What little I know I am happy to share

The Lorax writes this disclaimer in his first blog post:

"Now a disclaimer......

I am in no way an expert in any of the things I post here. Most post will be my opinions and we all know about opinions. Please, do your homework, get professional training, and learn the things that are important. I place no guarantee that anything I post will work for you or will keep you safe. Just because it works for me does not mean it is right for you."

And I start to wonder whether anyone would mistake me for an "expert?" Goodness, I hope not! I certainly never meant to imply I am an expert in anything. 

Okay, honestly, I know a few things about gear. I read tons of reviews and (critical) pay careful attention to the things my gnarly boat elders point out as "good" and "bad." Because I enjoy shopping I also tend to keep tabs about current prices and new gear on the market. 

I do not enjoy buying gear that ends up not working right. This is why I am always asking other paddlers about their "X." It is cold here now so currently I am looking at paddlers and their kits and asking "do you like those booties? Why?" "Pogies? Why?"

I have definitely made some mistakes in gear, early on especially. This has lead to a fair pile of cast-offs. Also, things that were right in the beginning, do not fit my current needs or skill level. I am currently in the process of trying to "re-home" a bunch of my stuff. If I am not going to use it it needs to go.

I developed some rules of my own regarding gear: 

-I never buy a product based on online reviews alone. I get real-time reviews from my boat elders (see above) and also from fellow paddlers. 

-I never buy something that is brand new technology or a brand new company until, again, someone I know has actual experience with it.

-I really believe "you get what you paid for." As in, I have a Kokatat drysuit, not some off brand. If one thing is really a lot cheaper than another known product in the same category I have to wonder "why?" 

-If I do not love something, say a PFD, I do not keep using it. Forcing myself to use something that does not meet the function I need is silly, and the delay serves no purpose.

-I take really good care of my gear. Brian says I am a "boat coddler." It is all so expensive. If I am going to pay that much for anything I am going to take care of it. This includes rinsing all my gear in tap water after use. I also wipe down my boat after every paddle. Once a month or so each of my two composite boats get a coat of wax, even in the dead of winter. 

-303 goes on all the hatch covers and rubbery parts. It works well on almost everything and I also apply it to my poly prop Necky Elias once every three or four trips. Although, to be honest, this boat rarely leaves the garage anymore.

-When I buy technical clothing I try to buy things that can be useful in multiple sports. I sadly admit that I have purchased bike jerseys, but that is a thing of the past. Now I buy 1/4 zips and wear them hiking, biking, paddling, walking the dogs...

-I know a guy who is a self proclaimed gear expert. I am NOT this guy. I am not an expert, I am a consumer. I am a careful shopper. The reason I review products here, and at other online venues, is because I like to share information. I try to offer wise consumer advice, and I would always advise checking other resources, especially real people resources.

Which brings me to a story:

-One thing I did buy that was "a new product" on the market is several items made from polyolefin. I first became aware of this material when I purchased a jacket and pants from SUPreme in April 2013. The material is smooth faced on one side and microfleece on the other. It wicks like crazy so I always feel dry. It is my go-to layer under my drysuit, in the shoulder seasons under my wetsuit, sometimes under my wind pants biking in the freezing cold...You get it. The only time I do not want to wear them is the hotbox peak of summer. I have been raving about "poly-o" for a year and a half. I mean, this is great stuff! 
link to pants made of poly-o that I purchased in 2013

Anyway, "gear expert" comes up to me recently and says "by the way this polyolefin stuff is great, you should really think about getting some."

... ...  In all fairness to my friend "gear expert," a) he likes to share too, is generous with both loaner gear and advice because he is truly kind, and b) I chat a lot so maybe he missed the part about "these awesome pants made of polyolefin."

A Return to Youbedam?

Sunday we attempted a return to Youbedam Point. This is a location that is wide open water with several large creeks and nature preserves. The point, officially called "Aquia Landing" now, is on the Potomac an hour plus south of Washington DC.

some history of Youbedam Point

I have only paddled here once. Although the water is wide, and the nature preserves packed with wild life, the drive down I-95 can be so brutal that I simply have not had the chance to return. Twice myself, Kat, and the Lorax were turned back by enormous traffic snares.

