Follow Up

(A good looking young man in a recent class)

I recently mentioned a local organization that provides services for some of our inner city kids. Among their activities are kayak outings on the river near by my home. I also mentioned that I thought some of their practices I've observed were less than ideal and that I would like to see if some of us local sea kayakers could be of assistance.

I e mailed some of the folks in charge of the organization and specifically cited what I had observed. Then, I sat and wondered if I'd lit a fuse on a bomb. Much to my delight, I received a gracious e mail agreeing with what I had seen, what their manpower limitations were and how they seemed to have only one ACA instructor for a large group. Much to their credit, they were open to setting up a face to face chat to see if the local kayak community could be of assistance.

I hope this comes to be. It would, indeed, be a wonderful opportunity for community service as well as a benefit to those kids who might never see the rivers and lakes around here, let alone get a chance to mess around in a kayak. I shall keep you all posted.

Paddle safe...

DS

Some Surprises Are Good Surprises
(follow up)So, off I went yesterday to give a donated lesson to someone, I knew not who (other than a voice on the phone). It turned out to be a dynamite quartet of young folks who left quite an impression on me.

This was a group of not just good looking people but also individuals who's behavior and attitude certainly reflected well on their upbringing. More over, they were game for everything...and more.
They picked things up quickly and were even willing to try the old exchange boat thing.
I said try, I didn't say it went well. Anyway, they were delightful and, at the end of the lesson, led me on a short trip down a river that the lake feeds.
You all should be so lucky as to have a class such as this one.

Paddle safe...
DS

Giving It Away(me, last year, when I was younger)

In a few minutes I will drive out to a lake about 35 miles from here. I am going there to give two ladies an introduction to recreational kayaking lesson. When I am done and arrive home, I figure my "take" will be about -$7.00, that being for gas. The lesson is free. Smart business move, don't you think?

Actually, this all began when Lady Linda's cousin asked me to donate a lesson for an auction to raise money for a local school. I said yes, someone had the high bid (I have no idea how much) and I am making good on the promise. This is a win-win as far as I am concerned. The school gets some cash, the ladies get what I hope is some excellent instruction and I get the joy of give back.

It makes me wonder how many such opportunities there are out there for such acts of give away that we paddlers (yes, even canoe people) could perform. Here in Milwaukee, the majority of inner city kids have never even seen Lake Michigan, and most have a fear of water. There is one organization that takes them out on the Milwaukee River, but my observations of these outings is that they are not led well or safely (my judgment).

I write this to see if I can find the impetus to get a few paddlers together to get funding for some beat up old rec boats and storage facilities so we can get anyone who could never afford it onto the water. That would be an enormous win-win.

Paddle safe...
DS

(I've waiting so long to be able to say this):

Mine Is Bigger Than Yours

A while back I posted on finding the right paddle length and how the trend was toward shorter ones. After testing several different lengths (thanks, Doug) I decided that the 220 paddle (which every site and paddle rep recommended) didn't feel as good as the 230 Doug had loaned me. So, I ordered a carbon, core foamed low angle paddle pictured above. And, it is wonderful.

I no longer find myself leaning too far forward to capture water but, instead, sit erect and gain inches from the shear length of the paddle. More over, I have come to grips with my tendency to carry the blade a bit past my hip. Now, I let it go there because I barely have to do anything to recover the blade. Instead, the blade pops up virtually on its own. All that, combined with its light swing weight makes this a great paddle for me.

Yes, it has taken a little adjustment in doing braces and draw strokes. I find that I no longer reach to brace as the little extra length places the blade far enough abeam to feel comfortable. This, in turn, allows me to keep my elbows in during most maneuvers, and I find that comforting.

So, if you are sure you have the perfect paddle, try a longer/shorter one and see how it feels. You may discover, as I did, that size does matter.

