or alternatively " Where is the surf?"
Stevie send out an email trying to organize a paddle out to Breezy Point in the middle of last week. I did not reply to his email saying I would go. I like to hedge my option. Going out to Breezy is not a relaxing paddle. The water from Blum Beach to the sand bar at Breezy Point get very tricky in the best of time. The people of come out for these Breezy Point paddle tend to be more experiences and are looking for big waves to play in. I can deal with big waves when I have to but I don't go around looking for them. I was not sure I want to commit to going out.
I wake up at 9:00AM. I need to get to the club at 9:30 to pickup my kayak if I want to do the Breezy Point trip. It is doable if I don't have to to stop by and pickup grocery for my sister. I picked up the grocery and stop by my parent's place to drop it off by which time its was 9:40AM. I continued to the club anyway, hoping I can do some solo kayaking, and working on my kayak. When I get to the club, I was surprise to see Stevie's car with his kayak. I learned from Stevie that he have to push the launch time till 10:30. Stevie asked me if I want to go, of course I say yes. I put my kayak on Stevie's car instead of taking my car.
I meet Marcus and Jeff at Plum Beach. I have not paddle with them before. Marcus and Jeff apparently are very famous in the kayaking cycle. They have been waiting for quite a while so we hurry up and get our boats down and change in paddling clothing. I just wear my dry-suit over my street cloths so change was not a hassle. Marcus and Jeff were already in the water and waiting for us by the time we get out stuff together. I have to drag my boat out 50 feet to find enough water to launch. I have to get out of my kayak after paddle a couple of foot because I end up on a send bar so drag it over the send bar into a couple of extra inches of water. I was tire by the time I find enough water to paddle.
Marcus is a fast paddle. I find it hard to keep up with him. I manage to keep with the rest of the group. I was using Stevie's spare gloves because I did not remember to bring mine. It fit nicely but slippery. I can't get any gripe to control the paddle. I end up having to gripe the drip rings to have enough control so that the paddle do not rotate the wrong was as I pulled the blade through the water. I was surprise that I was able to keep up without too much problem. We get Breezy Point in good order. I handle the waves much better then the first time.
We scanned the horizon ahead of us for surfs that for off the underwater sandbar at Breezy Point. We did not see anything that stand out. There are a lot of whitecap, but no traveling breaker that kayak surfers looked for. Stevie need to land on the beach to recover from a bit of sea sickness, and I just need a rest so I went with him to be beach. Marcus and Jeff went to look for good surf. We were on the beach for no more then 15 minutes when Marcus and Jeff joined us. No surfable breaker. We decided to go around the point in search for surf-able breaker.
I get to learn to launch from beach with more grace and less water in my kayak. I end up with more then 3 inches of water in my kayak when a wave hit my boat as I try to launch. The paddle around Breezy was hair rising. I followed Marcus out to the buoy that mark the point then turn north to round the point. I ride up and down 4 feet waves, smashing my boat bottom into the water as i crested the wave and come down on the other end. It was amazing that I did not capsize. Capsizing is just one wrong move always as I round the jetty and see for the first time the ocean facing shores of the Rockaway.
There were good size waves hitting the shore every which way. I paddled as far away from the jetty as I can before turning to shore. This will be my first surf landing. I mean real surf landing not just 1 foot waves. I decided to paddle as far in as I can and hope that when I finally capsize, it would be close enough to shores to walk my way in. I was doing find running perpendicular to the shores till the wave I was ridning break and the one behind me overtake my kayak. Before I know what happen I was upside down with wave rushing over the boat. I did not thought to even rolling back upright, pop the sprayskirt as soon as I realize I was underwater. I straighten out and find my feet touching bottom. My boat is full of water as I drag it onto the beach. I dumped half of it out before I was able to drag it beyond the waterline.
We had a quick lunch. Actually just a snap for me and just seat around listening the guys talk about how unpredictable the surf condition around the NY coast is. The lack of big waves condition for surfing was a disappointment to some of the guys. As for me, I have just about enough wave for a while.
Launching from the beach in surf condition as not as bad as I fear. I actually get in, manage to get my sprayskirt on and paddle out without any mishap. It was fun to break through the first wave and slammed the bow down the other side. It was a long none spot paddle back to Blum Beach. Luckily for me Stevie was as tire as I am so I have company on the way back as Marcus and Jeff race ahead.
I was glad to be back to the car and out of my drysuit.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Suit and Ready for Liftoff
Wake up early on Saturday and drove down to Jersey Paddler to pick up my dry-suit. I make the same mistake I made when I drive down two week ago. Loved my GPS get me back on track in no time. I end up special ordering a XL youth size SuperNova dry suit two weeks ago, it finally come in.
I order the SuperNova Kid dry suit in mango color. My only concern about the suit is the neck "gasket", it not a gasket so much as APT collar with vecro. It would not be 100% waterproof. I try to get home early enough to go out on Saturday but end up taking my mother out shopping.
Finally try out my new dry suit on Sunday. I was hoping that there would be a group going out but there wasn't so I went out by myself. My plan was to go to Raffle Bar and back but I only made it to the tip of Canarsie Pool before the wind force me to cut the trip short.
Stick around for the archival project meeting. Don't think we have much of a historical information to save.
I order the SuperNova Kid dry suit in mango color. My only concern about the suit is the neck "gasket", it not a gasket so much as APT collar with vecro. It would not be 100% waterproof. I try to get home early enough to go out on Saturday but end up taking my mother out shopping.
Finally try out my new dry suit on Sunday. I was hoping that there would be a group going out but there wasn't so I went out by myself. My plan was to go to Raffle Bar and back but I only made it to the tip of Canarsie Pool before the wind force me to cut the trip short.
Stick around for the archival project meeting. Don't think we have much of a historical information to save.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Equipments and other Stuff
I stopped by Jersey Paddler on Saturday. I wanted to see if they have dry suit I can try on. They don't have anything in my size. I end up putting down a deposit for a special order on a youth size Extra large Kokatat Dry suit. They will let me know when it come it. It will cost $339 total if I get it. Here hoping that it will fit. I also get two skullcap for cold water kayaking and a high tech top. Get a manager special discount on that.
It is very frustrating shopping for my size. I am 5 feet 4, 105 lbs so most often I end up having the used kids size or woman size. The problem with using woman cut clothing is the crotch area is always too tights and the waist tend to be too big on me.
It is very frustrating shopping for my size. I am 5 feet 4, 105 lbs so most often I end up having the used kids size or woman size. The problem with using woman cut clothing is the crotch area is always too tights and the waist tend to be too big on me.
I will Pass on the Big Wave, Thank You
Sunday, Nov 26
Arrived at the Club by 9:30AM. I was the first one there. I wanted to get there early and do some work on the club boat but realized that I don't have the key to the club workshop. Instead I get my roof rack set up for our short trip to Plum Beach for my first open water paddle. I have never actually sea kayak in my 6 years of paddling. I been on a lake, Long Island Sound (in a bay), in the Hudson River, and on Jamaica Bay but never in open ocean. The plan was to car-top my kayak to Plum Beach, meet up with some other paddlers, launch from there and head to Breezy Point to surf the waves off the underwater sandbar. The usual crews are going on this trip plus three others. Mike Miles, who I have never meet, an experiences Rockaway kayak surfer will be our guide for this trip. Lorry(Glory?) who I met before at the lake, and Bonnie's friend, whom name slipped my mind, were the other two paddlers that I don't often paddle with. Jerry, Stevie, Bonnie, Pete and myself make 8 in total on this little trip.
It take a bit of time before everyone is ready to start off when we get to Blum beach. The paddle to Breezy Point was not too difficult. A couple of 2 to 3 feet waves, nothing I have not see before, just require a bit more concentration and attention then flat water but more fun. We we get close to Breezy Point I see for the first time the waves that form off Breezing Point from the underwater sandbar. Never seen anything like it before, curtain of water 5 feet tall, a quarter of a mile wide running for about half a mile then dieing down as it clear the sandbar. I have enough problem just trying to hold my position outside the surf zone. I was terrified that I may unintentional end up inside the surf. A couple of other paddles were more adventurous and try to ride the wave. Bonnies has a blast, she probable spend the most time in the surf. Her friend capsized and had to swim his boat out of the surf zone before he can be rescue. The sound of the wave crashing onto the water was deafening.
After everyone have their fun, we head along the surf zone, and headed to the Brighton Beach. It was a tricky paddle because water is still effected by the surf from the sand bar. It seem like it take us forever to reach the beach. It was 1:30PM when we landed on Brighton Beach for lunch. I did not bring any food again, and have no money to get pizza. I ate two old energy bars, and a couple of crackers I get from Stevie.
We left the beach at 2PM. I never like launching from a beach. I always end up getting water in the boat, and getting my spray skirt on. I backed out as fast as I can to clear the wave and almost ran into Mike. I did not notice he was out there. Oop.
Pete needed to be back by 3PM for a meeting so we are on a deadline. Jerry have difficulties so Mike and the rest of the group wait for him. Stevie, Pete and I started the paddle back to Blum Beach. We hugged the shores, passing Manhattan Beach, round Kingboro College, cross the mouth of Sheepshead Bay and onto Plum beach by 3PM exactly. The rest of the groups arrived about 5 minutes after we landed.
We get the kayak pack and say good bye to our out of town visitors. I did not change out of my wet clothing till I get back to the club.
It was an exciting day of paddling, see the surfing that everyone is talking about. Maybe next summer I may actually try to ride it.
It was a short trip, about 7.4miles, but the challenging conditions make it feel like a lot more. I have to do more of these kind of trip instead of sticking to the same old same old boring trips.
