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	<title>Liquid Fusion Kayaking</title>
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	<description>Mendocino and Fort Bragg Kayak Adventures</description>
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		<title>Review of the Dagger Alchemy S</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2012/01/20/review-of-the-dagger-alchemy-s/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2012/01/20/review-of-the-dagger-alchemy-s/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:27:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[crabbing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eskimo roll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[instruction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mendocino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[woman on water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women's kayaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=656</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last fall, we bought a Small and a Large Dagger Alchemy for our instructional fleet and have been using them for classes and lessons (and other fun adventures) Of course, I had to indulge my &#8220;Goldilocks&#8221; tendencies and take the small one out for a test paddle &#8211; which actually ended up being more than [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last fall, we bought a Small and a Large <a href="http://www.dagger.com/product_subcategory/index/product_homepage/recreational_touring/alchemy/">Dagger Alchemy</a> for our <a title="Liquid Fusion Kayaking" href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com" target="_blank">instructional fleet</a> and have been using them for classes and lessons (and other fun adventures)<br />
<a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/20110079_hCQMCR#%21i=1586991388&amp;k=9Xm4j7N&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-9Xm4j7N/0/S/PB090002-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Of course, I had to indulge my &#8220;Goldilocks&#8221; tendencies and take the small one out for a test paddle &#8211; which actually ended up being more than one since I really enjoyed paddling it.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">If I had one word to describe the Dagger Alchemy, it would be FUN!!!</span><br />
<a title="Cate tests the Dagger Alchemy in the rock gardens." href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#%21i=1650685749&amp;k=54kGvTj&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-54kGvTj/0/S/Cate-Alchemy-S.jpg" alt="Cate tests the Dagger Alchemy in the rock gardens." /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
</span>Here is my review of the <a href="http://www.dagger.com/product/index/product_homepage/recreational_touring/alchemy/alchemy_14_s/">Dagger Alchemy &#8211; S</a> (small).<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
Overview:</span> The Dagger Alchemy is a 14 foot touring kayak designed for touring on both for flat and moving water. It is designed to be stable and maneuverable and suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. It has become a popular rock gardening boat among the <a href="http://www.bask.org/">Bay Area Sea Kayakers</a> and can be seen in action in several of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/neptunesrangers">Neptune&#8217;s Rangers&#8217;</a> videos.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Fit and ergonomics:</span> The Alchemy is 14 feet long. I didn&#8217;t weigh it, but it felt much lighter than most plastic sea kayaks. Its lighter weight and shorter length really made it nice to transport, store, and carry when compared to our other plastic sea kayaks which are in the 16 foot range.<br />
<a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#%21i=1640398395&amp;k=v2XZBgN&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-v2XZBgN/0/S/P1060603-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
The first thing that I liked about the small Alchemy is that Jeff felt it was too tight of a fit for him (5&#8242; 11&#8243; and 150 pounds). He rarely feels that way about a boat and often gravitates toward smaller sized or low volume boats. On the other hand, most small sized boats are too big for me (5&#8242; 4&#8243; and 120 pounds).</p>
<p>The outfitting was quite comfortable and fairly adjustable. This is important for an instructional kayak and also for me as a petite paddler with short legs. I was able to get good thigh contact with the adjustable thigh hooks and was happy that the foot braces had shorter adjustments than what I needed (meaning we could use this boat for very small paddlers and kids). As I moved the boat around and sat in it, I was starting to really like it. I liked the low deck and was starting to feel that this was a boat truly designed for a smaller paddler.</p>
<p>My opinion changed when I went to put the spray deck on. The Alchemy has a large cockpit (similar in size to many whitewater kayaks). Putting the spray deck on was extremely difficult. There is a lot of space between the rear of the seat and the back of the cockpit combing making it very difficult to stretch and get the back of the spray deck on the combing. I have very good shoulder flexibility and putting this spray deck on was definitely tested it. After I got the spray deck on the back, I had a very long stretch to get it over the front of the cockpit combing. My fingertips don&#8217;t reach that far so I had to scrunch up in my seat to get the deck on. It was very frustrating to have to do a contortion act to get ones spray deck on. This photo shows the large cockpit.<br />
<a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#%21i=1634847736&amp;k=ZX8PdhK&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-ZX8PdhK/0/S/P1060567-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Also when I sat in the boat, I realized that the day hatch was inaccessible due to the amount of space behind the seat and the day hatch. (I speculate that this isn&#8217;t an issue for those that are taller and have longer arms.)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
Performance</span>: I paddled the Alchemy last fall on our typical Mendocino ocean kayaking adventures &#8211; rock gardening, surfing, and crabbing.</p>
<p>My initial reaction was &#8220;Gee this is FUN!!!&#8221; It is a lively boat in the swells and surf zone. It was very stable and wanted to be upright which is a good quality for beginning paddlers and those gaining confidence in moving water. This is particularly nice in the surf zone where many sea kayaks are a bit twitchy.<br />
<a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#%21i=1634851650&amp;k=NL3TKNk&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-NL3TKNk/1/S/P1060573-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