Paddle safe...
DS

The LMAAA Your support is Needed

Critics (as pictured above) agree that one of this year's most worthy art causes is the formation of the new Lake Michigan Avian Art Association. For the first time a group of promising avian artists (pictured below) have a chance to get the education that could help propel their art from what some call graffiti to gallery quality acquisitions.

Working without professional direction, these students have already created multiple pieces ready for display. Even the critics were amazed to see that some of the more advanced individuals were working in multimedia forms including collages.(Chaos by Herring Gull)

Others, influenced by the masters, have taken a more minimalist approach with effect use of space and contrast.(October Gale by Sheldon Bird)

Others have worked collectively to create stunning panoramas.

(Lava Flow by class of '09)

Faculty lounge in need of repair

Folks, these students deserve your support. Give and give generously.

Paddle safe...
DS
x

Perception
v.
Reality

At first glance it looks big, overwhelming, impossible to engage. That's what's it like with challenges (and opportunities). When this occurs, there are a variety, or rather combinations, of ways to overcome these seemingly impossible obstacles. The little girl in the pic above can run away, grow until larger than the dog (her name was Lady) or get a smaller dog. FWI: she grew larger and is now a mother of a son about that size.

It's the same with challenging sea conditions. One can run away or, in reality, just say it's not for me. That's fine. At least the individual remains safe, but they don't grow. They can get a smaller dog, i.e., come back on a calmer day. Or, and I'd like to think this is what one would choose, they can grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

I've always told entry level paddlers that the way to grow is to go out in more difficult conditions, but not alone. I say, for instance, if you are comfy in conditions one and two, go out in three, but go out with someone comfy in level four and five conditions. This will give you support and supply a safe environment in which to grow. Isn't that how we all learned?We paddlers are just a bunch of kids that need to be brought up properly.

Paddle safe...
DS

Letting It All Hang Out

I have some left over images from the Door County Sea Kayak symposium, and thought I would use them as an excuse for a posting. Actually, I find myself taking fewer and fewer pictures and worrying less about their artistic outcome. If it works, it works.I'm not sure why that is. Perhaps it has to do with how redundant most kayak photos are, especially the ones (I plead guilty) with the photags bow in the fore ground.So, here are some odds and ends and, if the spirit moves me (or I am desperate for material), I may post some more of them in the future. All's well that ends well.Paddle safe...
DS

Tennis Anyone?

We all paddle for different reasons and have a variety of things we'd like to achieve out there. Sea kayakers as a group, it seems to me, generally share the common goal of wanting to improve their skills. To this end, instructors spend many hours over a variety of beverages discussing ways to improve their teaching techniques. Sooner or later, however, someone in such a gathering will utter the dreaded (to me) word, "Games."

Now, if by game they mean go get the ball, maybe using only one stroke, fine. After all, that will improve skills in boat control. But, sooner or later, when on the water, some sadist will yell, "switch boats." I don't say, but do think, what the hell for? I am, after all in a boat which I spent much time selecting. I have. more over, taken even more time fitting it out...and it still isn't quite right yet. And you want me, at risk of life and pfd, to sit in your ill-fitting craft? Well, I never.Sure, such activities can be fun, but aren't always so. Those of us in the brittle-bone-time of life and who sometimes need 2 buddies just to help us get out of our boats and have few brain cells to risk (ever think we should wear helmets for this nonsense?...but I digress) don't always take kindly to these acrobatics. Maybe we need to get the group, and the beverages together and think this through. Meanwhile, don't rock the boat.

Paddle safe...
DS

One Of The Good Guys

On our way up to the Door County Symposium JB and I stopped at this unassuming cafe in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan. Why this cafe? Well, it wasn't just because of the kayak sum planter in front. Is was because of who and why there are similar planters all around this small town. It's all because of Phil, and he is owner and chief cook at the cafe.

Part of the NE Wisconsin Paddler's group, Phil has been a driving force in helping that organization grow into a real force in paddling. The group is strong and active offering outings, regular paddles and lessons. In fact, they support members wishing to become instructors. Recently, Phil was honored by the ACA for his good work.
That's Phil in back in his white apron. If you're ever in the area you ought to stop in and say hello. Tell him you kayak and that Silbs sent you. BTW, the food is great and reasonable.

