TT Kayaking Club

“The best way to “backpack” in Texas during the summer is out of a kayak. You can stay close to the water on the many reservoirs and rivers here, and that makes the experience a lot more tolerable. It can be a challenge to find public land to camp on, but all sand and gravel bars on “navigable rivers,” >30’ wide, is public land. And the public access to the rivers is wherever a road crosses them. There is a place I’ve found close to home where I can park on the side of the road near a bridge and carry a kayak down to the water (I’m starting to think one of those things with wheels would be nice). There are some nice sand bars upstream and, for now, no houses on the banks.

I’ve found a particular sandbar in the middle of the river that has a large open space for a camp and a good supply of driftwood. The river flows pretty well there, so it’s a good spot for a swim. It’s less than two miles from the bridge, with a couple of places you have to drag your boat over in low water. Upstream is better paddling, and I’ll go that way after setting up camp or maybe the next morning. There is all kinds of wildlife there – deer, raccoons, coyotes, egrets, herons, hawks, and owls. The water is full of fish and turtles. There are cows in fields on both sides of the river, and occasionally you here a farmer’s truck, but the highway and other noises of civilization are very faint.

I was there Sunday evening, explored, swam, strummed a guitar, weathered a brief thunderstorm, and had a small campfire. I heard fireworks in the distance and enjoyed a half moon.

On Tuesday morning I boycotted the local parade because my kids weren't in it for the first time in about 10 years. I took my skinny boat out on the lake and rode the boat wakes for a couple of hours. It was a good way to spend the 4th of July.
last edited: 7/06/06 7:02:44 AM”

“That spot sounds wonderful Toejam.

I wanted to hit the Detroit river again with Birch but reconsidered because of the boat wakes/drunken sailors. Have to go there on a slow Sunday morning, early.”

“Isn't it amazing how the tourists/ drunken sailors can even mess with the most remote places? Gosh darn it! The natinal forest was unbelievable two weeks ago! My daughter wanted to go home for some peace and quiet. The people next to us were drunk and loud.”

“Jimmy san, we almost had a similar experience last week. We were popup camping at the beach, just behind Assateague island. With all that protected water on Assawoman Bay (yes, that's the real name) we took our canoe. Had it out most days, there was one day where we had a strong headwind and probably shouldn't have bothered, but it burned some calories!

Anyway, we had my wife's cell phone and our camera in a freezer ziplock, in a pocket of my PFD. So we're sitting near the shore on the edge of a bog - basically a sheer wall of mud so you can float right up to it, and I don't see the large wake coming at us. I pop out the camera for a picture and leave the bag open on top of my PFD. Yup, we got slammed up against that bog wall and the phone jumped out onto the floor of the canoe as water starts lapping up over the sides. It was only in maybe a half-inch of water for a few seconds, but it didn't work for several days. Ended up getting a new battery before it started working right. Figures, we just upgraded her phone in November and I thought I was about to pay full price for another... thank God in the end we didn't need to.”

“Is there a name for that funny V-shaped and excruciatingly painful sunburn you get on the inside of your legs from kayaking because you aren't used to putting sunscreen on that part of your body?

My spouse is teasing me mercilessly about it and I'll confess it does look might weird...”

“Maybe you should ask that on the "things that make you go hmmmm" thread Jimmy san ; )”

“I don't have that problem on a sit-on-top.”

“My thighs are toast right now. I find an ice cube or two make it feel better and entertains Birch for a few minutes. ;)

Maybe you should stop wearing a speedo to kayak in Jimmy san.”

“ungh! now there is an ugly thought ... (the speedo!)”

“and entertains Birch for a few minutes. ;)
...”
Sassafras
2:20:08 PM

Woo Hoo! ;-)
Abby still in Dizzy World? Keep that up and Abby might get a brother or sister!
last edited: 7/06/06 2:32:57 PM”

“ACK! NO!!

The kid comes back tomorrow afternoon.”

“I spent the morn in the water with other newbies practicing. It was a good time as opposed to practicing alone. I got to work on a T rescue a few times which as good. Sure is a lot easier than the self rescue stuff I have been working on! This afternoon I worked on my roll but it still evades me. I think working in a group on it with someone that can teach/coach me would be a huge help. I am so close I think. It sure would improve my confidince and make my time far out on the lake a lot more fun. Also practiced basic strokes, leans, etc.

Oh, and 8 got to try out an Inuit paddle, a wooden paddle. I have always wanted to try one. It was amazing. It sort of vibrated in the water... the feel was totally different from my paddle. I liked it a lot but don't think I will fork over 3 Franklins for one until I know I have enough experience to make use of it. Subtle things like that get lost with sloppy technique.”

“Those inuit paddles are beautiful. In the hands of an experienced paddler they can do amazing stuff.

The classes sound fun, Tomorrow would be a perfect day for paddle, but I'll work...Enjoy the training, its invluable.”

“I spent about three hours out on the open water today fighting the chop, high winds, and practicing self rescue. It was a warm and sunny day but very windy. The water was choppy enough to make sure the practice was for real... quite a challenge. I did about 5 paddle float rescues and finally decided I had enough of that for today. Then I tooled about the lake playing with the waves... and for that I got to do a 6th self rescue. Good day!