When surfing it, I really had to work to get it to edge and felt that I needed to weigh another 20-30 pounds get it to carve. Of course, Jeff hopped in it in the surf and got it to edge and carve (Jeff weighs more but is also a VERY skilled paddler). I worked at it and eventually carved a few nice turns.</p>
<p>When capsized, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the Alchemy was to roll up. I could effortlessly hand roll it. I also discovered that the Alchemy is a great kayak for kayak crabbing. I was especially pleased that I could carry two of our non-collapsing pots on it due to the flat front deck.<br />
<a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#%21i=1634827277&amp;k=NDV426F&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-NDV426F/0/S/P1060639-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Hull speed is an issue that I had with the Alchemy. I expected that it would be slower than a 16 foot sea kayak, but it was a lot slower. I found myself paddling harder than usual to keep up on flat water stretches and was dismayed at my lack of speed and ineffectiveness in a towing situation.</p>
<p>It didn&#8217;t have the speed that I was looking for when paddling out through the surf nor the speed that I needed to catch waves. I adapted and positioned myself on the waves and pour-overs like I would in my whitewater kayak.</p>
<p><a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#%21i=1640399600&amp;k=cVvp8bz&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-cVvp8bz/0/S/P1060657-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>For playing, the speed issue is something that I would adapt to. However when guiding or doing more extreme paddling when speed is necessary and others are depending upon me, this could be an issue.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Bottomline:</span> The Dagger Alchemy is a fun kayak! I would recommend it to beginning and intermediate paddlers who are looking for a playful plastic sea kayak. It&#8217;s lightweight and shorter length make it convenient for transport and storage. It is comfortable with adjustable outfitting, and its stability is confidence inspiring for surf zone and rock garden play. I also think that the Alchemy would be a good choice for beginners who are leaning toward purchasing a recreational kayak but want a boat that is seaworthy.<br />
<a title="" href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/20110079_hCQMCR#%21i=1586992461&amp;k=RGL2Z3f&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-RGL2Z3f/0/S/PB120035-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">For me</span> &#8211; We have one, and I will play with it as it is lightweight, easy to transport, comfortable and fun. However, it won&#8217;t be my primary sea kayak for rock gardening due to its lack of speed and difficulty of the spray deck. I have to be able to put a spray deck on quickly and easily unassisted in all conditions (perhaps I should have Jeff video me contorting to put the spray deck on to demonstrate my point). If Dagger fixes the cockpit issue, I would probably revisit it as my sea kayak rock gardening boat.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;ve paddled the Alchemy or have questions or thoughts on it, feel free to comment on my <a title="Woman on Water" href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2012/01/dagger-alchemy-s.html">Woman on Water Blog</a>. If you are considering buying one, take one out for a test paddle.</p>
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		<title>Do IT!!!</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2012/01/16/do-it/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2012/01/16/do-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:10:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BCU]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kayak Fishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mendocino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mendocino coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mountain biking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rolling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SUP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whitewater kayaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=652</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If your new years resolutions are to get in shape, learn a new sport, improve your skills, or paddle more &#8211; let&#8217;s do it!!! One of the best ways that we have found to stick to resolutions is to set a goal and to recruit a friend, training partner, or coach to work with you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If your new years resolutions are to get in shape, learn a new sport, improve your skills, or paddle more &#8211; let&#8217;s do it!!!  One of the best ways that we have found to stick to resolutions is to set a goal and to recruit a friend, training partner, or coach to work with you toward the goal.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Here are a couple of ideas for kayaking goals for 2012.</span><span style="font-weight: bold">  </span><span style="font-weight: bold"></p>
<p>Make it FUN</span> &#8211; What ever the goal or resolution.  Find a way to make it fun and it will be more attainable.  This is where recruiting a fun-loving friend, coworker, or family member will help.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Jeff-Fest-2011/19705096_ZbXsPB#%21i=1546387598&amp;k=CPRS92z&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Jeff-Fest-2011/i-CPRS92z/0/S/PA211049-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold">Learn proper skills and technique</span>.  Some aspects of kayaking are intuitive; however, there are many nuances and tricks that one can learn that will make kayaking more efficient and more fun for paddlers of at any skills level.  We (and many other instructors) often share tips on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking/73299907393?ref=nf%2F">facebook</a>, and in our <a href="http://www.womanonwater.blogspot.com/">blogs</a>, but, the best way to develop proper technique is to work with an instructor or coach who can give instruction and feedback.  Kayak symposiums are a great way to meet different coaches to find that right mentor.  Two of our favorite west coast symposiums are the <a href="http://www.ggsks.com/">Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium</a> in February and <a href="http://www.lumpywaters.com/">Lumpy Waters</a> in October.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Rock-Garden/19699803_XGhgbF#%21i=1545987136&amp;k=4kPJ4gr&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Rock-Garden/i-4kPJ4gr/0/S/P1040831-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold">Try a new discipline of paddling</span>.  The skills that you learn with a different type of boat or paddle will improve your overall skills in all disciplines.  If you like to paddle a sit on top kayak, take a<a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/Essential%20Kayak%20Skills%20I"> sea kayak lesson</a> in a decked sea kayak.  