I am opinioning that this is also one of the ten essentials?
Makes or breaks a paddle trip sometimes?
What do you look for?

I like to paddle with some one that has about the same skill level and intrest. preferably some one that likes to poke around and stop to see the sights from time to time.

That sense of humour is a big part of it too.

Most deffinitly a sense of humor and a little common sense can go along way.

Sense of humor is ok. Being at the same skill level is better, that way no one gets impatient waiting for the other person or has to turn back because the partner dosen't like the conditions.
A paddling partner is not a spouse and perhaps not even really a friend. I mostly want someone who is responsible, keeps up with me, and enjoys kayaking for its own sake. If we disagree on every other social and political issue, I it dosen't matter, we can just talk about kayaking.

I like paddling with folks of similar skill level, but also like to explore the areas we paddle. Nothing bores me more than trailing another paddler who insists on going at their top speed all day long and never taking in the sights along the way. Since I like to go for at least 15 miles on a trip, a good conversationalist/good sense of humor is a plus. STeve

This is a good thread to think about. I paddle solo or with my spouse. But am trying to branch out and get more involved with kayaking groups. I think I would like to paddle with someone who is more advanced than me, I think it would help raise my skill level.

Hey Woody, I live in your backyard and I'd be happy to go kayaking with you anytime. Since this is a sea kayaking forum, I'm assuming you are talking about something other than white water.

I do most of my kayaking on the Columbia and some on the Cowlitz. I might have even run into you at some point. I don't want to unwittingly expose you, but do you happen to live out near the park?

I've been kind of restricted from kayaking for the last few weeks, but I think I'm going to sneak out a little next week. Don't tell the doc, or I'll be in trouble. It won't be on the Columbia, it won't be in my sea kayak and I won't be carrying the boat.

All the restrictions are supposed to come off in about 2 1/2 weeks and then I'm going to try to make up for lost time. I'll still have get back into condition, but I'm working on that everyday.

I'm retired, so finding the time to get out on the water is no problem. I'd love to do some paddling with you. Let me know; I visit this site regularly.

Hi magooch I sent you a pm but have`nt heard back? We probably have ran into each other before. I`m going to Pacific City for the weekend the kayaking should be awesome! But it sure to bad about that kid getting injured so bad.