Our Point Whisky 16 collects a few admirers

We have both fallen for the Whisky. "She" has a wee fan club. My husband wonders if we should become dealers. We have a bit of history with the brand.

This was not the start of my husband's love affair with Point 65N Sweden boats. No, that started a few years ago with a chance encounter in an REI during the winter attic sale. There, with the other used and returned boats, sat a Point 65N XO 16. The boat's lines attracted him right away. It is different from any other boat we've seen in our club. It had a pair of holes in it. Fork lifts and fiber glass (composite) boats really don't get along.

We had the chance to buy this completely unknown boat for a thousand bucks. The price seemed reasonable, and James said the repairs would be easy. Our confidence in the purchase was bolstered by James's "mad" glassing skills, experience gained during his semi-pro surfing days.

This boat has woven itself into the fabric of my husband's mystique; his long dark blond hair, his Thor's hammer around his neck, and this Swedish boat. My Viking husband. I say "Viking" in case there is some misconception of my husband being a "long-haired hippy." No, he is a long haired rock climber and surfer, neither laid-back nor a pot-smoking-peace-nik.

We often receive offers to buy the XO 16. We always say "no," but we can't blame other paddlers for wanting the boat. James makes it look good, and it is well sized for a tall lanky guy. It is too large for me. When I sit in it the cockpit rises up around my rib cage. It is like the XL sweat shirt I stole from my dad as a kid. Huge.

Pea Island Bird Reserve, Outer Banks, NC, 2013

Coltons Point, MD, 2013

Coltons Point, MD, 2013

Kathleen, James, and I on our first outing on the Potomac with the Whisky. credit K Ecott 2014

I really love the bright blue lines. They pop with color and character.

The new compass.

James put together a boat stand (prev. post), purchased some boat cleaner, ordered bright blue line and bungee from a climbing supply place, and went to town on his new boat. Years of grime disappeared and the boat looks amazing! He also installed the compass we purchased with the boat at Annapolis Canoe and Kayak.

He said "drilling the holes for the compass was the scariest thing I've done lately." Who puts holes in their boat on purpose, eh?

It still needs an application of 303 on those hatch covers but otherwise, "she's" ready to go. 

Even though Brian asked us not to, we continue to call this the "Brian Stevens maneuver." The challenge: push oneself out of the cockpit and on to the back deck and then balance there, paddling around. The maneuver is especially helpful when landing. Performed before one gets to the beach there is no need to struggle to rise. Instead, one simply stands when one's feet touch the sand under the boat.

Crossing Belmont Bay

Two Gulfstreams meet. Just wish I had been a tad closer.

Me in my Current Designs Solstice GTS. I've been using the rudder some with my injured shoulder. Just means I don't have to correct much with strokes.

James and Becky. Becky is in our Gulfstream. Upon landing back at Leesylvania she promptly made us an offer we couldn't refuse.

We had to say goodbye to a boat in order to have room in the quiver for the Whisky. We sold our Kevlar Current Designs Gulfstream to Becky, our good friend. We know the boat will have a good home with Becky, she's a known boat coddler. I had bought that boat for the husband at Christmas last year but for one reason or another the boat just wasn't comfortable for long days of paddling. As it didn't work for me either,  it was wise to re-home it. We hope "she'll" be better suited to her new owner!

In the meantime another paddler offered to buy the Whisky. He offered a thousand bucks over what we had paid to get "her." We said "no" but gave it some thought, even after the fact. Boat flipping, hmm...

Some comparisons of the Whisky:

It, hands down, catches waves and surfs better than the Gulfstream we sold. It is more nimble and has a bit more initial stability. It accelerates more quickly. It weighs more as it is fiber glass composite rather than Kevlar. The 6 or so pound difference might make it a bit harder to car-top than the Gulfstream.

In comparison to my NDK boat, it feels a bit less substantial  in chop than the Romany Surf. It skittered a bit in confused water. This is likely an effect of that shallow foot print Nigel spoke of during his video about the boat. While not really a negative, it is something both James and I noted separately.

We found the finish on the Whisky to be top-notch. It is silky-smooth inside the cockpit and hatches, well-finished. The finish speaks of attention to detail in the factory, even in this several years old boat. There are no rough edges or hanging fiber glass burrs to catch one's skin or clothes on. Very nice.

All in all, probably a 7.5 out of 10. We'd buy it all over again. 