If you like to sea kayak ocean rock gardens, try a <a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/Whitewater%20Kayaking%20Mendocino">whitewater river class</a> or <a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/Mendocino%20Coast%20Rock%20Gardening">rock gardening in a whitewater kayak</a>.  Jeff and I are expanding our paddling skills this year to include Stand-Up Paddling (SUP).<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/SUP-December-2011/20621907_Dv3Q5Q#%21i=1634848392&amp;k=RKzXrsr&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/SUP-December-2011/i-RKzXrsr/0/S/P1060537-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold">Sea Kayaking</span> &#8211; Pick a <a href="http://www.bcuna.com/pages/Main-Pages/Syllabi.shtml">BCU Star Award</a> to work toward.  The BCU system is a well organized guide for skill progression.  It gives a paddler a way to assess their skills and plan for improvement.  Trainings and assessments are available throughout the US and in many other great kayaking destinations (<a href="http://www.seakayakbajamex.com/">Baja, anyone?</a>).  If you are new to the BCU, consider taking a 2 Star Assessment or 3 Star Sea Training this winter or spring.  Here&#8217;s a <a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/BCU%20Star%20Training%20and%20Assessment">link</a> to LFK&#8217;s BCU schedule.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQDpZ5RJkE8/TxBpL9asdQI/AAAAAAAAAxs/EGgUCvYUTiY/s1600/BCUNA-Logo-w100.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;cursor: pointer;width: 100px;height: 78px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQDpZ5RJkE8/TxBpL9asdQI/AAAAAAAAAxs/EGgUCvYUTiY/s320/BCUNA-Logo-w100.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold">Whitewater River Kayaking</span> &#8211; Make 2012 the year that you style the river rather than survive it.  Perfect your eddy turns and ferries and dial your wave surfing by a few minutes of focused practice on each of your river trips.  Either with a <a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/Precision%20River%20Running">class</a> or with friends, see who can ferry across the river with the fewest strokes or time each other on surfing waves.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Whitewater/Rancheria-Creek-12282010/15248387_cftbDm#%21i=1141479822&amp;k=nqx8M&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title="Chuck "><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Whitewater/Rancheria-Creek-12282010/PC280307/1141479822_nqx8M-S.jpg" alt="Chuck " /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Surf Kayaking</span> &#8211; How about training for an event?  <a href="http://www.asudoit.com/paddle_fest/">The Santa Cruz Paddlefest</a> is March 16-18.  See some of the best kayak surfers in the world as well as have a chance to surf at Santa Cruz Steamer&#8217;s Lane.  Here&#8217;s our <a href="http://youtu.be/X_I6FOMxsuY">video</a> from 2011.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Have a Reliable Roll -</span><span>  For the safety of yourself and others, you need to have a reliable roll if you are paddling challenging waters.  For most of us, this takes a lot of focused practice and often some good coaching.  Often there is one little thing that we can do or focus on that will improve the success of our rolls.  How do we find that one little thing?  Usually it involves feedback from a coach or friend who analyzes your roll.  That one little thing can be as simple as making sure you finish ( <a href="http://www.adventurekayaking.com/tips/kayak-roll-reliable.htm">Creating a Reliable Roll</a> by Phil and Mary Dereimer) or using an active leg drop (Shawna Franklin&#8217;s tip in <a href="http://www.adventurekayakmag.com/blogs/flotsam-a-jetsam/features-skills/1478-roll-up-right.html">Adventure Kayak Magazine</a>) or just relaxing and taking a moment to relax before rolling.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Surf-Kayaking-2011/Hare-Creek-212011/15695498_ppS8zB#%21i=1176442756&amp;k=4Nsm4&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Surf-Kayaking-2011/Hare-Creek-212011/P1011862/1176442756_4Nsm4-S-1.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
Improving your fitness</span> &#8211; We of course advocate cross training.  Cardiovascular training will make long paddles or slogs through a headwind easier.  Hiking, mountain biking, and swimming are our favorite cardio exercises.  Recruit a friend, family member, or coworker to power walk, hike, bike, or swim 2-3 days a week.  Set a schedule with specific times and days and try to stick with it.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Mountain-Biking-on-the/20621946_hkNM8t#%21i=1640401327&amp;k=BfnhGN3&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Mountain-Biking-on-the/i-BfnhGN3/0/S/Drive-Thru-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Strength and flexibility are equally important and will help with injury prevention.  I am a reluctant yoga participant, but Jeff has been rallying me to regularly practice.  We do our strength and flexibility workouts first thing in the morning so that they get done and we feel great the rest of the day.  It is best to work with an instructor, but I have a hard time getting myself to the gym or studio and prefer to practice at home.  My two favorite yoga workout dvd&#8217;s are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-For-Cyclists-DVD/dp/B000ESW77M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1326471091&amp;sr=8-3">Yoga for Cyclists</a> and Anna Levesque&#8217;s <a href="http://yogaforkayaking.com/">Yoga for Kayaking</a>.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Be prepared for emergencies</span> &#8211; Prevention, prevention, prevention is our motto; however, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected.  CPR and First Aid are a must for anyone.  This year, we have recruited <a href="http://www.sierrarescue.com/">Sierra Rescue</a> to come to the Mendocino Coast to teach a <a href="http://www.sierrarescue.com/index.php?option=com_courses&amp;catid=4&amp;Itemid=58">Wilderness First Aid Class</a> for the outdoor enthusiasts in our area.  If you are playing in whitewater, a <a href="http://www.sierrarescue.com/index.php?option=com_courses&amp;catid=1&amp;Itemid=58">swiftwater training</a> is a must as well.  If you have had training, rally your friends to practice scenarios and to maintain a dialog of contingency plans.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Rock-Garden/19699803_XGhgbF#%21i=1545994342&amp;k=jvxJTnV&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Rock-Garden/i-jvxJTnV/0/S/P1040845-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Part of our emergency preparations includes our OSB&#8217;s (Oh Shit Bags).  These are part of our kit on all kayaking trips and include essential first aid, communication, and repair materials.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/BCU-3-Star-Training-262011/15752795_HdGdGw#%21i=1181011765&amp;k=tytaH&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/BCU-3-Star-Training-262011/P2061122/1181011765_tytaH-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
