Instructor Update:
Down to

Serious Business

This business of instructor updates and maintaining skills is a serious business, so we wasted no time getting into the nitty gritty of it all...starting with physical fitness.Once warmed up, the gaggle of instructors made a slow, coordinated (almost military-like) march to the sea (Lake Superior) where they readied themselves for complicated drills.In no time, the universal rule of "boys and girls will be boys and girls" took over as chaos and alpha behavior became the syllabus for part of the afternoon.More to follow.

Paddle safe...
DS

Back from Inland Sea

Sea Kayak Symposium

Just back from the symposium and over 900 miles on the road with JB. Fantastic time but, as I am still swamped with class and exam prep, I will just give a taste here.I want you to know that we instructors work harder than anyone else to hone our skills. So, we started a day and a half early for an instructors' update workshop presented by Living Adventures who puts on the symposium. We discussed new teaching techniques and the ones we need to let go. Then, fearlessly, we launched for an on the water/land navigation exercise.Braving all, we went about finding notes located by headings given to us. Each note took us to the next until we landed on an island and followed instructions there.
Unfortunately, some suffered severe blood loss from the misquitoe attacks on the island.

More as the week goes on.

Paddle safe...
DS

I'm back...I'm gone

Just back form giving my cardiology seminar in San Francisco. Eye dr. appt. this a.m. and exam preparation for the two classes I will be missing this week. Then there some packing and shopping that must be done before JB and I leave early Tuesday for the Inland Sea Kayak Symposium. I probably won't be posting all this week.

Paddle safe...
DS

Taking a break in here somewhere sometime(me at QAJAQ a few yrs. ago)

I'm feeling the pressure of the schedule I've set for the next few weeks and think, perhaps, I need a break. But from what?

Tonight I am giving a getting into kayaking type talk at a local shop. Tomorrow, as with all Wednesdays, I teach all day. I teach two courses at a nursing school. Normally, each course would consist of classes on two days, so I am giving the equivalent of four lectures each Wednesday. That requires prep time, lots of prep time.

Friday I leave for San Francisco to do my cardiology seminar for Physician Assistants, Nurse practitioners and generalists. I hate the travel, but I love doing the gig and meeting the people.

I will get home late on Sunday and have a few days to prepare second quarter exams for my classes. I will also need to get the exams set up and the material sent to another instructor who has graciously agreed to cover me next week. Why?

JB and I (and some others) are headed to the Inland Sea Kayak Symposium on Lake Superior, about 8 hours north of here (by car). We will likely leave Tuesday evening to cut down on the driving time Wednsday as we are going early to participate in an instructor update led by Nigel Dennis who is coming from across the pond. That will get me back home late that Sunday at which time I need to start prep for that Wednesday's two double lectures.

Bottom line is that I might not have time to post as often, but I shall return once things get back to what we call normal around here.

Paddle safe...
DS

Because It's There

Last weekend, sitting with fellow paddlers outside of Sven's, yakking about this and that, I noticed this window on the adjacent building. Having taken some photos on the water that morning, this attracted me by its color and geometry. So, I photographed it, just because it was there.Had Joe's second birthday party, had my other camera around and he was there as well. If he had it to do all over, he'd do it all over you.

Paddle safe...
DS

A Little Help From A Friend

Time was that when someone offered to help me lift my kayak onto the Blazer I would tell them thanks, but I can handle it. I felt I needed to be able to do that by myself in order to maintain my independence, especially since I often paddle alone. That was then.

Now, I am only to happy to have someone help me make the lift. Oh, I can do it just find; and sliding the boat off the car onto my shoulder still goes well. I guess it's now more about minimizing the stress on achy joints in order to maximize the length of my paddling life.

Having help available, especially for the heavy lifting, is one of the benefits of paddling with a partner or a group. So, from now on, I'll go with the song lyric, "...I get little help from my friends."

