[Paddlewise] A Vague Sense of Unease

I have noticed in myself a vague sense of unease over the past few months
and put it down to the economy. Well that was cleared up this morning when I
was assured by a former Senator that economic woes are all in my head. I
feel better about *that* now. But there is still that feeling.

The symptoms were difficult to categorize but there were a few clues.

1. I no longer update craigslist every few minutes;
2. I no longer cruise craigslist in Alaska, California and Oregon;
3. Ebay has not crossed my web browser in months;
4. When I go to paddling.net I read the "places to paddle" and the stories
and not the kayak reviews and classifieds;
5. As I read through my Sea Kayaker I smirk at the test reports and turn to
the safety and paddling stories; and,
6. I'm no longer tempted to test paddle boats at the various kayaking
seminars.

This morning I was shocked when I suddenly realized the truth. I don't want
another kayak! After 35 years of thinking about my "next" boat, I understood
that I have enough of them and I'm mighty pleased with them. The vague sense
of unease I've been feeling must be guilt over not being the consumer I'm
sure my government wants me to be. But I've done my part. Well, mostly at
least. I have a "quiver" of kayaks for every conceivable purpose. I
shouldn't feel guilty.

What I finally came to understand this morning is that two of my kayaks fit
me - and 90% of my kayaking - like a glove. They're quick, responsive,
maneuverable, and still track when I want them to. Either of them can play
in surf or rock gardens but one does it better than the other. Either can be
loaded for an overnighter or weekend but one does it better than the other.
Either can be loaded pretty easily onto my Kia's roof rack but one does it
better than the other. I could live with either of these kayaks if I had no
other boat but having both of them is like getting dessert for every meal in
the day. (Mmmm.... chocolate.)

Oh, I have other kayaks to be sure. One expedition-style cruiser that is
roomy, comfortable, pretty responsive for its size and capable of carrying a
load. But my tastes in paddling have changed and I don't need a load-carrier
unless I have to take along wheels (very handy for using the ferries). So
most of the time that boat is used by my son when he wants to come along.

I have one high-volume plastic white water kayak that is perfect for rock
gardens in surf. That boat doesn't get used much simply because the nearest
rock gardens in surf are a minimum of 8 hours drive away. And I have to
drive past some really sweet cruising grounds to get there. But I'm not
going to sell it. It's small enough to just keep handy just in case I might
want it. Why let it go?

The only possible additions to my fleet would include a nice folder; a
Folbot or Feathercraft (and I know some P'wisers cringe at putting those two
names in the same sentence) would be nice. I had a double Folbot 30 years
ago and put hundreds of miles on it and a Feathercraft in a backpack is
tempting. And a SOF or low volume fun boat would also be nice. But I don't
sit around dreaming about them. My dreamboats sit right outside my door.

Of course, to be a real asset to the economy we should probably all buy our
kayaks brand new from the manufacturer or the retailer and I must admit to a
certain backsliding in that regard. I've bought some of my most beloved
boats from craigslist. But I have also bought boats from retailers. I figure
that buying a second-hand boat gives that paddler the cash to go out and buy
another kayak that would fit him/her better. Or the cash for a new PFD or
drysuit.

So this morning, as I gaze at my two favorite kayaks sitting ready for
almost any adventure next to my fence I smile to myself. My wife can finally
relax. I know that - at least for now - I have enough kayaks.

Of course, I could always use a new paddle.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************