1/1/08 6:23pm Went out today for a nice start to the new year; my first paddle in the new boat. The long club paddle for the day cancelled, I decided to forgo the shorter group paddle and just try some rolling. My new boat isn't equipped yet to my liking for a real paddle: no electric pump and just the Rapid Pulse seat and back that it came with. I'm used to my rigid backbend, but would like to try out the back-to-basic seat for a while and see if I can adjust. The paddle to Dana Point was cancelled do to threat of wind, but the sky was blue and the flags hung from their poles--limp as last nights noodles. I hit the water earlier than I thought and was able to see the early CKF group heading out of the harbor. I headed for Pirate's Cove coated in slimy rubber to spend most of my time upside down. As I hit PC, I saw two or three dolphins hopping around in the harbor and wondered if the others got to see them on their way out. I decided for the new year, paddle be damned, I'm not worrying about doing extended paddle rolls. With my new beanie on my head-thanks to Barb-I felt ready for the chilly water. Upside down, the water was clear and I made an easy roll up. I continued having good success, so decided to try an off-side roll. Once under had no idea how to move, but was able to re-set up and roll on my good side. After a while, I took a break on the beach and climbed around on the rocks a bit, but either from the rolling or the cold, I wasn't too sturdy on my feet and decided to take it easy. Back on the water, I tried to work on my technique and pulled out a couple non-extended rolls. Missed a few as well, but was able to switch and come up. No swimming on the day other than my test wet exit on my way to the beach. On my way home, as I passed the Coast Guard beach, I heard my name called out from no where! I stopped to look around seeing no one until Henry popped up on the dock. He was waiting for Kathy and said he could just see them entering the harbor. We all headed for Fireside and lucked out finding a couple places open to stoke our furnaces. We all chatted for at least an hour; a great way to start a new year of paddle experiences. Purty Boat: http://www.sandmarks.net/graphics/PurtyBoat.jpg Self Portrait: http://www.sandmarks.net/graphics/Self.jpg Mark www.SandMarks.net !! *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Jan 01 2008 - 18:28:29 PST
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