Paddle safe...
DS

Waiting for the Mailman
&
My Secret Decoder Ring

Okay. I think I've done everything right. I saved up some coins, tore off the tops of a lot of cereal boxes. put it all in an envelope, sent it all off and am sitting here waiting for the mailman to bring my new secret decoder ring. Kind of. If you are over say 40, you remember doing this...I hope.

Well I actually did save up my coins, but there were no box tops involved. I did, however, have to fill in some paper work and give up my secret decoder credit card number (that brings it into present times...but I digress). And, in fact, I am waiting for the postman, UPS guy, Fed Ex or a call from Madison to tell me that my stuff is here. In this case, however, I am waiting for a paddle and...yes...a new boat.

Which boat? You'll see when the postman guy gets here. After all, no one likes waiting alone.

Paddle safe...
DS

Meet The Paddler
Rick

It was good to see Rick on the water this past Sunday. He is relatively new to paddling, and chose to go outside (the breakwater) into 1-2 foot chops. More over, they were on the beam, something that a new paddler might find a bit scary.

I've actually known Rick for years. He is a gerontologist and was, for some time, my mother in law's doctor. He and his wife are avid bicyclists and usually do a long pedal on Sundays. They are both people you would enjoy being with as they are upbeat and friendly.

Rick and I paddled the second half back together, and I asked him if he had been comfortable on the outside. He said he had, but relaxed and let the boat do its thing. Perfect. As soon as the water warms a tad, he's going to learn to roll; and, I suspect, he will do so quickly.

Paddle safe...
DS

It's Looking Good

The future of any organization, sport or otherwise, depends on an active pipeline. New folks entering the arena and, just as important, present players stepping up to help keep things moving. With this in mind, I was happy to see a vigorous IDW class on Lake Michigan this past Sunday. It brought back memories of my IDW and ICE on these very waters.
It was also the first time my friend and mentor, JB, acted as an instructor-instructor with oak leaf clusters. Everyone on the scene was growing in knowledge and skills, and that should bode well for seeing more safe paddlers on the water.

Paddle safe...
DS

Here Come's The Judge

There's the old story about a Chicago judge who after hearing the district attorney's argument says, "You're right." The defense attorney immediately objects and states his argument on behalf of his accused client. The judge responds with, "You're right, too." At that point, a reporter says to the judge, "You have just told two people with exactly opposite arguments that they are both right, and that is not possible." The judge simply answers, "You're right, too."

Stay with me. I have had more than one posting on paddle length and the arguments for short v. long paddles. I indicated that I have ordered a 230 low angle paddle to use in place of my 220 low angle paddle (same blade). Well...I was at a local shop the other day because I had a gift certificate and, to get right to it, I walked out with a 210 high angle blade (Tybee). The surface area of the blade is on the small size and lessens the shoulder loading of paddling high angle. Sometimes it feels great, other times not so much. Only time will tell as I spend time with each.

In the mean time, I want you to know that, no matter which side of the argument you come down on, you're right, too.

Paddle safe...
DS

It's All Clear Now

I'm headed out to paddle in a few hours, and everything looks clear. Oh, there's a chance of rain, and clouds hover above; but they are clear as well.

A few years ago I had cataract surgery during which artificial lenses were substituted for the cloudy ones. A few years later, and again a few months ago, one eye got fuzzy. What happens is that epithelial (lining) cells begin to grow on the back of the implant and diffuse the light. The treatment?

A drop to numb the eye, a drop to dilate the eye and a lens to focus a yag laser beam. 3-4 zaps, a few hours for the meds to wear off and Shazam. Beautiful, crisp vision restored. What a world.

Paddle safe...
DS

After

We have a great and eclectic bunch that paddles here in the Milwaukee area on Sunday mornings. Lake Michigan has its many moods and, depending on how she is acting, different folks enjoy different challenges. So, on some of the rougher days some folks don't paddle. It is after the paddle when we all get together.

We often stop at Sven's coffee cafe located a few minutes inland of our launch site. The coffee and food is very good and the camaraderie is superb. Here stories about the paddle, past paddles and future paddles are discussed. Equipment is critiqued, and wish lists are enumerated.

