[Paddlewise] New to Paddling (my response)

Not to confuse anyone, but I've decided to use a different account for this
mailing list then I originally signed up so rcasale_at_apa.org is
richcasale_at_comcast.net just a different account.

I've received several response to my original post about me being new to
paddling.  I'd like to thank those of you who have responded and wish to
answer some of your questions as well as to state some of the things I
neglected to state in my original post.

Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com - Thanks for welcoming me Rick, I've been looking
around for a good list of people who can help me out with some of my initial
decisions and who can help fill me in on some of the more subjective yet
important aspects of paddling.

Rick asked me about the type of boat I felt I wanted and which qualities I
was looking for most in my first boat.  To answer this I'll explain where I
live and the type of water I plan on being on.  I live in Crofton, MD.  I'm
about 15 minutes away from Annapolis Maryland--land of the Chesapeake,
several feeder rivers, and many streams that run into those rivers.  Around
my particular location and in parts of Northern Virginia, where I used to
live, there are many flat-water lakes and streams that weave and bob through
the area.  Basically what I'm hoping to do is to be able to get out on a
Sunday morning and paddle around some of these water ways for a few hours
(less then 5) to get some exercise, do some fishing, take some pictures, and
see what can be found.  I want to be able to relax on the water.  I'm in no
hurry to get anywhere and I am not interested in becoming an expert at the
Eskimo role.

As I've indicated in my first post I have take a beginner and advanced sea
kayaking class in a 17 foot boat so I'm familiar with how these boats handle
and I have done rolls successfully.  I am not interested in camping out of a
boat, nor will I be doing any multi-day trips with a boat.  I want something
that's small enough to carry and put on my car, that's wide enough so I
won't tip over whenever I want to look over my shoulder or if I want to
reach around behind me for something stored behind the seat.  I'd like
something that's very maneuverable and can turn easily but not at the
expense of good tracking.  I'd also like my girlfriend to be able to get
into the boat and paddle without the fear of being stuck in it when it turns
over or being too difficult for her to paddle, and I'd like the cockpit to
be large enough so that I can fit her little girl in there as well so with
two singles the three of us can go paddling for a little bit.

For the record I am 6'2' tall and weight 180lbs.

For this reason the Wilderness Systems Pungo seemed like the right choice
for me.  So many people were recommending this boat and when I actually sit
in it--compared with all the other boats I've tried--it seem to fit my scale
properly.  I even brought my little girl along and had her sit in front of
me while I was in the boat too.

As for the paddle I get widely conflicting views so this is one of those
areas I need the greatest amount of help in.  Several people tell me that a
240cm paddle is what I want and others say a 230cm, some even smaller.  I
know I want a touring blade and I'm pretty happy with the Werner Mid-tour
good price/quality/construction/weight but what I need to figure out is
given the fact that the Pungo is 29" wide at it's widest point and the fact
that I'm more of a low-angle peddler then a high angle peddler which size is
right for me?

What would really help me is to understand how length and paddle angle
affect things like speed accelerations, etc.

Rcgibbert_at_aol.com - thanks for welcoming me to the list as well.  Your
commend about you not having any of the things you started out with is very
true.  I'm trying to start small and flexible and see where it takes me.  I
tend to be the type of person who does stuff 110% full-steam ahead.  My
motto is "anything worth doing is worth over doing".  The only problem is
that I am almost married now so I have to consider costs and time.  I don't
know what aspects of paddling will appeal to me most.  I figured I would
start with a boat that did what I wanted and was something that I could
either sell or give to my girlfriend for her and her little girl to paddle
in after I got something better--whatever that might be.  All hobbies are
evolutionary.  You start with nothing and go up from there--knowledge
included.  The more you learn the more you want to do, the  more you want to
do, the better you gear gets.

kayak_at_headwinds.org - Jennifer thanks for all the info but I have a question
for you.  Why did you stay away from the recreational boats.  What it a
question of hull design and efficiency or were you more interested in
long-distance paddling and open water paddling?

jaf30_at_cornell.edu - The Werner Mid-Tour is a fiberglass paddle--shaft and
all.  I hear a lot of talk about spring or snap in the paddle versus the
really stiff carbon that offers little in the way of give.  What is your
take on this?  Do I want spring or snap in my stroke.  How easily perceived
is this and how crucial to my day on the water will this become.  To answer
you other questions, most of the time I'll be paddling alone, once in a
while with my girlfriend and her little girl.  At first I hope to paddle on
clear days, but I have been in the water during heavy rain storms and I love
it.  I ride a motorcycle every day to work and back--year around--so I know
first hand how cool it is to be out in bad weather doing something you like.
Being low to the water in a rain storm like that just make me feel like I'm
part of nature instead of fighting it.  I'm going to wait see how I take to
the whole regular paddling thing.  If it gets to the point where I JUST HAVE
TO PADDLE two days week come rain or shine--or even snow--then I'll be
getting more gear for those types of days.

Well gang thanks for your info I look forward to many more conversations
with you all and the others on the list.  Take care...
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