Most important &#8211; DO IT and make it FUN!!!</span></p>
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		<title>A Series of Unexpected Events</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2012/01/03/a-series-of-unexpected-events/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2012/01/03/a-series-of-unexpected-events/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:55:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[dogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eel River]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kayak Fishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mendocino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mendocino coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mountain biking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mushroom paddle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mushrooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Noyo River]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SUP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whitewater kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[woman on water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women's kayaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=649</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Surreal would be my best adjective for 2011. Of course phenomenal paddling is to be expected when one&#8217;s regular paddling playground is the Mendocino Coast. However, 2011 seemed to be the year of the unexpected. As I reflect on 2011, I recall regularly thinking, &#8220;Really? Someone pinch me so that I know this is really [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Surreal would be my best adjective for 2011.  Of course phenomenal paddling is to be expected when one&#8217;s regular paddling playground is the Mendocino Coast.  However, 2011 seemed to be the year of the unexpected.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1650662827_dtk8VDM-A-LB" title="Jeff catches air and Kathe gets a saltwater facial."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-dtk8VDM/0/S/In-the-Face-S.jpg" alt="Jeff catches air and Kathe gets a saltwater facial." /></a><br />
As I reflect on 2011, I recall regularly thinking, &#8220;Really?  Someone pinch me so that I know this is really happening.&#8221;<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1650742718_NmXHvGL-A-LB" title="Cate and Amy coasteering on the Mendocino Coast."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-NmXHvGL/0/S/P1030597-S.jpg" alt="Cate and Amy coasteering on the Mendocino Coast." /></a><br />
From <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/08/hairy-and-herons.html">be</a><a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/08/hairy-and-herons.html">friending a garter snak</a><a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/08/hairy-and-herons.html">e</a></p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1649554876_W8Gb92d-A-LB" title="Cate's friend Hairy."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-W8Gb92d/0/S/P8080028-S.jpg" alt="Cate's friend Hairy." /></a></p>
<p>to testing <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/08/crash-test-dummies.html">str</a><a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/08/crash-test-dummies.html">ip-built sea kayaks</a>, 2011 was a bizarre year.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1650797678_HXCL5fc-A-LB" title="Cate takes the strip built sea kayak in the rocks."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-HXCL5fc/0/S/P7310244-S.jpg" alt="Cate takes the strip built sea kayak in the rocks." /></a><br />
Probably one of the most unexpected events of 2011 was helping Jeff salvage a <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/06/sunken-kayak.html">sunken sit on top kayak</a> from the bottom of Noyo Bay.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1650758092_Xr5Mdvf-A-LB" title="Salvaging a sunken sit on top kayak in Noyo Bay."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-Xr5Mdvf/0/S/P6240015-S.jpg" alt="Salvaging a sunken sit on top kayak in Noyo Bay." /></a><br />
Equally unexpected was stepping my game up to run some <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/05/stepping-it-up.html">Class IV whitewater</a>.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1650648246_kgWPLg3-A-LB" title="Cate descends Double Drop on the Eel River."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-kgWPLg3/0/S/IMG0652-S.jpg" alt="Cate descends Double Drop on the Eel River." /></a><br />
My favorite adventure of 2011 was our 169 mile <a href="http://liquidfusionkayak.blogspot.com/2011/04/from-mountains-to-sea.html">Paddle to the Sea on the Eel River</a>.  In 8 days, Jeff and I paddled whitewater kayaks from Lake Pillsbury to the Pacific Ocean on the Eel River.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Whitewater/From-the-Mountains-to-the-Sea/16888996_s5RRpp#1281645954_8SgzcVS-A-LB" title="Setting off on Day 2 from Hearst."><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Whitewater/From-the-Mountains-to-the-Sea/i-8SgzcVS/0/S/P4190003-S.jpg" alt="Setting off on Day 2 from Hearst." /></a><br />
2011 was a year of fun and adventure but also of frustration (<a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/10/tales-from-surf-zone.html">Tales from the Surf Zone</a>)<span style="text-decoration: underline"></span> and disappointment (<a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/03/skunked.html">Skunked</a>).  And also sadness as 2 of my beloved pets &#8211; Button and Aften passed away.  It is these moments that remind us that we are human and things aren&#8217;t meant to be perfect.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Aftens-First-Paddle-72709/9074660_q8R4nn#604382337_PCCDY-A-LB" title="Aften's first kayak trip on Fort Bragg's Noyo River"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Aftens-First-Paddle-72709/P7270037/604382337_PCCDY-S-1.jpg" alt="Aften's first kayak trip on Fort Bragg's Noyo River"></a><br />
What will 2012 bring?  More fun adventures I hope.  Jeff and I will be traveling a little bit more in 2012 and sharing the fun.  In January, I am meeting with Risa Shimoda to consult with her on <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/07/ladies-project.html">The Ladies&#8217; Project</a>. Later in January, we are road tripping with the toys to Bodega Bay for <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/152014751570509/">Crabfest 2012</a> sponsored by <a href="http://www.headwaterskayak.com">The Headwaters</a> and Promar.   In March, we will be sharing our Eel River Paddle to the Sea Adventure with several clubs including <a href="http://explorenorthcoast.net/">Explore North Coast</a>.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#1640398395_v2XZBgN-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-v2XZBgN/0/S/P1060603-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Unexpected has been the positive response that I have gotten from readers of my blog.  Initially, I was surprised that people were reading my blog.  Thanks for reading and sharing the adventures.  Here&#8217;s a <a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm">link</a> to some of our favorite photos of 2011.</p>