It is here that we keep each other apprised of how our families are doing and how one of our ailing paddlers is coming along. In the end, it is a community of fine folks of varying backgrounds and beliefs each of whom thinks he/she is the best paddler in the group (and they are all wrong).

We miss you, Doug.

Paddle safe...
DS

It is Cold, Gray
and
There is Drizzle Outside

Besides, I have to teach all day (college, not kayaking...but I digress). Still, the day deserves at least one picture, this one from our paddle this past weekend.

Paddle safe...
DS

Yellow Is (supposed to be) Heavier

I started to repaint an old chair for my grandson. My intention was to make some of the structure red and some yellow. Well, the red went on and covered nicely (enamel paints), but the yellow didn't cover the old wood even after two coats. Apparently it takes more yellow to get the job done. More paint, more weight. Besides, everyone knows that yellow gel coat is heavier than other colors.

This being true, then why does JB's blue Romany (with two suitcases, 3 Irish Whiskey bottles, 42 aerial flares, a 5-day water supply, a tent and a sleeping bag) weigh more than my yellow Romany (with a water bottle and first aid kit)? See, physics is not an exact science and clearly does not explain everything (except the hernia I got helping JB load his boat onto his car).

(Doug, we miss you)

Paddle safe...
DS

For the guys in the 354th TFS
who didn't make it back with us,
we remember.

Paddle safe...
DS

Family

There is a rocking song called, We Are Family. It has a great beat and was running through my mind as I walked Sir Ansel this morning. It was, I presume, due to the fact that my grandchildren are coming today (along with their mothers). More over, this is Memorial Day weekend in the states, a time when we honor those who gave their lives so the rest of us might enjoy freedom and a wonderful way of life. I realized, as I walked along, that I am truly blessed, in no small part, because I have family. In fact, I have a bunch of families.

It goes without saying that Lady Linda, those two girls she birthed, the guys they married and the kids they produced, along with brothers, sisters and their spouses and off springs make up my core, biological family. These are the folks for whom I would go through fire and whom, I suspect, would come to me in a time of need.

I am also a member of the veterans' family having been on combat duty in Nam. I have a kayak family, folks I look forward to being with and to whom I trust my safety. I know we would go to one another's aid when ever needed.

I imagine I could define many other families to which I belong, and my life is enriched by each of them. Then I think how easy it is to take family for granted until one of them is lost. So, now, while we have them, perhaps we can honor our own families along with the veterans (who we no longer have in our midst). Perhaps there's someone you need to hug, give a smile or just tell, "I'm glad you're in my life."

Paddle safe...
DS

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The Fine and Lost Art
of
Doing Nothing

Zen, sitting and staring, the world being too much with us and similar expressions address our human tendency to keep busy. Even when we are just sitting around our minds are usually spinning. Ideas, worries and the like constantly bombard our serenity, so we do something to "keep our minds off" everything else.

Some sit in meditation, some whittle or do some hobby, and some of us just float for a while with our paddles at rest. All this busy busy stuff has invaded my life. I teach at the college and, just as soon as the last class is over, my mind is already planning and worrying about getting the next lecture or exam finished. This constant thinking has even invaded my sacred realm of paddling.

It has shown up in the past few postings as I ponder paddle length, the perfect boat and improperly dressed recreational paddlers. Enough. What happened to the just-paddle-because-it's-fun idea? I lost it somewhere along the line, and now it is time to get it back before the summer goes by without a good dose of kayak-karma. With this in mind, I am looking forward to the up coming Memorial Day weekend.

I was to staff the Western Michigan Symposium, but asked to be excused (and was graciously told I was). I want to be hereat home when my two daughters are here with my two grand children. I want to relax with them, spoil the kids and get in a fun paddle. It's been a while, but JB and I will be getting out together this Sunday (weather permitting). It's been too long since I've floated with my friend and mentor, and I've missed it.

So, no heavy points to be made, just plans to be and to paddle.

