RE: [Paddlewise] Who We Are

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

At 37 I don't think I'm as old as Dave or Ralph 8^). Currently living in
Manassas (Northern) Virgina, notorius for it's brush with Lorana and John
Bobbit. Today marked my 7th trip in a kayak. Six day trips on the Potomac
river, and one day trip on a small local lake. I've spent a couple of years
fishing in a plastic 17' canoe.

I paddle a Guillemot SK designed by Nick Schade and built by myself. I
started building in the middle of November and took my maiden voyage New
Years day. Given my choice, I'd prefer the water be smooth as glass but I
have a good time when there is a strong wind at my back on the "second half"
of my trip.

I enjoy the solitude and the busy life. You never know what is going to
happen in either case. No roll, but I hope to remedy that before too long.
I've practiced with a paddle float once just to know I could do it if I had
too. More practice on that a little later, but in the protected waters I
paddle it's not very difficult for me.

I used to run a lot but my knees have gotten to where I spent more time
recovering than running. The kayak is my substitute for exercise.

Cold weather gear is expensive, so I'm waiting till summer before I
introduce the wife and kids to kayaking. I want to make sure they will stick
to it before making any heavy investments. One boy 14 this month, he can
almost wear my cold weather gear, but still a little too big for him. My
daughter, 9, loves everything outdoors. If one of them becomes as addicted
to kayaking as me, I suspect it will be her. Both like to go fishing with me
in my canoe, although I never take them in the winter. The wife likes
fishing also, but I suspect she won't like the amount of labor involved in
kayaking.

Right now I'm just developing my technique. The first time out I spent the
bulk of the time paddling in circles, but trying to go straight. I've
finally gotten some control, but I had to switch to a greenland style paddle
to do it. I think I just paddle too hard. With the greenland I do pretty
well at holding a course and I find it easier to paddle hard into the wind
when I need to.

The boat needs a final sanding and a few coats of varnish to be finished.
I'm just having so much fun that I don't want to give up a few weekends to
finish the boat 8^)

Woody


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************