Arrived at the Club by 9:30AM. I was the first one there. I wanted to get there early and do some work on the club boat but realized that I don't have the key to the club workshop. Instead I get my roof rack set up for our short trip to Plum Beach for my first open water paddle. I have never actually sea kayak in my 6 years of paddling. I been on a lake, Long Island Sound (in a bay), in the Hudson River, and on Jamaica Bay but never in open ocean. The plan was to car-top my kayak to Plum Beach, meet up with some other paddlers, launch from there and head to Breezy Point to surf the waves off the underwater sandbar. The usual crews are going on this trip plus three others. Mike Miles, who I have never meet, an experiences Rockaway kayak surfer will be our guide for this trip. Lorry(Glory?) who I met before at the lake, and Bonnie's friend, whom name slipped my mind, were the other two paddlers that I don't often paddle with. Jerry, Stevie, Bonnie, Pete and myself make 8 in total on this little trip.
It take a bit of time before everyone is ready to start off when we get to Blum beach. The paddle to Breezy Point was not too difficult. A couple of 2 to 3 feet waves, nothing I have not see before, just require a bit more concentration and attention then flat water but more fun. We we get close to Breezy Point I see for the first time the waves that form off Breezing Point from the underwater sandbar. Never seen anything like it before, curtain of water 5 feet tall, a quarter of a mile wide running for about half a mile then dieing down as it clear the sandbar. I have enough problem just trying to hold my position outside the surf zone. I was terrified that I may unintentional end up inside the surf. A couple of other paddles were more adventurous and try to ride the wave. Bonnies has a blast, she probable spend the most time in the surf. Her friend capsized and had to swim his boat out of the surf zone before he can be rescue. The sound of the wave crashing onto the water was deafening.
After everyone have their fun, we head along the surf zone, and headed to the Brighton Beach. It was a tricky paddle because water is still effected by the surf from the sand bar. It seem like it take us forever to reach the beach. It was 1:30PM when we landed on Brighton Beach for lunch. I did not bring any food again, and have no money to get pizza. I ate two old energy bars, and a couple of crackers I get from Stevie.
We left the beach at 2PM. I never like launching from a beach. I always end up getting water in the boat, and getting my spray skirt on. I backed out as fast as I can to clear the wave and almost ran into Mike. I did not notice he was out there. Oop.
Pete needed to be back by 3PM for a meeting so we are on a deadline. Jerry have difficulties so Mike and the rest of the group wait for him. Stevie, Pete and I started the paddle back to Blum Beach. We hugged the shores, passing Manhattan Beach, round Kingboro College, cross the mouth of Sheepshead Bay and onto Plum beach by 3PM exactly. The rest of the groups arrived about 5 minutes after we landed.
We get the kayak pack and say good bye to our out of town visitors. I did not change out of my wet clothing till I get back to the club.
It was an exciting day of paddling, see the surfing that everyone is talking about. Maybe next summer I may actually try to ride it.
It was a short trip, about 7.4miles, but the challenging conditions make it feel like a lot more. I have to do more of these kind of trip instead of sticking to the same old same old boring trips.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Back post - Sunday 11/19/2006
I don't like writing. I don't like talking neither. I need to practice both as conscientiously as I practice safety skills for Kayaking.
A planned workday turned into a kayaking adventure on Sunday. Jerry and I planned to have a look at all the club's boats to determine their conditions and repair needs. Email get passed back and fore, by Saturday night a sizable group of people want to do a paddle before the workday.
I get to the Club by 9:30AM. The sky was sunny and a very slight breeze. There were fifth of us going out to Gerrison Greek, Stevie, Charles, Bonnie, Elizabeth, Pete and myself, all experience paddler. Jerry have a family emergency and was not able to make the paddle. Because everyone is experienced there was not need for a formal trip leader. Everyone keep together in a tight group naturally as we conversed.
J. Bay was very quiet, not much waves or boats. We reached Marine Parkway GI Hodges Bridge by 11:45AM. We landed on the beach right before the bridge for a rest. It was nice to have a chance to land and get out of the boat to cool down. It is amazing how hot it get in my wet suit and dry-top. We headed under the bridge and toward Dead Horse Bay after 20 minutes rest. There is a slight breeze as we entered Rockaway Inlet. Just enough to cool us down, not enough to have to struggle with. Instead of going into the Marina at Dead Horse Bay, we paddled a bit pass it, and into Gerrisen Bay. I was going to go right through the middle channel, not realizing that there is a peninsular, and an island, the water take the formed of the letter CD, thinking that there are two islands. The rest of the group the channel furthest to the right so I have to hassle back to join them. We landed a the tip of the island for a break and lunch. I did not bring any food. I get some boil eggs from Steven and candle bars from Stevie to hold me over.
We paddled around the Island and down the middle channels back out toward Dead Horse Bay. I was a bit bored by that time and decided that I would see if I can paddled without stopping to Marine Parkway GI Hodges Bridges. I ended up with a sizable lead from the rest of the group when we all meet up again on the other side of the Bridge. We ended up with two group, Pete, Charles and I were the lead group, and Stevie, Bonnie and Elizabeth were in the second group as we make our way around Floyd Bennett Field to Bergen Beach. Stevie, Bonnie and Elizabeth land on Bergen Beach for a nature break. I decided to wait for them while Charles and Pete head back to the club. I waited till everyone is on the water then continue my way back to the club. I get the the dock 5 minutes before the rest of the group.
It was just a bit after four when we get back, and the sun was already setting.
And as I expected, no work was actually done.
A planned workday turned into a kayaking adventure on Sunday. Jerry and I planned to have a look at all the club's boats to determine their conditions and repair needs. Email get passed back and fore, by Saturday night a sizable group of people want to do a paddle before the workday.
I get to the Club by 9:30AM. The sky was sunny and a very slight breeze. There were fifth of us going out to Gerrison Greek, Stevie, Charles, Bonnie, Elizabeth, Pete and myself, all experience paddler. Jerry have a family emergency and was not able to make the paddle. Because everyone is experienced there was not need for a formal trip leader. Everyone keep together in a tight group naturally as we conversed.
J. Bay was very quiet, not much waves or boats. We reached Marine Parkway GI Hodges Bridge by 11:45AM. We landed on the beach right before the bridge for a rest. It was nice to have a chance to land and get out of the boat to cool down. It is amazing how hot it get in my wet suit and dry-top. We headed under the bridge and toward Dead Horse Bay after 20 minutes rest. There is a slight breeze as we entered Rockaway Inlet. Just enough to cool us down, not enough to have to struggle with. Instead of going into the Marina at Dead Horse Bay, we paddled a bit pass it, and into Gerrisen Bay. I was going to go right through the middle channel, not realizing that there is a peninsular, and an island, the water take the formed of the letter CD, thinking that there are two islands. The rest of the group the channel furthest to the right so I have to hassle back to join them. We landed a the tip of the island for a break and lunch. I did not bring any food. I get some boil eggs from Steven and candle bars from Stevie to hold me over.
We paddled around the Island and down the middle channels back out toward Dead Horse Bay. I was a bit bored by that time and decided that I would see if I can paddled without stopping to Marine Parkway GI Hodges Bridges. I ended up with a sizable lead from the rest of the group when we all meet up again on the other side of the Bridge. We ended up with two group, Pete, Charles and I were the lead group, and Stevie, Bonnie and Elizabeth were in the second group as we make our way around Floyd Bennett Field to Bergen Beach. Stevie, Bonnie and Elizabeth land on Bergen Beach for a nature break. I decided to wait for them while Charles and Pete head back to the club. I waited till everyone is on the water then continue my way back to the club. I get the the dock 5 minutes before the rest of the group.
It was just a bit after four when we get back, and the sun was already setting.
And as I expected, no work was actually done.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Good Time In Queen
Saturday Sept 30
I have a fun time on Saturday. A bit of work and fun at the same time. My club is participating in National Estuary Day in Queen as a membership and educational drive. We will have a table at the Alley Pond Pk Environmental center and sign up people who want to Kayak.
We need to talk 10 or so kayaks to a launch site away from the Center - did not know where that would be when I get up in the morning. My plan was to meet up with the rest of the group, help load up the boats onto the trailer and follow everyone over. I though the meet up time was 9 AM, so I get up at 7AM, deep fried my spring rolled and finally left at 8:45. The spring rolls are for the BBQ after. I did not get there till 9:15. Everyone is already there and loaded up. I was late apparently. I rushed to set up my car roof-rack. Everone was leaving. I was generally sure of the direction to the Center but not the actual place launching area itself so I was hoping to catch up with the rest of the group. Get my kayak tied up and all my equipment in my car in record time. It turned out that Steve and Peter were waiting for me. Good to have friend that remembered.
We get up to Queen in less then 30minutes. We end up in a Marina off the Cross Island Highway, on Little Neck Bay. We were not sure that it the place. It turn out to be the place where we would set up our kayak - the only problem is finding a launchable area. We finally set up in a little "beach" on the righ side of a concrete boatramp. There large boulders between the ramp and the little beach so we have to have two people on the beach and two person on the ramp passing the boats down.
Picture 1
Picture 2
We get all set up by 11AM, and the first group(if any) is schedule to be at 11:45 We take a short paddle. Pete and I went for a longer paddle then the rest of the group. We paddled out pass Fort Totten, far enough to see City Island, and Throgs Neck Bridge. There were little winds or wave so we hardly notice how far we paddle till it was time to turn back. Half way back the wind started to pick up and we started to notice the waves. Much more fun then on the way out but a bit tiring. I would really like to paddle across the Sound to Orchard Beach.
There is was only 1 person who want a kayak ride. John and Mary take him out. The went south toward the pass of the bay. Tony brough some food for us. We have two additional guests but they stay around the beach area. Jerry and Phil showed them rolling and braces. The first group did not come by by 1:45 so we were getting a bit worry. Pete and I decided to go back and look for them. We meet them where they were on their way back. Peter and I decided to continue to the base of the bay and follow the creek. The tide was coming in so that counteract the wind a bit. We went under 2 bridges till we went out of water therefore have to turn back.
