Here's a pic of me riding my new love!

[eyepaddle]

Honestly, I doubt that trick surprised many people--I think I'm telegraphing my hobbies. I am infatuated with that new boat though, it's comfy, and oh so playful! For the first time ever I'm starting to feel coordinated out there--even on itty bitty waves like this one.

:hi: kayaking fans!

[patrice]

1. Cool! I want one!

[eyepaddle]

3. Here ya go!

although strangely the size boat I'm in is NOT listed?!? (It's a RAD 195, for bigger paddlers)

IF you haven't done Whitewater before, take a class--they're really fun, you make a bunch of new friends--and get to do it all in a very safe setting. Just remember those nose plugs! B-)

On edit--duh, here's the link:
http://bliss-stick.com/

[Cobalt Violet]

2. Looks fun!

You make it look so easy.

[eyepaddle]

4. The camera helps!

Plus a lot of practice AND the new boat, my old one is too large for those kinds of things. YOu get sheets of water hitting you in the face and such, although I must admit having water spraying everywhere makes fo cool pictures!

Oh yes, Thank you.

[Squatch]

5. What's with the racquetball glasses?

(and, drop the noseplugs...ha, ha, ha)

Been kayaking since I was 12 (32 now) and have paddled all over the world. My favorite, though, has to be section III of the Lochsa for shear beauty and fun-ness.

You'll develop your skill if you stick with it. Remember, that WW kayaking is a very active sport, so sit in the boat with an upright, athletic posture and *be loose*.

Welcome to the sport!

[eyepaddle]

6. Cool!

This is my second serious year and I've just taken off in the last few weeks. I have pics where I'm leaning a little more correctlym but I liked this photo a bit more.

By the way, I was setting up to hit a back-surf. It failed, the next hole down the river was much better--but the photographer couldn't get in as close--what're ya gonna do?

My current fave is the Upper Kettle in Central MN--but it's preety much dried up now. This dinky little stream is about all we've got left for river-running. It's at 80 cfs here. When I hit at 300, wooooo-friggin-hooooooooooooooooooooo! It actually get's a III+, although not for this hole (a couple of sticky ledges)

[Squatch]

10. There is no way in hell you're going to get enough speed

on that dinky wave and short boat to bust out a back surf. Ha, ha, ha. You might have to start out in the eddy with a reverse ferry to do that.

Dude, it's addictive. I grew up in Augsburg, Germany and paddled with the German junior national team for about 3 years before heading off to college. Those were the days. Paddled about 200 days a year.

My home waters

I live in SE VA, where the only topography is a landfill. I have to make do with ocean surf, but nothing will ever beat moving water.

I especially miss the crystal clear NW waters and watching the boulders slip by beneath you like huge ghosts.

What made you go with the spud boat in your second year?

[eyepaddle]

12. I figured I couldn't do it, but what the hell

thought I'd give it a shot.

I took a look at the Lochsa, whoa, VERY nice. I want to check out Sturgeon Falls near Winnipeg it was running 90,000(!) cfs a few weeks ago--rare mid-continent big water. Five to seven foot greening waves and NO consequences--other than a long paddle back up the eddy if you get washed off. Even though I think more people have trouble getting OFF than staying on.

Well, as to the choice in boats, I got tired of being an eddy flower watching people tear it up, and have an aquaintance who is a sales rep for Bliss Stick--he let me try it out for a few days. Finally getting real back-surfs and even a spin or two convinced. I ordered one this morning!

Other than creeks flowing into lake Superior n the early sprin MN is most playboating, sooooo, I figured I'd take a crack at one. I'm extremely pleased!

[Squatch]

14. I've got a Riot Glide and Prankster

The Glide is a "classic" now...only 3 years old, but the way boats are changing...

It's fast, carves the hell out of waves, is pretty slicey...did I mention it's fast?

I use the prankster more for P&P kind of stuff. It's a real pig in the ocean, so I usually keep it at home.

Anyways...if you haven't found your way over to Boatertalk yet, I suggest you do. Good info and discussions about boating.

Good talking to ya. If you ever want some info on European, South American, or Western USA WW drop me a PM.

S

[eyepaddle]

15. Here's my favorite river

(none of me though)





And Sturgeon Falls:

http://www.wavpaddling.ca/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1255

[TexasLady]

7. that looks like a BLAST!

never done it in my life, but life aint over till its over...

that is now on my wish list.

[eyepaddle]

20. Just look for certified instructors and have fun

it is NEVER ot late to start paddling!

[texas1928]

8. Locking.

No sex threads.

:P

[eyepaddle]

19. LOL

At least I got somebody! B-)

[JimmyJazz]

9. That looks like fun!

:hi:

[eyepaddle]

17. Back atcha

:hi:

[GaYellowDawg]

11. Dude, that's awesome.

I've only been in a kayak once, and it was one of those giant sea kayaks. I couldn't find a comfortable balance for a bit and one of my friends said it looked like I was giving the kayak a lap dance.

I really, really need to take some roll classes and get out there. I used to live in Chattanooga and I've gone down that river a couple of times in a raft... it's a life goal to make it back there someday on a kayak.

[eyepaddle]

18. Take the classes

and go HIT IT!

Getting you rroll down makes it so much more fun to learn! :hi:

[sundog]

13. right on

:hi:

[eyepaddle]

16. Hi ya Sundog!

:hi: