DKSKS a Wrap

In Michigan with JB to camp before headed to Grand Marais for the GLSKS. Door county was blessed with good weather, competent instructors great leadership and dynamic students.

 I saw a lot of progress during those few days.

No one (including our own Chris) was murdered in the making of the symposium.

Paddle safe...
DS

Here We Go...

Well, we actually go tomorrow at about 6am when JB picks me up for our big annual road trip. Traditionally, this consists of teaching at Rutabaga's Door County Sea Kayak Symposium, camping on the south shore of Lake Superior and, finally, teaching at Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium (BTW: We have room for you if you can make it to either of these).

The weather reports through this weekend are for excellent conditions for teaching beginners and for camping. The Cetus MV is living up to all my expectations, and the camping gear seems to be in good repair. As I write this, I am waiting on my teaching assignments knowing I will enjoy and throw myself into whatever I am assigned to do. After all, I will be on the water doing something I love to do...teach.

I will take along my laptop and, hopefully, get up some pics along the way. Given the choice, however, I will paddle more.

Paddle safe...
DS

Another 4th

Here, in America, it is the fourth of July. Flags are out,  parades will be held throughout the land and there will be fireworks tonight. All this to celebrate a courageous experiment that resulted in this unique country. The main goal of all this was to provide freedom which, if you read bumper stickers, you know isn't free.

So, a moment to remember and thank those that made it all possible. Some, sadly, made the ultimate sacrifice and only live on in memories of families and loved ones. Happily, many came home, and we greet one another with nods of an underlying knowing of the preciousness of this day.

Stay safe, be well and savour your freedom.

Paddle safe...
DS

Back to Phil's

 I've written about Phil before. He is one of the driving forces for kayaking in Wisconsin, especially NE Wisconsin. In addition to running a busy good old fashion diner, Phil has promoted the use of old kayaks as planters throughout Two Rivers. Usually, JB and I will stop there on the way to the Door County Symposium (see you next week, Phil). This time, Alan and I made the stop on the way to our camping trip.

Paddle safe...
DS

A Few Days in Door County

Alan and I just did a few days of camping and paddling in Door county, the "thumb" of Wisconsin. He cooked (very well) and we both paddled and even found an afternoon to just roll.

 A woman is just a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke....Anon.

 clear water & great food

Paddle safe...

DS

By the water

(It's not for sale)

Come to Milwaukee and you might think one of our friendly natives wants to sell you their house. After meeting you, they will often invite you to "come by my house." By, not buy.

 Same, same when it gets hot out and there is little to do, someone is likely to suggest that

we all go down by the water. Is there a better place?

Paddle safe...

DS



More lessons from the symposium:

Major Kudos to Gail of Living Adventures for putting it all together and herding all the cats (staff) throughout the busy days. Gail seemed to appear at every venue to lend support and to check up on folks like myself.

The leadership was superb, and I watched the IT's model good work. (I was fortunate enough to work with Mark on a trip as well as part of the instructor update). I like the ACA's new practical approach to teaching. When I took my instructor's training, there was a heavy emphasis on form (that paddle can be more vertical). Now, it is recognized that some folks cannot rotate or do other maneuvers as well as others. In most circumstances, it just isn't going to happen. Still, these same folks can exhibit skill and judgment enough to make them fine paddlers. With that in mind, the ACA now stresses that what we teach be Effective, Efficient and Safe. I have to say that that works for me and will result in more students leaving their intro lessons with a sense of real accomplishment.

The only other thing needed is a student in search of a teacher. The beginning of a wonderful experience.

Paddle Safe...

DS

A Peek at the ISKS:

I always carry home images in my mind and some in pixels. I didn't take a "decent" (read: SLR) camera. Instead, I shot everything with the Canon D10. Foremost in my mind is the weather we had during the symposium.

 As with all such events, the waters were crowded with classes, demos and folks just out paddling. 

 And, of course, there was my travel companion, bunkie, teacher and mentor: JB, always showing good teaching techniques.

Still sorting out gear and hoping someone finds the GS paddle I left up there. More pics as I find the time.

