Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum but not to open-water kayaking. I had been a member of paddling.net's message boards for a while, but the harrasment and slander got so extreme I had to look for a new forum.

I own a Pamlico 140, an Entry-level touring kayak. Since its not the fanciest kayak out there, they just went all out and constantly made fun of it. They called it a "Pig","tub", and "barge". I think I even heard "El cheapo". I'm so used to the heckeling that I feel like if people on this forum find out what kind of kayak I paddle, the same thing will happen. But this forum seems tremendously friendlier. I like my kayak for what it is, and I've outfitted it with proper floatation and equitment that it has become a sea-worthy kayak, and I've paddled it in choppy and rough waters with no trouble. I can get it to about 5mph, and maintain that speed. It may be an entry-level kayak, but I think its the perfect kayak for myself, I dont know what's the problem with those p-"nutters". I also prefer the look of kayaks with oversized cockpits and a little more width. Just personal tastes, nothing wrong with that.

Anyways, I look forward to talking in a tremendously more friendly atmosphere where I can be free to say what I feel without too much harshness.

I know what you mean about some of the folks over at the P-net. It seems like a clique thing going on over there. I hope this forum stays more open-minded. Some of the nicest folks I've met on the water have been in rec boats. I don't know what it is about some people when they get into a sea kayak... I just hope I don't come off that way to people I meet out there.

I second Magooch's motion: P-Net has gotten so big that the number of ill-mannered boors is now quite large. It's the same problem with almost all Message Boards--while their population is small, the jerk population is very small, but as the numbers grow, the number of obnoxious jerks grows to a critical mass. But sometimes the problem is quieted by having a strong person monitoring Board behaviour, and warning or evicting the offenders. It's always been very pleasant and civil here--you'll like it.

Happy and safe paddling!

Carl

Thanks all, I can tell its nicer already!! A WORLD of difference.

In reply t magooch-
I think some people NEED the highest-end kayak to improve low self esteem- ie people on p-net. However, there are many with high end kayaks who are very friendly and open minded to all aspects of paddling. I've paddled many true expedition kayaks such as the CD caribou and storm, and I still prefer my Pamlico 140. I kind of consider it more of an entry-level touring kayak than a rec because most definitions of rec are kayaks under 12'. Thats not important though. Anyways, I'm glad to see such nice people here. and BTW- I love the magazine too.

Pamlico,

Welcome to the Sea Kayaker forum. You'll notice there are quite a few of us that don't paddle the latest high end boats. I hope we are able to maintain a forum that welcomes all types of sea kayakers from beginners to experts, and those that paddle rec boats to the latest greatest high tech boats. We call have experiences and skills to share.

Michael

thanks mike. I am currently paddling massive reservoirs in northern colorado. I'm only a high school student, but I plan on someday moving to Honolulu where I can pursue a dream of year 'round paddling in the actual ocean. I plan on getting a PhD in physical oceanography to help me achieve that dream. Winter here sucks. about half the year its too cold to paddle!! Winter seems like an endless eternity of waiting to kayak. I just cant take it. I need somewhere where not only can I paddle all year, whenever I want, but in the actual ocean where I can paddle in something more exiting than flatwater.

Now I'm just waiting for March!! The bordem is excrusiating!! I was born in sacremento, why couldnt we of stayed!?!?