Total failure to roll. I tried with each self rescue that I initiated. I think I set it up properly but after that things fell apart. I tried to roll with the paddle float on and couldn't even do it in those conditions! I am thinking the conditions had a lot do to with it, that and my lack of experience. Another day perhaps!”

“I got to go camping again. Took a buddy and it was his first paddle. It's funny how good paddling technique is natural for some people but eludes others. It was good that we didn't have far to go.”

“Jimmy san, I'm enjoying reading your paddling reports. Be careful with that rolling. I came very very close to drowning myself last year trying too hard to roll and not hard enough to exit. Lake Erie water doesn't taste good.”

“Maybe it's still flammable?”

“lol nimblefoot.”

“It was so windy yesterday that I was scared the boat would float away if I lost hold of it. The boat is fiberglass and sits high on the water when it's not loaded. My rescue gear doesn't weight that much so basically it's a totally empty boat with just the water that is in the cockpit from the tip over.

I have been using a paddle leash and I am starting to think it is not not worth it. Either that or I am not using it properly.

I have been hooking the paddle to the boat in such a way as that it doesn't interfere with paddling and doesn't drag in the water, but the leash isn't long enough to reach the best position for self rescue... so the paddle sits at an angle rather then being perpendicular to the boat. So while in the water I split the paddle, take it off of the leash, and put it together off of the leash. That's too many steps. Frankly, I am thinking the leash is just not worth it.

Either I need to extend the leash by about 6 inches (easily enough done) or forget it and just put something on the paddle to make it float if I drop it. My paddle doesn't float... it sinks... I tried it. I am thinking if I filled the inside of the paddle with foam (the stuff from those swimming pool "noodles" that kids play with in pools) that it would float. It wouldn't make the paddle weight that much and it would be easy to distribute the weight evenly plus the floatation would be totally out of the way.

Either this or I could modify the leash so it's easier to get the paddle out. The current setup is VERY secure and would not break free, but I am sure I could modify it so that it would be much easier to remove.”

“BTW, my upper body is fairly sore today. Apparently self rescue in rough water is a lot more work than in calm conditions! I guess I realized that the first time I tried a self rescue yesterday, but I didn't realize how much it took out of me until this morning. It took a lot more effort to fight the choppy water. I can only imagine what it would be like in really large waves on a large lake like Michigan or Superior. It only underscores the importance of practice to me.”

“I knew some large waves when I was in the Navy.”

“I can only imagine! My grandfather (WWII vet) tells me the story of the typhoon he was caught on in the pacific near the end of the war... in a troop transport no less. Another vessel came up beside them and tied off to their anchor despite being told not to. The anchor broke free and both ships were thrown onto the rocks not long after. I guess they all thought they were going to die and then a wave deposited them on a group of rocks where the transport stuck. He still has his wallet he had with him, ruined by salt water. It still has bills and other papers in it undisturbed from the event. I always thought it was an odd keepsake... I mean who would set something like that aside... but I imagine it was quite an event and I really have no experience even remotely close I can compare to it including a few hurricanes I have sat through in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.”

“http://community.webshots.com/album/552090641DiAXki

Took a little paddle in the backyard today.”

“Jimmysan - No, not those waves. I'm talking about the other kind, the large female (Waves). I did ride out a typhoon or two and those were pretty large, but not up to some of the female variety.”

“what does a kevlar hull look like relative to fiberglass?
last edited: 7/11/06 12:06:03 AM”

“Many times if dye isn't added it's see-through. They also have a pattern of sorts, almost like mesh, or a woven matterial.

Are you gearing up to trade in or get a canoe?
last edited: 7/11/06 5:53:53 AM”

“Jimmy I have a Kevlar hull/Fiberglass deck...if you want I can send you some photos.”

“OK, here is the scoop. I am getting ready to register my kayak despite my anti-government tendencies. I purchased a Wilderness Systems fiberglass boat, the Tempest 170, which I am VERY happy with. I got exactly what I wanted (thanks to those that helped me in this choice, BTW, esp sass, birch, and StoveStomper).

I looked at the Manufacturers Statement of Origin for the first time last night and it says the hull is Kevlar, not Fiberglass. That is really confusing. I went and looked at the hull and I noticed that the bulkhead walls are a white/grey looking material that is different from the hull which is a yellow woven fabric. I am certain the bulkhead material is fiberglass and now I am not sure what the hull is made of. I am trying to sort it all out. I am thinking that the Wilderness Systems fiberglass hull boat might be made with fiberglass -and- Kevlar and that for both models they put "Kevlar" on the Manufacturers Statement of Origin. Many web sites called the fiberglass hull "composite" but I thought that must just be marketing for Fiberglass... yet I don't know why the Manufactures Statement of Origin wouldn't say that and not just "Kevlar" like it does.

I don't think they sent me the wrong boat or at least I hope not. I actually decided I preferred fiberglass to Kevlar because it was supposedly a lot easier to repair if damaged.”