Paddle safe...

DS

Inland Sea Kayak symposium

Instructors' Update

The folks at Living Adventures put on the finest update I have ever attended. I cannot wait to do pics to share the event. This update used the most basic teaching tool along with modern technology.

To begin, we (instructors) were divided into groups of 5. All gathered at the shore of Lake Superior while an IT (instructor trainer...who were all excellent) demonstrated a skill set. For instance, one set consisted of a forward stroke, stop, pivoting the boat with alternate side forward/reverse sweeps, backing out and doing a hanging draw stroke in reverse. Onto the water went the pods of instructors where each had their own videographer (the modern stuff). As soon as we had all done our demo we immediately went ashore, watched the video on a TV screen and got immediate feedback (the most basic and useful tool in teaching). Then it was back onto the water to repeat the entire process and to see where we had improved and what still needed to be worked on.

I picked  up some fine pearls and more. I saw good teaching and leadership modeled by the IT's and will certainly (and without shame) copy a lot of what I saw.

Now, how could I have come home without my Greenland stick?

Paddle safe...
DS

Inland Sea Kayak Symposium

Last day, and I should be home tonight. During the week I will work on getting some pictures up along with comments about this event. I will be sure to tell you about the best instructor update ever.

The Cetus MV is performing perfectly as is the Freedom 500 pump.

I shall also have s bit on my (not so much) roll in a Nigel Dennis demo.

Paddle safe...
DS

Sometimes, slower is better

I rolled the Cetus MV a lot last summer, but I haven't rolled the new boat much. With the Inland Sea Sea Kayak Symposium starting this week, I thought it time to find out what wasn't working. To do so, I took the roll of the instructor and "watched" me roll in the roll of student. I saw it instantly. "You're sweeping too fast," I told the old guy. I slowed things down and rolled just fine, thank you. Now, on to the symposium.

Paddle safe...
DS

Fog, pump and Bonnie Perry

My short time on Lake Michigan  yesterday gave me an opportunity to test my bilge pump, paddle some slop on the outside and, as an added surprise, to meet Bonnie Perry. A pastor, BCU and ACA coach/instructor, Bonnie is a friendly individual with a warm smile. She graciously tolerated me walking over to introduce myself. I, in turn, grabbed a few photos of the day but was a gentleman and did not poke a lens in her face.

Paddle safe...
DS

Freedom 500 Bilge pump

I bought this pump, it was not given to me to review...just saying. In any event, I have installed it in the boat and have some initial impressions which I enumerate:
1. Support: The company got back to me quickly when I sent questions by e mail
2. Claims
   A. They said they would ship a complete kit: They did. Every damn thing I needed was in there in more than sufficient quantities along with optional pieces.
   B. Their descriptions of parts (pump, batteries, etc). were spot on

3. Instructions: Well done and illustrated. Besides, there is a http://www.bluewaterkayakworks.com/bluewater-kayak-works/products-freedom-500.html with videos showing the pump in action and other helpful info.

3. Kayak Snot: What an excellent adhesive (comes with kit)

The magnet can be seen on the bungie (look just to left of water spout origin)



4. Ease of installation: They say it takes an hour. A bit harder on some British boats like my Cetus MV. The motor is activated by sliding a magnet on a deck bungie over a switch under the deck. My boat is not flat in the middle and required the switich to be over to the side. In addition, boats like mine have reduced space behind the seat where the battery pack lives.

Time will tell, but so far it appears this pump is as advertised and worth a look for those considering an electric bilge pump.

Paddle safe...
DS

I drilled a hole in my new kayak and gave away $12,000.

All in all, a good week.

I have installed my Blue water Freedom 500 bilge pump. I must admit that it was harder to drill a hole for the outlet than it was to cut into a patient. In any event, I am off to Chicago for a wedding and will do some sea trials next week.

Yesterday I represented my high school Alumni foundation by attending graduation  and handing out $12,000 in scholarships. That was easier than drilling holes and actually gave me a great deal of satisfaction.

Finally, our brief summer here in Wisconsin appears to be over. It is cloudy, raining off and on and 60F. Around here we say, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."

