First time on the ocean

Elaine and I went out from East End Beach, Portland, last night. It was our first time this season on the ocean. The weather was perfect. There was a little bit of chop in the water.

We went around Macworth Island and back. Nothing eventful or burly. It was a good shakedown cruise. I tested some rearrangements of my gear. I stowed the spare paddles on the bow instead of stern. I will be able to reach forward more easily than back if I need it.

On the forward deck I kept the clutter to a minimum: Deck compass and a short line. The paddle float and pump were stashed behind me. I'm keeping the deck clear because I'm keeping my paddle as low as possible. It's so low that I bang it on equipment stashed there.

The deck compass is moved closer to the cockpit. There's a depression forward of the hatch for it. But it's a bit too hard to read. The few feet closer make all the difference in the world. I know. I'm getting old. The knees will go next.

But in the meantime, I have plenty of ocean to enjoy.

A great day for kayaking

OK, my day is wasted. Don't expect anything productive out of me. I just found the Sea Kayaking Dot Net, and it's full of great posts. Adam Bolonsky has a great writing style - informative but not condescending.

There's a huge emphasis on safety. So this is a great read for less-experienced paddlers. I'm going to be spending the rest of the day reading it.

Maybe not. I'm also going to get ready for the New England Paddlesports Expo in Durham, N.H. If you go, grab some coupons for $2 off admission.

It's a good way to get into a paddling mood. There is tons of gear. You're sure to see a sexy new boat or paddle that costs more than you're willing to spend. The presentations are usually good. I recommend anything with a slide show - especially having to do with the Maine coast. The scenery is beautiful and you probably will get a trip idea or two.

The pool sessions could be useful. Beginners usually gain the most out of those demonstrations. But the paddlers know their stuff and have a lot of experience. It's worth asking a couple good questions.

The weather may be cold and wet but my mind already is on the water.

Gotta Roll

Excuse me while I brag a bit, but I got my roll last night. No, not kaiser. Nor jelly. But I got my extended paddle roll in my sea kayak last night. If you're fuzzy on the concept, check out these videos.

It's been years in the making. I made progress last year with a lower volume kayak. Then came a class in traditional paddle techniques. By the end of the summer, I got a few.