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Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board
First Solo Paddle (I think I'm hooked!)
Posted By: Curt Hanks
Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2000, at 12:48 a.m.
Yesterday I FINALLY got to bring home the kayak that my brother built me... it's about time! (Just kidding Mike... what's that expression about the gift horse's mouth?)
After a very blustery weekend here in the Puget Sound (WA) area, the weather was quite calm today. I prayed all day at work that it would stay that way through this evening. Even though I was unusally tired all day, I was really looking forward to my first solo paddle. As I took the ferry home to Kingston on my evening commute, I observed the almost perfect conditions and eagerly anticipated getting on the water.
As soon as I got home I hoisted my kayak onto my shoulder and began the four block hike down to the marina. After having to stop twice to readjust my grip, I realized that carrying it back UP the hill after paddling was going to be a REAL CHORE.
I managed to launch without getting wet and was quite proud of that. The tide was just beginning to come back in and the water was very smooth with almost no breeze. I headed straight across Appletree Cove to get comfortable with my boat before venturing further out and almost ran aground on the sandy tide flats. The water was very shallow and clear throughout the cove. A blue heron flew across my bow right above the water. It was a beautiful evening.
I immediately felt confident and decided to open her up and see how fast she would go. After a few minutes at top speed I realized that I was going to have to work on my stamina a little more. :)
I kept up a comfortable pace for a while as I headed out of the cove. Mt. Baker was in full view to the north, as well as the Cascades to the east. The sun (under a light layer of clouds) was at my back. Every bit of stress just melted away as I rounded the point and saw Mt. Rainier in all it's glory. I decided not to leave the security of the cove on this trip and turned back towards Kingston. I hugged the shore on the way back in, observing the sea life in the shallow waters. The ferry came in and sent a series of rolling swells my way. I turned my back to them and began paddling faster, trying to match the speed of the wave. I couldn't quite get the right speed, but got a small taste of what riding the bigger waves must be like. I vowed to try kayak surfing someday!
As the sun began to set, I arrived back at the launch. I couldn't bring myself to get out yet, so I practiced some manuevers in the shallows. In only a foot or two of water I felt confident enough to try some lean turns. I did a few 360s and got a good feel for how to lean (at least on the right side, the left still needs some work!) The kayak handled beautifully. Mike did a really great job on this boat.
After managing to get out without getting wet, I began the trudge back up the hill. I had to stop and rest about every 100 feet or so (I WILL be getting some sort of caddy or cart VERY SOON!), but it was well worth it. I'm hooked. There's no turning back now. :)
Curt Hanks
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