"Hey" everyone. Well, 2004 is almost over. I was just curious to know how your paddling year went? Mine stunk. Work and family issues kept me largely off the water. I logged (yes, I keep a paddling log) only 8 outings. From memory, that's only about 43 hours of time, and I think the mileage was only about 75 nautical miles. In my 5 years of paddling, that's the worst year ever. So, how was your year? Anybody reach any milestones, finally achieve a personal goal, take that trip you've been dreaming of for so long , perfect a stroke, finally learn to roll, etc??????? Let's hear about your year, and particularly about your accomplishments. Rick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Wed, 8 Dec 2004 10:09:13 -0500, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com said: > So, how was your year? Anybody reach any milestones, finally achieve a > personal goal, take that trip you've been dreaming of for so long , > perfect a stroke, finally learn to roll, etc??????? Let's hear about > your year, and particularly about your accomplishments. No epic journeys for me. I spent several hours paddling my surf ski parallel to breaking waves, little 1 foot waves, in shallow water. I'm now reasonably comfortable, on the surf ski, in clapotis or busy harbor slop - mixed with 2-3 foot waves. What's comfortable with a sit inside kayak changes when you are on boat with nothing to brace your knees against. I added a couple of rolls at the Mystic Arctic Kayak weekend - spine roll and 2 behind the neck rolls. I want a greenland style kayak bad.... Even better than those two was when my 8 year old took canoe lessons at camp and he decided that I knew more than his camp councilors. He actually ASKED for some canoeing instruction. This culminated with my 4 and 8 year olds paddling the canoe back to a launch site, without my helping (except to brace when a motorboat went by), it was only a half mile, but you've got to start somewhere.... Kirk -- Kirk Olsen *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>On Wed, 8 Dec 2004 10:09:13 -0500, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com said: > > > >>So, how was your year? >> Lemme see....2004 in a nutshell: Enrolled in an advanced rolling course that turned out to be an advanced Greenland rolling class. I had never even touched a GP until that class. It was both fun and embarrassing being the worst student in the class. Went home and made a bunch of GPs. I surfed the snot out of my Pyranha sit on top and can even roll that tub well. Ran into dolphins mating off Tybee Island GA. Accidently ended up in the middle of them. They weren't happy with that and seemed a bit aggressive. I guess I would be too. Took my nine year old kayak fishing and she caught a bunch of fish. I was the designated tow boy, bait boy and dehooker of fish. She was the fishergirl and cheering section. Taught a VERY talented hardcore WW kayaker to sea kayak and had a blast doing it. Took her out in some crazy confused water and even got her to wet exit once. Met Cheri Perri and chatted for a while. She liked my boat (You hear that Ronnie!). Broke and fixed a boat. Watched my wife actually use the kayak I made for her and really enjoy floating in the Keys. No paddling, just floating. Went to sleep under a meteor filled sky while kayak camping. No complaints, just compliments to the kayak gods. Except maybe about the busted boat. Jim et al *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Paddled past a caribou. Had another terrific year coaching my 25 person breast cancer survivor dragon boat crew. These folks are my heros. Had several trips out to the incredibly beautiful Victoria Island and a trip out to the raised cobble beaches of Detention Island, both without encountering anyone. Came across an elderly couple in the woods near Neys and stayed the night in their cabin, listening to tales of multi-month trips in northern Labrador. Gave a talk at the Rossport Sea Kayak Symposium on the Waterkeeper initiative. Went south of the border to raced a six-person outrigger in what has since been described as "a stock car race in canoes." Nobody died. A good time was had by all. Can't wait for next year. While setting safety on the moving water section of a eco-challenge, I led a friend into burying his truck in the mud an hours drive from nowhere and having to walk out -- only to be picked up by blonde triplets who had traveled from New Brunswick to northern Ontario to visit a sled dog they had adopted but were not taking delivery of for a few more years. A very odd day. Crunched the thin sheen of ice at sunrise on Superior while paddling past blue-white ice-flows. As with previous years, refereed a dragon boat race that after all expenses raised over $100K for charity, and refereed youth dragon boat race that put hundreds of kids into canoes. Had one of those perfect little day trips working our way down a friendly river with other wild water paddling instructors. A no worries day on a run in the sun. Had some lovely evening paddles in the sprint kayak. Telemarked about on Superior behind a double traction kite wont be too long until I can do it again! Richard Culpeper http://my.tbaytel.net/culpeper/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
