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From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 08:30:25 -0700
Tomckayak_at_aol.com wrote:

> ... The principal of moving weight forward or back to trim the
> handling of a kayak is probably as old as the kayak. 
...<snip>...
> This will be my last Posting on this subject, others can have 
> the last word.

Well, here are my last words (for the time being): 

I agree with you.  Moving weight around to alter the handling of a boat
is a very old technique, and it can be *very* effective.  Much of the
"need" for rudders or drop-down skegs is the result of people either not
really understanding the effects of trim on performance, or not wanting
to have to deal with the issue.  

An example involves a recent day paddle that I took with a friend who
was paddling a Solstice GTHV.  Properly loaded, this boat has very
neutral handling and does not "need" a rudder, but on this day, in the
conditions we encountered, his boat suffered from severe weather helm. 
The reason?  He stuck all of his gear in the bow compartment.  This
being a day trip, he did not have a lot of gear.  Even so, placing all
of this gear in the bow compartment changed the trim to the point where
he had two choices (short of repacking): expend a lot of energy on
corrective strokes, or drop his rudder.  He did the latter, as this was
less inefficient than making constant corrective strokes.  I was
paddling a rudderless, skegless boat, which was loaded so as to be about
as neutral as is possible in any kayak, and thus did not "need" a rudder
or skeg.  

Admittedly, in highly changeable conditions, an advantage of rudders or
drop-down skegs is that they can be "fine-tuned".  But this fine-tuning
does not gain one very much (and comes at a cost).  The primary gains
from using a rudder or drop-down skeg arise in those circumstances where
the trim of the boat is seriously off, necessitating not "fine"-tuning,
but rather "coarse"-tuning to eliminate the need for constant corrective
strokes. 

Dan Hagen
Bellingham, Washington
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From: Gerald Foodman <klagjf_at_worldnet.att.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 12:50:13 -0700
>Tomckayak_at_aol.com wrote:
>
>> ... The principal of moving weight forward or back to trim the
>> handling of a kayak is probably as old as the kayak.
>...<snip>...


Dan wrote:

>I agree with you.  Moving weight around to alter the handling of a boat
>is a very old technique, and it can be *very* effective.  Much of the
>"need" for rudders or drop-down skegs is the result of people either not
>really understanding the effects of trim on performance, or not wanting
>to have to deal with the issue.
>
The primary gains
>from using a rudder or drop-down skeg arise in those circumstances where
>the trim of the boat is seriously off, necessitating not "fine"-tuning,
>but rather "coarse"-tuning to eliminate the need for constant corrective
>strokes.
>

Tom,
I think Dan is completely correct in his comments.  95% of my paddling is
completely empty, with a light kevlar boat, but often in windy conditions.
I hate the idea of putting extra weight in an empty kevlar boat for trim.
Do you have a list of kayaks, which IYHO when paddled empty, i.e., no trim
weight  adjustment, need only "fine" tuning and not "coarse" adjusting.

Jerry


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From: Bob Denton <gulfstream_at_flinet.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 16:24:24 -0400
I have found the Falcons to be VERY well behaved.

cya
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From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 18:01:45 -0700
Gerald Foodman wrote:

> Tom,
> I think Dan is completely correct in his comments.  95% of my paddling is
> completely empty, with a light kevlar boat, but often in windy conditions.
> I hate the idea of putting extra weight in an empty kevlar boat for trim.
> Do you have a list of kayaks, which IYHO when paddled empty, i.e., no trim
> weight  adjustment, need only "fine" tuning and not "coarse" adjusting.
> 
> Jerry

Jerry,

I am confused by your comments (but I guess that I am easily confused). 
Specifically, your comments raise the following questions:

(1)  Why do you think that you need to add weight to alter the trim?
(Maybe you have in mind the Mariner sliding seat, which does add a lot
of weight.) An alternative is to use a (light) foam seat with velcro on
the bottom, and shift it forward and back until you find the right
position given your body size and paddling position.  Small shifts make
a big difference.  (Thus the effectiveness of that heavy Mariner seat.)  

(2) Why in the world are you paddling a "completely empty" boat 95% of
the time?  Most folks that I know would consider this unsafe, unless you
never venture away from populated shorelines where you can impose on
others (should you need dry clothes, water, first aid, repair supplies,
or other emergency provisions).  Is it just me, or do others think that
it is imprudent to paddle a completely empty boat?  