Paddle safe...
DS

Got out yesterday...

The big lake felt warmer, so I rolled the MV a few times. I happen to have a bit of cargo aboard, and she rolled just fine. If there was any problem is was the stiffness I felt from a long winter, what I believe is arthritis and gaining too much weight over winter. What to do, what to do.

Paddle safe...
DS

The Hat...
We were in the DC area during the Memorial Day weekend to celebrate my grandson's 4th birthday. And what a wonderful visit we had. Included in all the fun was a trip to Annapolis Naval Academy which we happened to visit on Memorial Day.

In the gift shop were lots of Navy shirts and caps and...and a Viet Nam Veteran's hat...the one pictured in yesterday's blog. I've never wanted to own, much less wear, one of those hats because I always thought of myself as a support guy (flight surgeon) and not one of the grunts who truly served or my pilots who hung it out there and, in too many cases, died. But I've been noticing lately that there are fewer and fewer WW II veteran's hats on old head and that that generation is fast disappearing. My generation (and the Korean Vets) are next and, well, I decided to buy the hat. People needed to remember.

Today, Lady Linda and I visited Arlington National Cemetery before coming home. For some reason, I wore the hat. No, not for some reason. I wore it out of respect for those who didn't come home with me. While standing inside the reception building, just before going out to the graves, a young school boy looked up at me and said, "Thank you." I was taken by surprise but managed to thank him back and offer a small salute. A moment later a lady stopped and thanked me for my service. I thanked her... and felt uncomfortable. This wasn't about me, so I took the hat off.

I did wear it as Linda and I read many of the grave stones, but I avoided eye contact with the many other visitors so as not to detract for the real purpose of the day. I don't know if or when I will wear it again. It's just a hat.

Paddle safe...
DS

As Memorial Day 2011 come to an end...

...I still remember...
...I still feel the sadness.

Paddle safe...
DS

A brief paddle to nowhere...
with satisfying results

I measured the wind at 25 with gusts to 30 and some to 35 mph (on shore). So I launched the Cetus MV and headed out into much the same conditions as my first paddle with the new boat. I wanted to see if she would point up. She did, and I learned (or, rather, relearned) some lessons.

When I spend too much time doing repetitive sweep strokes I lose forward speed. That, in turn, makes the hull less responsive. So, keeping up my speed, I was able to paddle on all points of the wind. I did this without edging as I did not want to expose her belly to wind and waves. I was having a fine old time when the coast guard came up on C 16.

They said they were cancelling the small craft advisory. Great, I thought, I can stay out and paddle for a bit longer. Then they announced a gale warning, and I went ashore. I remeasured the wind to find the gusts were actually up to 40 mph. I was satisfied with the MV's behavior.

Paddle safe...
DS

Behavioral Therapy
in pursuit of the well-behaved hull

Talked with Brian Day (via e mail) at P&H, and he felt that the Cetus MV hull was neutral. I kept that in mind as I spent 4 hours (yesterday) on the river as safety boater for paddle fest. I put a few pounds of Carl's weights  up near the bow and things behaved well. He and Sherri noted that the boat floated low enough to indicate that no additional weight was needed. Then came today.

I was just out in various conditions. I started inside the break wall with my usual kit in the day hatch and no additional ballasting. It was blowing 10+mph from the NE with some rippling in the water. THE MV SLOWLY POINTED TO THE WIND. It behaved like a non-psychotic hull should behave. I could paddle on all points of the wind without a skeg, and she responded beautifully to sweep strokes. So...I went outside.

There the wind was easily 15+mph and, more importantly, there were chops and waves up to two feet. At times everything in front of the cockpit was up out of the water AND THE BOW DIDN'T BLOW OFF. It went to windward nicely, turned when asked and surfed a bit with no tendency to broach (skeg was then down).

I don't know what happened and why the change in behavior. All I know is that I liked the way the MV handled today and that I was comfortable out in the chaotic stuff we get near the break wall. If someone has switched boats when I was asleep, I promise not to press charges. Now we will wait and see what happens when I drop the 20 pounds of ballast I've been carrying around my waist.

