| A-B | C-F | G-I | J-K | L | M | N-Q | R | S | T | U-Z |
a) NAME:
Gengler, Peter
b) Email address
gengcheeseBOASaolDOTcom (questions on address? married a Cheeseman)
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Sea kayaking (Greenland paddles), saltwater fly fishing from kayaks,
mountain biking, sailing
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
Stitch & Glue kayak hulls and designs.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
Everyone, I mean everyone should at least consider making their own sea
kayak. Once you've made one, believe me you'll want to make more. My
affliction started innocently by making a Greenland paddle.
h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP:
Fishing story: Narragansett Bay, June 98, flat calm, 2 hours after sunset out
paddling with my 13 yr old son. Blues on the surface finning, eating a clam worm
hatch. See a fish every 20-30' for a mile by 1/2 mile of water. Stripers under
them, lots of keeper fish (over 28"). Catch as many fish as your arms can handle
(catch & release).
a) NAME:
Gibbs, John
b) CONTACT:
- johngibbsBOAScharterDOTnet
- (I live in Roswell, GA)
c) KAYAKS (Owned or paddled):
Zoar Sport
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Slow Southeastern U.S. rivers, coastal Georgia & Florida, rescue techniques
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
computer-based training
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
h) MOST INTERESTING TRIP:
I've just begun working my way up and down the Chattahoochee River.
i) BIO:
After drooling over the Chattahoochee River as I drove over
it for years since moving to Atlanta, I decided to get down
closer to the water. Born in Pittsfield, IL, raised in Escondido,
CA (near San Diego) where I worked in my father's bee business,
educated at two small Christian colleges and the University of
Florida, I look forward to returning to Gator country in in Gator
colors (orange boat and blue Swift paddle) and seeing it from
midstream and shoreline at gator's eye level. Looking for paddling
partners on Georgia rivers and lakes--class II or under.
a) NAME:
Gilman, Jack
b) CONTACT:
- Yonkers, NY on the Hudson River
- hudsonsbBOASaolDOTcom
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
Nothing in particular.
a) NAME:
Ginrich, Jay - Location: Colorado Mountains
b) Email address:
jaymtbBOASamigoDOTnet
c) KAYAKS (Owned or Paddled):
Northwest Pursuit; Prijon Yukon Exped., Cyclone & Hurricane; Dagger
Legend WW canoe, next one will be a fast double S.K-maybe a Passat.
d) BOAT NAME & SERIAL NUMBER IF MARITIME RADIO OPERATOR:
I just use VHF when needed
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
mountaineering, classic/skate/tele skiing, mountain biking, whitewater and
sea kayaking, environmental causes.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
Energy efficient buildings
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
Try to be a steward of the resources we enjoy, versus just a user.
h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP:
Probably the longer trips on the Sea of Cortez-paddling, eating fresh fish,
sleeping on deserted beaches under the stars next to the kayaks...hope to go
back this winter. Also planning to return to the Northwest for more paddling.
The longer self-support kayak wilderness ww river trips rate high as well;
rivers are metaphors for life.
i) Short BIO:
Born 1946, divorced, one daughter who shares above outdoor activities-she's
now starting college. I have lived at 10,600 ft in the mountains of Colorado
for 25 years. At this point in life, I realize that life is indeed short, and
I'm starting to take more time off to explore the earth, travel, and keep
learning.
a) NAME:
Grindol, Mel & Julie
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
So long as you don't force your opinions on me I won't force my opinions
on you.
h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP:
Our only trip to date, a week on Ross Lake in the North Cascades National
Park. Beautiful scenery with no one else at the campsites about half the week.
Two nights we shared campgrounds with a hiking youth group which consisted of
some crazy people who swam in the lake (that water wasn't even 40 degrees F).
There are three types of people, those who can count and those who can't.
FEBRUARY's "Who We Are" ENTRIES
I'm 29 and my wife is ... younger. (Never reveal a womans age). We've been
paddling since last summer and still rank as novices. We've taken a half day
class so we can at least wet exit and reenter (but not in severe water, so far
we just avoid that). This works fine for the type of water we've paddled so
far. The lakes around Kansas City don't really get nasty (except during
thunderstorms, and then we'll stay at home in the basement to avoid tornados).
We intend to take some classes this summer to increase our skill level.
I paddle a plastic Necky Looksha IV while my wife paddles a Perception Shadow. All of our trips have been day trips so far but we are hoping to do a multi-day trip some time this year after we've had our classes.
