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From: <Blankibr_at_aol.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] New to Paddling
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 01:34:20 EST
Richard,
this does not sound bad, but personally I would rather have a more efficient 
touring (sea) kayak than a flat water (recreational) boat like the Pongo.  If 
that is your price point, and you are not interested in purchasing a used 
touring boat for around the same money, just make sure you have adequate 
floatation in the Pongo.

If you go with a touring boat, get a shorter paddle.

I have not used Kokotat PFDs but they make quality stuff.  The Locean is an 
excellent PFD.

Brian Blankinship

Hey all, I'm new to the sport of flatwater Kayaking and I wanted to throw
some equipment out at ya to see what you thought...

Wilderness Systems Pungo
Werner Mid-Tour 230cm Paddle
Either Kokatat OutFit Tour or Lotis Designs Locean PDF
Wilderness Systems Spray Skit
Emergency Rescue Kit (whistle, paddle float, sponge, and pump)

I'm mostly going to be paddling flat water, creeks, rivers, shallow coast
lines, and inland lakes about twice a week.  Do you have any recommended
changes in either gear or approach?

Oh and I've already taken two levels of Sea Kayak instruction from a school
so I feel pretty comfortable with safely and how to get in and out of the
boat on both dry land and in the water.

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From: <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] New to Paddling
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 10:11:28 -0500
> Hey all, I'm new to the sport of flatwater Kayaking and I 
> wanted to throw
> some equipment out at ya to see what you thought...
> 
> Wilderness Systems Pungo
> Werner Mid-Tour 230cm Paddle
> Either Kokatat OutFit Tour or Lotis Designs Locean PDF
> Wilderness Systems Spray Skit
> Emergency Rescue Kit (whistle, paddle float, sponge, and pump)

Welcome to Paddling!  I've been a paddler for just over 2 years and on this list almost as long.... if you want to learn, you are definitely at the right place.  These folks have been a wealth of knowledge for me and have taught me a great deal.  Plus, it's just a fun bunch to talk and listen to - even the disagreements are educational and fun  :-)

Before you start getting lots of responses, here's a few more questions that may help folks answer you, and may help you think about what you really want....

BOATS - are you looking for speed, stability, maneuverability, playfulness, a combination or what?  Are you going to do overnight tours, weeklong tours?  Do you want to fish from it or take lots of nature photos?  What is your height and weight?  Will you be out in wind, waves and swell, or just totally calm situations?

PADDLE - how tall are you and how wide is the Pungo? And do you want short bursts of speed or long periods of casual paddling?  

PFD - how much gear do you intend to keep "on you", ie: number and size of pockets and ability to add attachments.  Of course, the most important factor will be "fit".

RESCUE KIT - all good stuff, but don't let the term "rescue kit" lull you into thinking that the contents are all you need.  Depending on where you go, when you go, water temps, wind etc. there will be other stuff to consider, such as VHF radios, Flares, Smoke, Strobe Lights, etc etc etc.  It can be a hefty list and the idea is to tailor it to your needs.....  just don't think that the "kit" covers all the bases.

Incidentally, what part of the world are you paddling?

Rick - Poquoson, VA

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From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New to Paddling
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 18:00:50 EST
Rich wrote: Hey all, I'm new to the sport of flatwater Kayaking and I wanted 
to throw
some equipment out at ya to see what you thought...

Wilderness Systems Pungo
Werner Mid-Tour 230cm Paddle
Either Kokatat OutFit Tour or Lotis Designs Locean PDF
Wilderness Systems Spray Skit
Emergency Rescue Kit (whistle, paddle float, sponge, and pump)

Enjoy it. Get real good with it. But, realize that many of us have little in 
our kit we started with. I think I'm still using my Lotus PFD but that is 
about it.
 Welcome!
Rob Gibbert
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From: Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] New to Paddling
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 10:58:45 -0800 (PST)
I'm 6'-6", and like a 220cm paddle.  Boat width also makes a
difference, though--I paddle a 21" boat, but I still like a 220 or 225
in a 24" boat.

shawn

Jennifer Pivovar <kayak_at_headwinds.org> wrote:
>The only other thing that I would have changed, had I
>known then what I know now, is I would get a shorter
>paddle.  Unless you're REALLY tall.

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