An interesting year it's been, paddlewise. There was a lot paddling done from May through August. Arthur Hebert and I finished up an 8 month major home renovation/addition we had begun last year after phase 1 of La Costa Del Golfo (Gulf of Mexico coast paddle from Louisiana to the Caribbean). As soon as we got everything painted and varnished, the trash moved out of the yard and our household stuff moved inside, we left Janell, my wife, at home to unpack and sort out gear then we drove down to Key West for a three month paddle back up the GOM coastline to Louisiana (Phase 2 of LCDG). Three months of extraordinarily beautiful and delightful US coastline it was. No, we didn't make a kayak crossing from the Yucatan to the Florida Keys as we had originally planned. This has been a source of chagrin for us both. It was certainly the crux move, paddlewise, and our failure to do it as we had claimed we would caused a lot of personal pain for a long time. To complete a difficult 4 1/2 month (phase 1) kayak trip with feelings of nothing but disappointment and failure is a crying shame. Had we more confidence in the open ocean/surf capabilities of our Nigel Dennis voyager-rigged Greenlander Pros, we might have done it but, regardless, there were other complications that made that particular paddlebit unwise. It is fortunate that Arthur had to quit his job in order to make the trip. My wife consulted an architect in our Phase 1 absence and got great ideas for a major home overhaul -something she and I had long considered since I first talked her into moving with me into a converted garage/workshop home-wannabe that I had begun working on '98. Now, we have an incredible house, La Costa Del Golfo is over, and my paddling has recommenced. I paddled for an hour and a half yesterday evening around a local lake, shallow enough near its shoreline to make for hard stroking at speed. It was a great workout and a good place to be -on the water again, that is. I still have not entered onto our website (www.lascostadelgolfo.com) pics of the last two weeks of LCDG but hope to go through all the pics and get more posted soon. In the meantime, it is good to be back amongst the paddling. Larry Koenig Louisiana *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I think I got out fewer times than Rick, though (or because) I accomplished a lot around the house. However, I rolled 60 times on my 60th birthday, and the last week in July through the first week in August, Linda and I paddled and camped from Silver Islet at the tip of the Sibley Peninsula to Rossport, Ontario. Though we saw more powerboats and sailboats than at Pukaskwa, we very much enjoyed the trip, as this is surely one of the most scenic routes on Lake Superior. Especially with mild winds at your back. This is not a route for a large group, as many of the places we camped were narrow strips of beach between the water and the typical thick tangle of trees. One of our favorite places was a narrow rocky terrace in a 50-ft wide cleft in the rock. BTW, on this trip we tried a couple of ideas from Paddlewise. The first was to drill a hole in our skegs and tie a loop of cord through each. This helped to pull the skegs down the few times they jammed. After one of the loops untied itself, I put a figure-eight knot in either end. That worked just as well, if not better. If it added any drag, it was too small to notice at our usual pace (3.2 mph, according to my GPS). The other idea we tried was to carry a section of pool noodle on each afterdeck to use as a roller when landing and launching. I chose a pool noodle rather than an inflatable fender because of its smaller size and readiness. The rollers worked well at first -- well enough to carry again -- but gradually deteriorated as they stuck in sand and the weight of the loaded kayak sliding over them crushed the cells. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
What a great lead! How was 2004? When you get to paddle all year 'round in warm water, it may not be a big thing, but us northern kayakers, who paddle where the water gets good and hard in the winter, can really appreciate our accomplishments! My year consisted of more paddles than ever and two great trips. The first was circumnavigating Manitoulin Island in northern Lake Huron. This was a wonderful paddle in what seemed like pristine wilderness. I say that because thousands of people live on the island, but almost no one lives on or visits the coasts so you experience wilderness solitude only a few miles from civilization. It also was a first trip with a new paddling friend and it looks like there will be lots more coming up. We've got big plans! We followed up the Island tour with a smaller trip to Algonguin Park in Ontario. I found the park comparatively crowded, but still enjoyable. This was my first trip using my skin-on-frame qajaq. It being a very low volume boat, it isn't a great tripping boat, but still the few days we were out were great fun. Next year... ah, next year! Best wishes everyone! Michael Bradley *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Rick wrote >So, how was your year? G'day Rick and Paddlewise, I paddled less than usual, once a week instead of twice, but seemed to do a bit more with the time. Moved from a Pawlatta to something like a screw roll and was amazed to find it was easier. Turns out that because of my long arms the paddle was hardly being used at all for the Pawlatta roll except at the very end. Consequently my hip flick was way better than expected. Also used a paddle float to get the hang of an offside roll and made it on the first attempt without the float. Normally I'm a bit of a klutz when trying to lean new technique so very happy with this. Paddled between some of the Bass Strait Islands, breath takingly wild (both the water and the scenery). Maybe one