<p>Best wishes for fun and adventure in 2012.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/20782396_LrLNZm#1650698654_pLXmrxM-A-LB" title="Looking for Pearls?"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Liquid-Fusion-Best-of-2011/i-pLXmrxM/0/S/Looking-for-Pearls-S.jpg" alt="Looking for Pearls?" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Interval Training &#8211; Mendo Style</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/12/19/interval-training-mendo-style/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/12/19/interval-training-mendo-style/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:22:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[bolete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crabbing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kayak Fishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mendocino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mountain biking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mushrooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SUP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surfing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wild mushroom hunting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=645</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I vowed to get stronger, faster, and more skilled this fall/winter and have been trying to stay on track with regular training. With limited hours of daylight and lots of other projects to do, this presents a problem. Fall/winter is also our favorite time to hunt and gather. Hmmm &#8211; the need for high intensity [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I vowed to get stronger, faster, and more skilled this fall/winter and have been trying to stay on track with regular training.  With limited hours of daylight and lots of other projects to do, this presents a problem.  Fall/winter is also our favorite time to hunt and gather.  Hmmm &#8211; the need for high intensity exercise and the need for hunting and gathering?</p>
<p>Ah-Ha!!!  Interval training!!!  For years athletes and fitness enthusiasts have used interval training to boost fitness levels.  The general gist of interval training is interspersing bursts of high intensity effort with periods of low intensity effort.  Here is my evolving <span style="font-weight: bold">Mendo Interval Training Plan</span> for Forage,  Frolic, Feast, and Fun.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Intervals in the Woods</span> &#8211; <span style="font-weight: bold">Mountain biking and Mushroom hunting</span></p>
<p>How it works &#8211; Riding to specific mushroom patches and stopping to pick.  Mountain biking on single track trails through the forest constantly engages the core muscles as well as challenges ones balance and timing.  Short steep climbs and long sustained efforts provide cardiovascular training.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking/7970435_RJXkvw#523310836_4Ej5n-A-LB" title="Cate mountain biking"><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking/PA281215/523310836_4Ej5n-S-1.jpg" alt="Cate mountain biking" /></a><br />
Results &#8211; in 3 hours &#8211; cardio and core training, 2-3 pounds of choice edible mushrooms, fresh air, and FUN!!!<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Mushrooms-of-the-Mendocino/20011197_fVzS8J#1577256250_DZq42WD-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Mushrooms-of-the-Mendocino/i-DZq42WD/0/S/P1050638-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Variation &#8211; hiking and mushroom hunting.  Not quite the core workout but a fun way to get a workout in while trekking to mushroom spots and sharing the adventure with friends who don&#8217;t mountain bike.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Mushrooms-of-the-Mendocino/20011197_fVzS8J#1577257625_8zjrLT2-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Mushrooms-of-the-Mendocino/i-8zjrLT2/0/S/P1050670-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
Intervals at Sea</span> &#8211; <span style="font-weight: bold">kayak surfing and crabbing</span></p>
<p>How it works &#8211; setting crab rings in a sandy area near a surf zone and then going surfing.  After 20-30 minutes, return to pull the rings which are hopefully heavy with dungeness crabs.  Repeat 4 times.  We usually end up sprinting between the crab rings and the surf zone and of course surfing always involves rolling.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#1634851650_NL3TKNk-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-NL3TKNk/0/S/P1060573-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Results &#8211; in 3 hours &#8211; an intense paddling workout(sprints, rolling, and salt water sinus cleaning), fresh dungeness crabs, and FUN.  Lately I&#8217;ve been working on surfing a sea kayak and demoing a Dagger Alchemy.  The day hatch is a handy place to transport and store crabs.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/20622011_nNfv9p#1634832673_G6pQWm8-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-December-2011/i-G6pQWm8/0/S/P1060645-S.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
Variation &#8211; Dropping crab pots and going rock gardening &#8211; see <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/11/cars-crabs-abs-and-rocks.html">CARS</a>.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold"><br />