This time we left early and planned the trip on a non-holiday Sunday morning; typically a time with less traffic on the highway. We made it in about 50 minutes. Upon arriving we were greeted by incredible gusts of wind. As I said, "wide open water." The husband deployed his new wind meter and bingo! 25 miles an hour gusts were quantified by the little gadget. Um. I suggested that we would be "blown out to sea," as soon as we launched. Coming back would be impossible. A one-way shuttle would have been the only solution. Without enough people or resources, planning, this was doomed.

And so, after playing with the wind meter for a few minutes we hopped back in our cars and drove back up the highway to Bull Run Marina. Once again finding ourselves in our backyard, we made the best of it and paddled for a few hours. We still had some gusts to deal with but very little chop. The sun shone and we had a little picnic at a small park maintained by an HOA. Not a bad day at all.

Although I had planned to use my camera this day I ended up using my phone instead as we were in a more sheltered locale. Please forgive my playfulness with the following photos. Sometimes the pictures that are not so technically good are the best ones to use for effects in post-processing.

Who the BEEP turned on winter over here?

(insert groan of misery)

So all day yesterday I am running errands, spending huge chunks of the household budget on dentistry, getting stuff done. Yeah. But the whole time I am thinking "ah but tomorrow I go to yoga and then paddle in the afternoon. It will be lovely."

At some point I realized it was going to rain. Rain, for me as a paddler, is no big thing. I am already wet from getting in the boat, the dripping from the paddle. Kayaking is not a "dry" sport. If I needed to stay dry I would take up, say, golf. So rain, not a problem.

I scramble outside at lunch time, yeah it is already raining but still no big deal. The car parked in the drive is warm and my garage is warm. I "load de boat" as my husband says in his comical way, and all is well. Hey, life is good.

Before paddling, I still have an errand or two to run on the way to the Marina. It must have been somewhere around the Vet's office when I realized, "Hey, it is cold out here." Wait a second? Did not the weather guy say low 70s? It is bleepin 57 degrees out here! Wait, I just looked again and it says "high of 68." Dude, there was no 68 degrees here today. 58 maybe. But now, it is sub 57.

I do not want to come off as a wimp, even though I AM a wimp. My main problem is that I still have my summer kit. I have sun hats and sun block and fingerless paddling gloves, all neatly stowed in my "go bag." What I do not have is my dry suit, my fleecy layers, my wool caps. Ah, alas and woe upon the underprepared. So now I am back home. Errands run and I sadly returned, knowing the smart and safe thing to do is to get my winter kit packed.

I call this "fluffing my gear." Yeah, I know in human slang "fluffing" usually means something entirely different. But for me, "fluffing" is very much like an osprey cleaning, preening, and fluffing her feathers. This fluffing thing is a necessary part of every bird's life. It is what keeps them warm and dry even in bad weather. See? Fluffing is a good description of what I now must do with the rest of my afternoon.

Let the "fluffing" commence.

Tomorrow I paddle no matter the weather.

Wreck of the Bermuda Tour LOL Kayak Symposium 2014

I have never taken so many photos in a "classroom" before. There was so much beauty it was overwhelming at times. The water was so clear and blue on the days when the sun shone and the sky was clear. The lake and sky were in tune though, turning gray at the same time, changing the mood from Caribbean to Arctic in a snap.

Our first event was a tour with guides that would be our teachers during class. The weather and wind shook up the line up and most of us ended up on the Wreck of the Bermuda tour. The water was a bit lumpy, but that did not apparently slow down my ability to snap a hundred plus photos of this tour. It was hard to decide which photos to post and which to keep just for myself. Even as I ruthlessly weeded the out of focus shots I still found I have about 75 of this tour.

"Eagle" Kris in her Current Designs Vision

Jaclin in her Impex Cat Force 3

Random paddlers

We stopped for a lunch break on a barely-there spit of land.

The wreck laying below my boat. The water was very clear so the wreck wasn't quite as close as it seemed.

It was very spooky paddling over it, knowing it had once been on top the water. It was very large, taking longer to paddle over than I expected.

