this season is a wrap

Well it's almost time for us to have snow on the ground again....yippee!!! Just joking I'd rather we didn't receive any, but hey what are you going to do? This is a sign that it is time for the kayak season of 2010 to come to an end. It was a lack luster season to be honest, a bit slow for me. I had several trips planned but only made two of them due to the weather; to dry, to wet...you know the drill.

However, there were some highlights; going to the OBX for a week was the best kayaking time ever, if you haven't gone and you love to kayak you must put it on your to do list and make sure you get on the sound side of the island :). I also did the yearly trip down Big Darby with Amy & Keith.

I got some new gear for the season. Two major items was a kayak paddle & PFD other items obtained this year were; cockpit cover, two dry sacks, another pair of water shoes, and a water shirt. It was a good shopping season & I found some great bargains. Maybe next season I can get a new yak or a tandem :).

I got to try out a few kayaks this year; Tim's Capella - blast & at a canoe livery the Vapor 10 - NOT a blast, it's not made for smaller paddlers, it feels like you are in a bathtub. I hope next season to try a few new kayaks out...like my buddy's Acadia 13 & his Dirigo.

Well over all the season was slow as far as paddling adventures go however we did do a few new things this season and got some new toys so one can't be to upset...I will just label this the season of foundation. :) As always have a great day and winter and remember to PADDLE ON!!!

Another group of pics 2 look @

Just some Pics 2 look @

Here are some random pics from are kayaking adventures!!!

Amy and Keith Big Darby Creek August, 13th 2010

The Crew at Spaghetti Warehouse just after paddling Big Darby Creek on August 13th 2010

Big Darby 2010

I finally got to go out on a river this kayaking season.....yippee :) big smiles all around. Even better Keith and Amy went with me to BIG DARBY CREEK. This is a trip I have been looking forward to and wanting to do all summer, its the creek that I started my kayaking career on and its the people who went with me on my first trip.

Life couldn't be better, we got out there and ouch...CUE the sun. Yep, the sun came out and it wasn't tomorrow!!! it was today and I could have done with a lil less intensity from it. I felt like I had joined a tanning bed for free and in the middle of my bake the knob got stuck and had its go at toasting me. Burnt toast anyone?!!!

After my bake in the wonderful Ohio sun , we got on with the business at hand having fun n' kayaking. It was so nice to just get out on the water again. I picked a Vapor 10 kayak as did Amy, this was my first time using one of them for a whole trip. It was all right, it handles fine although the opening is way to large and it feels like you are in a bathtub. I won't be buying that model of kayak. Keith used a Loon, he seem to do okay with it. This was the first trip we went on where none of us used an Otter. All of these boats that I am talking about are made by OLD TOWN just a lil FYI for you novice and newbies out there.

The trip was great Keith was a trooper and went with us after pulling the graveyard shift. Gotta love that kind of commitment...I am giving him the KAYAKER OF THE MONTH award for being such a good sport.

We also asked are best gal-pal---Sarah to come with, but she had to work :(, however she did meet us at Spaghetti Warehouse afterwards and that was another riot of a good time. I got the WEDDING SOUP...I guess the name is fitting cause it' wasn't as good or as full feeling as it was said to be...lol I kid---about marriage that is...not about the soup it really did suck!!! I think they should have been held in contempt of food court. YES YES that is how it should be.

Till another day and another time have fun and try to unwind by kayaking the lakes, rivers and oceans(if you brave enough) of our vast world be safe and PADDLE ON!!!

Bats' in the ---

BATS in the ---Bathroom!!! That's right my bathroom. I was going to go use the restroom as us human beings do frequently and I heard this sound. I was thinking it was paper flapping on the register...so being the Sherlock Holmes that I am I go to investigate. Okay this is the point in the story where I should have just backed out of the room nice and slowly; do I do that? NO of course not.

As I look around the hamper I see a big mean nasty blood sucking vampire brought up from the gates of hell bat. So naturally I scream and jump, which scares the big mean nasty blood sucking vampire brought up from the gates of hell bat and it starts to attack me and charge me. I then proceed to run out the room, one little problem the door is shut. I go to open it and in my panic I forget the door is locked, hey you would to if a big mean nasty blood sucking vampire brought up from the gates of hell bat was attacking you.

Now it's getting serious this big mean nasty blood sucking vampire brought up from the gates of hell bat is flopping on the floor making it's way toward me and in my panic I can't get the door unlocked. I thought about giving up on the lock and grabbing the hamper and throwing it at the devil spawn bat from hell but then I stop and think to myself I don't want to reach anywhere near the thing to get the hamper. I give the lock one last try and it turns and I safely and very calmly leave the restroom like any gentleman would...yeah your right I RAN LIKE HELL!!! SHUT THE DOOR AND DIDN'T LOOK BACK...thank goodness I didn't piss myself.

