Tika, congrats on getting a new boat and going from virtual to reality in paddling. tika wrote: > in having found this resource -- I've been a "virtual > kayaker" for 2 years now, basically learning about the > sport through every sea kayak-related site I could > find on the Internet, subscribing to various paddling > magazines, nosing my way through several books and > videos on the subject and taking a one-day > sea-kayaking class. All the while asking questions at > retailers and outfitters and demo-ing LOTS of boats > along the way trying to find a suitable first boat. > My dream boat for many months was the Arctic Hawk -- > all other boats paled in comparison in my mind -- I > HAD to have one...then I demo-ed one and the dream was > crushed --that beauty was WAY over my head. I find that I am on nay side of the buying a boat that you can grow into axiom. It seems to be an axiom that doesn't work for many paddlers. I think you are best off with a kayak that suits you right now and here and that you will paddle, paddle lots. Years ago there was a great push to sell Nordkapps to newcomers with that axiom of getting a boat you will grow into was being heralded. Many a Nordkapp owner didn't grow into his/her boat and the classifieds were full of the aftermath of this, i.e. Nordkapps being dumped by discouraged paddlers. Some perservered and were happier for this. But it took time. I know one fellow who was scared to death of his kayak but kept plugging away and eventually become truly one with his boat and a superb paddler after a long year of steadily trying. But many were not able to so doggedly pursue this quest. I have seen the same with the Khats with paddlers having to add ballast to keep it upright and even say things like "The Khats is my fair weather boat" meaning the paddler was not confident in it in heavy seas where actually a highly skilled paddler would be in heaven with that boat. That is why I stressed so much the Feathercraft K-1 alternative and even the K-Light in my posting under "K-1". Anyway that is my opinion based on seeing a lot of people go through the effort. I know a lot of experienced paddlers will differ with me on this one. I am not certain it is an argument anyone can win, but it is worthwhile letting first-timers be aware of the pluses and minuses involved. > Lastly, just want to thank the list for all the > knowledge gained and questioned answered on a daily > basis. I look forward to the posts each day and > wonder what topics will be tossed around and explored > today. I especially like to read Ralph's posts > regarding the NYC area and the Downtown Boathouse as I > have the pleasure to view the Boathouse on a daily > basis at work and have gotten my daily kayak fix from > watching the folks launch their boats from the dock > there. Anyhoo, my thanks to all for helping another > newbie to learn, to respect and to enjoy this unique > sport/pastime. Hope to meet some of you on the water > someday! You should probably do more than just look at the Boathouse but actually go and paddle in the public free kayak program. It is open on weekends and often in the late afternoon on weekdays. Weekend hours are from 9 to 6 pm (the free trips to the Statue of Liberty or the Intrepid aircraft carrier meet before 8 am and often has a lottery because of the high demand for these free trips). To check the weekday status call 212-385-2790 for a message that changes each day in mid-morning. The weekday opening depends on whether a volunteer is available to open up the place. Hours generally are from 4 pm to 7 pm, but check the outgoing phone message before wandering over. Anyone visiting NYC on business or pleasure this summer might want to check out the Boathouse either during the week or on weekends. A nice way to spend a bit of time on the water and be refreshed. Of course, Tika, you can bring your new Montauk to the Boathouse. Launching is free and you can probably pick up some tips. You will also find sources of instruction by going to the Links section of http://www.downtownboathouse.org ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Aug 09 2000 - 09:58:15 PDT
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