Hi, As a new member here and a newbie to the sport I have a few thoughts and questions. At the outset let me say how great I think it is to have this "refuge" like paddlewise to learn about sea kayaking in a calm and supportive environment. Don't get me wrong RBP is great and all but some of those folks need to pick up a phone! Anyway here goes; 1) I am quite surprised by the cavalier attitude some folks seem to have (both users and outfitters) about renting a Kayak and going out onto the ocean (not to mention San Francisco bay one of the busiest and dangerous in the world) with little or no training. As both a sailor and as a scuba diver the one thing you never scrimp on is training. After monitoring a "basic" class by a local outfitter I've decided to seek private instruction. How can one make sure the instructor is qualified and get the need instruction without it costing a fortune? "Each is ultimately responsible for their own safety" right? 2) What is the deal with the attitude that SOT's are not "real" kayaks? I'll put the Necky Dolphin up against any kayak on the seas (with a well-trained paddler of course). As a diver and someone who loves the surf... this boat was/is the best all-around boat and I tried 20 if I tried one. Nice chine, great secondary stability, good tracking without a rudder, effective bow cut... all at under a grand. I know I know I sound like a commercial! 3) Any advice on attire? Guess there's only two choices wet or dry? 4) As a video maker I am considering creating a sea kayaking training video series. Is there a market for such? I look forward to your thoughts! Thanks very much and... C U out there, Tom (& Sharon) SF *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Tom wrote: SNIP... >2) What is the deal with the attitude that SOT's are not "real" kayaks?.... SNIP Welcome to paddlewise I havent noticed the "attitude" you speak of. In fact you may find, given more time, that paddlewise is remarkably free of "attitude". jim *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
regarding my last post....I was attempting irony...damn that lost emoticon >Tom wrote: > >SNIP... > >>2) What is the deal with the attitude that SOT's are not "real" kayaks?.... > >SNIP > > >Welcome to paddlewise >I havent noticed the "attitude" you speak of. > >In fact you may find, given more time, that paddlewise is remarkably free >of "attitude". > >jim *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Tom_P_McAuliffe_at_fastmultimedia.com wrote: > > After monitoring a > "basic" class by a local outfitter I've decided to seek private > instruction. > How can one make sure the instructor is qualified and get the need > instruction without it costing a fortune? Look for BCU and/or ACA certification. Not to say that all certified instructors are gods and all non-certs are bozos. After all, I'm ACA certified, and I've been called...well, never mind that. What the certification does is improve your odds of getting a competent instructor. In your part of the world, I'd highly recommend Roger Schumann at Eskape Sea Kayaks in Santa Cruz (408-427-2297). He's an ACA Instructor Trainer with a ton of experience, great skills, and a nice, supportive attitude. Say hi for me. > > 2) What is the deal with the attitude that SOT's are not "real" kayaks? I dunno.Who thinks so? > 3) Any advice on attire? Guess there's only two choices wet or dry? Yes, dress for the water temp, not the air temp. It's one thing to be overheated in 80 degree air. It's another to be hypothermic in 50 degree water. The second is also sometimes called dead. The new fuzzy rubber material made by Rapidstyle and others is worlds better than traditional neoprene wetsuits. Patagonia makes it, too, but their stuff is cut SMALL. I'm 5'11", 185# and their XL is tight across my torso. > > 4) As a video maker I am considering creating a sea kayaking training video > series. Is there a market for such? > Probably, but check out the videos by H2Outfitters, Kent Ford, et al and decide whether the market needs another player. Steve -- Test Scoring & Reporting Services Sometimes, you never can University of Georgia always tell what you Athens, GA 30602-5593 least expect the most. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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