In conclusion I must say that if any of my friends throw a party for Halloween go ahead and scratch the BIG MEAN NASTY BLOOD SUCKING VAMPIRE BROUGHT UP FROM THE GATES OF HELL BAT decorations. I think I can honestly say that I have had my fill of these little critters. This is the second time I have been attacked by a bat!!! I think I am going to become best friends with the guy who invents Bat Repellent.

Hope you stay safe, avoid the big mean nasty blood sucking vampire brought up from the gates of hell bat, and PADDLE ON!!!

Shark Week

Hey this week is Shark Week!!! I know I am keeping my kayak out of the water!!!

Something to think about

"maybe all it takes is just one person to believe in what you are doing to give you the confidence to keep trying." (Sting, Broken Music; pg 89-90)

I hope this is a nice little jolt/reminder to all of us that we need to let the ones close to us know that we love, care and support them in all that they do. It may seem silly or insignificant at times to keep repeating or saying the same things over and over, but you never know it may be just the one time that helps make all the difference in a loved ones life.

Let the people close to you know how much you care, go out of your way today to show them the support they may need.

Tradition

Sense I started kayaking every year I have made a run down the Big Darby River. It's like my home base so to speak or my top secret club house like we had when we were kids. You just don't let anyone in!!!

BDR was the first river I kayaked. I have yet to make the trip down the river this year. In seasons past I have made at least 10 trips down it and taken a few friends with me. I have two friends that I will have to get on that river before seasons end.

Keith, Amy and myself have not missed a year without kayaking down that river sense 2008 I believe. The year I started kayaking. This is my third season and I like our tradition. The season will not be complete till I get that run in.

I like having traditions. I have to say that this is one of my favorites. Of course it won't pass the gathering around the house at my g'mas for our family holidays and watching the lil' ones being told to quit running or to sit; instead of jumping on the couch. Oh and let's not forget the RED VELVET CAKE!!! YUM YUM YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's my cake back off readers :)

Well have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

Whitewater River Pic

This is the Whitewater River, Jesse and I hope to due the long run of it this season.

PFD

I was able to try out my new PFD yesterday on my outing in Shawnee State Park. I was very pleased with it!!! It was easy to adjust the fit of the vest and it stayed in place ... no ridding up toward my neck or face. It is also easier to paddle in because it has straps for the shoulders. Instead of bulky padding that gets in the way of the natural motion of the paddlers stroke. I am very happy with this PFD and glad that I finally got the chance to use it.

If you have a PFD that you love and think would be good for others to use please let us know.

Any Paddle Stories you feel like sharing with us please do

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND PADDLE ON!!!

The Hot Lake

Today I loaded up the truck and headed for Shawnee State Park. One of my usual stomping grounds. There are two lakes in the park that I kayak; Turkey Creek Lake and Roosevelt Lake. Four out of five times I will go to Roosevelt Lake, the smaller one.

I arrived at Roosevelt Lake and started to debate my choice to go paddling today. The water was muddy, visibility was low and the sun was out in full force. I walked over to the lake and had a look around, the water was as brown as tea with milk added to it (try it sometime you may like it, it will give an old fav tea of yours a new twist) and I was roasting just standing their. Of course I decided to go out, the last time I was out in the yak was in the BANKS!!! Due to the season of rain that we Ohioans have been delt this year.

I am starting to like the entrance into this lake, it use to give me pause. However, this time I just went for it and boy was it fun...PUSH...SLIDE...DROP...SPLASH and I was in the lake headed right toward another bank. I had to quickly back paddle and make my way out into the open water; all 3/4 mile that this vast lake occupies. Once I made it to the open water I had to do an about face; turn around, so that I would be going forwards in the open water and no longer paddling backwards.

I started to get my paddle on right out of the gate and just as quick as I had taken off I changed my mind on that idea. I was going way to fast given the condition of visibility. I had to make myself slow down and take it easy. The water was still, it made you want to go fast, it was begging you to bust threw like a TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLE attacking pizza!!!

Once I was back to a safe and limiting speed I continued on to the very end of the lake. I sat for a minute or two took a look around, saw a few people fishing in one area of the lake, another group was floating on rafts and kicking about in the water having a good ol'e time and a man was drying his dog off after its busy day of swimming. I believe the dog was a Dalmatian.

After taking a quick inventory of the lake I decided it was time to head back to the truck it was way to hot to be out on the water today in a kayak like this with no shade or cover of any sort. I took a few drinks of water and got my paddle on. The trip back to the truck was uneventful, once their I got out and loaded up all the gear and headed back home. I may not have been on the water long but it was nice to get back out there and just paddle. Have a great day paddlers and remember to PADDLE ON!!!

Trips 2-B Taken

This has been a very slow kayaking season for me due to the rain. I have yet to go on a river!!! Rivers are what I prefer when kayaking. Here are a list of places I hope to get to before the end of the season.

