Sunday I put my stuff in the truck and took off for the Harbor. 5 minutes into the trip-I remembered that I had forgotten my paddle [I keep the graphite one in my bathroom<g>] So I turned around and picked it up <g> It took me a little over 30 minutes to get my stuff together, to get dressed in my drysuit, put my skirt on, etc... I put out for a trip around Gig Harbor. Thanks to this list, I did remember to put my watch on the OUTSIDE of my drysuit, and that helped... it also "humbled me" a bit. About 30 minutes of paddling was about all I could manage. A positive was that I seemed to be able to paddle in a more straight line however!<G> After I came back, I thought it a good idea to go wading a little, to see if I really did dress appropriately. 3mm neoprene boots? Wish I had 7mm's... I will be more careful to ensure my poly underwear more completely covers ALL of my body, and gloves? Yea, better get some thicker ones... My neoprene divers hood-better wear that next time also. The trip around the Harbor was really, quite a joy... all the pretty boats moored there... birds flying about, it was a sunny day, about 50 deg F. Though I dared not lean the boat too far [because I did not get my skirt on properly] I did manage to lean a little, and that helped my turning somewhat. There was a lot of "cognition" required on that little trip-boat traffic, balancing, paddling even strokes both sides, lifting my leg while turning... Guess "cognition" took a hit when I "bonked" ...<g><shrug> and some of my ability to sense temperature is coming back. My neck gasket did NOT however, feel very uncomfortable fortunately<g> I managed to get my boat on and off my truck relatively easily also. Seakayaks are to me, inherently beautiful, and mine must stay on top of my truck [no room for storage where I live] and it is a constant reminder. That trip was a challenge, and for a while on the trip home, and on the days since then, I have thought, "this is too much for me now..." I know that in the pre-bonk days, it was nothing to do it however, and so I have been going over alternatives to "ramp me up..." There is a lake near by, I am told. Perhaps I should go there. I will also start to work with a dumbell. The skirt issue is one that gives me a real problem, and hopefully I will come up with a way around it. Then there is "doing self-rescues." I just saw at one of the boating shops a small and inexpensive bilge pump-can't remember the brand or model-but I suspect that even more than before my bonk, that is something I must come up with... I guess I ramble, but thanks for reading! TomW... <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> homepage: http://www2.tscnet.com/~gadfly/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Congratulations Tom!!! Stick with it, back off when you feel like you're overextending, and have fun!!!! The old adage "A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step" came to mind as I read this trip report. As far as the sprayskirt issue goes - would it be practical for you to try keeping the skirt on the kayak for a few days to see if it will stretch back into shape? Thanks for the trip report and keep on paddling! Dave Seng Juneau, Alaska -----Original Message----- From: Tom W... [mailto:gadfly_at_tscnet.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 12:31 PM To: PaddleWise Subject: [Paddlewise] My first trip in the Harbor Sunday I put my stuff in the truck and took off for the Harbor. 5 minutes into the trip-I remembered that I had forgotten my paddle [I keep the graphite one in my bathroom<g>] So I turned around and picked it up <g> It took me a little over 30 minutes to get my stuff together, to get dressed in my drysuit, put my skirt on, etc... I put out for a trip around Gig Harbor. Thanks to this list, I did remember to put my watch on the OUTSIDE of my drysuit, and that helped... it also "humbled me" a bit. About 30 minutes of paddling was about all I could manage. A positive was that I seemed to be able to paddle in a more straight line however!<G> After I came back, I thought it a good idea to go wading a little, to see if I really did dress appropriately. 3mm neoprene boots? Wish I had 7mm's... I will be more careful to ensure my poly underwear more completely covers ALL of my body, and gloves? Yea, better get some thicker ones... My neoprene divers hood-better wear that next time also. The trip around the Harbor was really, quite a joy... all the pretty boats moored there... birds flying about, it was a sunny day, about 50 deg F. Though I dared not lean the boat too far [because I did not get my skirt on properly] I did manage to lean a little, and that helped my turning somewhat. There was a lot of "cognition" required on that little trip-boat traffic, balancing, paddling even strokes both sides, lifting my leg while turning... Guess "cognition" took a hit when I "bonked" ...<g><shrug> and some of my ability to sense temperature is coming back. My neck gasket did NOT however, feel very uncomfortable fortunately<g> I managed to get my boat on and off my truck relatively easily also. Seakayaks are to me, inherently beautiful, and mine must stay on top of my truck [no room for storage where I live] and it is a constant reminder. That trip was a challenge, and for a while on the trip home, and on the days since then, I have thought, "this is too much for me now..." I know that in the pre-bonk days, it was nothing to do it however, and so I have been going over alternatives to "ramp me up..." There is a lake near by, I am told. Perhaps I should go there. I will also start to work with a dumbell. The skirt issue is one that gives me a real problem, and hopefully I will come up with a way around it. Then there is "doing self-rescues." I just saw at one of the boating shops a small and inexpensive bilge pump-can't remember the brand or model-but I suspect that even more than before my bonk, that is something I must come up with... I guess I ramble, but thanks for reading! TomW... <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> homepage: http://www2.tscnet.com/~gadfly/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Thanks David >Congratulations Tom!!! >Stick with it, back off when you feel like you're overextending, and have >fun!!!! EVEN after all of 39 MINUTES??? Okaaaaay...