By the time we get back to our staging area, it was time to start packing up. In all we take 5 guests out on the water. There was a lot of people stopping by to ask questions so as a publicity event it was successful.
After the event there is a BBQ at a home of one of our member. I hate driving in Queen. We finally find our way to her house. Lot of foods and drinks was have by all. The party breakup by 7PM.
I have a fun time on Saturday. A bit of work and fun at the same time. My club is participating in National Estuary Day in Queen as a membership and educational drive. We will have a table at the Alley Pond Pk Environmental center and sign up people who want to Kayak.
We need to talk 10 or so kayaks to a launch site away from the Center - did not know where that would be when I get up in the morning. My plan was to meet up with the rest of the group, help load up the boats onto the trailer and follow everyone over. I though the meet up time was 9 AM, so I get up at 7AM, deep fried my spring rolled and finally left at 8:45. The spring rolls are for the BBQ after. I did not get there till 9:15. Everyone is already there and loaded up. I was late apparently. I rushed to set up my car roof-rack. Everone was leaving. I was generally sure of the direction to the Center but not the actual place launching area itself so I was hoping to catch up with the rest of the group. Get my kayak tied up and all my equipment in my car in record time. It turned out that Steve and Peter were waiting for me. Good to have friend that remembered.
We get up to Queen in less then 30minutes. We end up in a Marina off the Cross Island Highway, on Little Neck Bay. We were not sure that it the place. It turn out to be the place where we would set up our kayak - the only problem is finding a launchable area. We finally set up in a little "beach" on the righ side of a concrete boatramp. There large boulders between the ramp and the little beach so we have to have two people on the beach and two person on the ramp passing the boats down.
Picture 1
Picture 2
We get all set up by 11AM, and the first group(if any) is schedule to be at 11:45 We take a short paddle. Pete and I went for a longer paddle then the rest of the group. We paddled out pass Fort Totten, far enough to see City Island, and Throgs Neck Bridge. There were little winds or wave so we hardly notice how far we paddle till it was time to turn back. Half way back the wind started to pick up and we started to notice the waves. Much more fun then on the way out but a bit tiring. I would really like to paddle across the Sound to Orchard Beach.
There is was only 1 person who want a kayak ride. John and Mary take him out. The went south toward the pass of the bay. Tony brough some food for us. We have two additional guests but they stay around the beach area. Jerry and Phil showed them rolling and braces. The first group did not come by by 1:45 so we were getting a bit worry. Pete and I decided to go back and look for them. We meet them where they were on their way back. Peter and I decided to continue to the base of the bay and follow the creek. The tide was coming in so that counteract the wind a bit. We went under 2 bridges till we went out of water therefore have to turn back.
By the time we get back to our staging area, it was time to start packing up. In all we take 5 guests out on the water. There was a lot of people stopping by to ask questions so as a publicity event it was successful.
After the event there is a BBQ at a home of one of our member. I hate driving in Queen. We finally find our way to her house. Lot of foods and drinks was have by all. The party breakup by 7PM.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
More time at the Lake
Spend last weekend I was at the lake again. I get up Campmore by 8:45. I knew that the rest of the gang would not be up that early for a paddle so I stop by Campmore. Unfornately Campmore is not open till 9:30. I drive down two parking lots to a McDonald for breakfast. I forget how disgusting McDonald breakfast is. After breakfast I drive up to a the nearest U turn on route 17 to get to Kmart and Stop&Shop. I get some foods and desert. I did not bring any food up from the city (don't have any.) Drive down Route 17 to another U turn to get back to Campmore again. Pickup a tow rope and spend sometime looking at tents. Did not get a tent.
Get to the cabin at 10:30 to find nobody around. Stop by to say hi to Beth and her kids, stop by Steve's cabin. Hang round the cabin, take a nap till Bob from Yonker show up. Then Steve and Adele arrived at 11:30 something. We did not get in the water till at least 1PM. I was not as aggressive as I was last week at the lake. Just don't feel adventurous. I did not use Anne's skin&frame kayak, no sprayskirt. It was much more tiring to roll my 17feet,50 lb kayak then the 17' 35lb skin&frame iceland kayak. I find myself have difficulties with roll that I don't even have to think about on the lighter boat. We get back by 4PM. Hang around the fire talking till 10PM.
I get the Sebago Cabin all to myself. A far cry from the usual kids yelling of most of the summer weekend. I have a vey peaceful sleep. I get up at 8AM, get ready for breakfast. We drive to breakfast at 9AM and did not get back till 10:30. After getting everything in order we get on the water at 11:30. Which is not bad considering we always end up wasting the whole morning on previous sunday. More rolling, but spend most of the time fighing the wind. It was very windy and overcast on Sunday. I was not doing as well as last week. I end up wet exiting my kayak a couple couple of times when I fail my new roll, and can't stay calm to set up for my main roll. I was not holding my breath as long as I know I could. I was a bit panicky for some reason. We get back and have lunch at 2PM.
We return to the water at 4PM. The wind die down a bit, and the sun finally comeout even if only momentarily. I don't spend too much time rolling. Just a lot of bracing exercises. We get back at 6:30 righ before the sun started to set. It was almost 8:30 when I get my boat tie up on the car, clothing all backup and moved my bedding to Steve's cabin. I will be driving home @ 4AM on Monday.
I get rearend as I exit the George Washington Bridge to get on the FDR. It was a slow rearend accident so I was sure that not much demage was done. I looked back to see if the drive that rearended my stop. He/She did not so I just drive along. I did not notice that my coke bottle was no longer in the cup holder till later when I smell it. I don't bother to look around for it till I get to brooklyn and get to the first red light. I was on my middle consel. 90percent of it was gone. I finally get a chance to inspect the car when I get to the club. Not visible damage. The dealer plateframe was destroy but I should have remove that along time ago anyway. The car the rear end me was a sedan with sloping front so it slid under my bumper instead of heading it so not much damage there. The gap between the reardoor and the bumper was sighly less on the passenger side where the rear end occur then on the driver side, but it did not interfere with the closing of the door. Not bad really.
Get to the cabin at 10:30 to find nobody around. Stop by to say hi to Beth and her kids, stop by Steve's cabin. Hang round the cabin, take a nap till Bob from Yonker show up. Then Steve and Adele arrived at 11:30 something. We did not get in the water till at least 1PM. I was not as aggressive as I was last week at the lake. Just don't feel adventurous. I did not use Anne's skin&frame kayak, no sprayskirt. It was much more tiring to roll my 17feet,50 lb kayak then the 17' 35lb skin&frame iceland kayak. I find myself have difficulties with roll that I don't even have to think about on the lighter boat. We get back by 4PM. Hang around the fire talking till 10PM.
I get the Sebago Cabin all to myself. A far cry from the usual kids yelling of most of the summer weekend. I have a vey peaceful sleep. I get up at 8AM, get ready for breakfast. We drive to breakfast at 9AM and did not get back till 10:30. After getting everything in order we get on the water at 11:30. Which is not bad considering we always end up wasting the whole morning on previous sunday. More rolling, but spend most of the time fighing the wind. It was very windy and overcast on Sunday. I was not doing as well as last week. I end up wet exiting my kayak a couple couple of times when I fail my new roll, and can't stay calm to set up for my main roll. I was not holding my breath as long as I know I could. I was a bit panicky for some reason. We get back and have lunch at 2PM.
We return to the water at 4PM. The wind die down a bit, and the sun finally comeout even if only momentarily. I don't spend too much time rolling. Just a lot of bracing exercises. We get back at 6:30 righ before the sun started to set. It was almost 8:30 when I get my boat tie up on the car, clothing all backup and moved my bedding to Steve's cabin. I will be driving home @ 4AM on Monday.
I get rearend as I exit the George Washington Bridge to get on the FDR. It was a slow rearend accident so I was sure that not much demage was done. I looked back to see if the drive that rearended my stop. He/She did not so I just drive along. I did not notice that my coke bottle was no longer in the cup holder till later when I smell it. I don't bother to look around for it till I get to brooklyn and get to the first red light. I was on my middle consel. 90percent of it was gone. I finally get a chance to inspect the car when I get to the club. Not visible damage. The dealer plateframe was destroy but I should have remove that along time ago anyway. The car the rear end me was a sedan with sloping front so it slid under my bumper instead of heading it so not much damage there. The gap between the reardoor and the bumper was sighly less on the passenger side where the rear end occur then on the driver side, but it did not interfere with the closing of the door. Not bad really.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Misc Items
Friday, Sept 8 2006
Night kayaking with 26 people. Last full moon paddle and tiki party of the season. Actual may not be the last, last full moon paddle. It was my first time nigh paddling with a large group. It was still lighted when we get in the water. But the sun was setting when we get to the bridge. I leaded the group to the bridge but as the sun set, my light was not unobstruct enough to be seen by the other kayakers so Pete take over as lead. By the time we went under the bridge and start our crossing it was dark and the moon have not rise yet. With just a bit of confusion we get across the boat channel and to the the west side of Canarsie Pol. The original plan was to break up the group into those that want to go around the island and those who want to cut the trip short.
We stop to rest as we round the southern top of the island. The waves were pushing us toward the shoreline. I was on the shore side of the group to keep a lookout. When I get too close to shore i have to get the group going again to get away from the shore wave. We did not have the time to make the decision as to who would go back and who will continue on. Pete thought that it was decided that everyone will continue on so he proceed to lead the group further around the island. We end up with one group just staying back in confusion and a smaller group following Pete. I have to get Pete to stop, and go back to Tony to see if it was decided when we will break the group up. We finally short that out, and a good portion of the group decide to cut the trip short. Only about 16 of us wanted to continue around the island. The rest of the trip when smoothly. The moon rise as we make our way along the eastern coast of the island. The reflection of the moonligh on the water give it an erry glow.