Paddling back towards the spit of land where we had left some of the paddlers who were not interested in seeing the wreck

Paddling back past amazing scenery

That night the eight of us met for dinner at Sydney's before going upstairs to the meeting room for the Symposium Introduction.

Becky took this so she is missing. From left to right, Jaclin, Kris, Joan, Patrice, Karen, Debi, and myself. Here's a picture of Becky below, just because.

Becky in her Current Designs Gulfstream. 

Sea Kayak Surfing and Other Open Water Skills

Last weekend I went down to SeaKayak Carolina for the first time, in Charleston, for a Sea Kayak Surfing class. The instructor was Dale Williams, a well known surf kayak teacher. Brian and Pete were taking the class as well.

Saturday morning started out with a weather and locale briefing. Dale explained where we were going and why. This is where I found out that I had signed up for an ACA L5 course. Um. When Dale digressed for a moment I went back quickly to re-read the course announcement. Nope, no mention of L5. Way to go kiddo, dropped yourself right into the fire.

Lesson 1: next time I will *ask* what level is expected.

I had, with Brian's input, arranged to borrow this very nice Romany Surf for the class. Thanks for the loan Scott!

Mmmm, red and white, my fav boat colors too!

In the briefing room:

L to R: Dale Williams with chart of coast, Lee

These morning discussions of gear, weather, and navigation were fascinating to me. I am reading Gordon Brown's "Sea Kayaking" right now. Hoping it covers some of those topics but if not "the Sea Kayaker's Handbook" is next up and I might find more coverage there.

 Lesson 2: more to learn. I love learning, look how much more there is I need to learn! No wonder I like messing around with boats.

On the shore:

L to R Paul, Lee, Paul

Dawn aka "Sandy Bottom," Dale, Tom

Pete, Brian, Trey stretching

Heading out to the surf spot

We are just now beginning to find some waves but they aren't yet breaking or ridable

Wave rising up between us makes the first paddler look like a disembodied head

Now you can really tell we are getting into the waves

It was a few miles out to the surf spot. We rounded Fort Sumter and continued along the coast on to the right, south of the city. With the lighthouse as a landmark, down coast of us, we went out a few miles from shore to find swells. These were fast moving rollers that were hard to catch. I had many near misses or partials but got two really good rides in. Both times Dale was near me and was able to direct me on to the wave. These were both amazing rides-amazing for me anyway.

Brian pointed out tendrils of mist on the shore. Soon we had almost complete fog cover. The light house disappeared. Brian advised me what heading to look for on the compass if I had to bale and make my way back alone. I'd never paddled with a compass on the deck before, now I want one. Yeah, yeah, like all the other things I want, right?

Lesson 3 lean forward, 

Lesson 4 bring a short paddle with big blades, like the Werner CorryVrecken and paddle fast, 

Lesson 5 stay on the crest: My tendency is to lean back. Lean forward, paddle fast, let your boat settle on the crest of the wave. The boat is too long to ride down the face like a surfer on a board so the best spot for a sea kayak is right on top. Both bow and stern will be out of the water.

6th thing, let the boat turn a bit in one direction or the other as the ride is finishing. On the second wave this took me over the shoulder and now I was pointed right at the oncoming face of a similarly big wave. I didn't know what else to do so I charged right at and over it. Just as I got to the crest it started to break into my lap. I leaned forward and pushed hard, dropping neatly down the back of the wave. I repeated this maneuver several times. I enjoyed the doubt that I would make it over the wave before it broke, carrying me backwards into a reverse endo. Okay, I'm an adrenaline junkie. I already knew this.

Lunch time came and we pulled out on the beach. I botched the landing. Stuff went awry and I found myself broaching, then flipping, wet exit with really no room between me, the boat, and the sand. The already heavy Romany was full of water. Just as I got it up on the beach I coughed up some sea water and there was a perfect sand dollar nestled in the sand. Treasure. I'm okay, dry suit isn't full of water, I'm surprisingly warm. Lunch. I am not unhappy. I was a little glad I wasn't the only one who botched the landing or the take off. Better paddlers than I wiped out as well. 

We played around in the waves some more and then the long paddle back. My low point struck about 1.5 miles from our take-out. I was just on empty.