1. Big Darby Creek - Grove City, OH

2. Whitewater River - Brookville, IN

3. Hocking River - Logan, OH

4. Mohican River - Loudonville, OH

Well that's it for now; as always have fun and PADDLE ON!!!

The Amateurs

"The Amateurs" by David Halberstam

I found this book to be very entertaining, it tells the story of a group of rowers who are fighting to get a spot on the U.S. National Rowing team. This book will let you into the world of rowing and give you an idea of how the politics work in making an Olympic Team. You will be shocked to find out that the best of the best may be left out of a boat. In this sport its about who gets along with who and if the two best rowers can work together as a team. You find out that sometimes it depends on who the coach is and who he gets along with.

If you are looking for a book that will tell you how to row and how to do this and that, sorry this is not the book for you!!! This books focus is on the relationship of the rowers to one another and how hard they train and work. It also provides a look into the personalities of the athletes and how hard they are to get along with. You will find out that rowing is a loners sport, most of them like to train alone.

I liked this book and hope a few of my readers get the chance to check it out. I give this book 3 1/2 KAYAKS --- It would have been 4 but there is one section of the book that seems to drag on forever. Once you pass that section it is smooth sailing. Have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

Cockpit Cover

I finally got a cockpit cover for my kayak. I had looked for one several times this past month and had trouble finding the right size. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods in Columbus OH; Grove City and Easton and had no luck. All of there covers were to big.

I had to pick up some family members from the Tri-State Airport in Huntington, WV yesterday. There is a Dick's Sporting Goods in the Hunting Mall so I decided to go and check it out. Lucky for me they had it. I got the very last one in that size.

Side note the Huntington Airport is really small, I thought it would have been bigger. Have a blissful day and PADDLE ON!!!

The cover is Large by Field & Stream

We had a few people try kayaking for the first time on the OBX trip. This is a picture of Joe in my kayak with Amy's paddle. We also got Hanna out on the water and she loved it.

It reminds me of my first trip down the river on a kayak. I went to a canoe livery with Keith and Amy. On our way there we discussed what type of water craft we would be using for the day.

Keith and Amy were set on kayaks, which also ment that I would have to get a kayak as well, no way I was going to do a canoe by myself.

Keith, Amy and I decided that we would each get a kayak and once we were on the water if I was feeling uncomfortable we would return to shore and get a canoe. I liked this arangement and it made me feel like taking the chance on the kayak. I have always loved being on the water however the thought of being in a kayak always scared me. I always wondered what if you flip and you get stuck in the kayak underwater and you can't get out!!!

I got in the kayak and made my way out on the water, it was different then what I had expected. I stayed close to the bank and maneuvered a few turns and realized that I loved it...their would be no returning this craft back to the banks for a canoe, nope not at all.

Of course I was still a little nervous about getting stuck in the kayak if I flipped. That was also taken care of on my first trip. On that trip I flipped and the good news, was that I came right out. I think it was good for me to flip on my very first kayaking trip, it made me more comfortable with kayaking. I wasn't going on every trip wondering what was going to happen to me if i flipped. Well that is the story of my first time out on the water in a kayak. I would love to hear from some of my readers about their first trips. Well as always have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

Kayaking Job

Today was another day of me looking for a job in kayaking as a guide or doing anything. I would love to get a job doing this. I also put in for other jobs as usual however it makes me feel better to end the day with a good search for a kayaking job. I know that all of the jobs for this season are probably all ready filled. I will just keep applying and maybe they will keep it on file for next year. Any of you bloggers' out their got a job opening in kayaking let me know...I am taking interviews. :) Well have a joyful day and as always PADDLE ON!!!

ANOTHER OBX PIC

This is me in Tim's kayak once again. I loved this kayak it was so much fun and it tracks threw the water so easy. However, I think I want a kayak that will turn quicker. I may want to look at kayaks that are in the 14-14.5ft range, maybe!!! Thats not to say that I am ruling out getting a kayak that is 16ft or over. As always have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

OBX PIC

Hanna in Amy's kayak and I am in Tim's, notice the size difference in them. I am not for sure if I want a kayak as long as Tim's. I would like to try out a 14ft kayak and see how that is, 16.5 may be to long.

OBX PICTURES

This is Hanna, me and Sarah Kayaking in the sound. Hanna is in Amy's yak, I am in Tim's and Sarah is in mine. It was a great day and time to be out on the water, very clear.

Gear

While I was in OBX I got some new gear. It's hard to find gear here. I was very happy to get a new pair of water shoes. I have always had trouble finding them in my size. I have not used them yet I am saving them for when my other pair is wore out.

I also got a water shirt because I got a nasty rug burn type mark on my side the very first day from the skim board. Those are death traps...I will stick to kayaking. All the other guys had them minus myself and Joe and none of them had any marks or burns. I thought this a good sign. I found one at a very good price in a small little shoppe, not in the big fancy stores.