Paddle safe...
DS

A Classic/Typical Weather "Forecast"
(Never trust a specialist." My chief of medicine when I was a resident.

For a few days the weekend was predicted to have thunderstorms, thunderstorms, thunderstorms. They were supposed to start after 4 pm yesterday and in the afternoon today. High probabilities were "predicted'.

I paddled in a pleasant rain yesterday before the sun came out. Today's "updated" "forecast" is for storms late this afternoon. "20% chance." I believe the weather bureau is in Las Vegas.

Paddle safe...
DS

Paddles...
   I've been so engrossed with the new Cetus that I haven't mentioned my search for the perfect paddle (here he goes again). I have  Werner's Ikeolos/Kalistte/Camano which I interchange. The Camano is a 220 affair and the other two are 210's. Recently, at Rutabaga, I tried a 205 length paddle and liked it (JB just got a 205 which I hope to try soon).
   The Ikeolos has a huge blade and takes its toll on long paddles. Using the low angle Kalistte as a high angle paddle with a slightly increased cadence gives me more speed and less fatigue. If the wind comes up in my face, I go to a low angle style (I do not feather my paddles)
   Because the swede form Cetus boats are so narrow where paddles enter the water, I am using a high angle style. In fact, this narrow area allows for slick and efficient use of  a Greenland stick.
   I think there will be one more paddle in my future, and it will likely be a mid size blade with a 205 shaft. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Paddle safe...
DS

Asphalt in your repair kt.

So, I paddled in 20+K wind today. When Alan came by, he found a slab of asphalt which he placed on my forward hatch cover...and the boat finally weather cocked. We removed half and it balanced nicely.

                                                                          photo courtesy of Alan
                                                                                      glare causes asphalt block to look white
Carl Volpal, developer of the PaddlingPartner gave me one of his 5lb evices to try in the forward hatch. The experiment continues.

Paddle safe...

DS

curiouser and curiouser...
   It's an old (and bad) joke. A guy with a badly deformed hand prays for, "...my hand to be like the other one." He wakes in the morning to find he has two deformed hands (groan). My one problem early on with my Cetus was its strong tendency to weather cock. So, I prayed for a boat that wouldn't.
   Today I took the Cetus MV out in a 20K wind with gusts and found that it didn't weather cock. Prayer answered? Be careful what you pray for...it lee cocked. In fact, it took some work to turn her into the wind. Whens the last time you had that happen in a boat? I suspect the boat is not balanced with me and my stuff in the day hatch. Perhaps after the pump is in it will balance out. If not, I can move the seat a bit forward.
   The good news was that the fore ward hatch remained dry thus confirming that I had installed the compass properly.

Paddle safe...
DS

One more thing done...
   Lousy weather and little time, so I turned the garage into a workshop and installed the Brunton p70 compass onto my new Cetus MV. I used the usual technique with a string to align the lubber lines. I caulked with a metallic gray premium waterproof silicone caulk made by GE.

 

Next, the pump.

Paddle safe...

DS

So it begins...

I had my doubts about the weather...and the date...as I drove to Madison on Friday the 13th. The sky was overcast and the temps low for may. On the other hand, it was the first class of the season at 'Baga. It was, for me, the official start of the summer paddling season.

We only had to leave the pond once when we heard distant thunder. Still, we got in all the instruction and then some. When I got home, I was surprised how achy I felt and how heavy the boat seemed as I lifted it onto its rack. I need to get back to maximum condition. It has begun.

Paddle safe...

DS

So far, So goodGot out alone under gray skies and a north wind of 15-20K. Paddled into it to the state park at the north end of the harbor. This time I had a tad of weight in the forward hatch. No problems.

On the way back I had 2 foot seas quartering behind the port beam. Just a bit of skeg made for a terrific ride with waves, at times,  coming in several directions. The boat wanted to surf but the troughs were to narrow and I would run up onto the wave in front. It was a joyous ride. No bracing needed. So far, so good.