We debriefed in the parking lot and then off to the hotel for a shower. Then we went to the shop's open house, where we caught an hour long film about Dale's 2013 trip to Wales, and the NDK factory, among other things. Filmed mainly by Joe Campbell, and well edited by him, it was a blast. Just really really cool.

I slept like a rock.

Next morning, briefing, and then off to play in Elliott Cut. This is an entrance to Wappoo Creek, a place of truly fierce tidal currents. Rips really, as in "tide rips through." Here we practiced ferry glides, eddy hopping and turns, as well as peel outs.

While yesterday I felt very little fear and indeed felt well in my element, here I had doubts just putting in. The currents were ripping down stream at about 5 knots, while boat traffic was coming through without slowing down. The numerous docks and pilings, all encrusted with barnacles and other shells, made for dangerous obstacles. Always at the ready to grab your boat or paddle, these things suck mightily. 

Dawn, Paul, and Dale watching "Group A"  acclimating to the rip.

First group ferry gliding across to the first eddy. Look at those currents churning!

This was highly educational to me. I really got up close and personal with my need for better boat control. While the first day of class had been exciting and fun this second day of class was a stern reminder that I need to get my sh*t together. I would feel this class in my chest muscles the next day. And my brand new paddle left class somewhat worse for the wear. Thanks barnacles!

A good class, money well spent, that gave me tons to think about and ruminate over. Plus, I think I fell in love with Charleston; just like that, on the first date with the first kiss.

Paddling clubs and their bear pits aka unanswerable questions

So, let's forget about the dead dogs and go back to the easier things in life, like say, getting crushed by a Romany during a botched beach landing. You know what? I'd do that every day for the rest of my life if it meant I'd never lose another furry friend unjustly.

But meantime "Everybody knows Deke!" sends me this off a CPA forum:

"Topic: Rock the Boat: Paddle Clubs that Don't Suck
Author: davekroeger
Message:
I joined the Washington Kayak Club a few weeks ago after they posted on the
CPA message board. I filled out the info and posed a photo of myself but
not my big, glaring mug. Today, I was kicked out of the group through a
boilerplate-written message because I hadn't posted a full-face photo. The
message mentioned "as I had agreed to" just to let me know that no curtesy
was necessary in dealing with me, and to point out a flaw in my character.
When I responded, a cyber-generated message told me that I could not even
do that.

The group is kind of odd anyway. The invitations that I received catered to
a beginner crowd, despite the bitter cold temperatures. They do mention the
need to wear a wetsuit or drysuit, but I don't think that a wetsuit would
be enough for this weather. The distances mentioned an presumably the speed
didn't appeal to me, but hopefully it did to enough experiences paddlers to
help those who weren't.

So I'm back to traditional clubs after my first step into the
software-heavy world of Meetup paddling. I've been a member of more than
half a dozen traditional paddling groups, and none have forced me to post
my face publicly. In this day of privacy intrusions, I have to say that I
don't want to. Facebook, for example, considers your photos as their
property and they metric your face so that you can be tracked by cameras.

If the controlling group owner wants me to give up my face for the honor of
joining his group, and then wants to hide behind cold electronic messages
when kicking me out, I guess he can. I'm out. I sure hope that the
traditional group holds out in these increasingly cold days of the
computer."

Well, ain't that special? Seems like everybody is taking pot shots at everybody else over there in CPA land. You know, I'd pass on that except, well, I can't. So this is what I sent back to Deke:

"hmmm...

Nope, not an Annapolis "ACK" owner. They have no problem putting their faces out there, different last names.

Please do mention that we get very very few beginners indeed this time of year. Actually, what is this guy "Super Dave?" Because many paddlers have accused our cold-water-crowd of paddling "too far, too long, too fast," as you well know.

Now, I can tear his response down point by point if you think it'd help you. He's made us sound like jerks and I'm not liking it. And I'm not even the owner anymore.

Lastly, I would consider myself a fairly skilled paddler but got my ass handed to me in class seventeen ways to Sunday this last weekend. Given the class, and instructors present, I am much humbled. We, NONE of US, are more than an L2 of 5 at best. (this of course excludes the Brians (S and B), and to a certain extent Gulfstream Dennis) so, in reconsidering what Super Dave said maybe WE ARE beginners but we are very well experienced and equipped beginners with good assisted rescue skills, detailed knowledge of our stomping ground, and confidence.