I also got a bran new PFD or life vest. My best find of the whole trip. Once again this is another item that is hard to find here. I can find them at the local department store but they really would be cheap and not that safe. I have been wanting a PFD that is made for paddling sports and now I got one. It has a spot for my keys to hook to then I can zip them up inside a pocket; double security!!! It also has a pocket for a whistle which is built into it. It has the shoulder straps so that you can make it the right size so it doesn't ride up. The sides adjust and have a mesh fabric so that it gives way to fit nice with your body. This allows more movement with less work. It perfect...oh and its yellow :)

I finally got me a Kayak T-shirt, its blue. I found a great price on it at Kitty Hawk Kites. It was nice to finally get some kayak wear. Well as always be safe, have fun and PADDLE ON!!!

Tim's Kayak

This is me in Tim's Kayak, its 16.5 ft. long and orange. I loved riding in this yak.

It took some time to get use to. When I first hit the water I was a bit nervous.

The yak seemed a bit tipsy, more then I was use to. You need to remember, one thing about my Otter is that it is real stable, very forgiving. This boat is not! If you move or tilt too the side you will notice it.

Once you get the feel for the kayak she paddles like a dream. I couldn't believe how fast I cut threw the water with so little effort. The guys with me were paddling twice as hard as me and having trouble keeping up. I loved it, it was so nice to finally get the chance to take out a yak that nice and long.

Turning was very interesting in this yak. I found out when you are turnning something this long it takes some time. I am use to my Otter which can turn very quick. I noticed to make the turns easier in this boat you have to pull up the fin. You have a fin that you can put down to help you track better in the water; which it does great for straight lines. When it comes time to turn you need to pull it up and the turn is much easier.

I loved using this boat it was so much fun and I hope to get one as well...MARK NEEDS THIS!!!

Feel the power have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

Outer Banks

I just returned from the Outer Banks. I was there from the 5th - 12th. It was an amazing time. I went with a few friends, Jimmy, Amy, Keith, myself and a car load of toys; kayaks, Boigie boards, skim board and remote control boat.

We were going to meet up with a few more people down in N.C., we had ten people in our beach house and another house with six friends. Our house was on the side with the sound, perfect for KAYAKING :) and our friends beach house was next to the ocean. This gave us access to both bodies of water in the banks... it was awesome.

I went kayaking on our first day at the house. The water in the sound was rough the first night, however we went out anyways and stayed close to the shore. We were crashing threw the waves and sometimes bouncing with them. It felt like you were on a small roller coaster. This sensation felt great along with the water spraying in my face covering my glasses at times.

Our first time out in the sound was brief due to the conditions and the fact that the sun was setting. I will be telling you more that went on, on this trip however I am still thinking about how to go about that. To many things to mention. As always have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

The Gang @ Three Creeks Park

L-R Mark, Matt, Keith and Sarah. We were at Three Creeks Park getting ready to launch on Alum Creek

Matt & I @ Three Creeks Park

Ready 2 Go

Who's ready to hit the water?


I AM

O' de Joy of da Rain

Dear Rain,

Thank you for making your self know this month. I am now unable to go on my kayaking adventure trip this weekend with Jesse. We were planning to go on the Whitewater River in IN. It was going to be a nice long trip down a fun river until you brought your plague of rising water to us. I ask that in the future you keep a level head and try to give us a good amount of rain so that we may kayak but not so much that it puts all us kayakers' at risk.

Thanks, The guy who is not kayaking this weekend!!!

PADDLE ON!!!

lake Vesuvius

Today I went to Lake Vesuvius, this lake is around Ironton. I had to drive about 30 miles to get there. As I was driving up the hill toward the lake I noticed something, the lake was all muddy and brown like a cup of coffee with cream in it.

I continued on to the parking lot. I was going to turn around and leave when I saw two other kayakers' getting out of the water. I figured that I would ask them how the water was and how the visibility was out on the water. I was thinking it would be bad considering the fact that it looked like you wouldn't be able to see any objects in the water...trees, branches and rocks. That is never a good thing, if you can't see it and you hit it, it could flip you.

The ladies told me that it was fine and that it cleared up as you got farther out on the water; I later found this to be false. After talking to them I decided that I would hit the water. Who wants to drive that far and not seize the day.

As I was about to go out on the lake five state park rangers showed up and asked me if I was going to go out on the water, which cause me to rethink my choice, were they asking me this cause they thought it ill of me to try and go out with the water in such murky conditions? Then I just asked them, if they thought it okay to go out and they all said yes like it was a silly no need type of question. Then the one lets me in on why he was asking me if I was going out. They needed me to help them, they wanted to know the depth of the water and where the sand bar was around the boat dock.

I told them yes I could do that and so I got in my kayak and before I could give myself my usual thrust one of the bigger park rangers walks to the back of my kayak and says "I'll give you a push "and with that I was on the murky water.

