Well I went to my first lesson with an instructor this morning. When I left the lesson cost a good bit over 400. Well not really shocked. The dealer was giving me a set up to use but I decided to buy a wet suit, shirt, neoprene balaclava, and socks. I also got a Solquist jacket with a hood. It was actually less than I thought. I was trying on suits and I put one on with no nylon shirt and I could almost not get it off my shoulder. 30 more seconds and I was going to search for help. Others were easy when I had the shirt on.

Geared up they set me up in the Solstice HV I was renting previously so I felt comfortable in. There were two of us in the class so it was good. Instructor was a woman and seemed to really know her stuff. She was my age near 60 or over a tad. We were talking and when little late 50's early 60's she lived around the block from me. It really is a small world.

She ask what did we want today out of today. My request was I just want to be able to get back in my boat or at least a good shot at it. Forgot what the other guy said. He did say he gets short of breath at times. We leave the beach and start to paddle around to a different area.

I was hoping to be the first to dump over but I was not. The other student went over first but not by choice. It was windy but not much chance for the water to fetch any waves more than 6" or even less. The body of water is very small and sheltered.

The other student really could not paddle or even float in the boat with any comfort. He would start to wobble and just go over like he was dancing on top of a grease egg. He really could not even paddle the boat he was so nervous. He would literally take 12" strokes or even less. The wind had it's way with him very easily. He is in recovery mode first as I watched. He hung on the nose of the instructors boat while she collected his boat and emptied it. He did hold on to his paddle. The instructor had him between the boats and told him to pretend they were parallel bars like in gym class. He struggled and was probably out of breath. He climbed the back deck of his boat and got his leg in the boat. Then he got the other in the boat and rolled over and was finally in the boat.

She took us to the dock and told us more things while the other student was one arm on floater to stabilize himself. The it was my turn so I went out a bit and rolled over after a deep breath. I did as instructed leaned forward and banged the boat sides three times. I did forget to sweep my hands on the side of the boat as instructed. I hung on to the paddled and surfaced with some water in my nose. I blew some air out to get the water out. I had enough in my nose to know it was salt water. It was no big deal with it but not like watching TV on the couch but it really didn't bother me.

I grabbed the boat right away as I was told not to lose the boat you may never catch it. Paddle will not take off like a boat because it is in the water and not affect by wind as much. The boat has flotation the paddle has none. The boat is also easier to spot you with. Then I had to roll my boat right side up and empty it. I tried to empty it but as I lifted it I went down under and was testing my nose exhaust skills again. She then told me to just roll it over and that went easy. It had some water but not bad. The I was between the two boats and she showed my how she would grasp my boat to hold it to mine.

I crawled up my back deck and got one leg in then the other and turned in the cockpit. Pumped out the boat and replaced the skirt. She told me if rough get the skirt on then open a hole in the side near the front and insert the pump in there to get out water.

Then we went to the paddle float recovery and that was not bad. This time I was on my own as she watched. I had to hook one leg in the boat to keep it with me. I hit the seat the first time and realized I needed to turn to get my leg to the bow to get it deeper. I got the paddle bag and put it on the paddle. I gave it a few puffs first for some shape then buckled it up. I inflated the paddle bag fully as I lay on my back. I did get to lift the bow out of the water this time to get all the water out and roll it. She told me to sit on the paddle & float for more buoyancy. That was a big help. Got the paddle all the way though the deck lines and then kicked my feet out to raise my body. Got paddle through the lines on both sides. I had to roll the boat a tad to get the other side locked on the paddle. I had one hand on the cockpit and one on the paddle and kept it perpendicular to the boat for more support it did start to swing to the boat. I hooked my foot on the paddle and pulled up on the stern of the boat while keeping low. Legs went in the boat easy and I rolled over and got the skirt on and then pumped.

The other student went over again which was not planned so I got his boat rolled it then pulled it on my deck and rolled and emptied it then got it back to him. Positioned my boat near his so he could use both boats to get out. It was not working well so the instructor came over on the side of his boat to help pull him up on his boat. She had him then hold my boat nose to nose and I paddled over his bow back towards shore. The wind was taking me a bit so it was hard to turn both boats. She did a contact tow by clipping on his kayak. She made it look easy and spun the two boats in the wind.

I forgot where but she did show me how to get under the nose of her boat and hook my legs up and grab the nose or even the lifting handle if need be.

She told us about assessing a situation if in a group and basically the one in the water in low person on the totem pole.

