New Kayaker

[plasmacastor]

Hello, I live in CT, bought my 1st kayak this spring, a 10ft patriot 126 (equinox 124 from sams) and was quickly attached to going out, I traded my 10ft 2 weeks ago and $250 for a 17' aquaterra sea lion from new hampshire....very content with it and now im learning how to deal\handle it with the major differences and benefits.
Im here to learn and enjoy others experiences.Camping of of the kayak is a big high light for me, and learning the ocean environments.
Balance and paddle control are a focus at this point in wave/swell situations, espc being hit broad side or side angles....I have never flipped a boat as of yet (fingers crossed :) )

[kingsbay]

Plasmacastor,

I guess I missed your post that you joined! Sorry about that... congratulations on your new boat!

Just remember, that there those that have flipped and boat and those that will. You might want to go get some practice flipping, or rolling ... and then righting the boat.

Start with it already upside down and you in waist deep water. Try different techniques ... Move on to rolling it over your self and practice getting out and up ... again is somewhat shallow water, but not so that you would hit your head going over ...

BTW ... Do all of this with a safety partner or instructor.

Stay safe and let us know how it goes.

[keith]

Welcome to the community! Definitely take lessons to learn the proper safety skills (wet exit, rescue including self rescue, rolling, etc.) as well as paddling techniques. Instructors in the U.S. are certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) so check out their website to find a local instructor: http://www.americancanoe.org/

[able]

Yes, welcome. There is alot of great information here to learn. It has helped me alot.

[plasmacastor]

Hello back to all of you,
When I got the 10 and since I have been very safety conscious. I took the 10 to a pool in orange and tried to do the roll and got frustrated. I did get in from the side and cowboy from the stern, this boat on the other hand is a different animal and I have the pump and sponge like before but i did buy a paddle float (and VHF) as this is not as stable and forgiving like the 10. All of what i have observed and know is actually from the internet and you tube regarding self rescues, thats how i learned with the 10.
I do wonder if the lack of wideness in this boat will be in my favor to learn to roll it, this is something I want to learn more than anything else.I want to join a club as i dont know anyone as into this as i am and have only followed me in going out and getting there boat in the 1st place. I spend alot of time watching vids reading books on learning and going out and practicing in a controlled environments comfortable for me.
Im abit depressed as i have not had much time with this boat and winter is close, wishing i lived in a more conducive place to go every day.Ill spend the winter modifying the boat for next season, I have some different ideas I hope work.

[jeff]

Plasma,

Don't stay to frustrated, there is a learning curve and it will come with practice. Sounds like you have a good plan to stay educated, there is alot of information here on the site, just use the search function for topics your interested in.

Also, we have a great resource in the members of the community, if you have questions or ideas please share!

I think we can help you find a club, we are working on updating our club section and it should be back online very soon.

Not sure if you have vacation, but Florida is a nice place to Kayak in the fall/winter!

BTW, what kind of modifications are you thinking?

[plasmacastor]

Thanks for the information and I will search the site for subjects of interest, but the learning to roll will take a body presence. have a back ground and auto mechanics and computers, so the following should not intirely surprise you.Shy of trying to find the best way for placment for fishig holders (and type) behind the seat area and another set of bungies for a small bag retention and holder straps in that same area to make life easier for the paddle float rescue that I hope I wont need :)....onboard power.
Doing this will involve 2 waterproof solar panels in front of the rudder on the deck (nothing is there) leading to a charge regulator in a sealed box then to a sealed batt, removable, and an inverter for the cell and vhf (or anyone elses needs) while on a trip, the batt will act as a fixed ballest while inside as it will be mounted right behind the seat.
All that is easy but i think the only thing that presented a issue is the cooler bag for the fish (tapered) as I have a deck bag, that would be attached in front of it, so reaching it should be interesting :), Im a kid, symmetry and function are always a focus at the same time...I do stuff like this to my cars too...I have issues :)
Oh and none of this compromises the bulkhead in anyway.

[plasmacastor]

I took the boat out in 15/20mph winds today, I did well with the waves but I went to turn to go back to the boat launch and Im not sure why but I hit between the winds at my side and possibly a wave on the same side, I ended up capsizing for the 1st time, i was truly not expecting it, had a hard time with the paddle float due to the winds and rough water, i drifted towards the pier and got back on as there were 2 friends there waiting for me the whole time.Im a bit aggravated as i wanted to get back in on my own and this was the 1st self rescue attempt of any type in this boat, so over the winter, i WILL be practicing at a pool I hope to resolve this.Had I been out further I may have had an issue today.

[jeff]

Plasma,

Glad to hear that it went well and that you are OK.

Now that you have had time to reflect, what do you think was the biggest surprise for your once you were in the water?

[plasmacastor]

Why it happened as I usually try to practice leaned turns to get me most out of the momentum and turning from it, I think i was really confused untill after i thought about it, the interesting thing is my friend was filming me for a bit but put it down right before i went in so I had to reconstruct the possible, the winds and waves were on my left at the time i did the turn to the right with a bow to stern sweep and i think I exposed to much of the bottom and got hit.While in the water trying to fix the fact that I was confused, and focused strait to the float...I was shocked as it happened as fast as it did, I had been practicing bracing during the whole time I was out but had no time to do it then, its funnt cuz the only thing i can compare it to is an unexpected car crash in terms of memory recollection and the speed time :)
My ego is a bit messed up as I think I got too confident with what I had already delt with prior and I got relaxed....I dont like making mistakes, been messing with my mind since (constructivly I hope) and as for that dang float, I got to watch myself try to get back in, its not as easy as it looks to get in while holding onto the combing and dealing with me as well, a cord setup would have been a hudge help and i could have focused on me alone, soon that will be rectified. I also want to see how much an issue it will be to try to side cowboy this boat as I cant from the rear due to the rudder.

[boopdiva]

I bought an inflatable Sea Eagle kayak, but did not practice or learn wet exit. I am a good swimmer, float well because of fat, and plan on kayaking on smooth water, lakes and rivers. Why is everyone so adamant that I practice the wet exit?

[plasmacastor]

Hi boopdiva,
I think you meant to leave this elsewhere thread wise, but id like to respond to your view/question...when you kayak, your intention is to remain dry, have a nice time out and return with you AND your boat intact.When I capsized, It took me completely by surprise and had been kayaking for about 7/8 months prior. Your interests/view changes once you realize your in the water, ideally returning to the original condition and control environment, being in your boat and paddling back would be of preference vs struggling with your boat to swim it and yourself back or dealing with leaving it behind and waiting to retrieve from where it ended up eventually should you choose to leave it for opting for self preservation.
Its by far more convenient and safer to have the option of control for something that you didn't anticipate vs "winging it" when it happens trying to be decisive wet and floating. another thing Id like to bring to the table is, Im aware of that kayak you bought, it handles more than just you if im not mistaken, in the event of an unplanned or planned visitor, would you rather have the control and know how to get yourself back in AND the person your with or juggle someones comfort and end result to safety to your personal preference of what should happen.