<g> >The old adage "A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step" >came to mind as I read this trip report. So I don't need to give up one of my preoccupations? <looking over my glasses<G>> >As far as the sprayskirt issue goes - would it be practical for you to try >keeping the skirt on the kayak for a few days to see if it will stretch back >into shape? This, is exactly what I have decided to try-thanks for the support on this idea... been 3 days now... You're welcome for my trip report <G> <shaking my head> Afraid my pride put off writing this until today... Thank you very much... Tom... <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> homepage: http://www2.tscnet.com/~gadfly/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Tom, > It took me a little over 30 minutes to get my stuff > together, to get > dressed in my drysuit, put my skirt on, etc... I find a half hour to get ready is pretty typical for me. Seems like it takes longer and longer though. > I put out for a trip around Gig Harbor. Thanks to this list, I did > remember to put my watch on the OUTSIDE of my drysuit, and that helped... > it also "humbled me" a bit. About 30 minutes of paddling was about all I > could manage. It'll take a while to get back into it. My first trip I managed 5 miles and felt like I had gone 50. I could barely lift my boat back onto my truck. > 7mm's... I will be more careful to ensure my poly underwear more > completely covers ALL of my body, and gloves? Yea, better get My last trip my polartec jacket, polartec farmer john, and poly shorts all bunched up around my waist to make a very painful few minutes on the water until I managed to get it all flattened out. Is there a trick to getting your clothes back into the right position after tugging the dry suit on? An extra set of hands might be a big help. > F. Though I dared not lean the boat too far [because I did not get my > skirt on properly] I did manage to lean a little, and that helped my > turning somewhat. Spray skirt: if you are having problems getting it on, what kind of problems do you think you might have getting it off? Does it pop off pretty easy? Nylon is what I recommend to folks who may have difficulty with spray skirts as that type seems easier to remove. It doesn't stay on as well, but you can sometimes fall out without even releasing the skirt when inverted, which is more important for you at this point I would imagine. > That trip was a challenge, and for a while on the trip > home, and on the > days since then, I have thought, "this is too much for me now..." I know > that in the pre-bonk days, it was nothing to do it however, and so I have > been going over alternatives to "ramp me up..." I really admire your determination to get back on the water Tom. Hopefully you have found someone to paddle with you as your descriptions of "brain hikes" on your web site worries me greatly if you are paddling alone. Keep up the progress and just ease into everything slowly. And DO paddle with someone else, at least while you re-learn the self rescue stuff. Balance everything with a good strong dose of safety, even if it means slowing down your progress onto the water. Woody *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Woody, >I find a half hour to get ready is pretty typical for me. Seems like it >takes longer and longer though. I can understand that, seems nowadays, that there is so much to do prior...<g> >It'll take a while to get back into it. My first trip I managed 5 miles and >felt like I had gone 50. I could barely lift my boat back onto my truck. Thank God I am not alone in that regard! >My last trip my polartec jacket, polartec farmer john, and poly shorts all >bunched up around my waist to make a very painful few minutes on the water >until I managed to get it all flattened out. Is there a trick to getting >your clothes back into the right position after tugging the dry suit on? An >extra set of hands might be a big help. Too true, and with this stuff turning out to be almost "new" in some ways it was almost scary...<g> <shrug> The biggest help I found, was to pull down and tuck in my poly top, into the bottom drawers... That could be done with arms poking through the arms of the suit or not I think... >Nylon is what I recommend to folks who may have difficulty with spray skirts >as that type seems easier to remove. It doesn't stay on as well, but you can >sometimes fall out without even releasing the skirt when inverted, which is >more important for you at this point I would imagine. I have a [ta-daa I just remembered the manufacturer!] Snap Dragon neoprene/nylon-tunnel skirt I purchased before the 100% neoprene one. It was for my old Necky... but I can see you may be right-perhaps that is what might be called for at least for now...? >I really admire your determination to get back on the water Tom. Hopefully >you have found someone to paddle with you as your descriptions of "brain >hikes" on your web site worries me greatly if you are paddling alone. I have to drive [oh boy-in the dark] to Gig Harbor Kayak Club tonite and maybe I can befriend someone there...? I can understand your concerns as I REALLY have them myself. It's one of the reasons I would only allow myself into the harbor only. Thank you for the supportive words "even if it means slowing down your progress onto the water." Sunday was in some ways, sort of humbling...