I guess this is a case of "different strokes for different folks".  :-)

Dan Hagen
Bellingham, Washington

P.S. So I lied when I said that my last message would be my last word...
;-)
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From: John Winters <735769_at_ican.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 08:05:30 -0400
Dan wrote;

-(SNIP)

>(2) Why in the world are you paddling a "completely empty" boat 95% of
>the time?  Most folks that I know would consider this unsafe, unless you
>never venture away from populated shorelines where you can impose on
>others (should you need dry clothes, water, first aid, repair supplies,
>or other emergency provisions).  Is it just me, or do others think that
>it is imprudent to paddle a completely empty boat?

Not imprudent, but certainly not much fun. I pushed my "completely empty"
out into the river this morning and nothing happened. Stood on the shore
about thirty minutes waiting. Damned thing wouldn't even roll.

Would my boat perform better if it was an Inuit reproduction or maybe it
should be a Brit boat? I will ask the professor.

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/

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From: <Tomckayak_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 09:15:09 EDT
In a message dated 9/17/98 7:24:56 AM EST, 735769_at_ican.net writes:

<< Is it just me, or do others think that
 >it is imprudent to paddle a completely empty boat? >>

90% of  my paddling is in an unloaded boat. I add 210 LB was soon as I get in.
I paddled with someone who was to small for his Mariner II. He had to loaded
stones into the bow to. I think he needed a smaller boat others would say he
needed a R------.
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From: <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 09:36:42 EDT
In a message dated 98-09-17 09:31:55 EDT, Tomckayak_at_aol.com writes:

<< I paddled with someone who was to small for his Mariner II. He had to
loaded
 stones into the bow  >>

Got a web site for those stones?

Joq
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From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 07:47:32 -0700
JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> Got a web site for those stones?

Last I heard, John Winters had a monopoly franchise on the superior
Official Canadian Ballast Rocks (TM).  You might want to check out
John's web site (although I don't know if his rock page is up and
running yet):

	http://home.ican.net/~735769/index.html

I suppose that John should be made aware of a breach that has formed in
his distribution system.  This has occured along the Canada-U.S. border
up in Tarr Inlet (in Glacier Bay). Not that long ago, the Grand Pacific
Glacier had its terminus on the Canadian side of the border.  But in
recent years the terminus has advanced into the U.S. Every month now,
the glacier moves tons of Canadian ballast rocks across the border and
deposits them into the U.S., where folks can pick them up without having
to venture into Canada. This makes it possible to avoid the tentacles of
JW's pervasive rock retailing monopoly, since his monopoly franchise has
legal standing only within Canada. This alone is sufficient reason to
take a trip to Glacier Bay. (While you are there you might notice the
mountains, calving glaciers, whales, bears, etc., but these are side
attractions--the real draw is free source for Canadian ballast rocks.)

Dan Hagen

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From: Bob Denton <gulfstream_at_flinet.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 12:35:52 -0400
>>>

I suppose that John should be made aware of a breach that has formed in
his distribution system.  

>>>

The benefits of NAFTA!
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From: Scott Ives <ssives_at_erols.com>
subject: Re:[Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 09:44:36 -0400
You guys are kidding, right?  Why would anyone actually buy rocks? 
Why not use water jugs if you need more ballast?

  - Scott


> JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com wrote:
> >
> > Got a web site for those stones?
> 
> Last I heard, John Winters had a monopoly franchise on the superior
> Official Canadian Ballast Rocks (TM)....
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From: Jim Champoux <jim_at_sigall.com>
subject: Re:[Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:58:09 -0500
Scott wrote:

>You guys are kidding, right?  Why would anyone actually buy rocks?
>Why not use water jugs if you need more ballast?
>
>  - Scott
>


I don't mean to laugh at Scott's expense, but perhaps we could make this
Ballast Rocks (tm) discussion an annual event. You know...see who can be
the first to lure a new lister out into the open, a sort of annual fall
festival of initiation?....eg: "fall is here, when the serious kayaker's
thoughts turn to changing foliage, crisp air and finding ballast rocks for
the winter"



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From: Greg Hollingsworth <gregh_at_u1.abs.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Foot pump installation
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 11:38:33 -0400 (EDT)
I'm going to attempt to install a Henderson foot pump into my Nordkapp
this weekend.  Before I drill any holes, are there any words of wisdom
that anyone would care to share?  