We get back to the clubhouse at 9PM for the Tiki Party. I end up being late for that because I have to set up my roofrack and tie down my boat for the trip to the Cabin upstate. All in all it was a nice nigh out in the moonligh.
Night kayaking with 26 people. Last full moon paddle and tiki party of the season. Actual may not be the last, last full moon paddle. It was my first time nigh paddling with a large group. It was still lighted when we get in the water. But the sun was setting when we get to the bridge. I leaded the group to the bridge but as the sun set, my light was not unobstruct enough to be seen by the other kayakers so Pete take over as lead. By the time we went under the bridge and start our crossing it was dark and the moon have not rise yet. With just a bit of confusion we get across the boat channel and to the the west side of Canarsie Pol. The original plan was to break up the group into those that want to go around the island and those who want to cut the trip short.
We stop to rest as we round the southern top of the island. The waves were pushing us toward the shoreline. I was on the shore side of the group to keep a lookout. When I get too close to shore i have to get the group going again to get away from the shore wave. We did not have the time to make the decision as to who would go back and who will continue on. Pete thought that it was decided that everyone will continue on so he proceed to lead the group further around the island. We end up with one group just staying back in confusion and a smaller group following Pete. I have to get Pete to stop, and go back to Tony to see if it was decided when we will break the group up. We finally short that out, and a good portion of the group decide to cut the trip short. Only about 16 of us wanted to continue around the island. The rest of the trip when smoothly. The moon rise as we make our way along the eastern coast of the island. The reflection of the moonligh on the water give it an erry glow.
We get back to the clubhouse at 9PM for the Tiki Party. I end up being late for that because I have to set up my roofrack and tie down my boat for the trip to the Cabin upstate. All in all it was a nice nigh out in the moonligh.
Summer Kayak Wrap Up
Sunday was our year end General meeting at my boating club. I get there a bit late for the kayak committee meeting but was not late enough to miss it altogher so was not able to avoid being peer pressure into take the position of Fleet Captain who is in charge of club boats and equipments.
Generally meeting is uneventful. Members attendant were heavy comparing to last
year. We don't even have to do a head count for forum. All old officiers get reelected, 5 open spots on the board and 5 nominees so there is no contested election. All done before the sunset.
So it time to write up a wrap on my kayaking activities.
I did not do any long distance regional kayak, except for the two early in the season. Spend lot of time at the lake upstate, hanging out with a small group of kayakers and learning new skills. I get a lot more comfortable handling my kayak by learning how for I can push the boat over and still be able to get back up right. I learned a couple of skills that I never though possible, like side skulling for support and rolling my kayaks even without my paddle!!! I was so stuck on that last summer, trying and trying to roll but always fighting myself. I have the help of two enthusiatics kayakers; Jerry and Stevie, who are happy to teach me and offer support when I fail. It was great hanging out with them (also Anne and Adele) in front of the campfire afterward and reharsh our time in the water. I think I am ready for Star 3 assessment finally.
Driving home with Stevie at 4AM in the morning is an experience in itself.
I am ready for some winter kayak know that I can eskimo roll with some confidence.
Generally meeting is uneventful. Members attendant were heavy comparing to last
year. We don't even have to do a head count for forum. All old officiers get reelected, 5 open spots on the board and 5 nominees so there is no contested election. All done before the sunset.
So it time to write up a wrap on my kayaking activities.
I did not do any long distance regional kayak, except for the two early in the season. Spend lot of time at the lake upstate, hanging out with a small group of kayakers and learning new skills. I get a lot more comfortable handling my kayak by learning how for I can push the boat over and still be able to get back up right. I learned a couple of skills that I never though possible, like side skulling for support and rolling my kayaks even without my paddle!!! I was so stuck on that last summer, trying and trying to roll but always fighting myself. I have the help of two enthusiatics kayakers; Jerry and Stevie, who are happy to teach me and offer support when I fail. It was great hanging out with them (also Anne and Adele) in front of the campfire afterward and reharsh our time in the water. I think I am ready for Star 3 assessment finally.
Driving home with Stevie at 4AM in the morning is an experience in itself.
I am ready for some winter kayak know that I can eskimo roll with some confidence.
Monday, August 21, 2006
August 19 and 20 Wrapup
Assist on our club's Saturday Public Open Paddle. There were at least 3 other experient tripleader so I was not really needed but it was fun. The boats were already out and the guests all seem to be set for fun in the water. There were a couple of cuties in the group. I end up taking point, leading the group out and keeping everyone together. It was a leisurely paddle. I paddle backward on the way out just to slow myself down and see who everyone was doing. No slacker and do capside. I did not have a chance to chat up any of the hottie thought, that the problem with taking point in a kayak group, you never get a chance to chat the pretty girl up. All in all it was a good day.
I found out durring the trip that Stevie and Jerry were going to be at the Lake so I have to change my plan for Sunday. I need Stevie and Jerry to help me with my bracing and rolling skills. My original plan for sunday was to help with the swimmer in the morning, goes out to Breezy Point to kayak surf in the wave and get home in time for a day at the beach. I really need to practice thought on my bracing and rolling skill for Star 3, and the opportunity to practice with Stevie and Jerry is too good to let pass. I decided to cancel the after noon paddle, pack up my kayak and drive up the the lake. I was a last minute thing so I have to run home and get my overnigh stuffs. The trip out of the city was uneventful. Not big traffic jams. I get to Campmore by 3PM. End up getting a new watershoe and cockpit cover for my kayak. I get to the cabin at 5:30PM.
I meet Joyce and her friend Adam at the cabin. I found out that Stevie and Jerry is already out on the water practicing. By the time I get my boat down and into my gears they were coming back so we decide to have dinner. I did not get to go back into the water on Saturday.
Sunday, I get up at 9AM. Have breakfast at a local dinner with Stevie, Jerry, Ann and David. We finally get on the water at 10:30AM. I asked Stevie to help me with the side skulling for support....
Flash forward.
It had been a couple of weekends since I first started to side skooling(I believed this is the correct spelling.) On my good side I am completely confident that I lay my whole back in the water, with my boat on it side and not capside. On my offside less confident but I am sure I can do it. Since my first tentative attempt at side skooling, I finally learn how to do an Eskimo roll. Still have moment where I have to wet exit but not often. I also learn 3 differents kind of roll. I will post movie when I get them. I will try to get more details later.
I found out durring the trip that Stevie and Jerry were going to be at the Lake so I have to change my plan for Sunday. I need Stevie and Jerry to help me with my bracing and rolling skills. My original plan for sunday was to help with the swimmer in the morning, goes out to Breezy Point to kayak surf in the wave and get home in time for a day at the beach. I really need to practice thought on my bracing and rolling skill for Star 3, and the opportunity to practice with Stevie and Jerry is too good to let pass. I decided to cancel the after noon paddle, pack up my kayak and drive up the the lake. I was a last minute thing so I have to run home and get my overnigh stuffs. The trip out of the city was uneventful. Not big traffic jams. I get to Campmore by 3PM. End up getting a new watershoe and cockpit cover for my kayak. I get to the cabin at 5:30PM.
I meet Joyce and her friend Adam at the cabin. I found out that Stevie and Jerry is already out on the water practicing. By the time I get my boat down and into my gears they were coming back so we decide to have dinner. I did not get to go back into the water on Saturday.
Sunday, I get up at 9AM. Have breakfast at a local dinner with Stevie, Jerry, Ann and David. We finally get on the water at 10:30AM. I asked Stevie to help me with the side skulling for support....
Flash forward.
It had been a couple of weekends since I first started to side skooling(I believed this is the correct spelling.) On my good side I am completely confident that I lay my whole back in the water, with my boat on it side and not capside. On my offside less confident but I am sure I can do it. Since my first tentative attempt at side skooling, I finally learn how to do an Eskimo roll. Still have moment where I have to wet exit but not often. I also learn 3 differents kind of roll. I will post movie when I get them. I will try to get more details later.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Quicky Summary
Do my first Wednesday afternoon paddle last week. I was late. The paddle was very nice. I was hoping to go out again for the full moon paddle but there was not enough interested people so we cancel it.
Spend a long weekend at the lake, but do not do as much practicing as I hope. Everyone else was busy. I took more tour of the lake then I ever did. Good for my long distance endurance. I need more excercise. I am not ready for the 3 star assessment.
Spend a long weekend at the lake, but do not do as much practicing as I hope. Everyone else was busy. I took more tour of the lake then I ever did. Good for my long distance endurance. I need more excercise. I am not ready for the 3 star assessment.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Baby Steps
Spend a great weekend outdoor. I assisted on a Public Paddle on Saturday. End up spending much of the trip teaching one of our elderly member basis of kayaking. Rose is in her 80's, so the fact that she is paddling is amazing. She is a bit slow due to inefficience paddle stroke which cause her kayak to turned instead of going straight so we end up lagging behind the rest of the group. I radioed ahead to the trip leader tell her that Rose and I will be practicing stroke where we were instead of continuing further ahead. I went over the basic forward stroke, and sweep stroke to steer the boat in the direct she want it to go. She was getting better at at by the time the rest of the group come back. I will need to work with her on it more. Still need a bit more body rotation.
Sunday was spend up at the lake. I get up to the cabin at 15 after 9AM. No traffic at all on the way up. When I get there there were already three person on the dock getting read to go out so I change into my paddling cloth and catch up with them. I find them the old Sebago Beach practicing rescue. I paddled around, watching them and offering suggestion on how to do it better. That get boring real fast since they were doing the same thing over and over. It was a good time to practice my edging sweep as any. I was doing well till I get over confident and capsize. I try to do an Eskimo roll. Still no dice. Spend much of half and hour practicing self rescue. I am not very good with paddle float self rescue, I wend up with ton of water in my kayak.
