Re: [Paddlewise] Who We Are

    This thread has been fun. It's very interesting to see how many "old
farts" we are. Perhaps we should just consider ourselves mature enough to
appreciate the finer things in life like enjoying nature at a less hectic
pace. Kathy and I will turn 50 this year, so I guess that puts us in the
median of Paddlewise respondents.
    We have been kayaking for a little more than one year. We mostly run the
local rivers of North Florida, but wish to expand our geographic horizons:
So much water, so little time.
    Our first, and current, boats are Wilderness Systems Manteos. They are
great beginners boats and are well suited to the tight, twisty rivers we
normally enjoy. We are both ready to paddle something more responsive and
will likely move up to glass boats in the 17 ft range in the not-too-distant
future. We will likely build our own kayaks before its said and done: I just
like to build things to see if I can. In that regard, I made Kathy a Cedar
Greenland Paddle from Chuck Holst's instructions and I even assembled my own
set of golf clubs.
    We both have fairly broad boating experience. Between us, we have
canoed, owned ski/fishing boats, owned a power yacht, crewed 30-50 ft blue
water sailing yachts, and whitewater rafted the Nantahala in North Carolina
and the Pucuare in Costa Rica. Kayaking seems to be a nice fit for us and it
gives us a shared hobby/obsession.
    We belong to the Silent Otters Paddle Club out of High Springs, Florida.
    Our longest and most recent trip: 55 miles of the Suwannee in 2.5 days
last week. On our "to do" list: The Florida Keys and the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area. Greatest Experiences: Paddling with Dolphins and being pushed
around by a Manatee at Crystal River. Greatest Desire: Paddle with whales,
particularly Orca.
    Kurt Wisner
    Lake City, Florida


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