[Paddlewise] Sapsuckersighting

Ten people were waiting at the Coast Guard beach this morning probably
wondering where the host was. Ken had decided to launch with me at the
Secret Beach and so got to see my new boat, which I had hoped to spring on
everybody at the CG beach. I had just bought the boat on Saturday and spent
the evening moving the seat back and inch and a half, but could still barely
get my feet on the pegs. Ken had some ambitious plans, so it probably wasn't
a good day for a maiden voyage, but what the hey. So the Lollygagger stayed
at home.

At CGB, we had time to chat and Henry was surprised to hear I couldn't get
my feet on my pegs. He's 6'2" or so with the same boat and when he tried
mine, he didn't have any trouble. It might have something to do with me
owning a pair of size 13 feet though.

Our large group decided to take charge of the middle of the channel on our
way out, so it was good traffic was at a minimum. Despite being a bit snug,
I was feeling good in the Sapsucker(as in yellow bellied) and I liked the
way it responded to leans. I got the feeling that I was getting a bit more
torso rotation, although that may be a figment of my imagination.

Ken led us all far out to sea in search of the Grays and after a while my
cramped legs started to complain. I'd alternately take one foot off, but it
wasn't that easy to get them back on. When we turned to head home, the coast
looked very far away. Not everyone stayed together on the way home and while
the main group headed for Abalone Point, I decided to head a bit north to
Crystal cove. I headed straight on to the beach to stretch my legs and wait
for the rest to make their way north. I rejoined the group, but stayed
inside the surf zone for the trip home. I put the Sapsucker through it paces
dodging sneaker waves and getting side surfed a couple time. I felt pretty
confident with the more maneuverability of my new boat and found myself
getting ever closer to the reefs. I seemed to hear an occasional gasp from
the peanut gallery whenever I seemed to be engulfed by a way, but there was
no real carnage. We made our maiden voyage through BAR and then made the
long slog back to the harbor. I was happy to find a nice roomy chair for
lunch at the Fireside.

---The Sapsucker is a yellow plastic Tempest 170. Although slower and
heavier than the Lollygagger, it has the maneuverability and rolling
characteristics I was looking for in a new boat. Most of my paddles are
rather short, shore hugging affairs, so I think this boat may just be the
ticket. The Lollygagger will probably be looking for a new home!

Mark

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