By eleven a large groups from Sebago finally arrive. Jerry, who just get his 3 star certification is a very enthusiastic paddle and teacher. He offered to teach/coach all the skills needed for Star 3 certification. I tried to worm my way out of it by saying I want to paddle rest of the group for warm up, but then Jerry started showing me how to do supporting stroke on my back the challenge was too much to pass up. I capsized the first 3 times I try it. I just was not laying on my back enough, and using my knee to keep the boat from capsizing. So Jerry start from the beginning, just the paddle float to give support while I practice with laying on my back while keep the boat on it side. It was not as hard as I thought. I finished up with just a bit of air in my paddle float but do not have the courage to take the "training wheel" off yet. I think can do it.... My shoulder's muscle is killing me today.
Sunday was spend up at the lake. I get up to the cabin at 15 after 9AM. No traffic at all on the way up. When I get there there were already three person on the dock getting read to go out so I change into my paddling cloth and catch up with them. I find them the old Sebago Beach practicing rescue. I paddled around, watching them and offering suggestion on how to do it better. That get boring real fast since they were doing the same thing over and over. It was a good time to practice my edging sweep as any. I was doing well till I get over confident and capsize. I try to do an Eskimo roll. Still no dice. Spend much of half and hour practicing self rescue. I am not very good with paddle float self rescue, I wend up with ton of water in my kayak.
By eleven a large groups from Sebago finally arrive. Jerry, who just get his 3 star certification is a very enthusiastic paddle and teacher. He offered to teach/coach all the skills needed for Star 3 certification. I tried to worm my way out of it by saying I want to paddle rest of the group for warm up, but then Jerry started showing me how to do supporting stroke on my back the challenge was too much to pass up. I capsized the first 3 times I try it. I just was not laying on my back enough, and using my knee to keep the boat from capsizing. So Jerry start from the beginning, just the paddle float to give support while I practice with laying on my back while keep the boat on it side. It was not as hard as I thought. I finished up with just a bit of air in my paddle float but do not have the courage to take the "training wheel" off yet. I think can do it.... My shoulder's muscle is killing me today.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Sunday July 2 and July 4
Take my sister with me to the cabin. This will be the first time I invited her up to the cabin in the 5 years I am with the club. Just never thought she would like it. Good to have a driver. My sister drive when she in the car so I don't have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel. We get there at 9AM and no one was up yet. Find Anne and Berry, we sent to breakfast to meet up with Steve and Adele at a local dinner. Steve and Adele left after breakfast to pick up their daughters, Emily and Toni. Emily brough her boyfriend. Both girls are nice looking.
We took the kayaks for a trip to Sebago Beach. It was hard to find a kayak small enough for my sister. This will be her first real kayaking. She is doing find short distance but on the long trip to the beach have a bit of problem keeping straight. I end up her most the the trip out to the beach. She is enjoying it dispict the difficulties thought. On the way back I switch to skin and fram kayak so Jerry and Ann look after her on the way back.
It was weird kayaking a skin and frame kayak for the first time. There is no foot brace for instince, and you have to price you knee upward instead of to the side. I get adjust to it real fast. I was inform after I was in the skin/frame kayak for 15 minutes that I need to know how to wet exit the boat because it is completely difference then regular kayak. We went to old Sebago Beach to take a breather so that is where we see if i can wet exit or not. It was easy, I did it like a pro.
The weather was getting overcase so we end out trip short. We get back the cabin and hang around. Stevie get a fire going in the back of his cabin and we have lunch, lot of sausages and hotdog. Adele asked me to drive the two girls, and the boyfriend home since we were coming home in the afternoon anyway.
I have to drive home on Sunday because my sister have to work on Sunday. I did not decide yet at this point if I would come in to work for a half a day or not. Turn out I did not come to work on sunday. I would really like to stay the look weekend at the Cabin and come home on July 4th.
We took the kayaks for a trip to Sebago Beach. It was hard to find a kayak small enough for my sister. This will be her first real kayaking. She is doing find short distance but on the long trip to the beach have a bit of problem keeping straight. I end up her most the the trip out to the beach. She is enjoying it dispict the difficulties thought. On the way back I switch to skin and fram kayak so Jerry and Ann look after her on the way back.
It was weird kayaking a skin and frame kayak for the first time. There is no foot brace for instince, and you have to price you knee upward instead of to the side. I get adjust to it real fast. I was inform after I was in the skin/frame kayak for 15 minutes that I need to know how to wet exit the boat because it is completely difference then regular kayak. We went to old Sebago Beach to take a breather so that is where we see if i can wet exit or not. It was easy, I did it like a pro.
The weather was getting overcase so we end out trip short. We get back the cabin and hang around. Stevie get a fire going in the back of his cabin and we have lunch, lot of sausages and hotdog. Adele asked me to drive the two girls, and the boyfriend home since we were coming home in the afternoon anyway.
I have to drive home on Sunday because my sister have to work on Sunday. I did not decide yet at this point if I would come in to work for a half a day or not. Turn out I did not come to work on sunday. I would really like to stay the look weekend at the Cabin and come home on July 4th.
Club Open House
We finallyhave good weather for our club openhouse. The original date was June 3 but we were rain out on that date.
I arrived early, 10AM and find that nothing is set up yet for the open house. Help Linda set up and just clean up the clubhouse. There were already a couple of college kids there, sunning on the dock as they wait for us to get the party started. I did not lead the first kayak trip out. There was one capside before they even leave the dock area. I assisted with two trips in the afternoon. The trips were two short to get the real feel of the water. The party wrap up at 4pm. All, in all a success.
I arrived early, 10AM and find that nothing is set up yet for the open house. Help Linda set up and just clean up the clubhouse. There were already a couple of college kids there, sunning on the dock as they wait for us to get the party started. I did not lead the first kayak trip out. There was one capside before they even leave the dock area. I assisted with two trips in the afternoon. The trips were two short to get the real feel of the water. The party wrap up at 4pm. All, in all a success.
A Full Training Weekend at the Lake
Friday, July 23 Assist teaching star 1. It was fun. I don't have to get wet.
Sat July 24, Assist teaching start 2. I have to demonstrate a couple of time. I hope I did the skills right.
Sunday July 25 A student in star 3. I was not as aggressive as I want to be due to fatigue from the previous two days.
Bonus of weekend - sleep in cabin with the coaches instead of the bunks with the students.
Sat July 24, Assist teaching start 2. I have to demonstrate a couple of time. I hope I did the skills right.
Sunday July 25 A student in star 3. I was not as aggressive as I want to be due to fatigue from the previous two days.
Bonus of weekend - sleep in cabin with the coaches instead of the bunks with the students.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Star I Class
I teaching an official Star 1 Class for the very first time on Sunday, June 18. Jennifer, Maury and Peter are also instructor. Jennifer will be the lead instructor. I drawn up lesson plan and bring printout. Jennifer and Maury Bring all the clothing and other equipments to show the class.
We arrive there at 8:30AM. Before we get a chance to set up the students started to arrived.
We spend way too much time with onland class. We rushed a bit. I feel that the students should practice more of each skills rather then rushing to teach new ones.
We arrive there at 8:30AM. Before we get a chance to set up the students started to arrived.
We spend way too much time with onland class. We rushed a bit. I feel that the students should practice more of each skills rather then rushing to teach new ones.
Saturday Open Paddle - Assistant Leader
Date:June 17, 2006
Place: J- Bay, NY
Weather Condition: Calm, light wind, high tide
Group Size :Two Trip Leaders, Two Assistant - including myself. Pete and Steve M leading. Steven and I assisting, and 14 walked in from public.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Get everyone fitted and one the water by 10:20 AM. Everyone in the groups are able body. Only on guy have problem controling his boat. We get to Bergen beach, and hang around. It was a very short trip. Get back by 12PM. There was a plan for another group trip just for conditional members but noone show up. I decided to get dry up and rest for Sunday all day kayak teaching.
Place: J- Bay, NY
Weather Condition: Calm, light wind, high tide
Group Size :Two Trip Leaders, Two Assistant - including myself. Pete and Steve M leading. Steven and I assisting, and 14 walked in from public.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Get everyone fitted and one the water by 10:20 AM. Everyone in the groups are able body. Only on guy have problem controling his boat. We get to Bergen beach, and hang around. It was a very short trip. Get back by 12PM. There was a plan for another group trip just for conditional members but noone show up. I decided to get dry up and rest for Sunday all day kayak teaching.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Are We Home Yet.
Saturday was an interesting day. I get up at 3AM to take my sister to the Airport. Get there and back to my parent by 5AM. I take a nap in my sister's room. Get up at 8AM and drive to the club. I have a feeling that the Saturday Open Paddle would be cancel. I can feel the winds blowing my car around as I drive on the highway so I suspected that the wind will be a problem. I get a call while I drive to the club but was unable to pick up.
I did not know that the trip is official cancelled till Tony and Chris get to the club. It was a very nice day except for the bellowing wind. We can see whitecap on the bay water. We very rarely get wave in the Pauragut Bay itself. The air also smell foul from all the runoff from the runoff holding tank on the other end of the Bay. By ten o'clock we have a couple of experience paddlers around, Chris, Phil, Mike, Tony, Elizabeth, and a prospective member who biked all the way from Manhatten, and myself. We decided that it would be nice to go out and play in the wave. We get out on the water by 10:20 somthing.
We started by going up wind, toward the water treatment plant. It was hard to keep from hurling my breakfast foul smelling air enter my nose with each labor breath. We finally decide to turn around and proceed out to the bridge. We went flying with just a couple of strokes to control the both. I would not want to go over in the white milky water of the Pauragut Pay. When we get pass the bridge the water is suprisingly calm, no wave more then half a feet. The original plan was just to go pass the bridge and play in the waves a bit. Since there is no wave someone tossed out going to Mill Basin, staying on the same coast, and someone wanted to to around Canarsy Pol. We decided that it would be nice to go around the pol. I leaded everyone to th green buoy so we can cross. The wind was not a factor on the crossing.