Paddle safe...
DS

Getting a grip

So, you have the perfect boat and the perfect paddle. You're all set, right? Well, hold on. Do you have the perfect grip? That is, are your hands placed at the 100% (perfect) distance apart?

Test paddlers in recreational boats often hold their hands too close together. It's obvious when you see them that they have absolutely no mechanical advantage as they are holding the short end of a lever. But, then, how far apart should one's hands be?

Jumping ahead, I am going to guess that the answer is where ever your hands and stroke are most comfortable. Besides, what difference does it make...other than sore shoulders, no torso rotation, etc.. This all came to me yesterday as I happily paddled with a 230 set up.

I realized that I could get a different feeling of power by putting my hands ever so slightly further apart. I also realized that doing so ever so slightly reduced the reach of the blade and, thereby, shortened my stroke...ever so slightly. My arms pretty much stay the same length, and the distance from my hand to the tip of the paddle becomes shorter as I move my hands out toward the blades. Or, does moving my hand out increase my torso rotation and, thus, add back in the lost length?

We instructors often have new paddlers hold their paddles with their hands as far apart as they can in order to get them to rotate their torsos. Then we tell them to make the touchdown sign with the paddle atop their heads and tell them that that is a good starting position. We usually don't, and can't, tell them exactly where the ideal grip will be, and they don't have enough experience to know when they have it. More over, they inevitably have the wrong length paddle (too short) and do not efficiently reach the water where ever they place their hands. So, how do they, and we, know the best hand placement that gives us comfort, power and efficiency?

I knew I was too happy paddling yesterday. In fact, my only worry was that I had run out of things to worry about.

Paddle safe...
DS

Always something
To Go Nuts Over

My search for the "perfect" paddle has ended, for now. I have ordered a Werner 230 Kalliste with a straight shaft. It would have been a more satisfying endeavor had not one of my blogs been misinterpreted by a good friend. His comments (to others and to me) confused me and set off at least one inappropriate comment by someone in our group (which I, apparently, was not supposed to see. Oh, well). That said, the search for the "perfect" boat is still on.

I had mentioned how I had paddled a Cetus and found much to like about it. Looks like Derrick paddled the same boat and liked it as much or more. We are both awaiting opportunities to get out in the Cetus in conditions to see how well it takes care of us. Perhaps that will happen at the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium if P&H brings one along.

Meanwhile, my old Romany is showing its age. The keel strip needs a redo, and there is some new crazing of the gel coat here and there. Thank goodness. For a moment I thought I had run out of things to worry about.

Paddle safe...
DS

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Paddle Fest '09

Last One?

Every year a local paddle shop holds this event on the not-so-clean Milwaukee River (which runs behind their store). Each year several of us volunteer to sit on the water for 6 hours on each of two days and act as safety boaters. This year's event was this past weekend (we made three rescues). I personally enjoy seeing all the different models and colors of crafts that the manufacturers have developed in an effort to capture market share. Most of all, I enjoy seeing the families getting out there and having quality time together. But, is this going to be the last Fest?

I, and I suspect a lot of the others, volunteer for this because of Sherri Mertz, a fellow paddler who works at the store. When we go there to buy something, we are going to Sherri, not necessarily the store (we can get it on line, as well). Well, Sherri is leaving the business and has started her own paddling school. We all know her to be a well qualified instructor and a talented paddler. Besides, she's a nice guy (and so is her husband, Jim). So, I wonder, if the store intends to do this next year, who will ask us to volunteer? In fact, who there will even know who we are or how to reach us? And will we want to?

Paddle safe...

DS

The Tale of Two Paddles or The Schizophrenic Process of Paddle selection

That's my friend Doug getting into his boat and about to tow his play boat full of paddles. Why? Well, as many of you know, I am going through the process of selecting a new paddle. The reps say I need a 220 size, the same size which I now have and which has never quite seemed right. Some time in the recent past I tried someone's 215 something and it felt great. Brain Day suggested that the trend was, in fact, toward shorter paddles. Even my local guru, Gary Simon, told me that he had been telling me to go shorter for some time now (although I do not remember any such thing...but I digress)

I got excited. Obviously, I needed a 215 something, then my Romany would go like a 20-footer. Anyway, I asked Doug if I could try his 215 (which happens to be a high angle Ikelos). Well, he brought it down to the launch site along with a bunch of other Paddles, some of questionable ancestry. I started trying his paddles looking for the one 215 something that would move up into the highest rank amongst paddlers. Then I picked up this Werner paddle with no name on it and gave it a try.

