[Paddlewise] WAS wave stuff, NOW IT'S "DIGGING IT"

> I zigged around for an hour just digging
> it. 
> 
Speaking of digging it.... I'm a first year rookie with weak skills and
still no "buddy" to paddle with who could back me up if I get in over my
head (no drowning pun intended, but it did work out nicely, didn't it).  So,
I paddle very cautiously in calm water,  and won't push myself until I'm
more confidant in self-rescues, braces, etc etc  (haven't even tried to roll
yet - still practicing with the paddlefloat).   Point being, yesterday, I
got adventuresome.....air temp dropped to high 40s, and the wind picked up
creating a much larger chop on the water than I've been in before (in a
Kayak, anyway) - chop big enough for some nice white caps! I realize that
this is a walk in the park for most of you, but it was a new experience for
me.  Once I got over the first 30 minutes of white knuckles, I had a BLAST
playing in the chop!!!!!  It certainly isn't the big waves, surf, and storm
paddling that I hear about on this list, but I'm beginning to see what the
rush is for that sort of thing!

Biggest lesson learned....GO BUY A SPRAY SKIRT!!!!!!   Second biggest
lesson....... watch the incoming swells and chop within about 10 yards of
the boat, not the activity 100 yards away on shore. Didn't swamp myself, but
it felt close for a second or two :-)

.....just thought I'd share my weekend "digging it" experience as well.

I'm about to leave on a mini hiking vacation on the Blue Ridge Parkway until
Thursday night.  See you on the list Friday.

Rick (.....Virginia)  
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