We proceed to the western top of Canarsy Pol. There were enought wind to make it interesting but not too much of a bother. We breezed around the western tip of Canarsey Pol and went along the northern shore till we came to a good beach to make a landing. We landed, Chris handed out his bag of goodies, dry berries, Chocolates and Kisses. We were are feeling very good and feel that we can handle a bit more. Chris and Tony were thinking of going over the Ruffle bar, a small island directly north of Canarsey Pol and directly in front of our beach, and practice some rescue. Elizabeth thought that that would be taking a good thing too far. I agreed with her. I don't want to get wet. There were talk of splitting the group up, on going around the pol and another to Ruffle Bar.
It was decided that we should all to around the pol and home. I get back on my kayak first and proceed to heard to the northern tip. I get a call throught the radio from Phil, it was decided to when back the way we come. I race back to meet to where the rest of the group was, only to be told that we will be going around after all. I lead everyone out from the coast and the norther end of the marsh totrying to avoid the shallow water that run between the north shores and the marsh. I turned back after 15 minutes and notice that everyone else was hugging the shores. They were all follow Tim. I end up haveing to cut across to intercept the group. I catch up with Elizbeth and old her to hold up, then race to catch Tim. As I feared I run aground as I try to clear the marsh. I was left with only one option, I get out of my kayak and drag it out to find the narrow channel that have at least 1 feet of water. The others also have to get out of their kayaks and drag their kayaks to for 2o feets to the only part of the channel that was navigatable. I finally catch up with Tim, and inform that that I was leading. Tim do have a habit of heading off on his own.
We finally regrouped, and make the turn toward the other side of the pol. As we clear the the Eastern side we were confront by strong wind. Challenging but not impossible to paddle against. For some reason, our only guest on this trip end up getting towed by Chris. I don't know when that happen. As we turn back south the wind pick up and push us toward the pol's shores. I was having problem keeping clear of Chris and his tow. We end up landing on the beach, and the prospect of trying to launch against the wave and wind were dunting. We decided that it was easier to walk along the shores, dragging our kayak till we get somewhere closed to we have to cross. It was a good quarter mile walk through knee high water, with a small portage to get to where we are almost opposition to where we have to be.
Chris will be towing Christine across with me being the communicator and Elizabeth being the lead. It was a challenging paddle. I try to be close enough to the tow to communicate with Chris and his tow but not too close that I may run across his line. I end up being further away then I should been. Elizabeth, end up all the way on the other side of us and no where close enough where I can communicate with her if I need to. We beach again on the opposite shore to catch our breath. Elizabeth told me I need to be close to Chris. I did not reply to her comment. She was not even in sigh when we crossed.
Tony towed our guest the rest of the way to the clubhouse. It was a challenging trip. I was tied but invigorated. The next day I feel better then I thought I would. I have no sore muscle or anything.
I did not know that the trip is official cancelled till Tony and Chris get to the club. It was a very nice day except for the bellowing wind. We can see whitecap on the bay water. We very rarely get wave in the Pauragut Bay itself. The air also smell foul from all the runoff from the runoff holding tank on the other end of the Bay. By ten o'clock we have a couple of experience paddlers around, Chris, Phil, Mike, Tony, Elizabeth, and a prospective member who biked all the way from Manhatten, and myself. We decided that it would be nice to go out and play in the wave. We get out on the water by 10:20 somthing.
We started by going up wind, toward the water treatment plant. It was hard to keep from hurling my breakfast foul smelling air enter my nose with each labor breath. We finally decide to turn around and proceed out to the bridge. We went flying with just a couple of strokes to control the both. I would not want to go over in the white milky water of the Pauragut Pay. When we get pass the bridge the water is suprisingly calm, no wave more then half a feet. The original plan was just to go pass the bridge and play in the waves a bit. Since there is no wave someone tossed out going to Mill Basin, staying on the same coast, and someone wanted to to around Canarsy Pol. We decided that it would be nice to go around the pol. I leaded everyone to th green buoy so we can cross. The wind was not a factor on the crossing.
We proceed to the western top of Canarsy Pol. There were enought wind to make it interesting but not too much of a bother. We breezed around the western tip of Canarsey Pol and went along the northern shore till we came to a good beach to make a landing. We landed, Chris handed out his bag of goodies, dry berries, Chocolates and Kisses. We were are feeling very good and feel that we can handle a bit more. Chris and Tony were thinking of going over the Ruffle bar, a small island directly north of Canarsey Pol and directly in front of our beach, and practice some rescue. Elizabeth thought that that would be taking a good thing too far. I agreed with her. I don't want to get wet. There were talk of splitting the group up, on going around the pol and another to Ruffle Bar.
It was decided that we should all to around the pol and home. I get back on my kayak first and proceed to heard to the northern tip. I get a call throught the radio from Phil, it was decided to when back the way we come. I race back to meet to where the rest of the group was, only to be told that we will be going around after all. I lead everyone out from the coast and the norther end of the marsh totrying to avoid the shallow water that run between the north shores and the marsh. I turned back after 15 minutes and notice that everyone else was hugging the shores. They were all follow Tim. I end up haveing to cut across to intercept the group. I catch up with Elizbeth and old her to hold up, then race to catch Tim. As I feared I run aground as I try to clear the marsh. I was left with only one option, I get out of my kayak and drag it out to find the narrow channel that have at least 1 feet of water. The others also have to get out of their kayaks and drag their kayaks to for 2o feets to the only part of the channel that was navigatable. I finally catch up with Tim, and inform that that I was leading. Tim do have a habit of heading off on his own.
We finally regrouped, and make the turn toward the other side of the pol. As we clear the the Eastern side we were confront by strong wind. Challenging but not impossible to paddle against. For some reason, our only guest on this trip end up getting towed by Chris. I don't know when that happen. As we turn back south the wind pick up and push us toward the pol's shores. I was having problem keeping clear of Chris and his tow. We end up landing on the beach, and the prospect of trying to launch against the wave and wind were dunting. We decided that it was easier to walk along the shores, dragging our kayak till we get somewhere closed to we have to cross. It was a good quarter mile walk through knee high water, with a small portage to get to where we are almost opposition to where we have to be.
Chris will be towing Christine across with me being the communicator and Elizabeth being the lead. It was a challenging paddle. I try to be close enough to the tow to communicate with Chris and his tow but not too close that I may run across his line. I end up being further away then I should been. Elizabeth, end up all the way on the other side of us and no where close enough where I can communicate with her if I need to. We beach again on the opposite shore to catch our breath. Elizabeth told me I need to be close to Chris. I did not reply to her comment. She was not even in sigh when we crossed.
Tony towed our guest the rest of the way to the clubhouse. It was a challenging trip. I was tied but invigorated. The next day I feel better then I thought I would. I have no sore muscle or anything.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
On Water Kayake Trip Leader Workshop
Date: Saturday, 10AM to 3PM
Location: Sebago Canoe Club in Jamaica bay NYC
Condition: Slighly overcast, light wind, not wave condition.
Short summary: On land lession. Leadership qualities, and skills. Chris R. presenting material. Phil give demonstration on proper VHF procedures. On water by 11 AM. I was almost last to leave the dock due to equipment malfuntion - strayskirt used was too small for boat. Paddle to Paeragut Basin Bridge, and wait for everyone to catch up. Goes under Bridge on the right side, the make a hook around righ bank sand bar, proceed to green buoy. Chris R. fake a capside while everyone was hanging about the buoy. Susan attempt with rescue. It was a mess. Too many helpful advise. Get Chris R back in his boat, and get summary of what happen.
Chris R. In the water. Way too many people hanging around the escue. I was off to the side.
We contue on after the rescue exercise from the Green Buoy to the Red Buoy. Crossing the motor boats channel in large group is always my least favorite thing. We end up bunching up to much and cant move at all.
Location: Sebago Canoe Club in Jamaica bay NYC
Condition: Slighly overcast, light wind, not wave condition.
Short summary: On land lession. Leadership qualities, and skills. Chris R. presenting material. Phil give demonstration on proper VHF procedures. On water by 11 AM. I was almost last to leave the dock due to equipment malfuntion - strayskirt used was too small for boat. Paddle to Paeragut Basin Bridge, and wait for everyone to catch up. Goes under Bridge on the right side, the make a hook around righ bank sand bar, proceed to green buoy. Chris R. fake a capside while everyone was hanging about the buoy. Susan attempt with rescue. It was a mess. Too many helpful advise. Get Chris R back in his boat, and get summary of what happen.
Chris R. In the water. Way too many people hanging around the escue. I was off to the side.
We contue on after the rescue exercise from the Green Buoy to the Red Buoy. Crossing the motor boats channel in large group is always my least favorite thing. We end up bunching up to much and cant move at all.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
And Down the River We Went
Back Date: May 20 and 21, Sat/Sunday
Location: Hudson River. Laughoff Beacon Train stop, travel South to Bannerman Island, and back to Garrison Greek for lunch, then back to Beacon on Sat., Sunday Day on water at Sebago Lake or Hike. 5 miles. 10-15 knot head wind. 1 Feet Wave.
Last week was my first time in the water this season. The weather is in the 60's. There was a chance of thunderstorm in the evening on both days of the weekend. I left the apartment at 7AM to arrive at the Clubhouse by 7:20. There was noone at the club to help with my boat. But the roller and cradle for the kayak on my rack take a good 15 minutes, I can do it faster with more practice. Getting my 17feet kayak by myself on top of a 6 feet car roof was a challenge. I banged my boat a bit trying to manuever it into the rollers. I should have called up some of my friend at the club for help. No window was broken so all is well.