Kayak work stands

I needed to have a stand to work on my boats. Up until now I have been leaving my boat on the Hullavator lowered down beside the doors and washing and waxing my boats that way. Unfortunately it meant I always missed a spot where the ties and cradles are.

I wanted a higher functioning stand. I looked at this: Kayak Stand, Talic Sea Horse 31" tall kayak stand

But the reviews say it's hard to put a boat on it by yourself. Also, I can tell it would be unlikely that I would be able to flip the boat over easily. In fact every set of stands that are a pair had the same darned complaint written about them.

When we picked up the Whisky we examined this much heavier duty stand but I was unable to locate one to buy. I suspect it's an item designed for a retail store, not a home enthusiast.

And there's this low tech approach. But it would leave me hunched over the boat. Again it might be difficult to get the boat on the "stands" alone and nigh impossible to turn over alone:

So I asked the husband if he would build me one. I showed him the ones on the web that were for sell. I explained what I wanted. To my surprise one materialized almost the instant his new Whisky came home. 

It was clear the demo-ed boat had been stored outside by the shop that had owned it. It was grimy in a way that only happens when a boat is left outside for a long time, say, a couple of years.

So here's James's take on a boat stand:

It folds flat and so stores easily in our crowded garage. It holds my 17 foot plus Solstice easily. As I scrubbed my boat I didn't need to hold it down or prevent it from tumbling off the stable stand. I was able to flip my boat over and scrub the under side, drain the soapy water from the cockpit, reach every nook and cranny...Okay, I'm impressed. I love the stand. It makes me want to wax all my boats. I told him we should look into producing it for our boat-crazy friends.

Sold my Sirocco and bought, drum roll please, an NDK Romany Surf!

I say that with an exclamation as I am really excited by the boat. Some pictures...

Out with friends Friday 5-2-14. Credit R Dennis Green

Kat in her n-used NDK Explorer, Becky, and myself. Credit R Dennis Green

House shopping from the water. This is the one! On Massey Creek Fairfax County, VA. Credit R Dennis Green

Just for comparison: My Surf is supposed to be 16' 3" and Kat's Explorer 17' 8". While the size difference looks obvious in this photo it eluded us in person. I think the Explorer was trying to bamboozle us into thinking "she" was fun-sized, rather than the stately lady "she" is. One can also see the difference in the key hole cockpit size. While I find the entrance to my Surf roomy, the Explorer is more cozy, aka, tight getting in and out.

Here the silky slack waters at high tide beckon us out from Leesylvania to cross to Mattawoman Creek. Once there we practiced bracing and turns. James's CD Gulfstream is still pretty new to him as he doesn't get out as often as I do.

Charmed by the new boat

Selfie 5-3-14

James tried out the Surf and declared the seat more comfortable, and cockpit more roomy, than his Gulfstream. This, despite the fact that the Gulfstream is a full two inches wider (23.75") than the Surf (21.75"). I believe the issue with the Gulfie is the plastic stabilizers that run from the cockpit coaming down to the seat at the hip area. While my CD Solstice GTS has the same kind of arrangement, it is not tight while the Gulfstream is. As a matter of fact I cannot sit in the Gulfstream for more than a handful of minutes before I am threatened with severe hip pain. My hips are crap, that's a given, but I find it odd the seat area is so tight when my Solstice is not.

Why so serious? He says, "Meh, my Gulfstream turns more easily." He and I never agree on boats. This is good as we will likely never share a boat. This is bad for the same reason. We will eventually run out of room.

I hope my CD Sirocco suits her new owner better than me. She was just too big. The gal who bought her found she fit just right. Every one deserves some new boat joy!

Scratch that last statement about the Sirocco

Today I had two epiphanies about my Sirocco.

A preface first: Friday morning I had lifted my arms to braid my hair and I felt something in the left shoulder catch. I couldn't raise it or lower it. I ended up pulling the arm up with my other hand and felt a massive "pop" and incredible pain swept all over, like an electric shock, down to my toes even. My eyes teared up and I briefly thought I was going to either fall down, or barf, or both. This morning I woke up and had almost no pain. Elation!

Also Friday, before a giant sucking sound was heard from my wallet during a dental appointment, I took the Sirocco out to practice ruddering and braces. I am a bit fond of the boat. I have gotten comfortable laying the boat over and gently righting it, using a low brace, without jerking it or feeling alarmed by the lack of push-back.