One question - A friend noted problems with water leaking in the exhaust
hole for his pump.  The hole is on the side of his boat, is it better
to place the exhaust on the deck?

Thanks!

	Greg

-
Greg Hollingsworth 

EMAIL: gregh_at_abs.net   PHONE: 240-228-6065 WWW: abs.net/~gregh/kayaking
LIVES: Sykesville, Maryland   WORKS:  Johns Hopkins/Applied Physics Lab
PADDLES: Red Nordkapp usually on Chesapeake tributaries
-



























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From: <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Foot pump installation
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 13:46:37 EDT
In a message dated 98-09-18 12:14:05 EDT, Greg Hollingsworth writes:

<< 
 I'm going to attempt to install a Henderson foot pump into my Nordkapp
 this weekend.  Before I drill any holes, are there any words of wisdom
 that anyone would care to share?  
 
 One question - A friend noted problems with water leaking in the exhaust
 hole for his pump.  The hole is on the side of his boat, is it better
 to place the exhaust on the deck? >>


Yeah, Greg --- for a start, you don't really have to drill holes.  I built up
a set of foam blocks aft of the forward bulkhead which serve as a <really>
comfortable footrest, and now house my footpump, as well.  Just carved away
the part of the foam that looked like a pump, jammed it in there, and that was
it!  Suction hose comes down to a strum box --- a wedge-shape fiberglass
pickup widget sold by the same folks who sell pumps, and definitely at least a
nice-to-have if not a gotta-have to make the pump work most efficiently ---
just forward of the seat, the lowest point in my Pintail.

My exhaust port is on the side,  with the outlet fitting just below the
fiberglass seam.  Have never noticed a problem with leaks --- RTV the fitting
when you go through the hull, and the flapper valves in the pump should keep
water from coming in any further than the housing, if it comes in that far.

You <can> pump out through the deck, and a lot of people configure pumps that
way; it cuts down on the plumbing runs, but you run the risk of nailing
yourself with a mouthful of bilge water when pushing into the wind.  And the
speeds you paddle at, you don't need wind!  That decision is really just a
judgement call.

Good luck --- lemme know if you want to see my installation first.  There's a
tiny chance I might make it to Wye Island tomorrow.

Jack Martin

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From: Greg Hollingsworth <gregh_at_u1.abs.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Foot pump installation
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 15:53:27 -0400 (EDT)
> Yeah, Greg --- for a start, you don't really have to drill holes.  I built up
> a set of foam blocks aft of the forward bulkhead which serve as a <really>
> comfortable footrest, and now house my footpump, as well.  Just carved away

Yes, this is what I have in place as well... I opted to not install foot
pegs and have the foam in its place.  It's very comfortable right now.

> the part of the foam that looked like a pump, jammed it in there, and that was
> it!  Suction hose comes down to a strum box --- a wedge-shape fiberglass
> pickup widget sold by the same folks who sell pumps, and definitely at least a
> nice-to-have if not a gotta-have to make the pump work most efficiently ---
> just forward of the seat, the lowest point in my Pintail.

I don't have a strum box, sounds like I should get one... how did you
attach the hose and strum box to the lower deck?

> My exhaust port is on the side,  with the outlet fitting just below the
> fiberglass seam.  Have never noticed a problem with leaks --- RTV the fitting
> when you go through the hull, and the flapper valves in the pump should keep
> water from coming in any further than the housing, if it comes in that far.

What's RTV?

> You <can> pump out through the deck, and a lot of people configure pumps that
> way; it cuts down on the plumbing runs, but you run the risk of nailing
> yourself with a mouthful of bilge water when pushing into the wind.  And the
> speeds you paddle at, you don't need wind!  That decision is really just a
> judgement call.
> 
> Good luck --- lemme know if you want to see my installation first.  There's a
> tiny chance I might make it to Wye Island tomorrow.

If you're there tomorrow, I'd like to take a look at you setup...  I hate
to drill holes in a new boat!!

	Greg


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From: <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Foot pump installation
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 21:56:58 EDT
In a message dated 98-09-18 16:28:31 EDT, Greg Hollingsworth responds re the
installation of a footpump:

 >I don't have a strum box, sounds like I should get one... how did you
 >attach the hose and strum box to the lower deck?