<g> Take good care, TomW... <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> homepage: http://www2.tscnet.com/~gadfly/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> -----Original Message----- > From: Tom W... [mailto:gadfly_at_tscnet.com] snip > EVEN after all of 39 MINUTES??? Okaaaaay...<g> snip > You're welcome for my trip report <G> <shaking my > head> Afraid > my pride put off writing this until today... My only other comment is an echo of Woody's message - it might be best to paddle with other folks who are aware of the issues you face as you "re-learn" the kayaking skills you once had. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it would be wrong to paddle alone, just that the proverbial "Prudent Mariner" might suggest that it's not such a great idea. (That "Prudent Mariner" guy talks to me all the time when planning trips, etc ) And don't worry - a 39 minute paddle is 39 times better than not paddling at all! Dave Seng Juneau, Alaska *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi Tom, Good to see you are making progress! Thanks for the trip report and reminding us all that it's all about "getting out there". By the way, if that's rambling you are doing, the list can use alot more of it. Maybe others can get the hint.. Thanks again! James *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Maybe you should try a nylon spray skirt for the time being. They're a lot easier to get on and off. And "bonk" or no "bonk," you should be carrying a pump. If you're really planning on going out alone (I don't recommend it, but I understand that, even if there's no one else to go with, you have to go), you should be practicing self-rescues in some safe, relatively shallow spot. Do you have a paddlefloat? And you might consider carrying a sling or rope ladder to help you gain a foothold when re-entering the kayak, especially since you seem to still have some coordination problems. Be careful - and have a good time. They're not mutually exclusive. And keep at it - we're all rooting for you! Joan On Wed, 01 Dec 1999 13:30:38 -0800 "Tom W..." <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> writes: > Sunday I put my stuff in the truck and took off for the > Harbor. 5 minutes > into the trip-I remembered that I had forgotten my paddle [I keep > the > graphite one in my bathroom<g>] So I turned around and picked it up > <g> > > It took me a little over 30 minutes to get my stuff > together, to get > dressed in my drysuit, put my skirt on, etc... > > I put out for a trip around Gig Harbor. Thanks to this > list, I did > remember to put my watch on the OUTSIDE of my drysuit, and that > helped... > it also "humbled me" a bit. About 30 minutes of paddling was about > all I > could manage. > > A positive was that I seemed to be able to paddle in a more > straight line > however!<G> > > After I came back, I thought it a good idea to go wading a > little, to see > if I really did dress appropriately. 3mm neoprene boots? Wish I > had > 7mm's... I will be more careful to ensure my poly underwear more > completely covers ALL of my body, and gloves? Yea, better get some > thicker > ones... My neoprene divers hood-better wear that next time also. > > The trip around the Harbor was really, quite a joy... all > the pretty > boats moored there... birds flying about, it was a sunny day, about > 50 deg > F. Though I dared not lean the boat too far [because I did not get > my > skirt on properly] I did manage to lean a little, and that helped my > > turning somewhat. > > There was a lot of "cognition" required on that little > trip-boat traffic, > balancing, paddling even strokes both sides, lifting my leg while > turning... Guess "cognition" took a hit when I "bonked" > ...<g><shrug> and > some of my ability to sense temperature is coming back. > > My neck gasket did NOT however, feel very uncomfortable > fortunately<g> I > managed to get my boat on and off my truck relatively easily > also. Seakayaks are to me, inherently beautiful, and mine must stay > on top > of my truck [no room for storage where I live] and it is a constant > reminder. > > That trip was a challenge, and for a while on the trip home, > and on the > days since then, I have thought, "this is too much for me now..." I > know > that in the pre-bonk days, it was nothing to do it however, and so I > have > been going over alternatives to "ramp me up..." > > There is a lake near by, I am told. Perhaps I should go > there. I will > also start to work with a dumbell. The skirt issue is one that > gives me a > real problem, and hopefully I will come up with a way around it. > Then > there is "doing self-rescues." I just saw at one of the boating > shops a > small and inexpensive bilge pump-can't remember the brand or > model-but I > suspect that even more than before my bonk, that is something I must > come > up with... > > I guess I ramble, but thanks for reading! > > TomW... > > > > > <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> > > homepage: > http://www2.tscnet.com/~gadfly/ > ************************************************************************* ** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author > and not > to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > ************************************************************************* ** ___________________________________________________________________ Get the Internet just the way you want it. Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month! Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Joan, I must agree with you on all counts. Based upon Sundays jaunt, I am looking more seriously at inland lakes for a while... [but my ego says "Go to SEAwater! Go for the Harbor at least!]