It's the black one in the picture. The yellow is my present 220 Camino which I have come to discover is too long. Well, this black paddle contained black magic. I mean, it was the best. My Romany took off with little effort. Suddenly, I realized I was no longer leaning forward to make the catch and that the blade was into the water several inches ahead of where my 220 would enter. So, I asked, "What is this thing?" Answer: It is the carbon version of my Camino. Only difference is that the wonder blade was a 230. No, that is not a typo. This 230 reached the water for me and, with no more effort than I usually am willing to expel, propelled the boat very well.

I am presently seeking a psychiatrist that paddles as well as a whole new bunch of experts who want to give advise. Life is a mystery.

Paddle safe...
DS

It's Getting There

Warm air, I can feel it in the morning when I go out to get the morning paper. The sun feels hotter during mid day. The water is still cold, but it's getting there. Soon, it will be time for the skin on frames to come out, along with the tuiliks and Greenland sticks.

I don't care much for rolling in freezing water. When I do, I wear a scuba mask that pretty much covers everything the tuilik doesn't. Still, I prefer the warm waters of summer.I missed it last summer, but this fall I plan to attend QAJAQ camp in northern Michigan. I'm already looking forward to seeing old friends and hanging with a bunch of folks who are as silly as I am over rolling traditional boats. There is, of course, some summer to come and go in between now and then, and I am looking forward to all those activities as well.

This weekend, a group of us will be helping Sherri do her (last?) Paddle Fest on the river. Tomorrow, weather allowing, I am teaching an intro class; and, then, there's all the symposiums in June and July. Right now, it can still be cool during the day, and the water remains cold. But, it's getting there.

Paddle safe...
DS

a

It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

It's an old jazz expression and the name of an old tune; and it is a universal truth. The message, superficially, is simply, if it isn't enjoyable, why bother? If it hasn't an essence, an importance, a soul...walk away. Yes, I know, life isn't always about playing, but it is about choices.

Some people struggle, even agonize over the smallest of choices and decisions. They don't know if it is the right thing to do, "what will they say?", and so on. Many end up living out unhappy scenarios produced by unfortunate choices. How, then, to decide? Should I do this or that?

First, it has to pass the smell test. If it is illegal, harmful or shameful to others or yourself...take a pass. If it does not bring out the best in you or use you up in the best way, maybe there is a better choice. When you have winnowed it down to a few things it is time to trust your guts. Listen to that inner voice that always knows what is meant to be and go with it. It will fit, feel right, create the flow experience, cause bliss. Oh man, it will have that swing.

A good tune done by a good band can produce a bad experience if it ain't got that swing. If my foot isn't tapping after 3-4 bars of music, I'm turning it off. Now, get into your boat and see how that feels. Are you swinging?

Paddle safe...
DS

All's Well
That Ends Well

The lessons have been going well, and I've me some awfully nice folks on the water. Not to belabor the point of paddle length (he said, tongue in cheek), but I had some helpful suggestions and experiences while in Madison to teach.

Brian Day, former owner of my Romany, took the time to lay out several paddles with different shaped blades and various lengths. turns out that because of blade shape, shaft length varies for different models of the same over all length. It became obvious that some 215 paddles have shafts about as long as 220 ones, especially with higher angle blades. (more on that later...or another time; but I digress).

During the lesson this past Sunday, one lady was just not getting her blade well into the water. She was shorter, about 5'5", and using a 210 paddle. I traded her for my 220, and we both did better. Contrary to some schemes, shorter folks sometimes need longer paddles to help reach the water yes, (she was in a sea kayak).