We enjoy the list.
Mel & Julie
From: Julie Grindol {grindoljBOASlhlDOTlibDOTmoDOTus}:
Ok, ok, I'll stop lurking and add my BIO too (one was typed in by my hubby, but he just doesn't have that feminine touch). I hate mentioning my exact age since being younger in my profession is not a plus. I have only been paddling for the past year, but I've camped out all my life. We (hubby and I) have taken a 1/2 day course in South Carolina, and we're planning on taking a trip to Detroit... (sorry dear) Point Pelee, Ontario (is that better Mel? He hates it when I say we're vacationing in Detroit) to take a class from GRO.
We have been paddling in the Kansas City area with a group called the Friends of the Kaw and the Kansas Canoe Association. We also have several lakes in the area, and a nice sized practice lake 5 minutes from our home.
If you're ever heading down stream on the Kansas River, I'm the little blonde in the Perception Shadow, and Mel (the hubster) is the prankster in the Necky Looksha IV.
Julie :)
Julie Grindol
Reference Librarian
Linda Hall Library
1st October 2003 - Snorri Gunnarsson
CONTACT: snogunBOASislDOTis Reykjavik Iceland
KAYAKS OWNED OR PADDLED: Qajaq Viking HV(my travel boat), NDK Explorer, NDK Romany(my favorite yet), Plasmor Kitiwec(my wife owns one), P&H Quest, P&H Capella(my first boat)
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Painting, playing Guitar, skiing, carpentry, computers, photography...
STRONG OPINIONS: I used to have many, now I have few and keep them to myself most of the time.
PERSONAL INFO: Married to Isol, she paddles as well, two children a boy Oskar Josua and a girl who has no name as of yet and one cat by the name of Hendrix.
ON THE WEB:
http://community.webshots.com/user/snogun/
http://www.sportbud.is
http://www.this.is/kayak
a) NAME:
Gutierrez, Dave
b) CONTACT:
newgootyBOASyahooDOTcom (410)374-5930
c) BOAT:
Teal/Black 1998 Feathercraft K-1 Expedition(Awesome Boat!!!!!!)
d) BOAT NAME:
I have never really given my boat a
name. I do talk to it while I am out paddling though,
and I usually refer to it as "Buddy" or "Pal".
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
I love to just go out and
paddle. I really enjoy travelling to new places with
my boat too. I also enjoy climbing, hiking, swimming
and I am an avid diver.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
I do not carry with me the
wealth of kayaking knowledge that many of the people
in this forum carry with them. I have been paddling
for around 6 years. I do however, have a great deal
of experience with survival skills on land and at sea.
I fly for the Navy and have gone through extesive
survival training. I try to keep my skills current by
periodically refreshing my knowledge of local edible
and mediscinal plants. It is a great hobbie too.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
I feel that sea kayaking allows
for a special communion with the sea. I enjoy going
out with my friends and spending the day pushing
ourselves, but I also value my own quite time out
there, on the water with my boat. It is this time
that I really appreciate the fact that I have a skin
kayak because it allows me to be more in tuned with
the movements of the water around me.
h) MOST INTERESTING TRIP:
I have paddled all up and
down the coast of California, and loved every minute
of it. I have also paddled quite a bit around the
Persian Gulf, off the island of Bahrain, which is
where I live now. My first really big trip is planned
for next year to India though.
i) BIO:
I am 27 years old, and single. I currently
fly for the U.S. Navy. The Navy paid for my education
and I will be done paying them back in one more year.
We shall see what will happen after that. Between my
time in the Navy and having most of my family in South
America and Spain, I have lived in just about every
part of the world that you can imagine, with the
execption of Asia. I have a true appreciation and love
for the outdoors. I also have a love for language. I
have studied many different languages in college and
on my own time and love experiencing other cultures.
a) NAME:
Hagelstam, Clas
b) CONTACT:
clasBOASkaparviDOTppDOTfi
d) BOAT NAME:
Never thought of giving them names.
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Family, kayaking, dabbling with computer, photography.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
None I'm afraid.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
Hope I'll pass a as a Christian when the final chips are down. Live and let live.
h) MOST INTERESTING TRIP:
Check
http://www.geocities.com/kangaroo_kayaker .
i) BIO:
AGE 72, married, 3 married childs, 8 grandchildren. A very lucky guy.