Hope it made some sense I may be out of sequence on something but it was a good day the water was 65* and it felt good. Funny thing is I really never felt wet except one moment. I felt water run on my side once and it reminded me I was in the water. I got what I needed and now feel a lot better about getting in the boat. I do realize the water was calm and I need many more shots and want to try it in some 2-3 foot waves at minimum. All the clothes I bought worked well and I was warm and happy like a couch potato.

With all the problems the other student had he was braver than me. When we were out there he said he had a leaky valve. I was thinking valve on his boat but there are not many or any on a Kayak. He was talking about is heart. I was shocked he was even out there. Hats off to him and his bravery I would not be out there period. Being out of breath cannot be a good feeling. He never panicked but didn't have a ton of brute strength to muscle in the boats. I doubt he'll be here reading and thought hard about even posting the story. He had everything to be proud of and nothing to regret as I watched close up. Three cheers for my partner in learning today if you do read this.

Great day but I know I just scratched the surface of learning and safety. I did read it all in the sea kayaking book I read but there is nothing like hands on work. I am w work in progress at the earliest stages.

This must have been a boring read especially they way I typed it but most of it was a exercise for me to review the day in my own mind. She also said it is NOT a rescue class but a recovery class. Rescue is by regular boat or chopper. I thought that was good. Her last name was O'Conner and she did a great job! Thanks Kathy! I should really proof read it but I am out of time I apologize!

john


PS
also put in some flotation bags in the bow and stern. Some of the hatch straps came of during the day as I thought they may.

Dog, GREAT report! You are The Man---and well on your way to becoming a serious, experienced, informed sea kayaker. Fabulous.

I like your style. Keep on growing and learning. Practice practice practice. When your gf gets her SINK (she ain't never gonna keep up w. you in a Hobie LOL)encourage her to learn also, as you both will be paddling a lot together.

My own history is similar. In August 2006 I bought a 13'5" daytouring kayak and within a week was taking a rescue class much like the one you describe. And doing full controlled wet exits within the month. There's no reason to wait!

Go for it, there are many rescues and other techniques to learn. Get fundamental skills and have a blast building on them. Then you realize not only the full potential of your boat but yourself.

On my way but far from the finish which is probably never like anything else. There is always a new way wither you think it up or learn it from someone else. When I rented the Solstice I watch the guy sponge it out by rolling it up on it's side. I guess that would be something I would get myself in short order but I watch everyone like a hawk.

When I watched the instructor paddle I could see me spending tons with her. I'm on the bottom rung of a long ladder but at least off the floor!

I told the GF that the recycled spackle buckets are for summer fun only or guests. I was in a rented Solstice and she rented some short little poly. I begged her to try the SOT CD thermo-form boat to see if she liked it. I figured bit shorter but better and faster.

She was in a Solstice GTS but it was windy and hard for her to turn. Me in a Solstice and her in a poly I have nothing to do except circle and wait. I have not been in my poly Ocean since I got my Solstice I know I will be in for a shock. I also told her if she doesn't get a class she can stay on the SOT. I also told her if I go under and she has no class it's her fault! She doesn't paddle bad but if we are going anywhere in the spring together she needs an upgrade

My idea was to give her mine and then get a new Solstice HV in the spring. She said I get your old hand me down! They boat is great and near showroom condition, some hand me down!

I would like to find someone to partner up with who likes the rough water. I doubt she will ever be into that aspect of this sport or going a long distance. It is real fun sharing the sport with her. She didn't know me when I raced boats but when I was road racing my Corvette she was a great help like a crew chief. Now she laughs as I come home with more and more equipment. She said is this going to be like the car? I have the car but my construction business is in the tank at the moment and it is to costly at 1200 a day minimum for me to run and not panic as the cash flows away. Then if something else blows it's even more. I bought my used Solstice for 1600 with some accessories vs a set of tires at 1500-1600 and they are gone in 3 days at best. Dam how long will I have my boat years and years. Plus it is cutting down on my waist and I had to buy a leather punch for my belts.

I want to do a few races next year also, even the pumpkin race had 2-3 good serious paddlers and boats. Guy said they have a race across the Long Island Sound which is 13 miles. I have paddled that far but not in a race. I guess it is all about pace. Sound can get real rough. I will have to find out more.

I also told her in June the water will be 45-50 so she will need a dry suit. I guess I can look up that data on line for water temp averages in my area.