Bottom line: I believe that there will be a trend toward shorter paddles over all, especially for those using 220 paddles. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, one has to try the paddle in their boat. Different blades feel differently and can change the apparent length of the over all paddle.

Possible future posting: High angle v. low angle blade. Scientific difference or industry hype? And this is supposed to be a simple sport.

Paddle safe...
DS

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The Candy Store

When I was a radio ham operator, we called the big store in town that sold radio equipment the candy store. On our car radios we would often hear someone announcing that he was headed over to the candy store. This meant, of course, that he had some spare cash and was going to drool over all the new and fancy equipment on display...whether or not he needed anything.

Part of being into something, a sport or a hobby, is always looking through the magazines and seeing what brand new cannot-live-without-item has just hit the market. There is something Zen about reading on each item and imagining yourself owning and using it on your next paddle...whether you need it or not. Another part of any hobby is to visit its version of the candy store.
These shots happen to be of Rutabaga in Madison, Wisconsin; and they demonstrate the basic principal. There are boats there. New boats, red boats used boats, yellow boats, sixteen footers and eighteen footers...and it would be swell to have them all. Just roaming the isles and seeing that new little gadget for boiling water in camp. Oh man, that would fit right into the forward hatch. Got to have it. And so it goes.

For me,the best part of hanging out in the candy store is talking with other people who share my interest in paddling. It is also a mini university where I can ask folks with various experience how they feel about that paddle versus this paddle...and so on. I hope you have a candy store near where you live. It is a great place to know and be known. And it is all low calorie.

Paddle safe...
DS

This Year Will be Different...Maybe

This was taken a year ago during our staff meeting at Rutabaga. Not example Miami Beach. Tomorrow is this year's meeting, and it looks as if temps will be kinder. There is, of course, a chance of rain, but that's par for the course around here.

I'll make this short as we are off to Chicago for Adena's naming and family celebration. Life is good.

Paddle safe...
DS

There Goes The Neighborhood

Here's the front page from the Milwaukee Rag the other day. I refer here to the picture and the column on the far left announcing the surge in the popularity of kayaking. Now that term "kayaking" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

With the economy, such as it is, folks are looking for less expensive ways to vacation. Say hello to camping and one form of kayaking. The vast majority will be buying recreational boats, paddling on quiet waters and having a fine time. In addition, the already hard to get camp sites at our state parks will be filling faster and become a harder to come by commodity.

For the industries involved, this all means good news, more jobs and increased profits. Hurray. For some of us it means crowding, an inability to just pick up and go camping (if you want a prepped site) and the inevitable hero who shows up on the big lake sans experience, knowledge and proper equipment. Ain't life interesting?

Paddle safe...
DS

Off I Go

Not to paddle...did that yesterday. Today I start at a local college with an accredited nursing program. I am hoping I will enjoy teaching more with students who have a direct clinical interest. We shall see. Must go.

Paddle safe...
DS

As I was saying...yesterday...

As I finished the class on Sunday, someone remarked about how the keel strip on my Romany needed some refreshing. I turned to see Brian Day, the original owner of the boat and the man who published two Sea Kayaker articles, one showing how he did the strip and one on how he patched a hole in the hull. Turns out, he's going to work with P&H so, naturally, he had one of their boats lying around. In this case, a Cetus. Could I try it? Of course.First thing I noticed was the 4th hatch atop the fore deck. I am sure you've all read about it and what it's for. On the water, the fit seemed right and the chair comfy. The "knee" braces, I was happy to note, were authentic thigh braces, back where they belong. The boat accelerated easily and had a good turn of speed. Edging turned out to be an interesting activity.

With the skeg up, it didn't much matter which way it was edged as a sweep stroke initiated the turn in either direction. Then I did what I hoped would be a hanging draw stroke, but it turned into a telemark turn...well, kind of. The boat actually turned away from the side of the stroke (probably because I was up on the paddle side edge). With the skeg down, however, it performed more as I would have expected in response to a hanging draw. I don't understand that dynamic at all. But, then, there was much more going on.