Graduated as Mechanical Engineer, worked as an aircraft inspector for
a few years, then in 22 years in family firm, gravitated toward the top,
topped it all up with 23 years as a freelance machine designer: mate T-iron
with Programmable Controllers and charge for the contraptions. Enjoyed
every minute of all of it. Started paddling at about 60 after some flying
and sailing until then, retired at 65. Seems I enjoy life now even more.
Live with lovely wife at roughly 60 N 25 E Gulf of Finland. Kayak rackbehind
waterfront sauna. Give a call when you are around.
a) NAME:
Hansen, Bill
a-2) Age - 65 years
b) CONTACT:
- e-mail bhansen97BOASaolDOTcom or
- bhansen98BOASearthlinkDOTnet
b-2)
Usual geographic areas paddled - central NY state, finger lakes. Also get
to paddle off coast of Maine and on the lakes of the Adirandacks a few
times each year.
b-3)
BCU, ACA, or other levels if applicable - ACA intermediate whitewater
skills, ACA sea kayaking instruction to "advanced" level (whatever *that*
means! - not much, in my case), BCU 4 Star, AHA Healthcare provider
c) KAYAKS (Owned or Paddled)
Romany 16, CLC Cape Charles 17, Seguin (18 ft), Mirage III WW boat
d) Boat name and serial number if maritime radio operator - N.A.
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS: -
mostly day paddling, euro style, but working on inuit
technique and paddle - take about 3-4 short kayak camping trips each year.
Have built two skin-frame boats many years ago, and three S&G boats
recently.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE: -
see above; by now I know some few things about
paddling and about kayak navigation but I'm not an expert on anything. I
know a little about fiberglass boat repair and about the S&G technique of
boat building too - but again, I couldn't claim to be any authority.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
I'm one of those bugs on proper instruction and on safety
including backup strategies for the backups - though I do usually paddle
alone.
h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP: -
Probably the "Downeast trip" I took Sept 1998
with Maine Island Kayak Company (MIKCO) of Peaks Island Maine. This was a 5
day trip covering about 60 miles of paddling, starting in Corea and ending
near Machais. Every good thing you could wish for in a trip came together in
this one - wonderful group of people, the very best leadership (Tom Bergh of
MIKCO), enough wind and waves to make it interesting but not scary,
breathtaking scenery in places very few people ever get to see. Great food.
If anyone out there gets a chance to travel with MIKCO, don't pass it up!!
FEBRUARY's "Who We Are" ENTRY
Uh oh - it looks like I win the award for "world's oldest living kayaker" yet
again. I'm 64, a former canoeist starting about 35 years ago, then an
intermediate level whitewater kayaker starting about 13-14 years ago, and now
for the last six years a sea kayaker of sorts. I've built five kayaks of various
types, have taken most of the usual courses (ACA for whitewater, BCU for sea
kayaking).
I paddle 12 months of the year here in central NY, where water temps get into the 40s and it gets pretty darn cold, and I usually paddle alone - but I stay off the water when it's really bitter, and also when the weather is really bad. I have a good solid roll on both sides and good bracing skills (he said with becoming modesty). have sort of intermediate stamina; a good long day for me is 12-14 miles, and most of my days are far shorter than that. I'm comfortable in force 4-5 winds, but if I know it's at all likely to go beyond that, I stay off the water.
Most of my paddling is done on Cayuga Lake, 1and1/2 by 40 miles in size. There's plenty of wind, but of course no tides, no currents, no swell except for leftovers from storms and motor boats, and waves never get much higher than 2 feet. It's not nearly as challenging as most of the water in which most of you paddle.
I've been very lucky to be able to take several kayaking courses on the ocean, and several short trips in the Atlantic ocean (Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut) each summer for the last 4-5 years. I love it. Now that my work responsibilities are much more limited, I hope to do more ocean tripping.
Bill Hansen
a) Harmon, Elaine
b) CONTACT:
1 Finsbay, Isle of Harris HS3 3JD, Scotland, U.K. (except winters).
Email eharmonBOASleavethisoutcsDOTmiamiDOTeduDOT
c) KAYAKS (Owned or paddled):
1 Prism SOT co-owned in Miami. 2 Feathercraft K-Lights to be in Scotland.
d) Prism is "Mo Chridhe" (Gaelic, "my dear"). K-Lights may be named Hinayana, my favorite among the Pwiser's names, and Nehalennia (Celtic goddess of seafarers)
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
not necessarily in the order named: 1) boats, 2)caving,
3) music, especially small ensemble, 4) environmental and public health,
especially epidemiology and especially with respect to ballast water and
non-indigenous species introduction, 5) Scotland, especially pro-independence
(which I am) politics.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
probably none relevant to this group.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
Cats are better company than people.
h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP:
in a kayak it would have to be the Caladesi
Island near-disaster posted as "Dumbest Thing..." on 7 August 99. Other than
that, a canoe run of the Spanish River (N. Ontario) many years back. Keep
posted for Skye and the Hebrides.
