Re: [Paddlewise] best place to realistically try boats (N.Am)

>so how was it?
>
>are you buying the romany? :)
>
>jen

I was pleased with the paddle area at Sweetwater Kayaks. Wow!  I was there
over the weekend...I never saw so many powerboats in my life (I wasn't too
fond of that part!).  It was like a freeway getting out of the harbor!  And
yes... the location at Sweetwater is an excellent place to try out boats.
The put in is just behind the store in protected water.  It is only a short
paddle to the Gulf so you can transition from protected harbor...to an open
area that catches a little swell...then to the open Gulf.  What more could
you want?  Eddies...standing waves maybe?

 My lessons with Scott Williams went great.  I was a little disappointed
that I didn't get the BCU assessment in.  From reading the 4 star
qualifications, I had thought that I was closer to that. We went through
the 3 star class which is done in flat water when I had actually hoped to
do more "rough water" work.  That will come next.  BCU standards are pretty
demanding and the basic strokes need to be demonstrated with more finess
and control that I had at the time.  I've committed to getting more BCU
instruction and working towards the awards.  I went away with lots of stuff
to work on and I plan to go back to take the 3 Star assessment and begin
working towards the 4 Star award.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has attended the Anglesey School, or other
kayaking schools in the UK.  I would think that would be an interesting
experience.

Still lots to work on.  I was quite impressed with Scott's teaching skills
as well as his knowledge and experience.  I enjoyed being with him... and
the entire crew at Sweetwater Kayaks.  I had an hour or so of instruction
with Lawson Mitchell a couple of weeks before and he too was an excellent
instructor...thus, his epithet:  "Awsome Lawson."

Among other things, we worked on my roll and I increased my competence with
bracing...Scott taught me the sweeping brace from total commitment in the
water...also a fully committed brace (like the C to C with no setup or
sweep) from a knockdown.  Cool!  I tried the fully committed brace in the
Jubilee and I rapped my knuckels on the Skeg Slider.  (Wonder if one can
get the slider aft of the cockpit?)

And yes...I bought a Romany Explorer.  I considered the Jubilee but decided
on the Romany.  It's built like a tank!  I am now waiting on delivery.
There were a lot of things I liked about the Romany, maneuverability being
one of the more important aspects about it.  It was more comfortable than
the Jubilee and the stern was lower.  Guess I'll be selling my Falcon 18...
(The Falcon incidentally has a great seat.  It has been the most
comfortable boat for me to sit in.)  I plan on modifying the seat back in
the Romany to add more support.  Daggar I understand has a seat back that
fits.  Any other suggestions?

Robert

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