Paddle safe...
DS

My newest bestest friend

I took the Cetus MV out onto Lake Michigan just now. It was blowing 15-20K with lots of calapotis waves and slop. She handled like a dream. A tad less stable than her big brother but no tendency to weather cock?? It sits lower in the water as is is narrower and I weight it down more. I will try a little weight in the forward hatch next time. I tested out the skeb but, to tell the truth, there was no need for one. Not even going directly down wind.

Went through all the strokes effortlessly. With a hanging draw, she slides sideways as if on ice. Acceleration is good and the cockpit comfy.

She surfed without asking permission, and it was effortless to maintain a good pace. Almost did some rolling, but the air was relatively warm while the water is still in low 40's F.

Next free day with lousy weather will be time to install compass.

Paddle safe...
DS

At the starting line...
Yesterday I wrote a note about the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium put on by Rutabaga. It is the closest to my home, and I have a long association with the wonderful folks at 'Baga. I want you to know that every other year in June is the first sea kayak symposium up on Lake Superior near the incredible Apostle Islands.

In June, some of us will be headed up to the Inland Sea Kayak Symposium...and you just might want to be there as well. The scenery is magnificent and the coaches are wonderful (if I do say so myself). Click on the link and look the program over. Consider coming up. When else are you going to paddle with Nigel Dennis (of NDK Kayak, Romany, Explorer fame)?

Paddle safe...
DS

DCSKS
You don't want to miss this

It's so close I can taste it: Symposium Season; and it starts with the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium put on by those fine folks at Rutabaga in Madison. This Friday through Sunday annual event is always the weekend after the 4th of July and is a superb venue for all levels of paddlers.

Where else can you arrive having never paddled and go home a beginner with some basic skills and strokes? Where else can you enjoy such good instruction and food and scenery and learn at the same time? Click on the link and look it over...then sign up.

I will be mentioning other symposiums in the area, on different dates; but this is the closest and involves most of the paddlers in this area. New friends are more than welcome.

Paddle safe...
DS

"I can't find Alan"
I was hanging with JB who was leading an ICE for folks testing to be ACA instructors when a friend of ours paddled up and told us he couldn't find Alan (another of our friends). Alan had been off the water for a while and had chosen to paddle in an offshore wind that reached 30mph offshore. Two of us took off to the gap when my partner saw what looked to be a hull offshore. We dug in and raced toward the target over a half a mile away. He, being younger and stronger and in a longer boat (he, ironically, was in a Cetus, I in a Romany), gained distance as the target appeared to be blown further away. I began to worry that Alan (who we knew was in a drysuit) may have been in the water for as long as 20 minutes.

I stopped and radioed a "pawn, pawn, pawn" requesting assistance from any vessel in the area. The coast guard came on just as a voice announced on channel 16 that, "Alan is on shore and safe." I saw my partner turn back and fed all this info to the coasties. In the end we all (JB had joined us by then, having made the class safe) had to paddle back into a stiff wind which provided my exercise for the day.

After putting it all together, we realized that Alan had been inside the breakwater watching us storm out to sea to rescue him. We are all still debriefing and learning from the experience.

Paddle safe...
DS

The Old and the New

   Yesterday, P & H delivered my new Cetus MV to Rutabaga in Madison. I was on my way to Lake Michigan when the Boss (Nancy) rang my cell to announce the new arrival. I made a U turn, and you can see a so-so photo of my old Romany with the Cetus in the fore ground. It looks blue, but the deck is actually black. I know, I know. It will show scratches. I plan, however, to put a protective film over the deck before really using it.

   First impression: Quality of construction: Duh, It's a P&H. All hatches were dry (I did paddle on the pond). The skeg deploys wonderfully  and there is little resistance when bringing it back up. Once in the boat, it is obvious that it is an inch narrower than the big version I just sold. It makes for less wet surface to push around. The trade off is loss of a little of that rock solid initial stability.
   As I get the boat prepped I will have more posts.

Paddle safe...
DS

Subaru for kayakers

...not so much?

There has been some Internet discussions around here concerning Subaru automobiles. I chose to  purchase my Forester model using the ACA program which made for a decent price. I had wanted the Out Back model, but their new rack system was not suitable for kayaks.