There were men fishing on one side of the dock. As I was placing my paddle down in the water for them and they were taking pictures I heard this plop...and before I realized what had happened all the rangers; all five of them were getting onto the fisherman. Apparently one of them wanted to catch me. I noticed that the hook went right by my face and landed just a few inches in front of the opening in my kayak. Needless to say I was a lil miffed about that. But thank goodness the park rangers were there and they let them know that if they kept it up they would be leaving the lake area. They had all ready gotten onto them once before.

After I was done being the "Handsome Kayak Model" lol...I set off on my journey. This was a huge lake and I was trying to stay out in the middle away from the edges. That way I wouldn't hit any trees or rocks. I was planning on getting closer to the edge as it cleared up. I continued to paddle and the water stayed murky. The lake was shaped like a upside down U. Once I got around the first part of the U I thought that it was going to clear up, it didn't. I pressed on and run into this neat section with a bunch of cliffs and a huge bolder in the lake!!! I wanted to get close enough to touch it but I couldn't. I didn't feel it would be safe because I was unable to see what was around the base of it.

I was now approaching the last part of the U and the water was still unclear. I went on down this leg and the lake was wide, very wide and the wind was picking up. I thought it was time to turn around and head back. You couldn't see anything in the water and I was ready to get out of it. As I turned to head back to the docks this huge wind picked up again. I began to get sprayed in the face by water and the waves were picking up. I paddled fast to get out of that section of the lake. Once I was out of it things got better, the wind calmed down.

However, I was still ready to leave the lake. It just didn't feel safe with the visibility issues. I made good time pass the long peer they have and made it to the dock area. I was glad to be off the water.

I did have a fun day out their and it was nice to get back on the water. The past few days have been bad for us kayakers in this area due to the storms and flooding. As always have a great day and PADDLE ON!!!

Pirate Radio

I just watched "Pirate Radio"

and I have to say it was worth the wait, this one goes to to top of my fav list. It fits in with the blog because its about people on a boat rockin' out. I am not going to try to describe it to you...just go watch it.

I give this 5 kayaks + a yacht!!!

Thanks to that person who went out of their way to get it for me.

I'm singing in the RAIN

Well it is raining like mad here in Southern Ohio. Due to this latest weather development I will not be able to participate in the awesome water activity that is Kayaking.

There is a few areas/streets in my county that have been closed due to flooding. I hope that all my friends and family are okay and that they are able to avoid such areas. I do have family that is out there trying to help those that are experiencing this rise in the water. They are fireman and I hope they stay safe.

It looks like another bad storm is coming in later tonight maybe we will be lucky and it will pass. Well I hope all of you are okay and staying dry as always have a fun filled enjoyable day and PADDLE ON!!!

day on the lake

I loaded up the truck and headed for the lake...Roosevelt Lake that is. I am trying to get in shape for a trip that I will be going on later in the summer. I believe it will be 18 miles or so. This being said I need to get into rowing shape, your avg joe civilian shape is just not going to cut it.

Back to the Lake, when I arrived I did a quick fly by in my truck and gave it a quick look around, there were park employees all over the place cutting grass....actually there was 5 of them. Due to the heavy traffic I headed up to Turkey Creek Lake, which is no more then a minuet away.

I drove in to the lake parking lot gave it a quick look around and it was a ghost town no one around minus one group swimming. I decided it would be better to go to Roosevelt Lake, because it had more people and I thought that this would make it safer for me.

I drove back to the lake unloaded the yak and went to it. I went up this little cove, which I had paddle previously on another outing. This time I was amazed at how far I went back into the cove. I found a deep line in the cove and was able to follow it almost to the very end. I spent a few minutes just sitting there taking in all the sights and sounds. It was heavenly...you haven't lived if you've never been in a kayak and seen the world of water and wildlife from this low of a vantage point.

After I became one with the world...lol...I thought it time to get to work. I found a line that I could paddle from one end of the lake to the other. It was great I went down and back five times; given me 3 miles on the water. I did the up and down trips at a fast pace non-stop trying to build up my blah civilian arms. I was tired after the sprints on the water but felt very good about my effort. All together I paddle about 4.5 to 5 miles. I feel its a good start for now.

while I was there I ended up talking to some gentleman who was fishing from the bank. He was a friendly fellow and we exchanged the common complementary hi's and what not. I believe he caught one fish, which is not bad at all considering I didn't catch one single fish on my trip with my dad.

After all the paddling and socializing, yes that's right saying hi too one person from the water is me socializing. I had to load up the gear and head out. The paddle is still working well and I am still happy with my decision to purchases it. I have no clue why it took me so long to buy one...a good one. Thanks to all the readers and those of you who are reading my blog and voting. It means a lot to me to know that you take the time out of your busy days to see what silliness I have been up to. Well as always have a great happy sunshine filled day and PADDLE ON!!!