Personal:
I am a 60-year old native of Miami, Florida, divorced for many years.
I like to play music, make pictures, and paddle, especially alone. I was born
autistic. My formal education was in mathematics and science, and later,law. I
practiced patent law, specializing in BIOtech, in Cleveland for about 20 years,
then returned to Miami 6 years ago to prepare to move to the Isle of Harris,
Scotland, which I'm about to do.
Elaine Harmon - eilidhBOASdcDOTseflinDOTorg - eharmonBOAScsDOTmiamiDOTedu
a) NAME:
Harper, Val
b) CONTACT:
valDOTharperBOASunhDOTedu
c) KAYAKS (Owned or paddled):
1 Cape Horn (ordered but not yet received) and 1 Necky Amaruk
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
We're new to the sport, so haven't really developed any
yet - we plan on doing some touring and camping, so guess that's our interest
at the moment.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
I'm a reference librarian - I have no "specialist
knowledge," but I do know where to look it up!
g) STRONG OPINIONS: None
h) MOST INTERESTING TRIP:
Our first one, this summer - around the south side of
Mt. Desert Island.
i) BIO: I am a reference librarian at the University of New Hampshire; my husband is a science teacher at Pinkerton Academy. We are both divers and both really enjoy kayaking. Our 5-year-old daughter also thinks kayaks are great; she's so relaxed in them she's been known to nap while en route! We hope to learn a lot from those of you who have done this longer than we.
- --
Val Harper
University Library
University of New Hampshire
valDOTharperBOASunhDOTedu
18th February 2004 - Dan Harrison
a) NAME:
Harrison, Dan
b) CONTACT:
dharrisnBOAShfccDOTedu
d) BOAT NAME:
The Avocet is named "Niguik," Algonkian for "otter." The Dagger is
nicknamed "Dredisto."
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Kayaking the Great Lakes and their rivers; road and mountain biking;
sailing; scuba diving; XC skiing; snowshoeing; nature observation and
photography; doing as many of the preceding in combination as possible.
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
Adequate training to do a lot of outdoorsy things competently, and to
be an asset to a group outing rather than a liability. BCU 4-star
rating, Wilderness First Aid cert, handy with duct tape and garbage
bags.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
All you need is love. What does not kill me, makes me smarter.
h) MOST INTERESTING TRIP:
So far: Michigan to Peru by bicycle. Alternate answer: the next one.
i) BIO:
Male, 55 years old, married, no kids. Librarian by vocation, amateur
historian and naturalist by avocation. Advocate for non-motorized
recreation. Love to travel, near or far doesn't matter.
a) NAME:
Hebert, Arthur ( last name pronounced, A-bear, thank you )
b) CONTACT:
- email seacajunBOASgsDOTnet
- web site; http://homepages.gs.net/seacajun
Section of earth planted; Gretna, Louisiana 150 yards from the Mighty
Mississippi River, located directly across the river from New Orleans. One who
appreciates the levees along the Mississippi River.
c) KAYAKS (Owned or Paddled);
Most frequently paddle a Eddyline Falcon 18; Three
other hard shells (this also includes my daughter's boat); Two plastic sea
kayaks; One stitch and glue "Golden Eye"; Mad River Tempest canoe; Racing
pirogue; flat water sprint kayak and still searching.......................
d) Boat name and serial number if maritime radio operator;
Call name used "Sea Kajun"
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:;
Family, woodworking, reading, animals. Swamp and Gulf
of Mexico paddling particularly at night. Paddling venues abound around Isle of
Orleans. ACA Instructor, enjoying introducing people to our sport.
g) STRONG OPINIONS:;
To NEVER be the elderly man sitting in a rocking chair
on the front stoop thinking, " what happen to all the years and all the dreams"
BIO;
Born 1957. Married 23 years two beautiful daughters, 20 and 12 years old. Work
as a field supervisor for a large general contractor in New Orleans specializing
in renovations of 18th and 19th century buildings. Very strong opinion
concerning the preservation of our architectural history. Raised with a family
of commercial fishermen working the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Now
enjoying the Gulf in a splendid way, by sea kayak.