Paddle safe...
DS

x

I Love The People

The folks who attended the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium this past weekend drew a crowd of delightful people. folks from all walks of life came to learn and brought with them their energy and enthusiasm. Because of that and the wonderful instructor team, I saw some amazing improvement during those 3 short days. Each, like the instructors above, were unique. From the students and other instructors a learned a lot and am now a better paddler and instructor for having met them all.

Our staff was unique. Here you have a wife, a paddler, a person of fine humor and a chiropractor.

Here you have Derrick whom I cannot explain in such a short forum.
Here's another instructor with a great smile and a sensational hat collection. When not on the fashion runway, he is a fire fighter and, I believe, an EMT.

Such a collection of such interesting and talented people. Why weren't you there?

Paddle safe...
DS
x

Bring In The Clownst

To begin in the end, this is a shot of JB's van taken last evening when I finally got home from the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium. Now, back to the beginning.

The first day at the affair, JB left something charging and also left some switch on in the car. Once discovered, he also found that the battery was dead. No big problem, just need a jump start. Nothing much new here...yet.

So, we go about teaching and towing and have a great symposium until late Saturday (I think) when we get the car started with jumper cables. To make sure the battery gets charged up, JB and another instructor took a drive into town, left the car run while they enjoyed at least one whiskey and came back for the night. (There was lots more whiskey that night but I wasn't there and, besides, that's a whole different story).

Anyway, we finish the symposium and, what do you know, the battery is dead when we try to leave for home. We obviously needed a plan. Okay, it is a dead battery and needs to be jumped started once more. That was done and, late Sunday afternoon, we head home with a plan to not stop that engine until we get a new battery. Remember, friends, it is late Sunday and we are in northern Wisconsin, home of the tiny towns. But, ever resourceful, JB calls a buddy in Manitiwoc (right on our route). This as yet unmet friend agrees to buy a battery for the car. We are to meet the man at his home where, somehow, one of us non-electricians will install the thing (the friend is a lawyer). All will be well. We arrive before the battery purchaser gets there.

JB wonders aloud if we dare turn off the car. I indicate that it should be fine as the battery's arrival is seconds away. Ignition off. After two minutes we look at one another with the same question obviously hanging in the air: Will it start? Well, it does, instantly. (JB should have had all those whiskeys at the bar while the car was running).

Any way, I suggested JB keep the battery, maybe give it to his wife for her birthday (she, repordedly, did not appreciate the thought). And that is why there is a battery in the back of JB's van...even as I speak.

Paddle safe...
DS

I Am Off to
Play With the Big Kids

These aren't new pics, and this isn't a new theme. It's just that it's time for the annual Door County Sea Kayak Symposium. All my "stuff" is on the driveway, and JB is due to pic me up in about an hour. As usual, I am looking forward to time on the water, time with friends, reuniting with old friends and not reading newspapers.This year, I will be c0-leading an all day trip with my friend and colleague Sherri. Apparently, we are to take this 20 some mile jaunt and teach navigation, rescues, towing and the like along the way. Then, I will be doing a lunch talk on Weather Or Not To Go Out. In addition, I will be doing a class on the forward stroke and one on rolling. Full gig, don't you think?

Although I will likely monitor e mails, I won't be posting as I have no way to upload pics on my notebook computer (my newest toy).

Paddle safe...
DS

A Lean Week

Last week, with its 4th of July activities and our family get together, didn't leave much time for posting. It was great having the grandchildren here....and exhausting. Joe, now just over 2 years old, was a real go-go guy. He was either asleep or going 60 knots. It was fun, however, to watch him watching his first ever parade.

Still too young for boating, I starting breaking him in with the basic grunt work. He was more than willing to help Papa put away the straps when I returned from a short paddle.I teach all day tomorrow. Then, on Thursday, JB and I are off to the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium. It may be until next week that I get to post again. Meanwhile...