Instructor told the dealer that I was very comfortable in the water during the lesson which was good. Then one owner of the paddle shop said I bet your glad to be back on land now. I said I am warm and happy I could have stayed till dark.

They gave me a fleece top to wear if I thought I was going to be cold. I guess that still gives insulation even thought it gets wet? I didn't take it as it probably would have been to hot. I was just right yesterday for temps.

I saw on youtube they keep the paddle float behind the seat slightly inflated. Any thoughts on this pro or con? I would love to take it off my deck. Get a foam one for winter?

goal is to be one day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USvIfNShxzI&feature=related It will be a while till it all comes natural.


Found this comparison any thoughts? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9svtYPVmbo8&feature=related

real quick Dog, I gotta go:

yes get a foam paddle float for cold water. You don't want to waste time blowing one up.

Foam ones pretty much have to be on your deck. Front deck preferable to rear deck - leave the rear deck clear for rescues! yours or helping someone else, like your gf.

PolarFleece, UnderArmour, etc. all have insulating qualities while wet. Some fleece is better than others.

Depending on your gf's height, weight, inseam, etc. your current boat may be way too big. It's a big cruiser. She would need to be an exceptionally strong and efficient woman to power one over any appreciable time or distance.

I am female, I understand female priorities in boat fit. Shoot me an email when you're ready to help her move into a SINK.

Some poly seakayaks can be paddled effectively on a pace w. most fiberglass boats - it all depends on the design, and the paddler's motor & technique. So don't dismiss a poly seakayak for her just on that basis.

CD Kestrel SOT is a really nice SOT - but she's still not going to be keeping up w. you - even at a very moderate pace. SOTs are wide, high volumed and slow with the exception of something like a CD Zone, an RTM Disco, maybe a Heritage Seadart (no longer made, and the Zone just got discontinued too) and some ultra high end ones made in South Africa and Australia

I am in construction too (commercial) and yes it sucks now.

P.S. why are you buying her boat LOL? Is she not an independent woman w. her own likes and income? Men buy me dinners and flowers, which is lovely & appreciated, but I buy my own boats and gear, thanks!

Seriously, if she invests in one she'll be more invested in learning.

I am a masonry contractor commercial crap like schools and firehouses. One was bidding today and prices on masonry were 80,000 to 620,000 it is nuts!

Anyway she should be buying me the boat she makes more than the president literally. High school graduate to boot no college. She does so much for me if I got her a boat it would be pennies per hour over the ten years we have been together. She does a bunch in my business for free. Free office manager!

Sit in is better for cold too.

I'll see how serious she gets. She said your can get me one for X-mas.

Well looks like I got a excellent instructor as I read this below about Elizabeth O'Connor

http://www.getthenack.org/history.htm and more below
=====================================================


SKSA, Ltd. incorporated in 2000 with the mission of providing the people of all ages and skill level with a source of quality, adaptive education for paddle sports, kayaking in particular. Long Island has rich shoreline resources with a myriad of excellent paddling locations. We also have many outfitters providing fine equipment with whom SKSA is proud to work. SKSA was founded to provide a highly qualified training resource for the Long Island area. SKSA is here to to guide the novice paddler in developing fundamental skills, to introduce paddlers at all levels to new aspects of the sport, and to help advanced paddler to achieve higher levels.

SKSA, Ltd also acts as a resource to other organizations, including summer camps, paddling clubs, outfitters, paddle shops and training and touring businesses on Long Island. Through the American Red Cross we train and certify low-level instructors for posts in summer camps working in protected waters. Through the ACA we provide assessment services to individuals and clubs where skill certification is required at levels 1 through 4 (Open Water). Also through ACA we are authorized to train, assess and certify Instructors for more advanced posts at levels up to and including level 4 (Open Water) and to provide ACA Trip Leader Training and Assessment.

It is the goal of SKSA to promote the growth of safe, competent paddling on Long Island and also to foster appreciation and understanding of inland waters and our coastal environment. To that end we lead tours where those new to paddling can experience paddling a safe environment, more advanced paddlers can practice skills in the company of experts, and others can simply relax and have fun while developing an appreciation for the coastal environment.