Then, with an eye towards that class next weekend, I took it out into the windy chop of Belmont Bay today, with my husband in his Gulfstream. I remembered how well it handled the rollers down in the Keys. And it did again. But with a more discerning eye today I realized that while it climbs rollers well, when one turns the boat around and the seas are "following," that great performance disappears. The swells sweep around the boat, not lifting it or allowing one to "catch the wave," the way my Necky Elias does.

Instead, the boat was constantly working to turn broad beam to the waves. I think most boats will try to do that anyway more or less. The Sirocco is a long and heavy boat, turning it back straight took a lot of work. Ah so. Turning the shorter lighter Eli back takes a stroke or two at most. I want to take the best boat for the class. I worry if I am working so hard to keep the boat going straight that I will have less opportunity to learn the other skills I will be offered.

Leaving the water today I was already leaning away from taking the Sirocco. James helped me carry the boat over to the car and nestle it into the Hullavator cradles. I tied it down and then started lifting it. The Hullavator doesn't pop up with the Sirocco in the cradles, it is too heavy. So I have to lift the boat up on my fore arms, and then change the position of my hands half way up and continue lifting the boat. That's when I had the second epiphany: My left shoulder was struck by searing pain. Holy cow! I thought back, oh my goodness...my shoulder started getting *really* bad right after I bought this really heavy boat.

The Solstice weighs 48 pounds per the Current Designs website. That boat pops up in the Hullavator cradles so fast and easy it's disconcerting. Almost as though the boat is going to keep right on going, catapulting away. The Eli goes up with a bit more work, it weighs 56 pounds per the Necky website. Now, the CD website says the Sirocco only weighs 60 pounds. I just don't believe it. The Eli feels at least 10 pounds lighter, both in my hands and on the Hullavator, than the Sirocco. Brian suggested it would be worth weighing my boat sometime. I think my bathroom scales and I have a date with my boats. More on that to follow.

Snow falling on the river

The profound quiet of snow fall extends on to the water.

I am still struggling with SAD, and our friend's death. I am not doing too hot but am managing to function. It's been tough, really tough. A lot of my re enactment friends are gathering here and there but between work and, well, that immobilizing feeling of sadness; I don't seem to be getting over to gather with them. It might be too much to ask of me. Someone would literally have to pick me up and make me go by driving me there.

Tuesday Feb 25th was Pete's actual birthday. Just a handful of us joined him at Leesylvania to explore the creeks around the park. The snow was really coming down. The photos I took aren't far from the way it felt, with the snow whiting everything out so that the sky and water merged a mere 100 feet away. The snow coated my light grey deck and the case of my camera as well.

We stirred up flocks of tundra swans and snow geese. They fled before us like ghosts in the silence. Profound silence for the heart.

Pete's surprise party on Sunday 2/23/14

Sunday I met my paddling friends at Beverly-Triton Beach to paddle out to the Thomas Point Light, which I had never gotten to do before.
I had a hard time getting my shit together. There were tears. It wasn't good.

But once I was there, the water and wind and sky came together. My friends all hugged me and it was good.

We celebrated Pete's 60th birthday. Everyone should have friends like these.

Awesome, Dennis, you out did yourself! credit Dennis Green 2014

credit Dennis Green 2014

more boats and me hopping to keep warm, credit Lisa 2014

Us, credit Dennis Green 2014

Myself and the Lorax  credit Lisa 2014

Dennis and I, not sure who shot this one, maybe Lisa?

Line of pretty boats, at second break area, credit Lisa 2014

Good one! credit Dennis Green 2014

My own photos didn't turn out so hot. I need a new camera. Period>

Brian, just as we set out

Darrick, who makes such fun videos!

These were pretty much the only good ones. I don't know how I am going to get a new camera but likely I'll weasel one out some time soon. But with so much training and classes to pay for a camera is low on my list of must-haves. Maybe I'll start using my phone like Lisa. Her shots are pretty clear.

My week, not in pictures!

Sadly, there is not going to be much photographic evidence of this week. The camera-thing is just not meant to be. I have started carrying one of my two no-longer-water-proof cameras in a dry bag designed for cell phones and cameras. As far as I can tell I have been able to shoot a couple of pics but the system is so clumsy I generally am not even pulling the camera out of my vest's belly pouch.

But I had a great week on the water and today's only Friday so that may say something. My week started out with an immensely cool pool session Sunday morning at Lee District Pool. As we are signed up for March as well we checked in with the roll coach but chose to practice the skills we already have and save the roll-coaching for the less-packed March classes.

