Ricardo, I've had this one for a few years with no issues.   It's a basic model with few if any bells and whistles.  Reviews were quite positive when I bought it.

STANDARD HORIZON HX300 Compact Floating Handheld VHF Radio with USB Charger | West Marine

So, as promised I called United Divers in Somerville.  They weren't particularly optimistic on the phone but did say that if someone came in with their skirt, they would have the tech look at it and give a more definitive answer.

Janet,

Great idea.

These folks have been around for decades and do alterations and repairs on wetsuits.  Home | uniteddiversinc

I to prefer a 6" tunnel height.

I'm going to give them a call.  I'll post what I find.

Thanks!

Sign me up, please.

  Thanks Jane!  I'm in.

May be too late but Bea would be certainly welcomed!

It's not too late to join this fun urban paddle!

It is! 

I've heard consistently good things about these folks...   Repair | uniteddiversinc

I've been using this resource for more than a year now.  Really like it.

On the threshold of a new paddling season, where some of us may have been in mothballs, this new course offering by OSK could be a great additive to the mental and physical conditioning to hit the water running. 

New Forwards Paddling Course

We spend most of our time paddling our sea kayak forwards, it makes sense then that we would want to develop a solid forwards paddling technique. A good, efficient forwards paddle stroke will mean we can paddle comfortably all day without becoming excessively fatigued, picking up injuries and ultimately have more fun on the water.  For this first series of lessons in the forwards paddling course we break down the stroke into its key components. Using a series of progressive lessons, clearly shot and structured we aim to develop your stroke to give you more power and efficiency. We have lessons on wing, performance and the Greenland stroke coming soon.

Thanks Prudence for organizing!

It was a delightful urban paddle.  Lots of nooks and crannies to explore.  My track shows 9.46nm with 3 hours and 41 minutes of moving time. 

Happy to bring some 8.5x11 copies of the inner harbor chart on water resistant paper.  A chart case is recommended. 

Post here by Thursday at 5 if you'd like one.

Interested. 

I'd be up for a paddle.  Here are the details on the launch that Prudence mentioned.  It was a delightful winter paddle.

I've successfully used the Aquapac to store the ICOM in my Astral PFD.

In southwest Alaska, where black bears were the major concern, the method of choice was the iconic Ikea bag with slits cut in the bottom for drainage.   Hanging about 15 or so feet in the air each held 10-12 5 Liter drybags of food stuffs and other aromatic items such as toothpaste, etc. 

10 hours ago, glad said:

To trim my gaskets, I definitely agree with the 'do a little at first' approach.  I gently stretch the gasket around a plastic yogurt container or whatever works for your size: i wouldn't use a metal pan because it will dull the blade.   I use a fresh one sided razor blade,  a very good light, take a couple of deep breaths and smoothly rotate the container to maintain control.    Good luck!

I've also found this method works well. 

The only addition to the process I've made is to use yellow electrical tape to highlight the intended line.  The contrast of the yellow tape and the dark gasket really helps assure a straight  and smooth cut. 

To get sufficient stretch on a tight fit you need more than your neck size.   I like empty bleach or windshield washer fluid bottles. 

The taper at the spout end allows it to slide easily through the gasket.

If you end up going with the stretching approach, I  think you'll know after 3 or so days of stretching. 

With a new suit or gasket I typically leave the bottle in until putting on the suit at the launch.

If you do end up needing to trim, reach out again for some techniques.   

Very grateful to Joe and Bob for organizing these.   Always a highlight of the week.

I'm in

I'm in

Count me in Jim.

I'm in.  Thanks for organizing!

1. Rocks
Note how the basic rock symbol looks like a plus sign. This means a rock that's beneath the water surface all the time. A symbol that looks like an asterisk means the rock will uncover (become visible) at low tide. A plus sign with dots in the corners means the rock lies just beneath the surface, even at low tide.

Fully affirm all Peter has said.   Fit and comfort are critical.  We can be wearing the helmet for upwards of 4 or more hours at a time.  

After trying numerous brands, I landed on the Sweet Protection Strutter model.  Lots of adjustability and very important to me, it has a baseball cap like visor molded in for an increased level of sun protection.  Admittedly, its not the cheapest.