Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

User Profile

Fred C.

Life long paddler and outdoorsman, now 50. Lots of canoe, solo canoe and other boats from an early age. Grew up on Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts and still live in the general area.

I paddle all year, but not on the ocean in winter unless with very capable buddies. Winter I use the rivers around here, especially the Charles. Most years they are open except for a week or two.

About 8 years ago I started renting Kayaks whenever I could. That was a bit frustrating, in that most rentals are recreationals with wide beams (at least, most that I found). Almost four years ago now I bought my own hull (Necky Looksha Sport - 14'6"). I bought this hull for its versatility. Near shore ocean capable, short enough for salt marsh exploration and river work, and a good weekend camping boat (two bulkheads and some reworked deck rigging).

Last winter I switched over from my Werner Camano to my first Greenland paddle, which I carved during a very long period where the rivers were locked up with ice. I have been very much enjoying the first full season with this stick. I will be carving a Storm paddle this Fall. The greenland helped me take my roll from very shaky (50% success at best) to solid (80%+ reliable, although not fully tested under combat conditions yet).

I paddle solo a lot, but am a bit of a safety nut all the same. I've been at sea enough to know how quickly things can change and how insignificant one man on the water is. I practice self and buddy rescues, and a variety of them at that.

Fred

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