Problem with the Forester is that, in order to avoid certain federal regulations, Subaru made the car ridiculously tall and, thus, not user friendly for loading a boat (which is why I bought and installed the Hullvinator). The tall back portion is also wasted space as piling things that high could result in stuff shooting forward over the seats during an emergency stop.

Subaru had a car well suited to our needs, but not so much any more. Time to look at other brands? Time for the ACA to make a deal with some other brands?

Paddle safe...
DS

Ouch
I have inflammation of the saddle joints of both thumbs. I have to believe it is from paddling. I am wearing splints (on and off) that immobilize that joint. I took them off today because I just had to paddle.

I moved the shims (means something different here, Gnarly) under the front edge of the seat in my Romany. Much better. With little time available, I took to the river near my house. There is high water just now, and the current was easily 5+knots with a 20mph wind in my face to boot. Needless to say, I got my exercise in just fine. Admittedly, there were stops along the way to catch my breath and check for chest pain. Now my thumbs really hurt.

Paddle safe...
DS

Days go by...
The days are racing by, and I am caught up in a land-scheduled life. What with teaching, writing lectures and exams and the usual day to day, I have not been on the water in several days. More over, winter-like weather continues to reappear, and it is hard for me to break out of my winter mind set.

On the bright side, I have my grand children here this week, and the house (when I can be there) is filled with child-energy and joy.

Oddly enough, this is turning into a period of reflection for me. My mind is filled with thoughts of elder life, service and a connection to something outside of myself yet deep inside myself. It is a flow of ideas that I periodically have visited throughout my life, often when some life-change is in the offering. What that change might be I cannot yet say.

Soon enough the warmth, my new boat and the pump I ordered will arrive. Outdoor lessons will get underway and school obligations will be over until fall. I just need to hang in there until then.

Paddle safe...
DS

What about the cold?

According to the US Coast Guard statistic, there were 736 boating fatalities in the year 2009. Of those, 39 were kayakers. When I saw this my first thought was hypothermia but, to my surprise, none involved cold water. Instead, 34 were listed as drownings and 5 as unknown. There went the hypothermia theory.

Sadly, over half of the victims were not wearing pfd's. Such a basic and simple thing. Still, we don't know if they would have survived if they had worn life jackets since 16 of those who drowned had them on. I need to sit with this for a while. Meanwhile, wear your pfd and...

Paddle safe...
DS

Not a Bad Weekend.

   I flew to Washington DC on Friday and spent time and dinner with my grand son, daughter and son in law. I had a chance to see where they are living and time to play with JoeJoe (I absolutely creamed him in a pillow fight). 
   Saturday I gave my  6.5 credit cardiology  seminar, and I thought it went well. Afterward, the three of them  picked me up and we went out for dinner and ice cream. Turned out the ice cream place is owned by a fellow from Wisconsin. The ice cream was good. There was a chair which had written on its sear, "Present Obama sat here."
   Today I was up at 4 am (3 am Milwaukee time) and home before 10 am. then Lady Linda, her mom and a dear friend of ours drove down to Illinois for the 2nd birthday of our granddaughter. There was good food, lots of joking, presents and, of course, grandma's famous chocolate cake.
   It is now almost 8:30 pm on Sunday, and I don't understand why I am not in a coma. Still, I am going to head to bed early and fall asleep counting my blessings.

Paddle safe...
DS

In Limbo

I have sold my Cetus, and it is on its way to Ct. My new MV is in Ashville. The truck is expected to come to this area in the next few weeks. In the mean time I have been paddling my trusty  old Romany, but for some reason have been uncomfortable in it.

I suspect it is the back band adjustment + the feeling that the front of the seat is higher than what I have been using. In any event, if I am going to paddle in the next few weeks I need to sort that out.

I have acquired sheets of 3M ScotchGuard tm which I plan to apply to the deck of the MV when it arrives. I will need to install a compass and will likely put in an electric bilge pump. For now, however, all I can do is wait.

