help. In the long run it will save you both time and money. Also remember the final decision on any item that you purchase, such as a boat, a dry suit or a paddle will be yours. I clearly understand what I can do to help you and what I can not do. Warren A potential member of "The Helpful Clan"

Bob, I am planning to attend both practice sessions and I can bring with me a couple extra paddles for you to try. On is a Werner Kalliste 215cm straight shaft. the other is a Werner Cyprus 210cm straight shaft. These are both high end but I would like you to try a premium paddle. Please remember purchasing a paddle is a very important decision and I believe you should buy the best that you can afford. Although many of us purchase the wrong length or wrong blade size when we begin, perhaps you will learn from our mistakes. Warren (the semi-new member)

Welcome Bob! For several months (since August 2010) I thought I was the only beginner at NSPN. It is great to have another beginner in our group. Your first great step was in joining NSPN. Read many postings, they will help you. Since August, I have been busy and perhaps understanding what I did during my first few months will be helpful. 1. Spent time and effort understanding what I wanted to do with a kayak. 2. Researched for hours what kayaks would meet my needs. 3. Spent days trying out my "short list' of 15 kayaks, paddling each. 4. Began my research on paddles, cothing and gear. 5. Learned where to find the right professional instructor for me. 6. Spent time understanding if my body would be ready for the challenge and learning what I would need to do. 7. For me, yoga was the solution so I coutinue to invest a great deal of time in my yoga practice. 8. Signed up for 15 pool practice sessions this winter using a loaner boat until my boat arrives. 9. This is where I am now on my journey which I hope will last for years. Bob, keep a journal if you can for you will cherish the first year when you read it many years from now. Warren

Doug, Please sign me up for April 2 at Haverhill H.S. as well as April 10 at Portsmouth YMCA. I will send you a check for $45.00 made out to NSPN and mailed to your Derry P.O. Box today. Thank you for arranging these two additional pool practice sessions! Warren

John, I would value your recommended list of books, articles and websites which you found to be most helpful. With the potential for a long cold winter ahead, I would like to curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book. Warren

Doug, Thank you for clarifying the snow day arrangement. Since I live only a few miles away, I should have no problem getting to the pool. See you tomorrow! Warren

Doug, Please add me to the list of attendees. Thank you for arranging the event. Warren

Doug, I am hoping you still have a pool practice opening on January 8 at Haverhill, H.S. I will send off a check for $20.00 to your Derry P.O. Box today. Thank you, Warren

Doug, Thank you very much for arranging the additional pool sessions at Haverhill and Portsmouth. I am planning to attend on the following dates; Saturday 2/26 in Haverhill, Sunday 1/16, Sunday 3/6 and Sunday 3/13 all in Portsmouth. I will make out a check to NSPN for $95.00 and mail it today to your Derry P.O. Box. It was good to see you at the NSPN Holiday Party and I look forward to seeing at the pool sessions. Warren