A Cool place 2 B @

I was reading a magazine on kayaking the other day; yes I know shocker!!! In the magazine they were talking about the U.S. National Whitewater Center, it's in Charlotte N.C. The place looks awesome, I hope to be able to go at some point.

It's like a kayaker's dream, they have a few different courses that I can tell of and once you finish going down the course you just paddle back to this conveyor belt and it takes you back to the top of the run so you can do it again!!! You don't have to get out of your KAYAK!!! Just sit paddle and ride....OH YEAH. This sounds like a great Vacation idea to me, what do you guys think? I bet "WB" thinks it's amazing. LOL if he doesn't yet he will!!!

Here is the link:

http://www.usnwc.org/

Hope you like it, PADDLE ON!!!

another day

Well the results are in for the latest poll.

We here at "JUST AN OTTER" feel that the color of choice for a kayak is sunrise. Others that received some attention were: Blue, Green, Yellow and Orange. No one seems to care for Red, Lime, Cloud or Pink. I was surprised that no one picked CLOUD, I think it's actually a nice looking color for a boat. J.B. must have skipped this vote because I believe he likes it.

Well it seems that this kayaking season is getting off to a very slow start and I am wondering if it will ever pick up. I really hate to go out on the water alone, its not as much fun and its not safe. However, here lately I have found that I have no one to go out on the water with, so maybe the blog about my kayaking trips was a bad idea.

Well I am heading out later.

Keep Australia On Your Left

Here is a review for the book "KEEP AUSTRALIA ON YOUR LEFT" wrote by Eric Stiller.

The book is a disaster, when you read the description of it, it sounds so interesting and seems like it would be a high energy non stop read. However its not, the book starts off slow and never picks up. I kept waiting for it to get better, "just one more chapter and this will get good" never did.

The author obviously had sponsors and is keen on making sure everyone knows who they are. He mentions them in the book and tells the process he went threw getting them. There is no need for him to do this because he goes on and on about them for a whole chapter. I wonder if that was in his contract with them. To give a whole chapter to the kayak company that gave him the boat and other supplies. I will not talk about that company here on my blog.

Next he talks about; complains about his yak mate. He obviously does not like him and goes on and on about how he does everything wrong and has the wrong attitude for the trip. Which in my opinion it sounds like Eric had the bad attitude.

He spends most of the time writing about how miserable he is. How much he hates being with his yak mate. He hardly ever writes about being on the water and when he does he is telling us how much he wants to get to the next town and get out of the ocean.

The author comes off as a professional complainer, which is how the book reads. I found it hard to finish the book. I really tried to force myself to read all of it but I couldn't do it. I got about half way and had to stop I couldn't take anymore. PLEASE take my advice and skip this sinking ship of a book. I give this book .............. ONE KAYAK with a HOLE.

Canoe & Kayak / Paddlefest

I ordered the magazine Canoe & Kayak a few days ago. I hope it gets here soon :)!!!

There is a festival going on soon; Adirondack Paddlefest 2010.

www.AdirondackPaddlefest.com

The festival is MAY 21-23 Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If you know someone who lives close to it or in New York, it would be a good one for you to go to...it sounds like its going to be a hoot!!! After all they say its "America's largest on-water Canoe & Kayak sale."

Well that is all I have for you today, sorry its been a bit for a post. I have been working a lot. Anyway as always have a good day and PADDLE ON!!!

Polls

All right the results of the last poll are in, man was it intense!!! I hope all of you were able to vote cause it looked like the poll was being overrun with votes.

The results are in;
50% like to Kayak
25% like to Canoe
25% like to Sail Boat

And I am sure the rest of you who did not vote were just torn between two choices and couldn't decide. lol

I will be posting a new question for the poll today, I truly hope it gets more votes then the last.

Fishing @ Jackson Lake

Today my dad and I went fishing on Jackson Lake. We started the day off early. We hooked up the boat to the truck and loaded are belongings. We made sure to bring a cooler full of...WATER, what? Were you excepting us to take beer, lol not on my worst day.

Once we got on the road we had two more stops before we hit the lake. First we had to go to Wal-Mart, yes I know I feel the same way...ugh!!! I had no choice I had to get a fishing permit. After I shopped at the super store Mafia and had gotten my permit we had one more stop to make.

On our next stop we had to go to the bait shop to get, well bait!!! :) Now that the nice older lady behind the counter gave us around 5 dozen minos for the price of 3 dozen; maybe she was thinking a bakers dozen? Who knows. We were ready to continue on Lake Jackson.

Once we got there I was shocked at how easy it was to unload the boat. This was my first time doing this and it really isn't as hard as you would think. Once we had the boat in the water Dad went to park the truck as I stayed guard with the boat.

Once Dad returned we got in the boat and hit the water. It was slow going because Jackson Lake is an electric power motor only lake. Due to this we could not use the big motor that was on the back of the boat just teasing me. I so wanted to drive the boat and you know tear it up so to speak. I am sure the other fisherman would have loved that...lol, but honestly why would I care? After all I am a Kayaker' not a fisherman.