FEBRUARY's "Who We Are" ENTRY
Larry I'm glad I joined the list. I have thus far been truly impressed by the
combined knowledge within paddlewise. Good way to further our knowledge bout
this paddling thing. What de heck took me so long to join? Guess I should
introduce myself and give the fellow subscribers a little back ground? For those
who don't know my last name Hebert is pronounced "abear" not Heeebert. I have
been sea kayaking since 1992 this is when I first met Larry Koenig, he allowed
me to paddle one of his sea kayaks. It wasn't long after that that I purchased
my first kayak (can't say how many vessels I have now my wife might read this,
some things is safer left unknown). You see Larry had heard about someone that
had circumnavigated Lake Ponchartrain (New Orleans) 108 miles in fifty hours in
a Mad River Tempest Canoe. He hunted me down and I am glad he did. Since that
time Larry and I have paddled numerous trips together. We paddled the entire
Louisiana coast together (482 miles). Raised on the Louisiana coast. Shrimping
and crabbing the Gulf and surrounding waters was my family's livelihood. Had
three pirogue's for as long as I can remember, so paddling has always been part
of my life. The open sea (if the winds ablowing I'm agoing) and night time
paddling is on top of my list for paddling, the serenity of the swamps and
bayou's is surly next on the list. My wife Debbie and I bought our first canoe
22 years ago. We're down to just one canoe (Tempest), one racing pirogue and a
Olympic sprint. My oldest daughter Nichole isn't into paddling much, But my
youngest Brooke (11 years old) loves to paddle, actually she retired her Zephyr
and paddled her brand new Merlin XT yesterday in the swamp. She is a tall girl
for her age foot pegs ok, but I will have to retrofit the seat for her, daddy
will have that done before we go out next weekend. She didn't appreciate not
being fitted to the boat, I apologized and understand (give me a break we just
got the boat Friday).
Last year on this day Was at 23* 27' N 88* 30' W approx. 115 nau miles from the Mexican coast paddling home to Louisiana on a solo unescorted crossing of the Gulf of Mexico. Check the web site on the expedition at
http://homepages.gs.net/seacajun
a) NAME:
Heineman, Tom - Chicago
b) Email address
HeinemanBOASenteractDOTcom
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE: Work stuff that I don't care to mix with pleasure stuff
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP:
i) Short BIO (personal description) 50, landlord, Human Resources Executive at Big 5 Firm married 25 yrs; 1 - 17 yr old
a) NAME: -
Higgins, Dennis "Skip"
b) CONTACT:-
- "raskalBOASexecpcDOTcom",
- website - http://www.execpc.com/~raskal ,
- all in SE Wisconsin on Lake Michigan
c) KAYAKS (Owned or paddled): -
Two VCP Skerrays one Swift Matawa canoe(so far)
BOAT NAME: -
Using only the hand held I respond to the "Kayak Raskal"
d) SPECIAL INTERESTS: -
Photography, camping, most general outdoors stuff
e) SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE: -
Forensic & crime scene photography
f) STRONG OPINIONS: -
Flames belong in fire pits
g) MOST INTERESTING TRIP: -
The last summer's trip to Isle Royale in Lake
Superior - 12 great people, great food, good water & wonderful weather!
FEBRUARY's "Who We Are" Entry
Retired police lieutenant At 52y mind still says that I'm a bunch of years
younger though the body disagrees from time to time.
I paddle a Skerray from my home on the shores of S.W. Lake Michigan or, when I get the urge, go back to the old digs on the North Carolina coast or head for Isle Royal on Lake Superior. Thinking about building a stripper or plywood yak while kind of half-heartedly also looking for a canoe which will allow the dog along on flatwater inland lakes around here - ahhh, the bliss of not having to be anywhere at a certain time!
Oops! Fell asleep there for a minute!
In good weather, I'm a daily paddler of about 8 miles however, my favorite time in the floating muscle toner is on weekend or week-long trips. Then I use the yak for a photographing and fishing platform. Just wishing I could find a way to make it tax deductable. Then it would be perfect!