Paddle safe...

DS

Sometimes I sits and Thinks...

...Sometimes I just thinks. It's about knowing when to slow down, when to "drop out" and smell the roses. It's about taking time to take inventory and actually see, really see, with your soul the world around you and all its blessings. Okay, the feel-good cliche festival ends, but I remain in a mellow mood.

After two nights of bad insomnia (cause unknown), I got 12 hours of sleep last night before waking to the wonderful sounds that only a 2+month-old grand daughter can make. My grandson and his mother are due into Milwaukee in a few hours. Sun in law #2 is due tomorrow. My house, like my life, will be full of wonderful gifts. Suddenly, I feel great, relaxed, in the flow, bliss...okay, a few more cliches. Life is good. Kayaking is wonderful and there is so much more.

So, I sits and take it all in and feel gratitude. I don't know who wrote it, but it must have been a wise person: A poor life this when full of care I have no time to sit and stare.

Paddle safe...
DS

A Shout Out
to the
Risk Takers

I've written before how Sherri, a local paddler, has started a paddling school in these uncertain economic times. Add to her ranks Chris who many of us visited during the recent Inland Sea Symposium. He has taken the risk a might further and has opened a new kayak store, Boreal Shores Kayaking.Housed in a lovely building near the Apostle Islands has got to be an ideal spot for such a business. The store is lovely and there is a nice assortment of NDK boats, enough to make one drool and part with his or her money.
Nigel, himself was there to help make the opening unique. It is a land of short summers, and I wish Chris well.
Paddle safe...
DS

K.I.S.S.A rose is a rose is a...you know. A rose has it's own natural beauty, and all we have to do is appreciate it. When I wear my photographer's hat, I find that the most important thing is to see. Not just to look, but to see. See the picture and the infinite number of little ones as well. There, in all its simplicity, I find beauty in nature's art, and all I have to do is record it. Simple.

Paddle Safe...
DS

A Few
OdDs & Ends

First the odd: It's Derrick's birthday today. I don't know exactly how old he is, but he certainly has already packed a lot into the years he's lived. A well known blogger and somewhat competent paddler (joking, love this guy), he brings to kayaking a free style creative nature that is apparent in his writing, his conversations and his methods of teaching. I don't know, but he may be color blind or, on the other hand, he is a minimalist who always wears black....and only black. So, if you see him today, be nice to him. What the hell, it's only for a day.

A Shout Out

To the two boiler makers (I know that's a beer with a whiskey shot, but these two went to Purdue) who were kind enough to say hello at the Inland Symposium and compliment these pages. I appreciate it. I enjoyed talking to you two bright, Midwest-educated paddlers with taste.

Now, because Lady Linda is with daughter #1 and her daughter, Squeaky, I must walk His Majesty, Ansel. All those years of schooling and training, and it comes to this. Well, chop wood and carry water. The poop won't pick itself up.

Paddle safe...
DA

Nature's way
Did I Do The Right Thing?

To begin, I tend to believe Nature knows best and should be left to do Her thing. I don't like to see folks feeding the Geese (under the do not feed the birds sign) at our launch site. It screws up the migratory habits of the animals and makes them more dependent upon us. More over, it has increased the resident population of geese and the huge mess they leave on the beach and water. Having said that, here's what happened yesterday as I paddled on the Milwaukee River.

I noticed a lot of fledgling gulls paddling about and unable to fly. Eventually, I came upon one, then another that were clearly water logged and about to drown. I chose to interfere with nature and took them both aboard. They didn't resist in the least. I left them on the only dry area I could reach in hopes of them drying off and surviving. Did I really believe they would survive? Not really, Was I interfering with Nature? Yes. But Nature also selected me to survive and do my thing and, as a human, one of my things is compassion.

Did I do the right thing? I don't know. I know I did the right thing for me.

Paddle safe...

