Bob Maselek

Hi: I am a 100% beginner planning to learn as much as I can this season about sea kayaking. Also at the same time I want to build a good beginner kayak (but also one that I will not outgrow too fast). My goal is to build a boat from plans that I can be comfortable in and learn with. I am 6'1" and 190 lbs. Current choices are Chesapeake 17, Great Auk (my first choice so far), and GoldenEye from Pygmy boats. Are there other good options? All advice is welcomed. Thanks/ Bob

Doug: I am a new 100% beginner. What is the best pool session for me in Haverhill, MA? I would need to borrow a boat but do have a good PFD. Never have done a wet exit, but want to learn. THanks for your help./ Bob

Lorrie-- Thank you and all the others for the great advice. I am so very impressed with the responses that I have received to my original question. This is a great group of people. I will do what you suggest. And one of the few advantages of getting "old" is that I get 15% off the rental fee. See you on the water somewhere.// Bob

Dear Suz: I will bite --Thanks for the answers/ What boats do you have for sale?. I am 6 foot+ and about 190 lbs and as you know a complete beginner.// bob

Bob Maselek new member Please add me to Portsmouth -March 13 and Haverhill April 2. I will have a PFD of my own. Should I buy a paddle??// Thanks/ Bob

Excellent advice-is is appreciated -- THANKS to you all// Bob

I would like to attend- I am a new (andjust paid up) member. I will bring a case or two of water bottles for the group. THANKS/ Bob Maselek

Dear folks: Remember when you first started kayaking? I just joined and paid my dues. I am a complete novice with basically no knowledge of anything I need to know. I am reading a lot of kayaking books, but need to know how to start: 1-should I sign up for outdoor Charles River kayak lessons as soon as I can? Or, are there other lessons I should take? 2-what model boat (beginner??) should I start looking to buy? 3-should I attend NSPN pool sessions? 4-is it OK to ask if someone from NSPN would mentor me (just some advice once in a while)? I am retired with some time on my hands and a desire to ultimately paddle around the Maine Island trail area. I am the type that wants to learn to do this properly so I have some fun and can be safe at the same time. I want to learn all the sea kayaking skills both mental and physical. So, how do I start?/ THANKS IN ADVANCE// Bob