Paddle safe...
DS

 Steve Scherrer

Wilderness Systems

to Receive Honor

For Landmark Work on Boating Materials.

The National Association of Fiberglass Manufacturer's has announced that this year's recipient of their "Best in Industry" award will go to Wilderness Systems and noted marine designer Steve Scherrer. Although this will not be announced until next month, Steve has kindly given me permission to have the "scoop" on this announcement along with some inside information as to what he and the company will be revealing next week.

"It all began with Cindy and me sitting around the kitchen table and talking about how to improve our boats." To paraphrase his explanation, the two of them got to talking about how so many paddlers use duct tape for emergency repairs. "If the material is so great," Cindy had said, "why not incorporate it into fiberglass?"

They both laughed about the idea...at first. But Steve got thinking about it and got together with the techies at the company. They, too, were sceptical, but the idea was too enticing to let go.
That led to some experimentation with various "recipes" utilizing different percentages of ground up duct tape that was, as Steve explained, "Simply mixed with the resin and painted onto the cloth." Although he wasn't specific (there is a patent application in for this yet to be named material), He did say that they were able to come up with a new "glass" that is at least three times tougher than Diolene. Again, he wasn't willing (understandably) to reveal more details. When I asked about the weight of a boat made of this material, he just smiled in a way that suggested this material also provided for a lighter hull.

So, I await, along with you, for the "official" announcement and to hear when the first of these boats will be made available. And then there is the question of price.
Paddle safe...
DS

Trust

Something got me thinking on this topic and I was surprised how much it brought up for me. We are all familiar with the risk of our sport and, yet, we go out there...often alone. I've come to realize that trust plays a huge roll in making these decisions. At least it does for me.

First, I trust myself to use good judgment and to not push the envelope too much, especially when alone. This involves trusting the lessons of my teachers. When with a group, I am constantly aware of who the others are, what their skill levels are and how much I trust their ability to act should the need arise.

Then there is the equipment. I still paddle Brian Day's old Romany, patches and all. I trust the repairs and Brian's skills. To not would take too much attention away from what I am doing out there. This, in turn, would generate fear. On the same note, I trust my paddles. Still, I carry a spare (trust and verify). I trust all these things and that allows me to take the calculated risks when I push away from the land.

What don't I trust? Just about any weather forecast.

Paddle safe...
DS

The Squid

Folks who sail large boats, like kayakers, know how difficult it can be to control their craft when there is a large following sea and the wind is up. Thus driven, most displacement hulls have a tendency to broach. That is, they want to turn back toward the wind which first turns them sideways to the waves. Not a good scenario. For this reason, kayaks have skegs and/or rudders. Sailors have the option of reefing the main and hoping the jib on the forestay keeps the front of the boat headed down wind.

    When the waves and wind become even more forceful, the sailor can deploy a drouge/sea anchor off the stern to create a drag that will keep him headed down wind. Lacking such a gizmo, many a sailor has dragged one of his sails in the water to be towed in order to get the same effect.

   The Squid is a small, self contained device meant to anchor a fishing kayak to one location. Because it self stores in a small bag, I was wondering if it might work as a drogue and help keep a kayak stern to the wind. This, in turn, brought to mind the problems with having a drogue aboard and the difficulty of setting it out let alone retrieving it. It made me wonder, too, if any paddlers have used such a system to control their kayak in a following sea. And...what if the skeg fails to come down?

Would this make a good back up...or is it just an impractical concept for kayakers?

Paddle safe...
DS

The Man in Black

No More

Derrick is noted for his dark dressing habits, on and off the water

 Yet, you will never meet a nicer, more creative or knowledgeable man on the planet. His blog is widely read, and he is known for his innovative teaching techniques. Still, when I posted this picture from Canoecopia last year...

Most reader's immediately knew who it was...sans face (watch out Dubside). Well, at the 2011 edition of 'Copia, try as he might, he could not escape the uncannily fast lens of yours truly...and a whole new Derrick was discovered.

Next, a cure for cancer.

Paddle safe...

