Re: [Paddlewise] An introduction

Elias,

I enjoyed your Introduction.  I spent a couple of decades sailing before
taking up kayaking, so I can identify with both experiences.  The Klepper,
of course, will allow you to do both, in a manner of speaking.  In fact,
I've been thinking about getting one of those V shaped sail rigs for my
kayak (regular fiberglass boat).  Anyway, I liked your explanation of how
you came to the sport.

I, too, read the book "Deep Trouble" (whose author is a regular here), and
found it very very helpful.  I made my wife (then girlfriend) read it, too,
and she dramatically changed her approach to the sport after that.  I had
been trying to get her to be more safety conscious.  The book worked.
Later, after she had donned a wet suit and other safety gear, practiced wet
exits, and worked generally on rescue techniques, we paddled a stretch of
the main coast one afternoon.  It was only about 7 or 8 miles, but the wind
picked up pretty strong and we had some four foot swells.  It was a little
hairy at times, for us at least (although we passed several other kayakers
who appeared to be having a blast).  Later, she said something to the effect
of, "I want to thank you for making me learn all that stuff and get the wet
suit and everything.  I felt so much more confident out there, and safer."
That was satisfying.

BTW, I too dream of getting a folding boat.  We were in Ireland a couple
years ago, and I kept thinking about how awesome it would be to kayak in
many of the places we visited.  Next time we go, I plan to carry a couple of
folding kayaks.  That is, after I hit the lottery. . . <g>.

Mark Lane

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