     Like most stuff in my boat, I use gravity.  Some people like to glass
them into place, but I'd prefer to be able to redesign my boat every couple of
months.  And gravity works.  You can make a functional strum box with a hose
fitting, a foam mold and some fiberglass for pennies --- or got to Rapidstyle
and Dana will sell you a nice one for a couple of thousand pennies.
  
> What's RTV?
 
     What's RTV?  RTV is to marine electronics what duct tape is to everything
else in the world!  RTV is ... <RTV>!  Dunno ..... it's RTV.  Use any marine
grade silicone sealant.  (You <really> work at Johns Hopkins?)

    If all this is going into foam, what holes are you drilling into the boat
--- other than  the overboard port?

Good luck!

Joq

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From: Eddie van den Hurk <vdh_at_xtra.co.nz>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 16:51:54 +1200
Jim Champoux wrote:
> 
> Scott wrote:
 


  

> 
> I don't mean to laugh at Scott's expense, but perhaps we could make this
> Ballast Rocks (tm) discussion an annual event. You know...see who can be
> the first to lure a new lister out into the open, a sort of annual fall
> festival of initiation?....eg: "fall is here, when the serious kayaker's
> thoughts turn to changing foliage, crisp air and finding ballast rocks for
> the winter"
> 
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Kia Ora,

Yes this would have a funny side if it wasn't for the fact that I have
(over the years) pointed out to quite a few NEW owners of high volume
kayaks like my own ,that by stowing about 15 kg. of ballast in the
forehatch the boat becomes much easier to handle,hence safer,in 
windspeeds above 15 to 20 knots.Ballasting a cargo boats and tankers has
always been a point of good seamanship.I carry plastic bottles which are
filled when ballast is required.
Eddie.

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From: Mark H. Hunt <mhh_at_aretha.jax.org>
subject: Re:[Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks Vs Water Jugs
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 10:53:09 -0400 (EDT)
   What a great idea Scott..........Hey John, do you have any Official 
Canadian Water for sale?
                                                   mark
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From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 08:10:00 -0700
Scott Ives wrote:
> 
> You guys are kidding, right?  Why would anyone actually buy rocks?
> ...

As I recall, John began marketing his rocks on the WaveLength mailing
list only after we had been spammed repeatedly by Tim Ingram (the
"inventor" of the modern kayak sponson, or "Sea Wing").  

John's point, as I recall, was a simple one: Sponsons increase stability
through what is known as "form stability". It has been demonstrated
repeatedly that a superior method for increasing stability in rough seas
involves the use of ballast. (Superior in the sense that it is far more
effective at preventing capasize.) John actually provided references to
support his claim. (I know what you are thinking: "References? Are you
kidding?? On the *internet*?!?)  

So ballast is the way to go if you want to increase stability. Being
quite astute, John realized that rocks can be used to provide ballast.
But why does John think that he can actually market them? It's very
simple: If people are willing to spend a substantial amount of money on
devices (sponsons) that provide inferior "form stability", they must
certainly be willing to pay *less* money to acquire devices (rocks) that
provide stability through a superior approach (ballast). "But", you are
no doubt thinking, "isn't it irrational to buy rocks to improve your
stability?" Of course it is! John's point is simply that that it is
*less* irrational to buy his ballast rocks than it is to buy sponsons,
since the rocks work better and are cheaper! So there you have it. The
origins of a modern commercial success story. Truth, once again, is
stranger than fiction. (At least you have *my* version of the truth.
John has gone to that boat builiding convention, so it will be a while
before he can correct me.) 

Now having said all of the above, some of us (myself included) believe
that sponsons have legitimate uses. To read about this discussion--free
from Tim Ingram's spams--see the Paddlewise archive on our sponson
discussion. (Use the website link below to access this archive.) While I
disagree with John about whether sponsons have *any* legitmate uses, I
certainly think that his humorous ballast rock discussion has been a
highlight of the long-running sponson debate. All kidding aside, there
is no question that stability is best added through the use of ballast.
With enough ballast a kayak can be made essentially self-righting (like
those little pool toys with lead in the bottom). This is an important
point for people to keep in mind--particularly Nordkapp owners. :-)

Dan Hagen
Bellingham, Washington

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From: Rich Kulawiec <rsk_at_gsp.org>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 14:00:02 -0400
On Fri, Sep 18, 1998 at 08:10:00AM -0700, Dan Hagen wrote:
> It has been demonstrated repeatedly that a superior method for
> increasing stability in rough seas involves the use of ballast. 