Return to top

Elizabeth O'Connor - Head Instructor

Elizabeth O'Connor is founder and head instructor for SKSA. She grew up around and on the waters of Long Island. There has been a paddle of one type or another in her hand for more than 20 years. Kayaking has become a major part of her life since 1995. Elizabeth has trained extensively with the American Canoe Association, is one of only three instructors on Long Island with Open Water Coastal certification and the only ACA Instructor Trainer in our region. She is currently serving as Divisional Instructional Facilitator for the ACA - Atlantic Division. She has also worked for years with the local American Red Cross teaching basic kayak skills and is now one of a small group of Instructor Trainers for ARC - Suffolk County. She holds current certification for First Aid, CPR and Wilderness First Aid. She has also trained with the British Canoe Union.
Paddling Credentials:

* ACA Open Water Coastal Kayak (L4) Instructor, Instructor Trainer
* ACA Coastal Trip Leader, Trainer/Assessor
* ACA Open Water Coastal Kayak (A4) Skills Assessor
* ACA Essentials of River Kayak (L2) Instructor
* ARC Basic River Instructor Trainer
* ARC Basic First Aid
* SOLO Wilderness First Aid
* AHA CPR

Elizabeth holds a degree in Equestrian Studies and had a career in the breeding and racing industry before quitting to raise a family. She worked for 15 years as an Environmental Educator and wildlife rehabilitator specializing with raptors. When not kayaking she is a wildlife artist working in paints and wood, carving detail bird sculptures. In summer she crews weekly on a racing sloop as the foredeck person. Her interest in carving primitive paddles grew into a business of constructing modern high-tech paddles, and a current area of expertise. As Head Instructor she is often seen traveling with her favorite furry friend "K-Sea" the kayaking K-9. Elizabeth brings a depth of educational resources and experiences to her classes and tours that goes beyond her qualifications as a trainer of advanced kayaking skills.

Elizabeth also is an avid kayak racer. She has successfully defended her title of National Champion Woman's Sea Kayak Marathon racer for the U.S. Canoe Association (USCA) five years running from 2001 to 2005. In 2005 she won both Sea Kayak and ICF Marathon races on successive days. In 2003 she was selected as the senior woman member of the United States National team competing in the ICF Worlds Championships in Valladolid Spain where she was the top US point achiever having finishing 11th in Women's Marathon. She also races sprints and has helped guide the Long Island team to a series of medal wins in the Empire State Games.

To our knowledge Elizabeth is the first women to circumnavigate Long Island in a kayak. This was accomplished over a seven day journey with her partner Danny Broadhurst, in 2002 as a charity promotion which raised over $165,000 for the Long Island Altzheimer's Fund.

More recently she has taken on the challenge of coordinating major events. With the help of the US Coast Guard, and NYS Department of Parks Recreation and Preservation as well as a host of other groups and clubs she has brought to the public a series of Long Island Paddle Sport Safety Symposiums. Each one has been more successful than tha last with booths, lectures and demonstrations of safety, rescue and kayak rolling. These events have been presented absolutely free to the public.[u][/u]

Dog, I see you know about NACK. I was going to suggest them to you to check out. I've met their reps at Paddlesport here in Jersey, and they run a very tight ship, as far as structure and organization is concerned. Our local group, the JSSKA, takes a much different, free-form approach, but we get much the same result--paddlers who become good at boat-handling, rescues, and are very keen and informed about paddling safely. Newcomers rapidly adopt the behavior they see the older members practice: wetsuits, drysuits, PFDs, sprayskirts, etc.

this is her business http://www.sksa-ltd.com/achieve.htm#2006

Now I know why she grabbed the other guys boat and paddled him into the wind with ease. I paddle the boats but could not turn like she did. It was amazing to see.

learning more as I read every night. Not sure how regimented the paddle clubs are. I would like to learn from experienced people. No clue how it is when they all go paddling or the conditions they go in. I don't see myself in a big group padding on a calm body of water in formation. What are paddling clubs like?

Sounds like you're having a great time. Good thing you put in those float bags but I wonder why those straps came off. You should be able to get 'em to stay on.

Get wet and stay warm.

The student and I were hanging on each others boats during recovery practice. It doesn't take much to open them as they have a funky cam system which has changed on the boats after my 08. Two were off on one hatch the front. I had no water enter but in real rough conditions I don't trust the cam lock straps especially if climbing on the boat deck.

Feel better with the bags in there now anyway. The instructor has them in her boat too.

I had a knife on a lanyard tie to my jacket but she said it was a bad idea as it could catch trying to re-enter the boat on deck lines. She said she had one but it was enclosed in her jacket. She had a small box on the front of her jacket where it may have been.

Any ideas anyone on knife storage?

My MTI PFD has a lash tab on the back. I attached the scabbard of my Gerber knfe to it; I can get the knife over my left shoulder with either hand.