Re: [Paddlewise] Good deal on used gear?

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Fox" <jsfox_at_cisco.com>
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Good deal on used gear?
<snip>

> I thought we would
> just play around on the kayaks this summer on nearby lakes, then
> sell the kayaks when we set off for the bike trip (hopefully
> most of the other gear would be worth keeping for later use).
<snip>
> But a few people have mentioned that this boat would be
> difficult to learn to roll, and that Gore-Tex spray skirts
> aren't the most sea-worthy.  Maybe this wouldn't be the best
> setup for a summer of learning?  Although I also doubt the
> used sea-kayak market is as good here as it is near the sea!

John,
You, sir, are a perfect cadidate for learning whitewater kayaking!  If you
want to improve your boat-handling skills to expedition level
(sea-kayaking), whitewater kayaking is the absolute quickest (and funnest)
method.  Living in Colorado, you are in the midst of a very large whitewater
scene, and you shouldn't have any trouble finding quality instruction this
Spring.  Also, whitewater boats are dirt cheap and ideal for learning to
roll and basic boat handling and rescue skills.  Then plan on taking a basic
sea kayaking (seamanship) course in NZ, and amaze the feelthy rudder-lovers
with your skill ;-)

There are couple of great message boards with midwest specific whitewater
kayaking info, www.boatertalk.com and www.mountainbuzz.com.  Both have  very
good reception of inquisitive newbies, but also a lower signal-noise ratio
than PW.

I could go on and on about the benefits of spending even just a couple of
days in a river kayak, but I'll spare the good denizens of PW'ise this time
:)

BTW, I still don't think that deal is very good.  I seriously doubt you
would have much luck self-taught with it.  Better to get a couple of cheap
whitewater kayaks and learn in those.

Good luck,
Kevin

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