<G> The reasons are much as you describe. It is my feeling that until I can at the very LEAST do a paddlefloat rescue-I have not the skills to try the Sound past the harbor at least. As it sits, I probably never will consider leaving without the following: Flares-a separate set in separate bags, Paddle Float, Hand Pump with foam around it, Whistle, Strobe/flashlight, Skirt, 2 Bic lighters in separate bags, Spare Line, odds and ends, etc... I also do not think the day will come when paddling up here, that I go without wearing wet suit/dry top combo, or a dry suit-oh and the divers hood too this time of year. Instead of a longish paddle leash, I use a smaller one I cobbled together that I attach to my wrist... When leaving the harbor-I'm gonna do that sometime after all...<g> The marine VHF and or my 2meter ham rig, and spare paddle. [Ham radio is something else I must someday regain skill in...I am after all-KB8UZD<g>] my compass, and chart... I just wrote Doug to ask what issue [of SK] the electric pumps were in, as I really feel that they make the most sense-that or a foot powered pump-better the electric though. A year ago, paddling was I think easier, as many of my day to day responsibilities were being handled by others. Now? Much of that space I used, is occupied by trying to live on my own, at least more on my own, and that leaves less "cognition" space...<shrug> [one of these days I will do better than having actually "cooked" a meal twice in three months<VBG>] My kayak is too pretty to leave on top of my truck ALL the time!<g> At 11:10 PM 12/1/99 -0500, volinjo_at_juno.com wrote: ><snip> >Be careful - and have a good time. They're not mutually exclusive. And >keep at it - we're all rooting for you! Thank you, and all of the list for your support! I have received some wonderful letters last couple of days and I am very grateful to you-all! I better get this out... thank you all... Tom... <gadfly_at_tscnet.com> homepage: http://www2.tscnet.com/~gadfly/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I just wrote Doug to ask what issue [of SK] the electric pumps >were in, as I really feel that they make the most sense-that or a foot >powered pump-better the electric though. Tom, check out the discussion of electric pumps on the Paddlewise Web site.... http://www.paddlewise.net/topics/boatequip/elecpumps.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The August issue of Sea Kayaker has an article on a home made electric bilge pump, written by Rob Hair of (an electrical engineer) Waterford Michigan. You can e-mail Rob at <Rh7052_at_aol.com>. He uses an Atwood V450. It is a good article, but the "Aussies" may be the better judge of that. I may install Rob's sysyem in the new year, as it truly put one in the category of "Seaworthy" - which the dictionary defines as "in all respects, ready for the sea." Have not checked if the article is on the SK web site. I will gladly send anyone in the world a copy, free, if you request it. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd At 10:40 PM 12/2/99 -0500, you wrote: >> I just wrote Doug to ask what issue [of SK] the electric pumps >>were in, as I really feel that they make the most sense-that or a foot >>powered pump-better the electric though. > > >Tom, check out the discussion of electric pumps on the Paddlewise Web >site.... > http://www.paddlewise.net/topics/boatequip/elecpumps.html > >*************************************************************************** >PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not >to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission >Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net >Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ >*************************************************************************** > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
if anyone's interested the 12v pumps are popular here. THe only write up I'm aware of from here is laurie ford's http://www.tassie.net.au/~lford/ not everybody does it laurie's way. Most put the battery in the rear compartment. I thought some of the ideas on this list for waterproof containers in the cockpit sounded good - saves drilling holes in rear bulkheads and rear compartments. On this matter I noticed recently an electronic store here (dick smith) sells some sort of (claimed) waterproof grommets that screw together and around the cable somehow. I recently modified my attwood waterbuster by adding a deck mounted switch. I did post a short 'how to'. I have since written a longer version for the NSWSKC newsletter. It should be on our website soon - http://203.147.209.230/ this pump is relatively low volume but is self-contained - runs on 'd' cells - so is very simple and easy to maintain. nick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hi, Tom, this is Sandy Kramer in Miami. Just read your website (is that what it is? or is it a homepage?) and am quite in awe of your struggle for survival. You write beautifully and your computer skills are obviously still there. For those without Internet access: Tom was injured (in '98) when he exited a moving van. He relates the different steps in his progress - the biggest one being that he fooled them all: he lived! He lives in a Class "C" Tioga camper with about 240 sq. ft. having previously lived in a 3-bedroom house. He writes from the heart and explains how even small tasks can take a long time and how he's learning to live again. These are just a very few brief words to give you an overview. Perhaps Tom has something he could send as an attachment to others who may be interested in reading his story. I certainly think you have a book there, Tom. You're used to journalizing, have you contacted a publisher yet? Good luck with all your accomplishments. One day at a time.... Sandy *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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