It also helps with boat trim.  Back when I paddled bow in our old slalom C-2
and outweighed my stern partner by ~50 pounds, we used to put a couple
of rocks all the way in the back of the boat in order to counterbalance
my weight on the front.  This served to prevent the bow from pearling
whenever we tried upstream ferries...and the slightly increased weight
was more than made up for by better handling.

Now that we have a C-2 with high bow volume (a Whup-A-Tar) and that
I'm paddling stern, this problem has been replaced by a different one:
keeping the bow down in the water on high-speed on-side eddy turns. ;-)

Oops.

---Rsk
Rich Kulawiec
rsk_at_gsp.org

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From: Mark Zen <canoeist_at_netbox.com>
subject: Re:[Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 18:09:31 -0600
At 10:58 9/18/98 -0500, Jim Champoux <jim_at_sigall.com> wrote:
>
>Scott wrote:
>
>>You guys are kidding, right?  Why would anyone actually buy rocks?
>>Why not use water jugs if you need more ballast?
>>
>>  - Scott
>>
>
>
>I don't mean to laugh at Scott's expense, but perhaps we could make this
>Ballast Rocks (tm) discussion an annual event. You know...see who can be
>the first to lure a new lister out into the open, a sort of annual fall
>festival of initiation?....eg: "fall is here, when the serious kayaker's
>thoughts turn to changing foliage, crisp air and finding ballast rocks for
>the winter"
>

like snipe hunting in colorado ;-)

mark

#------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com--------------------------------------
mark zen                      o,    o__              o_/|   o_.
po box 474                   </     [\/              [\_|   [\_\
ft. lupton, co 80621-0474 (`-/-------/----')      (`----|-------\-')
#~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~
http://www.diac.com/~zen/paddler  [index of Paddling websites I manage]
Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club, Colorado River Flows, Poudre Paddlers
The Colorado Paddlers' Resource, Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page 
#-Fortune:
"In a world without fences, who needs 'Gates'"
        -- Scott McNealy, CEO Sun Microsystems

"In a world without walls, who needs 'Windows'"
        -- Dave Livigni

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From: Philip Wylie <pjwylie_at_planet.eon.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast Rocks
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 18:41:17 -0600
Mark Zen wrote:
 
> like snipe hunting in colorado ;-)
> mark
 
_______________________________________________________________________

Mark?

You eat snipe?  LOL %^)


Cheers,

Philip
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From: Mark Zen <canoeist_at_netbox.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 08:05:08 -0600 (MDT)
On Thu, 17 Sep 1998 JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com wrote:

> 
> In a message dated 98-09-17 09:31:55 EDT, Tomckayak_at_aol.com writes:
> 
> << I paddled with someone who was to small for his Mariner II. He had to
> loaded
>  stones into the bow  >>
> 
> Got a web site for those stones?
> 
> Joq

john winters probably has a boxcar full of canadian ballast stones.

mark

#------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com----http://www.diac.com/~zen/mark ----
#
mark zen                      o,    o__              o_/|   o_.
po box 474                   </     [\/              [\_|   [\_\
ft. lupton, co 80621-0474 (`-/-------/----')      (`----|-------\-')
#~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~
http://www.diac.com/~zen/paddler  [index to club websites i administer]

Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club, Colorado River Flows, Poudre Paddlers
The Colorado Paddlers' Resource, Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page 
--
Fortune:
"In a world without fences, who needs 'Gates'"
   -- Scott McNealy

"In a world without walls, who needs 'Windows'"
   -- Dave Livigni


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From: <Sidney_Stone_at_mail.amsinc.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 10:50:15 -0400
It is also critical that the stones be placed into the kayak in the
appropriate order.  Start with the big stone, then medium, followed by the
small stones.   If you start with the  little pebbles, then there may not
be room for the big stones.  This order also applies to life - deal with
the big things first and then the little stuff.