In spite of every computer program and every expert telling me I should be using a 220 paddle (which I have been doing), I tried 215's and 210's during the class. Turned out, the shorter the better. Go figure. I am thinking about a Werner 210 with a Shuma blade for a bit more bite.

What I hope to do, is repeat the test paddle at the Door County symposium in July to see how the Cetus acts in rougher conditions. Hopefullly, they will have one in a different color. Meanwhile...

Paddle safe...
DS

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Back In The Saddle Again

This past weekend was, for me, the beginning of the kayak season. I was in Madison to teach a two day kayak progression course, and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. It essentially ended up being a class of 4, two married couples, and they were all there to learn. The weather was mild although the water was still cold. Fortunately, Rutabaga had farmer Johns available for them to wear ( was snug in a dry suit as I spent more time in the water than any of them).Being on the water and teaching students who want to learn is just about as good as it gets. We covered all the basics of an intro course, including rescues. In addition, we got into towing, some basic stroke combinations, bracing for support and the basics of the bow rescue.

After saying our good byes, I got to do a test paddle. I tried out a new boat (for me) and several paddles, and was surprised at what I'd learned. More on that tomorrow.

Paddle safe...
DS

Something Good Came of It

Lots of paddlers go nuts looking for the perfect boat, and I've written about that before. I realized another obsession (of mine) this past week when (for the second year in a row) lightening terminated the REI demo day. In spite of the weather, Greg and I did manage a little time on the lagoon. But, you ask, what about the obsession?
Well, while everyone else is looking for the perfect boat, I am obsessed in my search for the perfect paddle. I have a 220 Werner with a low angle blade and have always felt it was a wee bit too long for me.. So, I have gone to different sites where you punch in your height, boat length, style, etc., and every last one says, "Thou shalt use a 220 paddle." Danny Mongo, Ph.D. in paddling, told me the same thing. Then I had a little conversation with the Irish man.

Turns out, Sam Crowley uses a 215. AHA! "...Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout." He told me that it just felt right. This past week, I asked Greg what he was using, and it turned out to be a 210 Shuma, a high angle paddle (so a shorter paddle). But I never evaluated Greg's style as being all that high angle. I asked, and he let me try it.

I used it low angle, medium angle and high angle, and it felt more natural than my 220. How's about that? More over, the additional blade area gave me a better bite in the water.

I will be teaching in Madison this weekend and will make every effort to try some different combinations while there. Who knows? I may end up with a paddle like Greg's. If I do, I will have to find some way to get those silly bends out of the shaft.

Paddle safe...
DS

And then...

...after meeting Richard (yesterday's post), there was Brett. I had just missed his launch as he was paddling south when I arrived. He was in what turned out to be a stitch and glue Pygmy and was clutching a paddle he had made himself. He wore neoprene and a PFD that was closed. Looked to me to be the real deal and, in a very real way, he is.

Turns out he is pretty much self taught, has less than 2 years on the water and is already signed up for our Door County Sea Kayak Symposium in July. In chatting, I learned he was registered for stroke progressions on the first day and rolling classes on Saturday and Sunday. I suggested that he consider taking the one day intro to sea kayaking on Friday to nail down the basics and to fill in the holes of any self taught course. That would leave him Saturday and Sunday to fit in these other lessons. By the way, the paddle he had made was in fine form.

So, that day was quite an experience considering the habits I had observed. I had seen a boy who paddled bare chested and sans PFD in 40(F) degree water in a crude rec boat on one of our great lakes. And, I had met Richard, an affable guy, and Brett in whom I see gobs of potential. At the end of my paddle, Richard, Bret and I had a chance to chat together, and it all seemed so natural. We wee, in our own ways, paddlers with a common love of the water. As I always told my residents and fellow: We are colleagues, and I just happen to be designated the teacher in this group because I am a bit further along in this career. I expect, however, to learn a great deal from you.

