Re: [Paddlewise] Pygmy Tern

Mel,

I can't comment on the Pygmy boats but I highly recommend George
Gronseth's Kayak Academy!  Without a doubt the best training experience
I've ever had, to include climbing, skiing and 20 years in the Army.  I
spent the middle two weekends in September doing the Basic Strokes &
Rescues class followed by a training trip in the San Juans.  (The five
day class adds a day in Puget Sound between.) It was mentally and
physically challenging but extremely rewarding.  If I can retain and
practice half of what George taught me I'll be twice the paddler I was
before.  There are never more than five students so there is a lot of
personal attention and feedback. I plan to take more of his classes in
the future.   

I'm also a new paddler and also have a plastic Looksha. I love the boat
except for the mushy foot braces and the nasty high seat back I replaced
with a Snapdragon backband.  My wife and I will probably be going up to
Port Townsend in the next few weeks and I plan to try out the Coho and
some other Pygmy boats. I'll let you know what I think.

Don't know anything about the other outfit you mention but I don't think
they can offer the chance to see seals, sea lions, bald eagles,
porpoise, orca (killer whales) and Minke whales during your lessons. 
The Puget Sound and the San Juans are about the most beautiful waters
you can imagine. 

The Kayak Academy website: www.halcyon.com/kayak/ 
or e-mail kayak_at_halcyon.com 

Larry Pfisterer
Puyallup, Washington
253.840.8645

Mel Grindol wrote:
> 
> I may be reaching here (I'm new to this sport). How similar to the Necky Looksha IV (plastic) is the Tern?  From the Pygmy web page it looks like the Tern would have a hull very similar to the Looksha.  A relatively flat bottom with a hard chine.
> 
> I've been considering building a Coho as a way to get a good light weight kayak for a decent price.  But now I'm going to have to decide between the Coho or Tern.  Just hopping over to Pygmy and trying them out is a little difficult from Kansas. :)
> 
> But then we might go to Washington in the spring.  My wife and I would like to do a 5 day training class in sea kayaking and are trying to decide where.  Right now Tek & Trail seems like the leading candidate due to their relative proximity in Wisconsin (we live in the Kansas City area).  But the added incentive of being able to try out a Pygmy may make us go to Seattle for training.  Anyone have any suggestions on that front?
> 
> Mel
> ---

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