[Paddlewise] Helping a new paddler?

Hi,

	Nope-haven't sold the Pursuit yet [and having second...ninth thoughts 
about it too<g>] and the weather is getting warmer out here, and, and, 
and...<g>

	Anyway, at a recent rehab appointment, the subject about a local park 
doubling its size, came up.  It is located very near one of the bridges 
that join east and west Bremerton.  So I went down there to check it out 
and what did I see?  A fella with a glass kayak, making preps to put it in 
the water.

	Well of course I had to get out and introduce myself to this guy!  I was 
suprised to note that this fella was going to "water test" the boat he had, 
as he was unsure of weather to purchase it or not<!>  He had taken a week 
long kayaking charter in B.C. about 3 years before, and had not been in one 
since apparently.

	I asked him if he was familiar with the tide and current conditions here, 
and he replied that no he wasn't.  I asked him if he had a marine VHF, or 
CB or something?  Nope again.  Then I offered that in that case, would he 
be upset if I stuck around and watched, so that in case of trouble, I could 
call for help?

	He then looked up and saw the kayak on top of my truck-then asked me if I 
would be willing to accompany him on his "test drive..."  I got real honest 
with him and told him that my chart was at home, I needed a new tide table 
book, and besides... I have run into a little trouble with them since my 
brain injury...<g>

	I offered to help him consider things needed for the sport.  His pfd was 
ill-fitting, he got his skirt on, but backwards, he didn't seem to 
understand the concept of how to know when he and the right end of the 
paddle on the right side of the boat, and when I suggested that he adjust 
the pegs to leave his legs slightly bent-he decided I was wrong, etc...

	The kayak was about 12-14ft long I think, fiberglass, one watertight 
compartment with hatch.  The coming was "peaked" at about a 20 deg angle at 
the back of the cockpit.  Not my choice, but for $700 including two 
paddles, a skirt, and an (ill fitting) pfd, of course it was a good buy.  I 
suggested air bags for forward, a new PFD, considering at the least a dry 
top and farmer john, as well as some insulated foot wear, and a trip as 
soon as possible to Gig Harbor Kayaks for some lessons!  I also recommended 
joining this list if he could!

	Okay, so showing him my gear, and talking to him about our sport, did make 
me have maybe a change of heart about selling my kayak...  The park is no 
more than 10 minutes away, and there is what appears to be some relatively 
"stable" water in an..."inlet"<?> where the boat dock/ramp is 
located...  Besides I still remember enough about "fluid dynamics and heat 
transfer" in piping systems, I wonder if I go back to basics, and start 
from there, it sure seems that I should, be able to re-learn tides/currents 
and how to read a silly chart for heavens sake...<g>

	Besides, I haven't even considered dropping Paddlewise, and if I didn't 
help this new fella, I reminded myself that there must be a way to get 
myself out there...<g>

	Hope this wasn't too long,

		Take care,
	
			Tom... 


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