[Paddlewise] Who We Are

While responding to Ralph Diaz' comments about making himself visible on
the water in NYC harbor, it occurred to me that it might be useful for each
of us to post a paragraph or two which describes our "paddling profile."

You see, because I know where Ralph is coming from (no, Ralph, it's too
crowded out here -- I didn't mean for you to actually *come out* here <g>),
and where and what he paddles, I have a pretty good feel for how to
interpret his remarks.  For folks who post frequently (guilty), the profile
probably won't tell readers much more than they already know about that
person.  However, less aggressive posters leave fewer tracks, and it might
be good to get a "context" for their remarks.

In that vein, here's my "profile:"

Old guy (but not as old as Ralph!) who mainly paddles west coast of the US
(Pacific Northwest) and BC (Vancouver Island and the Charlottes), with a
lot of time on the Lower Columbia River (separates states of OR and WA). 
Seven-eight seasons of experience, year-round (it rarely freezes here). 
Done quite a few multi-day trips, but most trips are day adventures in
local waters.

Not an adrenaline junkie.  Can handle reasonably rough water, but do not
seek out really gnarly stuff (like Whilden and Hagen do, I think!).  Mainly
in it for the solitude and peace of paddling.  Do not have a roll, but
working gradually on developing one.  Damn good -- and fast -- with a
paddlefloat reentry.  Better at staying out of trouble than most.  On
really bad days, the beach feels really good to me.

My son refers to me as "The Admiral" because I own four boats:  two
fiberglass Eddyline singles (Wind Dancer [cargo barge -- nice for long
trips]; Sea Star [the SO's boat -- faster than the WD]); a Pygmy Osprey Std
(stitch and glue plywood -- made from a kit -- fastest and lightest boat I
own -- my day tripper); and, a Folbot Greenland II double (excellent
tripping boat -- carries a wagonload of stuff and is incredibly stable --
would not want to be in really heavy water with this, though).  My SO and I
regard this as the best craft for longer tours in protected waters.

Locally, I am known as ... Tarpman! ... for my talents with a 10 x 12 nylon
protective envelope.  (My son is "Inferno Boy!" for his talents with the
trash fire.  The SO is known as "The Queen.")

I have no ties with commercial ventures related to sea kayaking, though I
did some guiding twenty years ago when I was very active as a climber
(mostly glaciated volcanoes emphasizing moderate angle ice, some high-angle
rock climbing and a lot alpine ascents).  Over 30 years of back country
experience in the West.  None in the eastern US -- that would be ... east
of the Rockies. <G>

Who's next?
-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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