DS

Old and New
Got to do a photo shoot, then paddle and, finally, pick up my tax forms. Oh well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad. Just a quick note on Canoecopia: It was a lot of the same old, same old...

...with some new stuff. This stand up thing is a rapidly growing pass time. It will be interesting to see where it goes.

Paddle safe...
DS

Adventure Egg tm

One of the items of interest at Canoecopia was simply dried eggs for camping. Big deal? Well, in a way. Not only did they tast good (there were samples at the booth), they were low in sodium, something that I find rare in dried camp food. (Other meals on the market have sodium levels above 1, 000. ) The equivalent of 5 dozen eggs would add less than 2 lbs. to your gear.

You can check out the many uses of this product at their site.
Paddle safe...
DS

Paddle and See What is Out There...

 ...and express yourself.

Paddle safe...

DS

Then I knew...

I usually have Wednesday afternoons free but was scheduled to attend a board meeting yesterday afternoon. As you may know, the winter has been hard on me and I have not been feeling much joy lately. So, I wrote myself a doctor's excuse and took the Cetus out for a solo paddle in 60 F Temperatures.

I set my own pace and occasionally stopped to photograph some of the last ice hanging on the rocks of the break wall. There was a nice little roll running through the water and, as time passed I suddenly realized that I was singing. The fact is that I usually sing when I am paddling and/or just plain happy, but I haven't for some time. It was then I knew that my soul would emerge intact from the deep freeze of dreary winter days. I smiled to myself.

Paddle safe...
DS

So...
A Cetus MV with my name on the shipping label has arrived in the states. So close yet so far.

Paddle safe...
DS

Still Catching UP...

Took time to paddle yesterday. Today, it's back to school, and exams and lectures have to be made ready. I will still be getting to Canoecopia and all the things I saw there that you must have and things you may wish to pass on.

Paddle safe...

DS

In the Books.

Canoecopia 2011 is over and, as I saw it, was another success. Attendance was down a bit, probably due to the economy and gas prices. Nevertheless, Rutabaga, and especially Nancy "the boss" did an amazing job of organizing and taking care of the visitors. A good deal of this was handled by an army of red shirts who carried, moved, announced, recorded and did everything else necessary to help with demonstrations and lectures.

I will be posting on some of the activities and some of the products I thought are worth a second look. But for now, I am off to treat my addiction. Which way to the lake?

Paddle safe...
DS

Therapy

Friday, around noon, I checked into my hotel in Indiana, put on a sweater and took a walk outside...without long underwear, a hat or gloves. The warm air was like a magic elixir and lifted my spirits tremendously. Upon my return Sunday, I enjoyed lunch with JB and then an afternoon paddle with Sherri (pics to follow).

There were confused 3-4 foot, occasionally breaking, waves on the outside and, I must admit, I had to focus more than usual to stay upright. At least for a while. That's what happens when I don't get out for a long period of time, and this winter has been one of the hardest for me.

I have to write some lectures and exams and will be working Canoecopia this weekend, so no paddling until sometime next week. The extra good news is that we are expected to have a warming trend over the next 10  or more days. Life is good.

Paddle safe...
DS

That Old Feeling...It's Back

I've had it before, and it is not to be ignored. It begins as a restlessness and a faint sense that something needs to happen. It comes, at first, as a whisper, and I believe it comes from my soul. It tells me that it needs something. It tells me  that it needs me to do something. One time it led to me leaving medical practice. Another time it led me to teaching. Now it is saying, "There is more in you, and there is more for you to do."

This calling often involves serendipity. It was an emergency surgery that let me slow down enough to hear the whispers to change my life. This time the whispers have come alone...until now. Political and financial goings on here in Wisconsin suggest there may be no adjunct teaching jobs at the universities after this semester. It could mean that I would have no teaching appointment and....well....and I would need/want to find other things to do. This time, however, the whispers have not (yet) given me a clue as to what it is I am destined to do. Not even an idea in which arenas that might be.

This is a scary and, at the same time, a delicious situation because it tells me that in spite of my age I am still in the game and have more to contribute. I wonder what it will turn out to be.

Paddle safe...
DS