“Jimmy I had heard that both are similar in repair work. Kevlar looks more CLOTH than fiberglass...if that will help”

“Most kevlar has a yellow color, even the kevlar tube rope I have is yellow.

http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0070262047&id=aR7gXtLByUUC&pg=PA9&lpg=PA9&ots=ddJNHxHCwP&dq=what+is+the+color+of+kevlar%3F&sig=rmXC5c2eIA4t_n4_qMFeIYslgAs”

“I have read that Kevlar doesn't sand well because it frays when you do so, hence it is very hard to get a smooth patch.

I expect the mystery of what this boat is really made of will be around for a while. I will say that I have looked closely at the hull and it is a golden yellow color and it is built from a woven fabric. I have also read that many Kayaks are made with fiberglass that is reinforced with a layer of Kevlar (as opposed to being all Kevlar).

It's not a bright sunny/lemon yellow. It's more of a muted golden yellow color. The bulkheads, which I am pretty certain are fiberglass, are white/grey in color. There is a clear and obvious difference in the two sections of the boat (bulkheads to hull).
last edited: 7/11/06 8:50:09 AM”

“Jimmy san - Are kayaks required to be registered in IL?”

“Yes. Cost is $13 to register and $6 to renew (for three years each). I haven't gotten my sticker yet for my new boat. Contact the IL Dept of Natural Resources for info.

http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/boats.htm

Added on edit: Once you apply you keep your copy of the application for the registration as proof of registration until your sticker arrives... up to 120 days.
last edited: 7/11/06 11:19:27 AM”

“By the way, dhutch1, this was a big deal with me. I was unclear on whether or not I had to pay tax on the boat to the Dept of Revenue. After some research I think I figured out that Canoes and Kayaks are Class A boats and are exempt from the tax (hence it does not have to be paid).

Supporting documentation: http://www.revenue.state.il.us/publications/bulletins/2005/Fy200504.pdf

So I didn't send in any money to the IL-DoR (I would have if it was required).”

“Thanks, I better add that to my list of "Things to do" :-)”

“Jimmy the way I heard it...if you have to patch you just patch and redo the entire boat in a new color”

“The way I reckoned it, once I loaded the boat down with gear for a few days the extra weight I saved by going with Kevlar wouldn't make that big a difference. On the boat I bought the difference was 8 lbs which I didn't deem a big deal for me to deal with on portages and loading/unloading.

If the boat turns out to be Kevlar by some mistake I'll consider returning it to REI. Note I said I would consider it... ;)

That said, I don't think a mistake was made. I just think that either I can't tell fiberglass when I see it or that Wilderness Systems means something else when they say "composite" and then "fiberglass" when talking about the same boat. I would like to know more about how they build these boats.”

“I think fiberglass and kevlar are both composits and covered with fiberglass resin. It's the structural material that is a little different, but the way I understand it, most of the weight of the boat is the fiberglass resin overlay.

I can't believe you have to register your kayaks. That's communist...or facist...or something.”

“Post your questions here:

http://www.paddling.net/message/
These guys know all.
At least they think they do. LOL”

“Thanks SS!

I'll admit I agree with toejam on the registration thing. I was actually pissed that I had to do this and hauled my kayak up to Wisconsin and vowed I would not bring it into Illinois ever. Then I realized that this was futile and paid the $13. Still went against my grain. Welcome to Illinois I say to myself!”

“I agree Toejam. With two, no three (Abby has one too), kayaks and a canoe, it would add up to quite alot of moola to register our boats. I understand charging for water access, rescues, etc, but licensing a private kayak or canoe is downright greedy imo.”

“Jimmy San, as I understand kevlar is nearly always mated with fiberglass or another similar material when used for a boat. The kevlar (in boating) isnt used to add any strength due to its thinness. Its used primarily as a weight saving material. I would bet your hull is a composite of both. The weight savings in that many square ft would be substantial.”

“http://www.wildernesssystems.com/images/pdfs/Composites_Repair_Guide.pdf

Carefull reading should answer your questions.”

“Thanks all. This has been very intersting. I still don't know why the boats statement of origin says the hull is Kevlar when I bought a fiberglass boat. I am pretty sure you are right, birch, that it's a combination of Kevlar and fiberglass. The difference between the bulkheads and hull are to striking. I sent WS an email but I won't hold my breath on the response.”

“I bought a set of Steel Core straps (with a lock) to secure my kayak to my car. They were a little expensive but I have no place to store my boat (yet) in Illinois and I was getting nervous of it sitting on the roof of my car not locked down. Anyhow, they are 12' long and wrap around the boat twice (in two places) and then under the roof rack of the car and lock with a key. I am sure a determined thief with tools could get the boat, but that's pretty much true with any setup. Well... it was still in the driveway this morning so that's good.”

“Got an eamil from my buddy today, he is selling 2 boats. You have three to chose from, all perception carolinas, 13.5ft 14.5 ft and 16ft email me if you are interested. They are like new (bought last year for his instruction biz) and in great shape, $750.”

“Two for $750?”

“each”

“Heck, I would sell my 14.5 for $750.”

“I sold mine for $700”