SUPing for Crabs</span> &#8211; (I got a SUP for birthday/Christmas this year).  This week was our first time on the SUP&#8217;s so we are still learning and developing this variation.  The SUP is definitely a good core workout and a lot of fun.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/SUP-December-2011/20621907_Dv3Q5Q#1634831899_8R8c8xk-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/SUP-December-2011/i-8R8c8xk/0/S/P1060617-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Frolic, forage, feast, and fun is the theme of these evolving Mendo Intervals.  Who knows where the adventures will lead next.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Out to Sea</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/12/14/out-to-sea/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/12/14/out-to-sea/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:05:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mendocino coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just shy of her 100th birthday, Marion Osterloh made her final journey out to sea. Marian was an amazing woman &#8211; a teacher, actress, and writer. She taught for 27 years in the Chico area before retiring to the Mendocino Coast in the 70&#8242;s. In 2003, she published a book Fate&#8217;s a Fiddler about her [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just shy of her 100th birthday, Marion Osterloh made her final journey out to sea.  Marian was an amazing woman &#8211; a teacher, actress, and writer.  She taught for 27 years in the Chico area before retiring to the Mendocino Coast in the 70&#8242;s.  In 2003, she published a book <span style="font-style:italic">Fate&#8217;s a Fiddler</span> about her life in Mexico City during and after the Mexican revolution.  Marian was active in our local community and involved in many groups including <a href="http://www.iotazeta.org/">Delta Kappa Gamma</a> (an honorary service organization for women educators).  I knew Marian through Delta Kappa Gamma.</p>
<p>Marian lived in a home on the bluffs above Seaside Beach.  Marian&#8217;s wishes were for her ashes to be taken out to sea off the coast of her Seaside home.  Marian&#8217;s good friend and fellow Delta Kappa Gamma member, Kathe, approached us about helping with Marian&#8217;s last wishes.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628539211_jgMpBxJ-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-jgMpBxJ/0/S/IMG1347-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Seaside beach is a beautiful county beach north of Fort Bragg.  Occasionally we will see it in magazine and television ads.  One of the beauties of Seaside Beach is its thunderous surf zone.  Even with the calmest ocean conditions, there is always surf at Seaside.  It is a surf zone that surfers want no part of and paddlers view with at with the upmost respect.  We knew that it would have to be a small day to fulfill Marian&#8217;s wishes.</p>
<p>On December 8, the day came.  We had been having a stretch of uncommonly calm ocean conditions and the predictions were for another day of small seas.  We loaded up the tandem sea kayaks and headed out.  At Seaside, it was a gorgeous day &#8211; sunny, warm with thumping surf.</p>
<p>We got the tandem sea kayak to the water, and Jeff and Kathe headed out.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628544694_9pMn2pk-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-9pMn2pk/0/S/PC080281-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>The local funeral home had packaged Marian&#8217;s ashes in a biodegradable box specially for the occasion.  Jeff helped Kathe secure the package in her lap as they prepared to launch into the surf zone.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628544805_cWtHkXB-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-cWtHkXB/0/S/PC080283-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Jeff coached Kathe on paddling through the surf zone.  They would try to time their paddle-out to avoid waves breaking on top of them by waiting for lulls and hovering to let the waves break in front of them.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628538298_tFz3RJr-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-tFz3RJr/0/S/IMG1340-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Kathe did great.  Paddling or tucking as Jeff directed.  As they made it through the first impact zone, a large set loomed on the horizon.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628876133_HKLSh2w-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-HKLSh2w/0/S/IMG1344-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>The virtues of speed and stability of our 18.5 foot tandem sea kayak were evident as Jeff and Kathe launched over waves.  They reported being airbourne at least twice on their journey out to sea.  They successfully made it past the surf zone and paddled about 500 yards offshore to put Marian&#8217;s ashes to rest.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628545112_P3Dn6qR-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-P3Dn6qR/0/S/P1060493-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>The return journey looked mellower for the most part with the exception of a tongue of a wave giving Kathe a saltwater facial.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628537956_h42xjPS-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-h42xjPS/0/S/In-the-Face-S.jpg" alt=""></a><br />
Jeff and Kathe even surfed on their way back to shore.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628545066_vT2D2Px-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-vT2D2Px/0/S/PC080331-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Mission completed &#8211; feelings of exhilaration and relief swept over us as we felt the warmth of the sun and perhaps the tickle of Marian&#8217;s laughter as she completed her on her final journey.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/20556632_PCwrfp#1628543005_DfHX5Dr-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Marians-Ashes-1282011/i-DfHX5Dr/0/S/IMG1355-S.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Rest in peace Marian.</p>
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		<title>CAR &#8211; Crab, Abalone, Rocks</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/11/26/car-crab-abalone-rocks/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/11/26/car-crab-abalone-rocks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:12:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mendocino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mendocino coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wildlife]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=638</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A storm out of the Aleutian Islands is heading our way. The marine forecast for the next couple of days are for gale force winds, combined seas in the 15-20 foot range and rain. As the storm brewed and winds started to pick up, we figured that we better get out and stock up on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A storm out of the Aleutian Islands is heading our way.  The marine forecast for the next couple of days are for gale force winds, combined seas in the 15-20 foot range and rain.  As the storm brewed and winds started to pick up, we figured that we better get out and stock up on food and play.  Our whitewater paddling buddy Nick joined us for the adventure.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597413463_v38K6Jc-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-v38K6Jc/0/S/P1060103-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>A 10 knot southerly breeze had started with some gusting in the 15-20 knot range.  The texture on the water was definitely showing the effect of southern winds with occasional whitecaps on the outer waters.  Our plan was to paddle our sea kayaks out of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Noyo</span> Bay, drop our crab pots, play in some rock gardens, abalone dive, and then pull our pots and head for home.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597416264_tDgnR8z-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-tDgnR8z/0/S/PB210139-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Of course, we could have dropped our crab pots in the protected areas of <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Noyo</span> Bay, but instead had to charge out to where things get interesting.  I think that Jeff wants to simulate the drama of Deadliest Catch on our crabbing missions.  We are definitely getting a lot of towing practice on our sea kayak crabbing adventures.</p>