day I'll make it across Bass Strait by kayak like some of my mates. Was unexpectedly awarded a Sea Leader certificate on account of various trips I had led, which were observed by the club. This was a pleasant suprise even though this qualification is the lowest rung of the ladder for leading organised trips in Oz. Moved from a Rudder to a Skeg, glory be what a revelation! Found the rudder had been more of a hindrance than a help for my particular boat. Same goes for the skeg except in big following sea and wind when its wonderful. Learn't to repair the Skeg! So a good year for me, but would have been glad to be on the water twice a week rather than once. Maybe I'll surf better next year. All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Twas a good year I must say. I got out at least once a week from March on through fall. Found some secret places I will be glad to share. Unfortunately I have not been out as much lately due to too many cold, rainy, windy days. My son and I took two seperate week long trips and I enjoyed watching him mature as a paddler. Saw lots of whales including a couple closer than I wanted. Add bears, sea lions, seals and sea birds and it was a good year for wildlife viewing. Joined some winter whales for a night paddle under a spectacular Northern Lights display. Finished my book but unfortuantely haven't got a publisher to bite yet. I will keep trying. happy paddling Bob *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at 10:09 AM, <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com> wrote: > Work and family issues kept > me largely off the water. While I didn't do as much paddling as I might have liked (who does?), I've taken some steps this year to make it easier to take the family along with me. I bought a four place kayak trailer so I can take my sons (13 and 11 years) and a friend or two of theirs along on modest day trips. Also, I can leave my kayak on the trailer and avoid the (admittedly minor) hassle of loading and unloading the kayak before and after trips. It is also great to not have to lift my boat onto the car racks (sigh, that sounds almost pathetic). The second exciting thing is I have started construction of a strip built kayak with my older son, as he is out-growing our Umiak; a good way to spend the off season in Vermont (when he isn't snow boarding). - Bill H. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Some years are better than others; this was a pretty good one. I finally made it up to Alaska, where I spent 10 days touring the west arm of Glacier Bay by myself. That broke the tripometer. At the end of the summer I went to a Qajaq USA paddling weekend in northern Michigan where I got to try Dubside's rope gymnastics and I watched Dubside run through his Greenland rolling repertoire--in a 24" Feathercraft, mind you. Continued refining my paddlemaking technology. In between, pleasant local paddles in Georgian Bay and Lake Michigan. Ended the season with a new Snapdragon sprayskirt that allows almost endless rolling practice with minimal leakage. Tom *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I had a great year paddling! I moved from Deep Creek, MD to Corpus Christi, TX in late 2003 and ran into some exceptional kayakers like Ken Johnson and Mark Arnold who taught me more than I ever have expected to know about paddling. In Corpus, I paddled daily with Ken until I met the woman of my dreams. Too late, I realized that her regimen of television, smoking and eating didnt allow time for regular exercise and kayaking. For a few months, I was lucky to be able to paddle on the weekends that I wasnt expected to go to shopping malls or slave around her house with desultorily assigned projects like painting porches, planting shrubs, mowing the lawn and washing the car. One day in April, 2004, the love fog lifted and I packed the kayaks, a case of beer and a couple of Tshirts into my pickup (the early morning jailbreak took less than 2 hours with the assistance of my kayaking buddy, Ken) and I beat feet across the Mexican border. Here in Veracruz, I have met a lot of wonderful people and the kayaking is great! I live half a block from the beach and can carry my boat to the water. I paddle in the Gulf of Mexico from various beaches to nearby islands for workouts or relaxation or snorkeling and in the rivers (no whitewater) that feed into the Gulf. I love the Mexican people and their culture. The wonders never cease here in Eastern Mexico for kayakers. I have raced my kayak in a lake where there is an island populated with the only monkeys in the world that have adapted in order to dive to catch fish to eat. Cortez landed in the Veracruz area and found Malinche near here. There are ancient Olmec and Mayan kayak routes to discover, and there were hundreds of 15th century shipwrecks in the area. It seems that every day, thanks to kayaking, I learn something new about Mesoamerica, its descendants, and the Spanish Conquest. 2005 will be my last year in my 50s and I will be paddling at least 4 days a week and will continue to work on rolling, edging, rescues, strokes and take a BCU course. In March, I am going with a couple of friends to paddle from the Pacific to the Atlantic in a kayak race through the Panama Canal. In May, I am planning a long weekend exploring Sumidero Canyon by kayak. In June, I plan on camping for a week on the Carribean coast of Mexico just north of Belize. Jeff Van Cott http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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