Over and Out"

(Edit, I am being unduly harsh on myself and paddlers such as Deke. Rereading the ACA's own guidelines some of our regulars really are  closer to L3s. Okay, I stand corrected. I have the flu and some things look worse than they are from the sick bed.)

There are some parts of Super Dave's complaint that are valid and some that just aren't, like complaining about parts of the program behind meetup. For example, he can't reply directly to an auto-remove but he can always go back to the website, click on the "contact us" icon and blast away. Andy is a lawyer, I am sure he'd be happy to send Super Dave a well thought out response.

The only part of Super Dave's complaint that I consider valid is his complaint about being ejected over the photo. Here's MY photo from meetup:

Look, Super Dave, if you actually believe that your mug is not already planted in the guts of the government's super computer multiple times then you can just go right on believing in fairies too, m'kay? 

Now to point out the flaws in my own photo: I am wearing a hat and sunglasses, the photo isn't all that close up and personal, and well, maybe it's not the most telling photo of me. Andy might kick me out of the group, right? No, wrong, because all Andy is looking for is a photo that will help the event organizers recognize the members when they assemble on the mat, and after the event while logging attendance. That's all, Super Dave. There really is no reason to go and get your panties all in a twist, eh?

All this fuss over a photo. Really? Really??

Sigh. Why do we do this to ourselves? 

New toys!

I have a Sea Kayak Carolina "sea kayak surfing"class with Dale Williams coming up at the end of this month. I am really glad to be getting out of northern Virginia for a few days. It should be warmer in Charleston and I am hoping for good weather.

 I am somewhat intimidated by the class. I am planning to bring my CD Sirocco. I have enjoyed this boat in surf and find that it handles rollers and following seas well. The boat gives me confidence, it is a platform to build upon. Downside would be I haven't been able to complete a roll in it. But I have practiced wet exits and heel hook reentries in it very recently. As I said, the boat gives me confidence, so I am not worried so much about biffing in the waves as I might be in another boat, like my Solstice.

myself and the Sirocco

Brian did warn me that I might need to reenter multiple times and that I will likely "get tired." This has been so present on my mind that it drove me to start running again a few days ago. I had been waiting for my busted knee to heal, but decided I couldn't afford to wait any longer. I have been running farther each day. I plan a five mile course, alternately running and walking. Today I managed to run an entire mile & 1/2. This might only be impressive to me, but then again, I'm my own worst critic as well.

I am also looking forward to getting back on my bike. It's been a year since I rode with any regularity. I had been riding two or three times a week until last spring when my neck pain became just unbearable. Taking a break from regular rides improved the situation. I guess the best I can hope for is one ride a week. Having several bikes at this point seems silly so I plan to keep only my cyclocross bike. It's been my main ride all these years and I really can't see the point in keeping the others.

Me heading out on the C&O Towpath with my main ride

With the Dale Williams class, then the East Coast Paddle Festival and several other symposiums coming up this year I decided it was time to fill in any holes in my paddling kit. So I purchased my own radio this week. I wanted one that was a little smaller than the one I have used for the last two years (which is really my husband's but he doesn't need it often). I also ordered a tow belt and 18 foot line. During the two trips to Florida I noticed several other paddlers had quick release lanyards they used to tie up when taking breaks, clever, and so I ordered one of these as well.

Maybe I went a little "wild" as I also ordered, drum roll please, a dry suit for my husband. Amazon knows how to reel in a sucker. They sent me a notice that the same suit I have was available in an XXL for 30 bucks less than I paid for mine. I considered my suit a great deal so there was no way I could pass up this one. Purchasing it solved my husband's two piece dilemma, neatly. Now I have my bottoms back so that I have a two piece back up dry suit and he will have just the one suit. He will need it way less often than me so this seems a good solution.

new toys!

I am planning on getting out tomorrow morning just to practice strokes, and then paddling the big water off my friend's beach in Coltons Point, MD, on Saturday. We will celebrate the arrival of spring that night before heading home to NoVa. Sunday will find me looking for a quick paced "exercise" paddle and hopefully a low-key bike ride.  My week starts over again.