<p>We dropped our pots and off we went in search of adventure and abalone.  First we paddled into a favorite spot and had to stop and admire the US Coast Guard plane doing maneuvers out at sea.  This is not an everyday occurrence on the Mendocino Coast, and it was fun to watch.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459937_85s9mKL-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-85s9mKL/0/S/coast-guard-plane-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>The area where we were going to play and dive was really gusty with the southerly winds so we modified plans and tucked into a more protected area.  Despite the small swell, Nick and I had some fun rides while Jeff took photos and prepared to dive for abalone.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459985_qxq6z9B-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-qxq6z9B/0/S/Nick-n-Betsy-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459993_MgGcqvT-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-MgGcqvT/0/S/Jeff-puts-on-fins-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459806_3vb2w3c-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-3vb2w3c/0/S/Cate-Alchemy-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Both Nick and I regretted that we didn&#8217;t bring our dive gear.  Jeff plucked his abs easily but lingered in the water for a bit marveling at the beauty of the vibrant underwater colors of sea life.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459811_xLPPkcZ-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-xLPPkcZ/0/S/Below-the-pour-over-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Eventually the fish got out of the water and we <span class="blsp-spelling-error">strategized</span> how to pull our crab pots in the windy conditions.  I was going to pull the pots as Jeff used a tow to keep me from drifting into the kelp and onto a reef.  Nick was going to stabilize my boat and help with strapping the pots onto my boat.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597415654_DDWtVx2-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-DDWtVx2/0/S/P1060184-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>I was excited to get to pull the pots and be the first to see our catch of the day.  I was a little apprehensive though as the last time we pulled a pot in this area there was a giant octopus on it (<a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/11/feeling-crabby.html">feeling crabby</a>).  The first pot that I pulled didn&#8217;t feel heavy so I knew that there wasn&#8217;t a giant octopus on it.  It also didn&#8217;t feel heavy with crabs.  There were 3 crabs in it though.  One was a nice sized <span class="blsp-spelling-error">dungeness</span> crab.  Into the cockpit of my boat he went.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597460461_Kf3nB4W-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-Kf3nB4W/0/S/Pulling-the-pots-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>When we pulled the next pot, I was excited to see 2 crabs.  One didn&#8217;t look right though.  He was a beautiful dark red color and had latched his claws onto the bars of the trap.  It was a rock crab.  It took some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finagling</span> to get him to let go and out of the trap.  After I got him to let go of the cage, he latched on to my finger.  OUCH!!!  Fortunately I was wearing my gloves and he didn&#8217;t break the skin.  I got him off and happily sent him on his way back into the drink.</p>
<p>Back to shore we paddled &#8211; happy that we had 3 abalone, a crab, and a fun day on the water.<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459935_pqvVgvR-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-pqvVgvR/0/S/Crab-pots-on-deck-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/20215150_QfQpx5#1597459770_jhmVBGs-A-LB" title=""><img src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Abs-Crabs-and-More-11212011/i-jhmVBGs/0/S/Abalone-on-Deck-S.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
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		<title>Feeling Crabby?</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/11/16/feeling-crabby/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/11/16/feeling-crabby/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:00:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mendocino coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mushroom paddle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wildlife]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=635</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are working on planning our 2012 calendar and updating the Liquid Fusion Kayaking website. Lots of time on the computer has me feeling a bit crabby so I figured a good cure for crabbiness might be a little kayak crabbing . We decided to put our new Dagger Alchemy sea kayaks to the task. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We are working on planning our 2012 calendar and updating the <a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/">Liquid Fusion Kayaking</a> website.  Lots of time on the computer has me feeling a bit crabby so I figured a good cure for crabbiness might be a little kayak crabbing .</p>
<p>We decided to put our new <a href="http://www.dagger.com/product_subcategory/index/product_homepage/recreational_touring/alchemy/">Dagger Alchemy</a> sea kayaks to the task.  Mostly because they are very stable.  We also wanted to get a feel for their outfitting and performance (review of the Dagger Alchemy will be in a future post).</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-q56Tn7c/0/S/P1050734-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-q56Tn7c/0/S/P1050734-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
Saturday before our <a href="http://www.liquidfusionkayak.com/mendocino%20mushroom%20paddle">Mushroom Paddle</a>, we paddled out into <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Noyo</span> Bay and dropped our crab pots.  It was a gorgeous morning with calm seas and the full moon setting to the west.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-RGL2Z3f/0/S/PB120035-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-RGL2Z3f/0/S/PB120035-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