I have discussed rolling at length with Brian, watched videos, and listened to other paddlers who have rolls. I also watched the successful rollers at the pool paying quite a bit of close attention. I came to the conclusion that the extended paddle roll looks the easiest. Brian told me he would use that same roll as a default in conditions. And I have watched a video featuring that roll as well. So that's likely to be my target during March class.

Another thing successful rollers have said to me in several different ways is "relax." Darrick said Dub-side advised him that the first step in the lay-up is to "relax and let your pfd pull you towards the surface." As I watch my strong, athletic husband struggle to complete a c-to-c roll I realize that he is trying to "muscle" it. Not relaxing at all, which is understandable as hanging upside down from your cockpit just doesn't seem too natural.

A lot to think about and prepare for.

Monday found me a bit sore from the many wet exits and self-rescues I practiced on Sunday. My chiropractor would love the set of bruises I gave myself. He would always ask why I was so bruised up from "just paddling," but it seems last year I have spent a significant amount of energy learning and practicing good self and assisted rescue techniques. This will serve me well in the coming club season.

Tuesday I left work at lunch to join some of the "usual suspects" in a paddle out of Occoquan Regional Park. I was hoping to see some of the Tundra Swans that had been spotted by another the day before but alas, I was denied. However I did spot a multitude a large gray/tan sea birds, really really large with hooked beaks like a bird of prey. They floated singly or in small groups on the water in the larger mixed groups of birds. In the air they looked like birds of prey as well. Got to identify them. I think they must be migrants just stopping over on their way north.

A nice military fellow stopped to ask us about area paddling and we got him to kindly snap our photo before we launched

Brian and Pete set a fast pace out of the launch and Becky, Dennis, and I were lagging just a bit. I had chosen my Sirocco as sometimes one can find big wakes at that locale where the Occoquan and the Potomac converge. I was hoping for some surf. Instead, I got served a big helping of "paddle-you-butt-off" as "Motorboat" and the "Faster Pastor" were in fit form. I don't think they were even trying hard. We did about 8.5 miles, and my gps said we only averaged a moving speed of 3.8 mph. Ok, that was a slow speed for a lot of work.

My left shoulder is becoming a problem. It is visibly swollen and hurts the worst it ever has. I am sure it's the same bursitis that has plagued me every winter for the last 20 years, but in a much more aggressive way. I really suffered Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and barely slept as every time I moved the arm I was jolted by grinding pain. In some kind of senseless sleepy state I wondered if I could tape the sucker down or wear some kind of body sling that would keep me from moving it overnight. Ugh.

Regardless, I left work again at noon of Thursday to paddle with the crew at Columbia Island. We headed out the Boundary Channel north to Fletchers for lunch and then returned via the big river past the monuments. It had turned dark and overcast, so even though I had the camera with me I knew it was pointless to try and shoot anything, on this one of my favorite parts of the Potomac.

courtesy Lisa

This day I brought my Dragon Boat, as I call my Solstice. She is my "big gun," my "sword of the sea," as she slices the water like butter and working hard means breaking 6 mph, not 4 as in the Sirocco. Dennis, who paddles a lovely Gulfstream, asked me about her. He noted that he was struggling to try and maintain an opening distance between "Motorboat" and himself when he looked over just as I slid past him, seemingly not working hard at all. His perception was correct. The Solstice is a race horse. She's made to run, and I love her for it. She's my once-in-a-lifetime boat.

I am hoping Dennis posts a pic of us to facebook and I'll grab it for here.

Returning to the shoulder issue; here's the odd part: the first few minutes I am paddling it hurts like I am stretching scarred muscle tissue but then the joint warms up, loosens up, and I don't feel any pain until the night time. So last night I skipped my evening Celebrex dose and applied Voltaren gel directly to the joint. I also applied some Arnica gel. I slept on my back with my arms propped on pillows like I do when I am having neurological problems stemming from my spine. I didn't sleep much anyway but the shoulder didn't hurt as much as the previous nights.  However, some nerve is definietly being affected as my pinky, ring, and middle fingers as well as the outside of my left arm from the shoulder down kept going completely numb and then I couldn't move the arm much.

Holy smokes!!

So now I am exhausted, haven't slept well since I left Florida. My left shoulder swells intermittently, and the rest of me feels healthy and ready to go, even in the face of not sleeping. Just this broken wing could be a problem. Hmm. Regardless, I am trying to arrange a lesson for myself and the Lorax for tomorrow, or a low-key paddle with Chuck's club, at the least.

Yeah. I guess I don't let my physical condition dictate my days. I refuse to be ruled by a busted shoulder.