Dennis "Skip" Higgins
a) NAME:
Hoffman, Luke
b) CONTACT:
- lukehBOAShiwaayDOTnet
- http://home.hiwaay.net/~lukeh
e) SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Scuba, paddling, biking, hiking, reading, gardening, cooking
f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE:
I know all the words to The Lumberjack Song from Month Python
g) STRONG OPINIONS:
Lots and Lots. But none on kayaking.
h) MOST INTERESTING TRIP:
Still a total newbie in kayaking. I've just been paddling around the local
lakes and swamps.
i) BIO:
42 year old computer programmer living in North Alabama. My primary
function in life is the care and feeding of a couple of dogs of indeterminate
breed. However, they often allow to go paddling and diving when I've been
good. Lately, I've been spending more time under the water than paddling on
it. Now that fall is here, I hope to be spending more time on top in my
kayak.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Luke Hoffman
lukehBOAShiwaayDOTnet
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others.
Groucho
KEYWORDS:
photography, birds, writing
From: I must say it's such a pleasure to read these intro's, esp. of the lurkers
who are stepping out of the shadows and up to the podium. OK, my turn:
Hi, (hello, test...is this thing on? Can you hear me in the back?
tap...tap...),
Uh, Hi, my name's Paul and I'm a Paddleholic.
Some of you may remember me as the dimwit who nearly killed himself in June
'98 up on the Hudson in Ossining, NY, the tale of which I posted here. I'm
lucky to have survived it and I know it.
Like many of you, I started out in Grumman canoes as an eight-year-old in
Scouts and never looked back. I've been in various kinds of kayaks for about
nine years now.
My passport claims I'm forty-four, though I'll be darned if I'm going to act
it. I live in Burlington, New Jersey, USA, which is near to Philadelphia and
Trenton, and I can look out the window at the Delaware River, a block away.
This lets me get into a boat and on that river for a workout at dawn or late
afternoon. Right here it's big, wide, tidal and at times full of motorheads
or the occasional oceangoing freighter, though often I'm out there alone or
into the little creeks that feed it. I also habituate the Pine Barrens, a
vast wilderness area of constantly meandering, gently flowing tiny rivers and
endless acres of nothing but pine trees, sandy trails and vanished towns,
about a quarter of this state in size. In a state that is the most densely
populated in the US, you'd never know it in the Pines. You can drift and
paddle all day and not see a soul. The Jersey shore and the bays down there
are higher on my agenda since exploring summer, when I got to finally play
and explore in the marine environment. More of that, oh yeah...
I'm lucky enough to have befriended some great people in this sport, tops
being those near to me here, including Gabriel (who posted yesterday) and the
proprietors of a paddleshop a few towns upriver to my north, who let me lead
trips of novices and intermediates on the Delaware, further north out of
tidal range, and in the Pines. I also get to sit in and mind the shop for
them sometimes, which is such a treat as I get to talk to people of all
levels of experience about boats, gear, trips, issues, etc.
I've been lucky enough to meet some name-names in the business, boat
designers,
media personalities, owners of Big Outfitters, some exotic trippers, some
just-plain-fun folk. I get to revel in All Things Paddling. I've also been
lucky enough the past two years to do two week-long wilderness trips in upper
Ontario (Temagemi) and Quebec (the Rupert River), as working
vacations, shooting along the way. Canada...wow. I'm lucky to have these
opportunities it and I know it.
I'm a freelance photographer, which my friends will tell you means
permanently unemployed. I'm looking to branch into writing, too, as an
adjunct to picture stories. In small ways so far, getting some distance from
the commercial work I've been doing, I have been able to put
together my love of paddling, birding, the outdoor life in general with the
photography and get paid for doing what I love to do in multiples. Like I
said at the top, I know I'm lucky.
I'm a vegetarian and avid hiker, backpacker, sometimes climber and x-c skier.
I'm jealous of those who have posted from the northern climes, the x-c skiers
who live where snow is plentiful. Oh, I'm jealous, I have no winter here this
year, yet again.
I love my three boats, a plastic kit kayak I built- it isn't pretty but it
goes like mad and is high with the fun quotient; a 12'6" fiberglass shallow
arch canoe that lets me do the water ballet in the small rivers & creeks
here, but is also at home in the big old Delaware; a fiberglass and
composite Baltic Mari 4 sea kayak that is high-volume enough for me (6'3"/
175 lb.) and my (ton of) gear, it moves like a truck compared to most, but I
don't care, I love it, too. I hope to take it on an extended trip and really
get the advantage of it's capaciousness for photo, food &
camping gear.
Gabriel and I are about to begin building our Chesapeake Light Craft from
plans, mine will be the West River 180. I'm really looking forward to
this...and to it's result!