                                                                  
 (Embedded                                                        
 image moved   Mark Zen <canoeist_at_netbox.com>                     
 to file:      09/17/98 10:05 AM                                  
 pic31160.pcx)                                                    
                                                                  



Please respond to canoeist_at_netbox.com

To:   paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
cc:    (bcc: Sidney Stone/AMS/AMSINC)
Subject:  Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject




On Thu, 17 Sep 1998 JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com wrote:

>
> In a message dated 98-09-17 09:31:55 EDT, Tomckayak_at_aol.com writes:
>
> << I paddled with someone who was to small for his Mariner II. He had to
> loaded
>  stones into the bow  >>
>
> Got a web site for those stones?
>
> Joq

john winters probably has a boxcar full of canadian ballast stones.

mark

#------canoeist[at]netbox[dot]com----http://www.diac.com/~zen/mark ----
#
mark zen                      o,    o__              o_/|   o_.
po box 474                   </     [\/              [\_|   [\_\
ft. lupton, co 80621-0474 (`-/-------/----')      (`----|-------\-')
#~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~~~~_at_~~~~~
http://www.diac.com/~zen/paddler  [index to club websites i administer]

Rocky Mtn Sea Kayak Club, Colorado River Flows, Poudre Paddlers
The Colorado Paddlers' Resource, Rocky Mtn Canoe Club Trip Page
--
Fortune:
"In a world without fences, who needs 'Gates'"
   -- Scott McNealy

"In a world without walls, who needs 'Windows'"
   -- Dave Livigni


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From: Joy E. Hecht <jhecht_at_capaccess.org>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 11:55:26 -0400 (EDT)
On Thu, 17 Sep 1998 Sidney_Stone_at_mail.amsinc.com wrote:

> 
> 
> It is also critical that the stones be placed into the kayak in the
> appropriate order.  Start with the big stone, then medium, followed by the
> small stones.   If you start with the  little pebbles, then there may not
> be room for the big stones.  This order also applies to life - deal with
> the big things first and then the little stuff.
> 
> 

I dunno, sometimes I think life works better the other way around. If you 
start with the biggest stuff first you can get overwhelmed and never 
finish anything.  But if you start with the easy stuff you get through 
that and then you've got skills and experience and confidence to tackle 
the big stuff.

Like getting in shape, start easy and work up to the hard stuff.

Or learning new things, read the shortest and easiest text first and then it 
will be easier to understand the hard ones.



Joy Hecht
Arlington VA
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From: John Winters <735769_at_ican.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Skegs my last Posting on this subject
Date: Fri, 18 Sep 1998 07:35:38 -0400
Dan wrote;

>
>Last I heard, John Winters had a monopoly franchise on the superior
>Official Canadian Ballast Rocks (TM).  You might want to check out
>John's web site (although I don't know if his rock page is up and
>running yet):

No need for a Canadian Ballast Rocks web page . They just sell themselves.
Sort of like Donuts. I appreciate Dan's mention of them though which
reveals how they have become the International standard of kayak safety
devices. I should mention that Tim Ingram and I have kissed and made up and
are now good friends. Keep a look out for a new hybrid safety device
consisting of sponsons filled with Canadian Ballast Rocks. Called Spocks,
they will sink kayak safety to new levels. May the fourth be with you.

I am well aware of the glacial traffic of Canadian Ballast Rocks across the
border and have asked the US Government to take action under the provisions
of NAFTA that protect Canadian culture when and if we can find it.
Fortunately the movement south is slow and, barring government paralysis
while dealing with Slick Willy's love life, I am confident the illegal
traffic will be stopped.

A more serious threat comes from people like Alan Mazur. Apparently
paddlers are seeking out Internet rock heads, holding their mouths open and
shaking out pebbles into their kayaks.

I want to caution Paddlewise  readers against this practice. Researchers
believe that Internet ignorance may be contagious and that proximity to the
so called Internet Ignorance Rocks will result in terminal email
congestion.

Well, I am off to the Newfound Boatworks Rendezvous this weekend where I
will meet Nick Schade and Michael Vermouth as well as many other builders
of wood canoes and kayaks. Should be a lot of fun. I asked the professor to
monitor my email but he is immersed in the study of Inuit tomb art and
promises to have exciting revelations about who discovered the Euro paddle
(apparently it was not the Europeans or even the Australians) when I
return.

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/






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