Ah, right, St Patrick's Day

Funny how we Americans can turn anything into a drinking day. I myself don't participate. Another amateur night.

Today we give a formal goodbye to our friend, Trish. We'll drive through the fresh snow and ice to get to upper Maryland where she lived. I remember right after James and I moved into our new house that Drew and Trish moved into their new house. James drove through another big snow storm to help them move. And now we will say goodbye.

I know, from losing Pat, that there is no final goodbye; that one says goodbye to their lost one over and over. I still think of him often and hug his memory.

I changed my club's header and background. They now reflect Florida. This makes me happy.

Life has moved on. It's strange how the little things become routine, and routines give life texture. My connections to my friends, our boats and the water help pull me through; dragging me along when I am down and lifting me high when life is good.

I had my first week-day club paddle on March 4th. Only Deke and I showed up. That's okay, it's real early in the season and a lot of the paddlers don't own even a wet suit. We found ice on the Occoquan Reservoir. I tried to break through with my "war horse", the Sirocco, but eventually the ice started growing too thick for even that boat's weight combined with mine to break. Plus my carbon paddle was skipping and I didn't want to chip it. Pansy.

selfie 3-12-14

Oh, this is a scary picture. But I like it at the same time. I'm wearing the hat I bought in Hawaii. It's getting a little ragged and stained. Seemed fitting for the warmest day yet this winter. It was hot in all that equipment. "Dress for immersion," and then you get heat stroke.

Camera still giving me fits but I finally decided to attach it on a shorter lanyard so it doesn't chance a dip in the drink. I am also storing it up high on paddles, tucking it into my bra area of my Astral Bella vest. So far, so good.

Last Saturday I talked some club members into trying a launch we've never done before. I didn't have to do much convincing. New water, new bird reserve...OMG. This is my new favorite launch for the next few months until the southbound beach traffic makes it impossible to get there.

We launched from a sandy beach into Aquia Creek, headed out into the Potomac around Marlborough Point and then into Accokeek Creek. The whole trip out was a series of rights, about 6.25 miles. We found hundreds of tundra swans resting in the back reaches of the creek. Bald eagles, returning Osprey, many water birds.

credit Darrick 2014

credit Darrick 2014

Above we gathered on the beach with our motley crew of boats, Darrick is missing as he is standing in the water taking the shot. I brought my Necky Elias, and that's Darrick's sturdy blue Wilderness Tsunami next to my sunburst play boat. The "Eli" is my shortest sea kayak at 15'8". It has a rudder that works dependably but the old style rudder pedals are a bit of a bummer. I keep thinking I'll switch them out but I keep forgetting to order the kit. Maybe now I will remember.

The Eli is always my choice for new water that might get big, and sh*t yeah the big P can jump up and roar, plus I never worry about squeezing the Eli into tight spaces or pulling "him" over branches that block some of the tighter creeks we wander into.

The trip out the water was sweet and relatively smooth. The day was as bright and warm as a late winter day can be here in NoVa.

Baldies! So many I joked you "can't throw a rock without hitting one!"

This osprey is working on building a nest, alternately, it's harassing the pair of baldies that were in the tree right next door making racket until they flew off. The Osprey just maintained it's position, coolly watching us from it's height.

Dennis and the swans taking flight

Above is my favorite picture from the trip. I often try to photograph my friends as they shoot their own pictures. Those are some of the hundreds of tundra swans we spotted.

On the trip back the wind was blowing a steady 15 mph or so, shoving us hard backwards. This also meant we had big sets of rollers to climb. Now, this is exactly the kind of thing I'm keen on, and the Eli handles this well. So I didn't take any photos, I literally had my paddle blown out of my hand twice while trying to reach for the camera. After the second time I gave up and "just paddled."

Woohoo! It was a great day.

Lastly, my friend Indiana Jones, patiently waiting for me to start running again. And so I have. The knee I busted up in the Keys in early January is finally somewhat better. It ached after I ran/walked 5 miles yesterday. I iced it a bit and hobbled off happily to bed.