Two things worth mention about my trip up to the cabin. Run into my two favorite people at the Club, Steve and Adele. Steve hongged as they passed by me on the way the the Battery Tunnel. Othe other thing was I was not able to take the FDR Drive, don't know why but the turn off was block by the police. We drive up the Westside Highway instead. A bit show due to all the traffic lights but we get up the the GW Bridge. I take the exit for the GWB but Steve/Adele drive further up north. I beated Steve to the cabin by about 15 minutes.
I did not recognize any of the car in the parking lot. I knock on the door, there was not respond so I push the door open. Inside was two 13 years old girls, all wrapped up in blanket watching tv and having breakfast. CP is of of Pete 's children and the other girl is her best friend. But I signed in and as CP where her parent was. Only her mother is here. Her father and sister will be up later.
The rest of the gangs started to come in. In all there was 7 of us. We started off from the cabin to our laughoff site at 11AM. I get a passenger for the trip to Beacon name Beth. I didn't know Beth too well. We drive furth up river and get to the parking lot of the Beacon trainstop at 11:45. There were already other kayakers there before us from the Coldspring club and another group. Only one person from Coldspring will be going with us.
I was a bit shaky getting into my kayak, it would be the first time I have been in the kayak since last season. Almost forget that the boat do move away from the gangway when I get in. That could have been ambarrassing.
I was the first one in the water so I just paddle around as everyone else put their boat in. I lead us short down along the west bank of the Hudson River. There was not that much wave action. Nothing more then 1 feets. The were a bit of rain cloud in the sky but nothing too threatening. We raft up near where the land jarred out into the river bank (Denning Point State Park) to decide what to do next and get everyone a chance to rest. The wind was picking up a bit and change direction so that it is almost from East the West. This mean that we will have the wind mostly to our back on the way down to Bannerman Island, but in our face when I get back.
Tony, Chris and I get togethere while the rest of the group stay raft up and decided that it is better make a turn into Fishkill Greek, explore the waterfall, then come out for lunch before deciding if we want to go on th Bannerman Island.
The Fishkill rout have the advantage of reduce winds and no waves as all. Fishskill Greek lay on the west side of Denning Point State back, emptying into small bay form by the pennisula. I lead us into the bay (about 3 feets water) and under the railroad bridge (actual more like a 5 meet overpass) that lead to a small marsh and upstream. We can hear the waterfall roared when we were halfway there. I don't remember the waterfall being that strong the last time. To the side of the water fall stood a couple of buildings, probably old mills. I try to paddle up as closed to the water fall as I can but have to turn back 10 feet before the rapid. Chris and Zell (Young atletic fella - probably get his name wrong) try to go up to the rapid but have to turn back as the roaring water push them back. The rest of the group don't even try, they just come close enough to see the waterfall then turn back. I hang back to watch Chris and Zell try to fight the currents.
They turn back and catch up with me after 10 minutes. Chris was talking to Zell about edging the kayak. Zell actually try it and end up capside in 3 feet of water. Get out of his boat and stand up. By then the rest of the group was alread halfway back down stream so I asked everyone to hold up till Zell get back into his Kayak. The water was very cold due to the fact that the creek is feed by melting snow.
We left the Creek and the pay to search for a good beaching area for lunch. I end up leading us up the north shore of Denning Point to a good beach area. I would pack better lunch. As we seat for lunch we can see rain fall on the other bank of the Hudson River. No thunder. Wind was picking up and change to southernly. We decided that it is not wise to contiue south to Bannerman. Instead we went back up north to our launch site and then see if we want to continue pass that. It was a bit challenging going again the wind and I was tiring by the time we get back to Beacon. I really want to just land then but we decide to take a 15 minutes paddle pass the landing site. Nothing worth seeing. We turn back and get back to our landing site. Get the kayaks on the top of the car, and drive back to the cabin.
Peter and his oldest daughter D.P. were at the cabin. They did not get there till late in the day. We have our dinner in one of the cabin on top of the hill. It was a beautiful room, with a big fireplaces and trophies on the way, very lodgy. Conversation was ligh and interesting. I get a blinding headache so I can concentration much on the conversations but it was fun to be around people for a while.
End up sharing the club cabin with Pete and his family. My room mate end up sleeping in the forest somewhere. Which I could just as well done since both windows in my room were stuck open. It was good. It is so cold that my body head do not warm up my sleeping bag. That have never happen before. Let just say I was glad for day light just to get out of bed.
Sunday,
Get up just in time not be freeze to death. Stand around while everyone else get ready for breakfast. We drive to a dinner for breadfast. We take two cars, Pete and his family in theirs and I hitched a ride with Steve and Adele in theirs car. The car need a good bit of cleaning. I ordered my usual, Western Ormlette with Home friend and white toast. Pete and his family seat in one long table, I seat with Steve and Adele. After breakfast Steve, Adele and I stop by the grocery store to pick something up for lunch. I have a sandwich made, and get a bottle of Pepsi.
Get a bit of a stomachache when I get back to the carbin. I thinks it was from too much rich food last night. I hate using strange facility. The one at the camp ground have no privacy curtain so it was a bit uncomfortable.
Everyone was already in the water when I finally get ready. I used a club boat instead of my own because I don't want to untied my boat and get it off the car rake. We practive strokes and braces, nothing too radical. I don't want to go over. We end the day with a long paddled to the long end of the lake where Sebago Beach is to do more practice. Actually, I just watch Chris and Pete practive rolls. I still can't roll yet.
Get out of the water by 1PM. Get some lunch then pack everything for the drive back to NYC.
Location: Hudson River. Laughoff Beacon Train stop, travel South to Bannerman Island, and back to Garrison Greek for lunch, then back to Beacon on Sat., Sunday Day on water at Sebago Lake or Hike. 5 miles. 10-15 knot head wind. 1 Feet Wave.
Last week was my first time in the water this season. The weather is in the 60's. There was a chance of thunderstorm in the evening on both days of the weekend. I left the apartment at 7AM to arrive at the Clubhouse by 7:20. There was noone at the club to help with my boat. But the roller and cradle for the kayak on my rack take a good 15 minutes, I can do it faster with more practice. Getting my 17feet kayak by myself on top of a 6 feet car roof was a challenge. I banged my boat a bit trying to manuever it into the rollers. I should have called up some of my friend at the club for help. No window was broken so all is well.
Two things worth mention about my trip up to the cabin. Run into my two favorite people at the Club, Steve and Adele. Steve hongged as they passed by me on the way the the Battery Tunnel. Othe other thing was I was not able to take the FDR Drive, don't know why but the turn off was block by the police. We drive up the Westside Highway instead. A bit show due to all the traffic lights but we get up the the GW Bridge. I take the exit for the GWB but Steve/Adele drive further up north. I beated Steve to the cabin by about 15 minutes.
I did not recognize any of the car in the parking lot. I knock on the door, there was not respond so I push the door open. Inside was two 13 years old girls, all wrapped up in blanket watching tv and having breakfast. CP is of of Pete 's children and the other girl is her best friend. But I signed in and as CP where her parent was. Only her mother is here. Her father and sister will be up later.
The rest of the gangs started to come in. In all there was 7 of us. We started off from the cabin to our laughoff site at 11AM. I get a passenger for the trip to Beacon name Beth. I didn't know Beth too well. We drive furth up river and get to the parking lot of the Beacon trainstop at 11:45. There were already other kayakers there before us from the Coldspring club and another group. Only one person from Coldspring will be going with us.
I was a bit shaky getting into my kayak, it would be the first time I have been in the kayak since last season. Almost forget that the boat do move away from the gangway when I get in. That could have been ambarrassing.
I was the first one in the water so I just paddle around as everyone else put their boat in. I lead us short down along the west bank of the Hudson River. There was not that much wave action. Nothing more then 1 feets. The were a bit of rain cloud in the sky but nothing too threatening. We raft up near where the land jarred out into the river bank (Denning Point State Park) to decide what to do next and get everyone a chance to rest. The wind was picking up a bit and change direction so that it is almost from East the West. This mean that we will have the wind mostly to our back on the way down to Bannerman Island, but in our face when I get back.
Tony, Chris and I get togethere while the rest of the group stay raft up and decided that it is better make a turn into Fishkill Greek, explore the waterfall, then come out for lunch before deciding if we want to go on th Bannerman Island.
The Fishkill rout have the advantage of reduce winds and no waves as all. Fishskill Greek lay on the west side of Denning Point State back, emptying into small bay form by the pennisula. I lead us into the bay (about 3 feets water) and under the railroad bridge (actual more like a 5 meet overpass) that lead to a small marsh and upstream. We can hear the waterfall roared when we were halfway there. I don't remember the waterfall being that strong the last time. To the side of the water fall stood a couple of buildings, probably old mills. I try to paddle up as closed to the water fall as I can but have to turn back 10 feet before the rapid. Chris and Zell (Young atletic fella - probably get his name wrong) try to go up to the rapid but have to turn back as the roaring water push them back. The rest of the group don't even try, they just come close enough to see the waterfall then turn back. I hang back to watch Chris and Zell try to fight the currents.
They turn back and catch up with me after 10 minutes. Chris was talking to Zell about edging the kayak. Zell actually try it and end up capside in 3 feet of water. Get out of his boat and stand up. By then the rest of the group was alread halfway back down stream so I asked everyone to hold up till Zell get back into his Kayak. The water was very cold due to the fact that the creek is feed by melting snow.
We left the Creek and the pay to search for a good beaching area for lunch. I end up leading us up the north shore of Denning Point to a good beach area. I would pack better lunch. As we seat for lunch we can see rain fall on the other bank of the Hudson River. No thunder. Wind was picking up and change to southernly. We decided that it is not wise to contiue south to Bannerman. Instead we went back up north to our launch site and then see if we want to continue pass that. It was a bit challenging going again the wind and I was tiring by the time we get back to Beacon. I really want to just land then but we decide to take a 15 minutes paddle pass the landing site. Nothing worth seeing. We turn back and get back to our landing site. Get the kayaks on the top of the car, and drive back to the cabin.
