Inverseyourself

RSVP, will also RSVP at above address.

Leon: I paddled a wing paddle (borrowed from Beth) on MDI and loved it. I find that I can't help "winging it" with my flat blade since then.

Slightly different subject: Is anyone at NSPN using a large blade (> 720 cm2, e.g. Coryvrecken) in conditions, especially in surf and tide-races and what is their experience with it?

"With the longer length it seemed like it was harder for me to get the blade out of the water soon enough so I was lifting more water". Lorrie, you raise an interesting point. We know that a high angle style is more efficient than a long angle style. Of course, one has to be careful not to maintain the same distance of the paddle from the boat throughout the paddle stroke since this will lead to one lifting too much water upon paddle exit, especially if latter is too far behind the hip, which is accentuated by a longer paddle. Lifting water can also be avoided by paddling "wing-paddle-style". Does anyone here use their regular paddle like a wing paddle (similar, not identical of course)?

My Celtic paddle adjusts from 210-220 cm. I have been progressively reducing length. 215 is the upper limit of what this, not exactly short-torsoed or short-armed, high-angle paddler will use, but I may go down to 210 cm in the future. Like Gene said, arm-length to torso-length ratio is overlooked in the paddle length recommendations by most companies (assuming that we all use kayaks ~ 21-22" beam and not freighters). It also depends on the blade size (bigger blade --> shorter shaft) and what you do with it. When catching waves, I shorten my paddle a little because I want to use a higher cadence for spurts.

Very much looking forward!

Oh, I forgot all about the meeting, thanks for the reminder!

Hey Rob, I'm up for stuff. Sunday 9/28 would work better, though.

Thanks for a truly outstanding trip report. I am utterly impressed! Your pictures have stirred an appetite in me to paddle Fortune Bay, although most likely not solo. I'll consult you for even more details once I'm ready Andy

Sadly, I'll have to wait 'til Fritz, Gregory or Hector arrive :-(

Very sad to see them go! Wow, they have a new North Shore Atlantic plastic for 699.-$. I'd get that if I was about to start sea kayaking!

Bear-bullies!!!

I hope you are going to do a presentation! I'd love to hear and see it! I am curious about polar bear management for a whole month!!!

Cathy, Pru, Dan and Bob: Thanks to all of you for a truly perfect day on the water. Cathy, thanks for initiating and tide-planning this trip and great job on visibly progressing in your level of boldness over the course of the day. Pru, as always, your trip reports are the cherry on top and nice first combat rolls! Dan, great pictures and sweet standing wave-surfing! Bob, your Nordkapp was definitely the toughest boat to paddle in current. Congrats on staying upright more than I did in my fits-all-skills boat! As for my part, Pru, I think "a thousand failed braces" describes it better Hope you're already planning the next Cohasset trip for the coming fall, Cathy. Andy

We are all between wet exits : (

Epoxy putty and Seal-Eaze (similar to window squares I guess) in my vest for small to medium holes. I can get that out in seconds and start working on a boat on the water if need be (probably not necessary most of the time but good to have just in case). Seal-Eaze works on a wet surface. I have most of what Rob put in his posting (except skeg-related stuff, which I would only bring on an expedition) in my day hatch.

I have experienced the panic induced by a non-removable sprayskirt during a pool session. Since then I practice wet exiting with the loop tucked inside and out, with gloves and without. I only have one boat and use the same sprayskirt but whenever I get a new boat or new sprayskirt I will practice with the new combination. Different water temperatures may also affect the ease with which you can remove the skirt, either due to cold-induced clumsiness or cold-induced increase in grip of the sprayskirt on the coaming. Practicing with all these variables with eyes closed also helps.

Congrats Warren!

That Cape Ann Storm is one beautiful boat and apparently very fast!

I remember Paul!

Leon: I am very curious if you can tell me what the respective specific boat types were for the 5.58 kt-FSK, 5.07 kt-FSK, 4.74 kt-FSK, 4.73 kt- SK (in particular!) and the 4.60 kt- FSK. Do you know if they were all using wing paddles? Thank you Andy

Looks like great fun and a unique experience! Apart from that, as kayakers we're not really supposed to approach wildlife like that. But it's cool anyway.

Welcome back, Warren! Can't wait to see your multimedia presentation at the Gould Barn. Strangely, it's already posted in the Topsfield Observer. I also can't wait to discuss gear with you excessively during our next camping trip.! Welcome home! Andy

Only if there is a guarantee that Warren does not attract large brown furry wildlife!

I'm upgrading to "almost definite". Do some people already know what they prefer in regards to acommodations, cottage vs. tent?