4th Hatch

The Cetus features, as many of you know, a fourth hatch located just ahead of the cockpit. As sea kayakers, we all know that it is a no-no to open the forward or rear hatch while on the water. To do so is an invitation to disaster and a Cleopatra's Needle. So, along came the day hatch, a smaller compartment located just behind, on he left, of the paddler. Smaller, opening it only risks taking on a small amount of water, albeit amid ship where it would not be much of a problem. In high seas, however, paddlers inexperience in Yoga or pretzel bending may have some trouble getting to it. The stage is set for the 4th hatch.

My first concern was that my knees would be constantly banging into it. No such problem as the space it takes below deck is actually beyond my knees. the only problem is that I lost my favorite place to hang my pump. I don't believe it will go behind the seat (I just bought a new pump and haven't tried to put it there), and it is not skinny enough to go between the hull and the seat support. I do not want to carry it on deck where it is in the way and can be washed off.

So, I am happy to report that I have not yet solved all the problems of life. Who said, Duct Tape?"

Paddle safe...
DS

Ah Yes, I Remember

This pic was taken almost 5 years ago and reminds me of what is coming up for us paddlers on Lake Michigan. We never had a real summer this year. On the other hand, it has been fairly mild this fall with rare temperatures down to freezing at night.

But as I sit here with my many layers and wait for the house to warm up a bit, I am reminded of the frayed gasket on the right sleeve of my dry suit that needs attention (duck tape has worked up until now, but the water will be getting seriously cold soon enough). I'm also taking stock of my layers and supply of fleece clothes.

Looking at my calendar, I was surprised to see that pool sessions start in a few weeks. I am looking forward to the warm water in which to get a good feel for the Cetus' secondary stability point and do some rolling. I also want to see if, with the wider back deck, I will have more success using a cowboy or rodeo re entry.

Just a matter of time and the snow will fall. Then ice will begin lining the shore making launching and recovery a whole sport unto itself. Oh well, Lady Linda and I got a bargain price on a cruise in January.

Paddle safe...
DS

Group Integrity

It can drive a trip leader nuts. Keeping a group together, that is. Even on our unofficial Sunday morning paddles we have folks suddenly disappearing or going off by themselves for a brief time. Since we are not an "official" group, a sort of live and let live attitude predominates. So far, so good.

But it is getting colder up hear, and survival times in the water will quickly drop over the next few months. Now I always think in terms of taking care of myself and continually (well, mostly in warmer times) practice my self rescue skills as well as rescuing others. Still, as I get older and the water gets colder I find comfort in knowing I am amidst others with similar skills.

In the October, 2009 issue of Atlantic Coastal Kayaker (thanks JB) Wayne Horodowich (founder of the University of Sea Kayaking) has a nice article, Group Paddling Creed, that takes on this very problem. Core to what he has to say is the necessity for members of the group to agree on what they are about (I paraphrase) and what is expected of each paddler. He talks about being on time, pace of travel, equipment expected and other essentials to making the group experience enjoyable and safe.

'nuff said.

Paddle safe...DS

'Tween Time

It's not winter here--yet, and it sure as heck isn't summer any more. It's 'tween time. Okay, I know some of you want to tell me that it is fall or autumn, that time of year when the trees are in various stages of shedding their foliage. But, at least to me, fall is that pretty part of the year that flashes by at the end of summer. It is that time when shockingly beautiful colors decorate all the trees. Then there is usually a rainstorm or two and, suddenly, it's 'tween time.You can see it in the steely sky and feel it when deciding how to dress to paddle. The water is below 50 F, and dry suits are the dress of the day. Still, the air temp is often 5-10 degrees higher, so plan on sweating bullets while hoping you don't fall into the drink. Soon enough it will be time to take out the heavier neoprene mittens and think about a head covering that shields the nose from the wind.

It's a little like those 'tween years that fall somewhere just after puberty and are over (for some of us) by age 20. It's hard to define, but you know it when you see it...and, it can be difficult to tolerate.

Paddle safe...
DS

Cetus Joins The Fleet

While waiting for my new skeg control, I decided to go out in the Cetus with the skeg up. Seeing the boat on shore, I realized that her weather cocking tendencies are due, in part, to the amount of rocker seen above (the pavement on the left is a bit lower and emphasizes the look of the amount of rocker). The boat did seem easier to control as I've gotten more used to how much sweep and edging is required as compared to my Romany (which wouldn't have required any in these conditions). I am wondering if adding ballast would make her track better.In any event, after our usual military-like line up near the shore......we had ourselves a nice paddle, catching some nice rollers when we cleared the south end of the breakwater. All returned to shore safely......including those in the witness protection program.

Paddle safe...
DS

I picked up the Optio that I bad-mouthed in a previous blog...and it works.

Paddle safe...
DS

Enough, Already

I'm Calling In a Consultant

Paddle safe...
DS

No Point, Really

It's just that this is the first morning of the season that I've gone out (in the dark) to get the morning paper and found ice on the windshield of my car. Winter is coming, and I needed a little picture of warmer weather to ground me.

Paddle safe...
DS