Peter and his oldest daughter D.P. were at the cabin. They did not get there till late in the day. We have our dinner in one of the cabin on top of the hill. It was a beautiful room, with a big fireplaces and trophies on the way, very lodgy. Conversation was ligh and interesting. I get a blinding headache so I can concentration much on the conversations but it was fun to be around people for a while.
End up sharing the club cabin with Pete and his family. My room mate end up sleeping in the forest somewhere. Which I could just as well done since both windows in my room were stuck open. It was good. It is so cold that my body head do not warm up my sleeping bag. That have never happen before. Let just say I was glad for day light just to get out of bed.
Sunday,
Get up just in time not be freeze to death. Stand around while everyone else get ready for breakfast. We drive to a dinner for breadfast. We take two cars, Pete and his family in theirs and I hitched a ride with Steve and Adele in theirs car. The car need a good bit of cleaning. I ordered my usual, Western Ormlette with Home friend and white toast. Pete and his family seat in one long table, I seat with Steve and Adele. After breakfast Steve, Adele and I stop by the grocery store to pick something up for lunch. I have a sandwich made, and get a bottle of Pepsi.
Get a bit of a stomachache when I get back to the carbin. I thinks it was from too much rich food last night. I hate using strange facility. The one at the camp ground have no privacy curtain so it was a bit uncomfortable.
Everyone was already in the water when I finally get ready. I used a club boat instead of my own because I don't want to untied my boat and get it off the car rake. We practive strokes and braces, nothing too radical. I don't want to go over. We end the day with a long paddled to the long end of the lake where Sebago Beach is to do more practice. Actually, I just watch Chris and Pete practive rolls. I still can't roll yet.
Get out of the water by 1PM. Get some lunch then pack everything for the drive back to NYC.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Kayak Committee Meeting Summary
Get to the Club at 1:30 Pm on Sunday for the Sea Kayak Committee meeting. The meeting is schedule to start at 2:30PM. I arrived early hoping that the repair that I did on my boat on Saturday finally harden so that I can sand and do the finishing work on it. After greeting Steve, Jen, Pete and a couple of other clubmembers that were already there I finally get around to taking my boat out to be inspected. It was commented right away that the repair was done incorrectly by MB, who have very expensive fiberglass repair experiences. It was confirm that the release film should have been apply for smooth surface so that sanding would be unnecessary but it can still be fix with lot of sanding if the the repair harden. It was dry to the touch but not hard so the sanding will have to wait till the weather get better.
Meeting start promptly at about 2:45PM, which is not bad by the club standard of promptness. We have a good mix of people, filling out the whole clubroom. We start off with each person standing up and introducing ourself. I was almost the last person on the rotation. My intro was fast, just name, years with club and training. There were enough long winded intro from other members so I am sure everyone was glad for the short intro.
Classes for this season were goes over and discuss. We will having a couple on intro to kayaking classes at the clubhouse in Jamaica Bay which I would like to voluntee to teach since I do have coach 1 certification to teach intro to kayaking. I would be fun and give my practice on coaching. There will also be formal teaching of Star 1, 2 and 3 at the cabin at the lake upstate. I would like to voluntee to help out on 1,2 and take 3 over again before getting certify for 3. I will have to talk to Anne or Tom about that. Just send him an email in fact.
Next up for discussion is the biggest part of our kayaking program, the Open Paddle on Wednesday and Saturday. Hopefully we will be a bit more organize that last summer. I voluntee to assist two paddles (Jun 1o, Aug 15) and co-lead two paddles (Jul1 and Aug 5). We will also have more challenging paddle for conditional clubmember. Yahoo!!! I will look forward to that.
There rest of the discussion is standard safety stuffs that just drag on and on. I blanked out so really can't say much about the detail discussed.
Meeting breakup at 4:30 so it was relative short and informative.
See you all on the water.
Meeting start promptly at about 2:45PM, which is not bad by the club standard of promptness. We have a good mix of people, filling out the whole clubroom. We start off with each person standing up and introducing ourself. I was almost the last person on the rotation. My intro was fast, just name, years with club and training. There were enough long winded intro from other members so I am sure everyone was glad for the short intro.
Classes for this season were goes over and discuss. We will having a couple on intro to kayaking classes at the clubhouse in Jamaica Bay which I would like to voluntee to teach since I do have coach 1 certification to teach intro to kayaking. I would be fun and give my practice on coaching. There will also be formal teaching of Star 1, 2 and 3 at the cabin at the lake upstate. I would like to voluntee to help out on 1,2 and take 3 over again before getting certify for 3. I will have to talk to Anne or Tom about that. Just send him an email in fact.
Next up for discussion is the biggest part of our kayaking program, the Open Paddle on Wednesday and Saturday. Hopefully we will be a bit more organize that last summer. I voluntee to assist two paddles (Jun 1o, Aug 15) and co-lead two paddles (Jul1 and Aug 5). We will also have more challenging paddle for conditional clubmember. Yahoo!!! I will look forward to that.
There rest of the discussion is standard safety stuffs that just drag on and on. I blanked out so really can't say much about the detail discussed.
Meeting breakup at 4:30 so it was relative short and informative.
See you all on the water.
Preparing For New kayak Season
Get to the Club on Saturday to do some repair on my kayak. I had inflicted some damage to the fiberclass gelcoat last summer from all the fail attempt at Eskimo Roll. There were already people hard at work on the club ground when I get there. The usual people, the gardening commitee people digging up holes for Spring plantings, and moving dirt and rock from on place to another.
This Saturday Andy organized a gelcoat repair workshop. I was not told who else was coming so was surprise to learn that only three other people are interest in learning how to fix fiberglass boat. Tony help me carry my kayak into the clubhouse where a fire is buying in the stove for heat. I get down to sanding my two areas in need of repair.
Tony kayak already insider the club on makeshift stand. There was really no repair need on Tony's Kayak except for a stratch on the bow. In no time at all he was ready to apply the gelcoat.
Andy bought a fiberglass gelcoat repair kit with all sort of color so that we can use it on any boat that need to be repair. There was a bit of guessing and rereading of the instructions before the color and gelcoat were mix. In their enthusiasm to get the work done, Tony and Andy forget to mix in the hardener that would cure the gelcoat so the repair area have to be clean out. The question of how much hardener to add to the mix was the most difficult part of the repair. It was decided that 3 drops should be enough, given the kit requirement of 6 drop for every tablespoon of gelcoat mix. Apparantly that was not enough because the gelcoat did not harden in the 1 hour waiting time.
Below are picture of repair on my boat. My gelcoat also did not harden in the 2 hours that we waitied for it to harden. Andy speculated that the temperature was too cold for it to harden properly. I think that we did not put enough hardener in the mix and didnot cover the repair area with the release film provided by the kit. I did not agree with Andy instruction on how to goes about mixing and applying the gelcoat. I thought that the film should be apply to provided an air tight seal for the gelcoat to harden but Andy say we don't need it. I may have to take out this repair and redo it when the weather get better.
This Saturday Andy organized a gelcoat repair workshop. I was not told who else was coming so was surprise to learn that only three other people are interest in learning how to fix fiberglass boat. Tony help me carry my kayak into the clubhouse where a fire is buying in the stove for heat. I get down to sanding my two areas in need of repair.
Tony kayak already insider the club on makeshift stand. There was really no repair need on Tony's Kayak except for a stratch on the bow. In no time at all he was ready to apply the gelcoat.
Andy bought a fiberglass gelcoat repair kit with all sort of color so that we can use it on any boat that need to be repair. There was a bit of guessing and rereading of the instructions before the color and gelcoat were mix. In their enthusiasm to get the work done, Tony and Andy forget to mix in the hardener that would cure the gelcoat so the repair area have to be clean out. The question of how much hardener to add to the mix was the most difficult part of the repair. It was decided that 3 drops should be enough, given the kit requirement of 6 drop for every tablespoon of gelcoat mix. Apparantly that was not enough because the gelcoat did not harden in the 1 hour waiting time.
Below are picture of repair on my boat. My gelcoat also did not harden in the 2 hours that we waitied for it to harden. Andy speculated that the temperature was too cold for it to harden properly. I think that we did not put enough hardener in the mix and didnot cover the repair area with the release film provided by the kit. I did not agree with Andy instruction on how to goes about mixing and applying the gelcoat. I thought that the film should be apply to provided an air tight seal for the gelcoat to harden but Andy say we don't need it. I may have to take out this repair and redo it when the weather get better.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Club Budget
Went to the Club board meeting yesterday. I arrived a bit lates because i did not get home till 6:30 and had to drive to JW's house. JW is the Commodore of the Club. I get there at about 7:45PM.
All the other members of the board were already there. I walked in righ in the middle a proposal for 500 dollars for the canoe committee. I abtained from that vote since I don't hear enough about the proposal. The rest of the meeting went smoothly. Get into long discussion about how to put out our club magazine. We have been having problem getting the magazine out on time due to turn over. I don't have an experienced at all writting or publishing so the discussion is a bit over my head.
I vote in the affirmative on most of the motion, nothing to object to. I just don't know enough about the working of the club to really have a position. Get to asked more question.
All the other members of the board were already there. I walked in righ in the middle a proposal for 500 dollars for the canoe committee. I abtained from that vote since I don't hear enough about the proposal. The rest of the meeting went smoothly. Get into long discussion about how to put out our club magazine. We have been having problem getting the magazine out on time due to turn over. I don't have an experienced at all writting or publishing so the discussion is a bit over my head.
I vote in the affirmative on most of the motion, nothing to object to. I just don't know enough about the working of the club to really have a position. Get to asked more question.
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