We finally got to a spot to start some fishing, Dad showed me how to use one of his high tech reels, no seriously my Dad doesn't use your push button reels, which are so much easier. Anyway long story short I got it to work after a few tries.

Now I bet all my readers are wondering at this point, "Now what did he catch for the day?" Well let me end the suspense...." I got nothing" oh wait that is not true I did catch a few trees...yay.
Dad caught two fish, it was as he said "a very slow day." in the end I still had a blast and even drove the boat with the electric motor and probably scared Dad. I think he thought I was going to hit a tree or the bank, but not to worry I corrected the boat in time.

It was neat to experience the water from a fisherman/boaters point of view. It was very different then my normal kayak/canoe vantage point. In the end readers I will say I had a great time hanging with my Dad and hope to do it again....maybe next time I will catch a fish!!! However, I will always be a kayaker that will not change anytime soon, well unless I get addicted to white water rafting.

As always good day followers and have fun on the water and in life, remember to PADDLE ON!!!

Lake Rosevelt and friends

Well today was great ...Two great people in my life were there right when I needed them; Mark who made me smile and laugh and J.B. who almost drowned me...lol ---just kidding, he also made me laugh.

J.b. and I hit the lake today around 6:30 p.m. to try out his canoe, which he had gotten from his father. It was his first time using it. I also brought my kayak and J.b. brought some fishing rods to fish.

We went to put the canoe in the lake, we were using my canoe paddles; bright ORANGE and his long canoe, which is kinda red and and missing some paint. Its cool, looks like a tank that has seen a few battles.

Well back to the entry of the water, once again as usual I am the small guy, I was in the front of the canoe and J.b. was going to push us off and jump in. Let's just say the smooth push and jump did not work for us...it was so funny. Before I could brace myself I knew I was going to be getting wet and yes, oh yes did I get wet. The water was a nice cool chill of the Arctic to wake me up. J.B. had gotten a little wet as well.

However, after that fun tip and a much needed good laugh. We turned the boat to the side of the bank to be horizontal with it, instead of going straight out with a push. We had J.B. hop in the back seat then I got in the front and we were able to push of and enjoy a great time on the water.
We did this for a lil while and then we went back to the bank and I got my kayak and J.B. went out on the water in his canoe. We paddled together for a bit and then I went off on my own as J.B. went back to shore to get a fishing rod from his dad, who we just happened to run into at the lake. J.B. got back in the canoe and began fishing as I wondered all over the place. I run into a nice couple from Kentucky who were on the edge of the bank and they to were kayakers' and we chatted for a bit while I was still in my kayak. They were very nice and pleasant.

J.b. and I met on the water and got the rare and amazing chance to watch beavers play and swim. It was such a fun filled lovely trip to the lake today. I hope I have more days like this to look forward to this summer.

I am also very lucky to have such close friends and loved ones, who can make me laugh and have such a great time.

Thanks J.B. and Mark, it was great to talk to you guys.

Turkey Creek Lake

I went to Turkey Creek Lake to use the new paddle...it was a dream :) money well spent.

A shout goes to Mark for becoming a follower, thanks for joining us.

Paddle On

Kayaking paddle

I am going out on the water to try out my new paddle....PADDLE ON!!!!

Book and Plans for tomorrow

I finished reading "Wild Shore" a book about a man kayaking Lake Superior, a review will be posted on my blog at a latter date.

I hope to get on the water tomorrow and try out my new kayak paddle. :)

In the spirit of keeping my blog fun I have a question for all my readers; lol all four of you!!!

If your kayak happened to run a muck upon a desert island and you were stuck for 2.5 months what mp3 player would you want with you and what band or artist would it have on it?

I would go with the ipod itouch, and I would have the POLICE and DMB.

Mag and Reading

Here is a magazine that I find very helpful and enjoy reading. It is "Canoe & Kayak"

web site; www.canoekayak.com

There are interviews, product reviews, stories of journeys taken, advertisements for kayaking companies that you didn't even know existed, and travel tips and reviews of places.

I love "canoe and kayak" and I would like to thank Tim for giving me a copy of it and getting me hooked on it. It is such a good resource. I give this one 5 KAYAKS


I am almost done with "Wild Shore" by Greg Breining. I have nine more pages to go, hopefully I will finish it today. I was planning on kayaking, however it is raining here in Ohio. Well I hope you have a great day and paddle on.

Book Reviews/ Ratings

I will be doing book reviews/ratings as another part of my blog. These reviews will be over books that deal with the outdoors. Some of them will not take place in or around the water.

Today's is "Small Boat to Freedom" by John Vigor

I love this book for several reasons, it is a true story about a family; father, mother and son. They have to flee their home due to the uprising in South Africa and head to America where June ;the wife is from. They have to flee the country by ocean to be safe, however this presents its own dangers. The ocean can be a pretty nasty place and you will read about some of the amazing things they had to endure and encounter on this voyage.

