[Paddlewise] Odds and Ends

Just a few comments on a variety of subjects.

I have done a quite few swims (learning to kayak and roll) in cold white
water.  I always come up and gasp for air, but I know this will happen, so
when I come up I take a deep breath and hold it.  This usually reduces or
eliminates the gasp, works really well for me. I made a couple unexpected
visit in Colorado river in the Grand Canyon  this summer, unfortuantely my
raft wouldn't roll ;-). The water is about 47 degrees so I got a good gasp
out of both flips, but I was ready.

On the Chota subject I own a pair of the thick soled Chotas with laces.
They are great on rocks and I never take camp slippers anymore because they
are so comfortable.  They fit in my Kayak but that is not true for everyone.

I also own an AT crank shaft paddle, and really like it.  I have severe
arthritis and this paddle is easy on the joints so I recommend it for people
with joint or carpal tunnel problems.

Interesting comments on the fish stocks.  I am deeply immersed in that
subject(big grin).  I will keep my comments brief, but having worked with
endangered fish stocks for the past 10 years it has been interesting
watching the court decisions on the Endangered Species Act.  Unfortunately
the litigation has gained little except better paperwork.  The recent
de-listing of coho salmon here in Oregon may allow some real work to be
accomplished, because the Biologists have been mired down with endless
report writing. Unfortunately the de-listing will likely encourage more
fishing of depleted stocks.

Lastly thanks to all that commented on making a kayak "visible" to radar,
excellent helpful comments as usual.  Also thanks for the comments on the
trekers tarp, I did purchase one I'll let you know how it works in Baja.
Incidentally I bought some interesting poles for the tarp.  I saw some golf
ball retrievers, the poles are telescoping and extend to 12 feet, they seem
to be quite sturdy and pack down to about 40 inches. -- MZ

website:
http://members.home.net/mzuschlag


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