I've learned to roll recently, took a coastal navigation class, & hope to get
some surf training in next summer.
I, too, stand in humble appreciation of Jackie's work in maintaining this
valuable resource, of the Paddlewise members who give so freely of their
knowledge and experience, not to mention humor and opinions. I toast to you
all with my carrot juice.
If anybody is going to be at the Paddlesports Expo in March here in NJ, look
for me. I 'll be there reveling.
So, that's my story, my addiction. Hey, next week I'll make the coffee...
~Paul H.
a) NAME: b) Email address: e) SPECIAL INTERESTS: f) SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE: g) STRONG OPINIONS: h) MOST INTERESTING KAYAK TRIP: i) Short BIO (personal description) FEBRUARY's "Who We Are" ENTRY CHUCKBOASmultitechDOTcom (Chuck Holst)
I've enjoyed reading the BIOs of my fellow Paddleweisenheimers; now it's my
turn.
I'm 54. Over the years,I've worked as an industrial photographer, electronics
technician, and contract technical writer. For the last four years I have been
writing user guides and online help for a manufacturer of modems and network
communications equipment.
My first boat was a Butterfly-class 12-foot scow that I bought when I was 24. I
used to sail it on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is how I lost
any fear of capsizing that I might have had. Several years later, I had to sell
it to pay the rent. By the time I could afford to replace it, I had started
backpacking, so I bought a We-no-nah canoe instead, and spent the next ten years
exploring nearby lakes, rivers, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
In 1988 I went on my first sea kayaking trip, in Lake Superior's Apostle
Islands. I was immediately hooked, and the following spring, before the ice had
left the lakes, I bought a yellow Aquaterra Sea Lion. Since then I have owned in
succession a red Wilderness Systems Sealution and my current kayak, a white
Romany Explorer.
About five or six years ago, after seeing a demonstration by George Gronseth at
the Inland Sea Symposium, I made my first Greenland paddle. The first trip I
used it on was in the Broken Group on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where
I broached on a wave and would have capsized if it had not been for a low brace
that came out of nowhere. It was this experience that convinced me of the
importance of skills for safe kayaking and led me to initiating a series of
Wednesday evening paddle and practice sessions on Lake Calhoun and developing
not one, but several, braces and rolls on both sides.
I haven't used my Wind Swift paddle since I made my first Greenland paddle. I
am currently teaching a Greenland paddle-making class in Saint Paul for Paddle
Masters and the Boat-House. I also wrote an article on how to make a Greenland
paddle for the Minnesota Canoe Association's HUT! magazine, which is currently
on the Paddlewise Web site. I have almost finished a revised version that I
expect to post in the next few weeks.(Among other things, it will be
better-formatted and -illustrated.)
Like many northern sea kayakers, I enjoy winter sports. Over the last 20 years,
I've led well over 50 cross-country ski, winter camping, canoe, and sea kayak
trips, mostly for the North Star Ski Touring Club. I have also served four years
on the boards of the NSSTC and the Single Sierrans as newsletter editor.
I am married to fellow sea kayaker Linda Campbell, who is currently secretary of
the Minnesota Canoe Association. Linda is 51, and a native of England. When we
met, she was paddling a solo canoe. Six weeks after she went on a beginners sea
kayak trip that I led, we decided to get married. (My first successful roll with
a Greenland paddle and our first kiss were on the same evening at Lake Calhoun -
- ten days before my fiftieth birthday.) She now has her own white Romany, has a
roll on one side, and is working on her offside roll. Our honeymoon was a
60-mile, week-long trip in the Boundary Waters, where we were visited by a
moose one night and heard wolves the next.
We paddle mostly on city lakes, local rivers, and Lake Superior, but we hope to
also kayak on the ocean some day.
Chuck Holst
Hume, Scot
Boats: Experience: From: Isaacs, Sam and Ann {saisaacsBOASnetcomDOTca}
Time to get in my few kilobytes of fame....
I am a 44 yr old lurker (mostly) and paddler living in Richmond, BC... thereby
giving me the opportunity of playing in the Pacific Northwest (or Southwest).
My wife and I have been paddling for about 9 years... I once made the mistake of
describing it as recreational paddling to suggest more emphasis on fun and less
on adventure/adrenalin... but then after all, it is all recreational! We do
mostly day trips, some overnighting and the occasional week long trip. I used to
canoe, which my wife did not enjoy... she was an immediate convert to kayaking,
though....