This weekend I head to Madison to teach a two day kayak progression course. I hope the weather is kind as it is always problematic to have new students do wet exits in cold water. I will have to scrounge up some appropriate gear for them to wear. I hope I learn a lot.

Paddle safe...
DS
x

After a Year...
10 Minutes Late

Each spring, on the first really nice day, I like going out for a paddle at our local launch site on Lake Michigan. Those days are also the ones during which I usually see the first recreational paddler of the year doing all sorts of inappropriate things. It generally makes for a good photo and posting. This year I arrived 10 minutes late. The guy was getting out of his rec kayak (it had a behemoth cockpit) and was able to load it on his car before I could dig out my camera. Too bad, it would have been a classic photo.

It was in the 70's (F), sun full out and water temps around 40. There was no pfd in site, and the young man, who was topless, wore cotton shorts. It just does not get any better than that. Oh well, I pushed off and was soon rewarded by the sighting of another rec paddler out for a spin. He looked like an older, more mature individual, and what attracted me was the upside down and backward way he held his paddle. I paddled ove,r as he turned to meet me, and asked if he didn't mind a suggestion.
He said he didn't, and that's when I noticed his open pfd and time-honored slouch paddling style. Any way, his name is Richard, and he is a friendly guy. He said he had heard of me and that I was supposed to be a tough teacher. (to the contrary, I am a pussy cat) I asked if I could take his picture and use it in this blog. He said fine.

So, while I missed my classic shot, I did meet a nice fellow. It was, after all, a fine day on the water for me.

Paddle safe...
DS

HP Printers

Disposable Crap?

When I think disposable, I think of little cheap cameras and diapers, but a printer that retails of over $600? No way. At least, not until now. You see, after much research, I "invested" in an HP Photosmart Pro B9180 to reproduce fine prints. And it did, for a while. I hardly used it, but I left it on so the injectors would always auto clean. This printer uses pigmented ink and requires such codling. Since I didn't use it often (ink and paper cost a fortun), the warranty has run out. Suddenly, the piece of crap no longer prints.

While happy to run blank paper through its rollers, it simply won't print. So I contact HP and go through many many e mail exchanges doing this and that as instructed. No dice, the sucker is out of commission. Contact their partners, Best Buy, for help, they say. They cannot help me either. No one wants to fix this out of warranty machine.

Many of you know how much I love doing my photography and that I trained as a fine art, B&W, large format photographer. With my darkroom closed, this printer (a big investment for me) was my way of making permanent some precious few images I wanted to hang on my wall. Now, forget it. No more darkroom and no more printer. With no one to fix it and my unwillingness to dump $500+ into another paper weight, I need to close that chapter on my life. I guess I can still use the online printing services out there, although I don't know how expensive they might be.

Shame on you HP for turning out such expensive and unreliable junk. I have asked you for a way to send the machine to you for repairs at my expense and get the same old, same old in return. If your R&D folks want it, they will find it at my curb sadly awaiting the garbage men.

Paddle safe...
DS

Talking About

Feeling OldSo, yesterday, Steve warned me about acting too old and, thereby, feeling and being old. He also graciously extended to me honorary membership in the Optimist Paddling group, an invitation I have gladly accepted. Then something like this happens to through me off my game and remind me that I grew up in a house with a coal furnace in the basement.

It was only a few weeks ago that I sent my first text message on a cellular phone. What a high. I suddenly felt as hip as a NASA scientist. I had conquered technology (and I never even took calculus in school). No longer was I some old guy who expected to see dials on phones. No sir. I was a new-ager with a computer and a cell phone and a digital camera. I could even do a few things in PhotoShop.Then #1 daughter sends me these pictures made by "bored" graphic artists, and I suddenly realized that while I was sending that first text message technology was continuing to out pace my knowledge and abilities. Oh well. It's all good, and my grandchildren will grow up with it all and understand stuff I never will.

It's supposed to get up to 80F today, and I just might go paddling in my kayak. I think I will use my high tech Greenland stick, just to make a point to, if no one else, my self.

Paddle safe...
DS