DS

Herding Cats

It's supposed to be hard to do (the cat thing), but not as hard as getting a group of kayakers to paddle in a tight knit group. Someone is always daydreaming or straying. So, who in their right mind would try to make sense of the chaos seen above much less try to turn them into a precision drill team? Well, Gail and her fine staff would.Unlikely as it appears, this gaggle of paddlers is about to make like a marching band and actually spell something out on the water. But, it didn't just happen. Prior to them taking to the water a bunch of folks were out in the bay laying out lines along which the boats could align. The boats were then organized into groups, and Gail (the cheer leader in charge) bellowed out when each group was needed. Out they paddled in an impressive display of restraint, no one trying to pass anyone else (drugs were not involved, I swear). Soon, it was obvious, even from land level, that they were in lines, but for what reason wasn't clear.
Then, just as planned, a plane appeared overhead (it was one of ours) and made several passes over the group. During some of these fly overs the group demonstrated their enthusiasm by holding up paddles in a brave display of WE DID IT!And, for what? Well, the picture taken from the plane (supplied by gitcheegumeeguy) is to remind everyone of the limits of CO2 (in parts per million, I think) that we might aim at achieving for the planet.
Neat, don't you think (and to available in poster form soon)? And people think we paddlers can't spel.

Paddle safe...
DS

The Man, Himself

One of the attractions to head up to Washburn for the kayak symposium was to meet the one and only Nigel Dennis, the designer of NDK Kayaks, the British prototype of what a lot of companies are putting on the market today. Above, l. to r., is JB, Nigel, What's his name and Ken Ring outside a new store that will handle NDK boats (more on that another day).

As it turns out, Nigel is a soft spoken individual with a ready smile and a good sense of humor. Pretentious, he is not, and one would not even know he was in our midst at most gatherings except for when he was the speaker. He did give a few talks including one on an expedition and another on tides. His understanding of the paddling environment around the U.K. is extensive, and his in-depth talk was a tour de force.But nothing was more impressive (at least to me) than watching how smoothly and efficiently he paddled...yes, in an NDK boat. What's going on behinds Nigel? More on that later.

Paddle safe...
DS

Post 2 for today: An editorial

I love teaching...any thing...and, like many like me, I have my favorite techniques and methods. What works for one teacher may not work for me. I am intuitive and trust my guts. I listen and watch and get a feel for what the student wants and needs and make every effort to meet that need. Not one size fits all, and there are students with whom I quickly realize I will not have success. I recommend them to other instructors. That said, this past weekend's symposium has brought up for me an axe which I continue to grind: how to teach rolling.

This episode started when an instructor told the rolling students not to expect to roll that day and that it might take a few summers to learn the technique. I could not believe what I was hearing. Translation: you will not roll. Nice mind set for students.

I asked only to work with those students who had never had a rolling lesson or, at least, not a lesson to learn the C-C roll. There were 3 assigned to me.

Right off, I told them that I expected them to roll that day. "It might not happen," I said, "but I expect it to...and, I expect it to be within the hour." I then gave my spiel about how you cannot roll up a kayak and to not use the term hip snap. Then I did my thing with them. Within the hour, all 3 had a roll (one fellow barely, but he could do it if he lay back). I was delighted for the students, and they seemed amazed and pleased with how easy the process actually went. Then, a fellow paddled over, and I heard his wife say, "You should spend some time with him (me)."

The man said he was exhausted. I asked why, and he said it was from the rolling lesson he had just taken. It was to learn the C-C, which he didn't learn. I spent 5 minutes introducing my style, then told him to stay away from any rolling lessons for a while so that his brain could forget what they had been showing him.

I believe the C-C tradition comes from the white water paddlers and that those who teach it tend to be younger and more athletic paddlers. Furthermore, I feel that that roll carries an increased risk of shoulder injuries. Why even bother with it when the modified sweep roll can be learned in 20 minutes?

So, there's my piece. That's what works for me with most students. I realize that others have other effective ways of teaching as well.

Paddle safe...
DS