[Paddlewise] Stick paddle

Having broken another paddle at last weeks practice session, I decided I
ought to get my Greenland paddle up and working. Like most projects I start,
it had been sitting in my garage 3/4 finished since I last took it out. I
had hacked it up a bit since my first try, as it was just too beefy, so I
spent last night hewing away in earnest. Must of whittled off another 10
ounces, so now it's nice and light and ready to join my quiver of other
broken paddles.

I hit the water around 9 this morning. The start of school and a cool
morning made for small crowds on the Island. I'll be sorry when I finally
coat the GP, as watching the wood change color on its first dipping of a
paddle is a treat. It didn't take long to get used to paddling with it again
and I made good time out of the harbor.

My main concern with a GP is I have a rather considerable mass and when
playing around rocks and such, sometimes you like to have the ability to
really pour on some speed to avoid certain conditions. I don't feel too
limited with my GP, but sometimes every little bit helps. Today's conditions
were rather mild, so I didn't have too much concern.

I only spent a little time behind BAR, as I always get nervous when divers
show up with spear guns! I know I must be a sissy, but when they come up to
reload, I can just envision an errant shot ruining my day.

Thought I might run into some CKFs returning from earlier morning jaunts,
but was disappointed. It was just me and the Garibaldi sharing the crystal
clear water of Crystal Cove. Even the beach was mostly deserted. Just the
occasional jogger to ooh and aah at me as I took another wave in the face
playing by the shore. After playing in the waves for a while I went and hung
out in the swells rolling in to Baby Cave Cove and then decided to call it a
day. I had planned to try some GP rolling in the harbor, but the cold water
temps today dissuaded me. It's getting to that time when you need to put on
the rubber to play upside down anymore!

Mark
www.sandmarks.net
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