We paddle old Pacific Water Sport Sea Otters... I have a fondness for them, and
when one was stolen - off the top of our car out front of our house ;-( I
replaced it with a day-glo orange Sea Otter.... to improve visibility, of course
(others describe it as an eye sore - but hey, safety comes first).
I subscribe to a simple paddling rule... I don't do cold water (cold water being
under 90 degrees F.) So... I plan accordingly, and exercise judgement to try to
prevent compromising this simple rule. So far, I have been fully compliant. Need
less to say, I don't do rolls. My wife is interested in rolling and has begun
her learning curve on this.
I can be on the water, on the mouth of the Fraser River, in 10 minutes from
home, when I am organized, and there is a lovely paddling area off of Shady
Island here that gives gorgeous views of wetlands, fishing boats and mountains,
with a miniscule city in between. This summer's adventure will be to use my
homemade (by my F-I-L) bicycle trailer to cycle my kayak down to the river and
paddle 4-5 times a week.
Our other plan this year is to try out power boating (again... after our 26
footer sank... 2 days before the kayak theft.... our insurance company wasn't
amused). So I figure between the 2 activities, work may have to wait. (well, we
all have our fantasies...especially when paddling.) After that, we may upgrade
our kayaks, or build a fleet to rival our Canadian Navy (won't take too much).
Although I tend to be much less technical and detail oriented than most
discussions on the list, I still learn much, forget much and am amused by much
that goes on. Thanks to all for freely sharing your experiences, wisdom and
views.
Sam Isaacs
Paul Hollerbach
Holst, Chuck
chuckBOASmultitechDOTcom, chuck_holstBOAScompuserveDOTcom
My wife; sea kayaking; camping; Greenland paddles and paddling styles;
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW); Lake Superior; cross-country
skiing; winter camping; astronomy; archaeology; geology; history; photography;
computers; jazz, Celtic, and folk music; science fiction (SF); the submarine
war against Japan; and the novels of C.S.Forester and Patrick O'Brien, to
mention a few.
Making and using Greenland paddles, photography, desktop publishing, science
fiction, BWCAW, Lake Superior.
Sea kayakers have more sense of wonder than most science fiction fans.
It's hard to choose one that stands out. It could be the canoe trip I made in
the BWCAW on my 40th birthday, when I came down with the flu, found a bottle of
brandy in Ima Lake, and on the morning of my birthday was visited by loon after
loon until a couple dozen were swimming around in the bay next to my campsite.
It could be my eight-day, 50-mile solo trip in the BWCAW or my eight-day,
60-mile honeymoon in the BWCAW, when a moose walked within six feet of our tent
after dark and we heard wolves howl for the first time. Then there was my first
kayak trip to Pukaskwa on Lake Superior, the trip to Lake Powell, the trip to
the Broken Group (my only trip on salt water),.... All my canoe and kayak trips
have been interesting, or I wouldn't keep doing them!
I bought my first boat, a 12-foot sailboat, in 1968, my first canoe in 1979,
and my first sea kayak in 1988. I'm 55, married to Linda (another kayaker and
canoeist) for five years, no children, one cat. I've worked as an industrial
photographer, an engineering technician, and, currently, a contract technical
writer. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I was president of the
Minnesota Science Fiction Society. Then I took up camping, cross-country skiing,
winter camping, wilderness canoeing, and sea kayaking, all of which proved more
enjoyable. A few years ago, Linda and I took over the leadership of the Kayak
Touring chapter of the Minnesota Canoe Association (MCA) from Andy Knapp. This
year we revived it as Inland Sea Kayakers
http://www.isk.canoe-kayak.org/ , which currently has over 85 members. I am
the acting president of ISK, and Linda is currently the vice-president of the MCA,
which keeps us both very busy. I have also served on the boards of and led many
outings for the Single Sierrans and the North Star Ski Touring Club. Linda and I are
both BCU Four-Star certified.
- Colorado Springs, CO
- scot_humeBOASyahooDOTcom
Prijon Yukon Expedition, Perception Arc, Folbot Super, Aichelles Ducky
I only started paddling about 3 years ago. I went on a seakayak trip on the Colorado
River and had so much fun I had to get a boat. Picked up ww kayaking because of all
our rivers and have a good time up to Class III/low IV. However, I wanted to be
able to do some camping as well and that led back toward touring boats.
- saisaacsBOASnetcomDOTca