Another aspect of the book is that you will get to learn a little about sails boats, John gives you some terms and knowledge of how a sail boat works threw out his writings. He also gives you a history of how he learned to sail.

If you are a history person then this book should be right up your alley. It tells and teaches you about the hardships that are going on in South Africa at the time. Tells you about the political struggle that is tearing the place apart and how unsafe it is. If you were a history teacher and wanted to give your students a true up close personal experience about how the apartheid was affecting South Africa in 1987ish then this is the book to give them.

He also gives a up-close look at the ports that they visit and the fun times to be had. I give it a 4 Kayak rating. We use kayaks here instead of stars. :)

Youtube

First off I would like to give thanks and a shout out to J.B. for becoming a follower.

Also I would like to take this time to let you know that he also has a blog. The address is ---

http://jbkoch17.wordpress.com/

J.B. is in the pic @ Big Darbby Creek

I am going to try to post a youtube video to the blog every now and then. I am not in the videos, its just video that I find interesting. If you have found some that you like feel free to let me know or put them in the comments section.

Today's video is a few kayakers' in white water and going down water falls. FYI the music in this video is very good. Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5oLCh6nEuo

I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think on the comments section.....have fun paddling :)

Thanks to readers, Kayak paddle

I would like to take this time to thank two viewers:


Matthew "guitar god" for being the first reader to become a follower


Mark "WB" for being the first to post a comment to the blog.


It is viewers/readers like this who take an active role in the blog that will make it a success!!!

Also a shout out to Amy for becoming a follower as well :)

Things that are going on in the world of paddle. J.B. just informed me that he and his dad have completed his canoe rack for his truck and that he just got two PFD's. He is almost ready to hit the water. All he needs now is canoe paddles.

I received my new kayak paddle today, for those of you that are wondering it is a Carlisle Magic Plus, 220 length with sunrise as the color. Yippee, oh happy day!!!


It has been brought to my attention that I did not offer "YACHT" as an option on yesterdays poll. Allow me to take this time to apologize to those individuals; MARK. I was thinking that I would gear this site toward the smaller water craft. I will see if I can fit in yacht's every now and then seeing as they are in such demand :).

Web Site and Poll

Today is a simple day,

I have provided for you a poll on the left of the page. Hopefully well we be getting some votes and when the poll closes I will try to post the results in one of the blog entries. I am going to try to do a poll every two weeks. If you have any ideas for a poll question please let me know.

I have also put a Web Site on my blog it is also on the left hand side of the page. The site is Paddle Ohio. It is a club that is out of Columbus Ohio. This page will provide you with other paddlers in Columbus and surrounding areas. They also post outings, which they welcome anyone who wants to come out and have a fun day on the water. If your new to kayaking or just need someone to go with you on trips this is a good spot for that.

Here is the link; http://www.meetup.com/paddle-ohio/

It also posted on the left and will remain their. Thanks for reading have a wonderful sunny day.

MY FIRST BLOG

This is my first entry on my blog page. Not for sure why I am going to do this, but here I am typing away into the vast world of nothingness. My blog is going to be dedicated mostly to my time spent on the water in my kayak!!!

It will cover the places I will go to; rivers, lakes or oceans, the people that go with me and the stories that may occur on such journeys into the world of kayaking.

March 30 2010

This was the start of the kayak season for me. I went to lake Roosevelt, its a small lake, but a good one to just get out for the day and have fun. Maybe try out new items that you just purchased.

Due to it being early in the season the dock was not set up yet. This meant that I had to push off from the ledge. This was a fun time indeed, upon my entry into the lake I almost flipped. Once I started pushing off the bank, my kayak went down and down and down again. I was starting to worry that the kayak was going to keep going down in the water and not flatten out on the surface. Lucky for me right as the water line was about to hit the entrance to my kayak, it leveled out and I was in the clear...no sinking today for me or tipping.

While on the water I wanted to go investigate a bridge that was near the area where I had entered the lake. I paddle over to the bridge and proceeded to go underneath it with no problems. Once I had passed under the bridge I was heading up a little tiny stream. I only made it a few feet then had to trun around because I was starting to bottom out.

I found a nicer place to exit the lake on the other side just a few yards up from where I had made the big plunge into the water. I left the water with out incendent.

April 1, 2010

Today was a great day. I didnt get to go on the water in the kayak, however I did get a new paddle. I finally got me a 220, which is the correct lenght for me. My old paddle is way to long, its a 240. For those of you that dont know that is like me trying to kayak with a flag pole. I now have my new paddle and I am ready to get out there and take on the world of water.

Well this is what has happend so far for me this kayak season of 2010. I hope that I will be able to go on a good number of trips, have lots of fun and interesting stories to tell you.