Re: [Paddlewise] Twelka in Goose Bay

In a message dated 6/25/00 11:48:04 AM, boydwe_at_dmci.net writes:

<<  said, "That's a whole lot more boat than your old one."

She's right. It is a lot more boat, and not just bigger. It's more
advanced, more delicate, more responsive. More fun, I hope -- at least,
that's the point. It's going to take some getting used to, and some skill
improvement. But, I think I'm going to like it. >>

Wes,
    I know exactly what you mean. I called my new boat (as of Jan.) a few 
less polite things for a while until I learned to be more of the rider and 
less of the passenger. The rock-solid stability of my Breeze spoiled me. It 
has been a learning curve that I wish was a bit less of a problem but I'm 
getting there. I have my moments when I feel unstable and have to order 
myself to relax and swing with the boat. 
    As soon as I get tense I'm unstable feeling. I relax my back and move 
with her without "sloshing" we are fine. If I slosh and accentuate the 
movement of the boat just causes more problems. The balance between being stif
f, supple, or overdoing things is tricky, especially in short, rapid chop. 
Each time I take her out in any amount of wind or water I learn something 
new. I'm more and more at home.
    I took her out on a swim support a couple of weeks ago. It got, as one 
guy said, "lumpy." I became uncomfortable and started to move closer to shore 
but I got involved in watching a swimmer who seemed to be having to struggle. 
I paddled with her for about a half hour until she was in more comfortable 
water. I didn't even notice how I was. Once I quite thinking about the water 
I was really just fine. I think the lesson for me was that the boat is fine. 
I'm fine. It's fussing that isn't balanced or comfortable.
    Enjoy you new boat. I'm sure she will teach you and give you pleasure. 
Give yourself the treat of a paddle in the old boat once in a while. That 
will remind you where you came from and what you didn't know the old boat 
could/couldn't do. At least that is what my Breeze tells me when we go out 
together.

Joan Spinner
   * * *
Paddling on the Chesapeake Bay 
watershed-a red, CD Breeze and 
a yellow/white CD Gulfstream
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