Just a quick note to thank all those that responded to me personally with
suggestions on my new hobby....ocean kayaking. I have a lot to learn. I
have spent a lot of time on the water...both fresh and salt water...but
ocean kayaking is new for me. However, I have never had an experience quite
like it. I love it. I started with an ocean kayak that I purchased at
Costco for under $500.00. I had a ball with it although it had no storage
capacity and was too small for me. I spent a year going most everywhere
with it...except the ocean. Now, with my replacement for it, I can venture
into a bit heavier water and I'm having a ball. I have to fight the
temptation to not get in "over my head" and take too many risks...as I am a
bit of an adrenalin junky. Now that I'm retired and older, grayer, fatter
and uglier...I have to be a bit more cautious about what situations I put
myself in. For those of you lucky enough to have found this sport early on
in life, congratulations. What a great sport!

Barry

"Barry" writes:

bit of an adrenalin junky. Now that I'm retired and older, grayer, fatter
and uglier...I have to be a bit more cautious about what situations I put
myself in. For those of you lucky enough to have found this sport early on
in life, congratulations. What a great sport!

I'm also a relative newcomer, and I totally sympathize. I recently acquired
a more sophisticated boat and I'm also having a lot of fun with it! It's
quite amazing the difference a couple inches in width and length can make
in a kayak. My current boat is rather narrow (22.25 inches) and 17' long.
The handling is exceptional.

The only downside is that I currently live in northern Illinois, so the
paddling options for sea kayaks are rather limited - I spent most of my
time on rivers and small lakes. I have not yet had the nerve to try Lake
Michigan - I'd rather get more formal training before getting that
adventurous.

Have fun with it, and be safe!


--
"Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither."
- B. Franklin