Quickly we dropped our pots and headed to the woods to gather mushroom specimens for my mushroom identification and ecology lesson.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Mushroom-Paddles-2011/i-gnVbt2x/0/S/LFK-22-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 267px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Liquid-Fusion-Kayaking-Special/Mushroom-Paddles-2011/i-gnVbt2x/0/S/LFK-22-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
After the mushroom paddle, we paddled out to pick up our pots.  Wind and seas had picked up considerably.  Also, quite a few more pots were dropped in the vicinity of ours.  I was glad that I had my towline.  As Jeff pulled up our pots, the wind and currents were blowing him into the lines of the other crab traps so I had to use an anchor tow to keep him from drifting into harms way.</p>
<p>Jeff was stoked as we pulled up the first pot because it was quite heavy.  We both envisioned a pot full of tasty <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeness_crab"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Dungeness</span> crabs</a>.  As the pot neared the surface, we were dismayed to see a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enteroctopus_dofleini">Giant Pacific Octopus</a> wrapped around the top.  The tentacles on this guy must have been 5 feet long.  It took some coaxing and prodding to get him back into the sea.</p>
<p>Obviously, the octopus was as interested in the contents of the trap as we were. Inside the trap were 8 <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Dungeness</span> crabs.  Four of the crabs ended up being too small so we put them back.  Jeff stuffed the 4 keepers inside the cockpit of his boat &#8211; No, they didn&#8217;t pinch him.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-Nrnrppz/0/S/P1050764-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-Nrnrppz/0/S/P1050764-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
Off to the next pot we went.  This pot was heavy too but we were cautiously <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">optimistic</span> about its contents.  By darned if there were no crabs in it but 2 large slobs.  Slobs is a term that crab fisherman use for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower_starfish">Sunflower Starfish</a> which are notorious for getting into pots and devouring crabs.</p>
<p>We stowed our pots and happily surfed the swells back to the beach.  We would be having fresh crab and <a href="http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/species/Cantharellus_subalbidus.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Chanterelle</span></a> pizza for dinner.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-gpqP9jc/0/S/PB120157-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Sea-Kayaking-2011/Kayak-Crabbing-November-2011/i-gpqP9jc/0/S/PB120157-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Special thanks to <a href="http://www.jimmycallian.com/iWeb/Site/About.html">Jimmy <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Callian</span> </a>for tagging along with us and taking photos (and keeping us laughing).</p>
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		<title>Tales from the Surf Zone</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/11/03/tales-from-the-surf-zone/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/11/03/tales-from-the-surf-zone/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:23:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[instruction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[woman on water]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women's kayaking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=632</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Would you/Could you launch here? This was the decision that I had to make. We had just finished 3 days of coaching and instructing at the Lumpy Waters Symposium and today was coaches&#8217; play day. We critically looked at this surf zone. As we scouted from the parking lot, a lull hit. We deemed it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Would you/Could you launch here?<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-95nMHZv/0/S/P1050013-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-95nMHZv/0/S/P1050013-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
This was the decision that I had to make.  We had just finished 3 days of coaching and instructing at the <a href="http://www.lumpywaters.com/">Lumpy Waters Symposium</a> and today was coaches&#8217; play day.  We critically looked at this surf zone.   As we scouted from the parking lot, a lull hit.  We deemed it doable.  20-30 minutes later we were dressed and on the beach and this is what it looked like.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-kN3Sszh/0/S/P1050036-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-kN3Sszh/0/S/P1050036-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>(I&#8217;m not sure if this photo does it justice.  Many armchair QB&#8217;s will say that this was nothing.)</p>
<p>There were some rips and areas with lots of whitewater and poorly formed waves, but it was the large dumping closeout waves on the outside that were intimidating.  It was interesting to hear each paddler&#8217;s read on the water and the best line and strategy for getting out.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-XzxvGnk/0/S/P1050008-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-XzxvGnk/0/S/P1050008-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
About 100 yards out there was a dumping monster wave that intimidated me.  I felt confident that I could work my way through the frothing whitewater of the broken waves just to the north but was not certain that I could time it correctly to avoid being there when the monster reared.  Much of this intrepidation came from an incident 3 days prior in which I was sucked out of my boat and had a long swim in to shore (more about this later).  My heart said go for it but my gut said that I might be a liability to the group.  I went with my gut and decided not to launch.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-s9RFJdc/0/S/P1050019-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-s9RFJdc/0/S/P1050019-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The first wave of paddlers hovered for a while just in front of the dumpers waiting for a lull and then tried to punch through.  They ended up coming back in to regroup.  It was validating to see Sean find the seam in the foam piles that I had selected as my line.  I was supposed to launch in the 3rd group with Jeff and Bryant.  They took Sean&#8217;s route and just made it over the top of the outside dumper as the monster reared up and crashed.  I knew that I didn&#8217;t have their speed and power and very likely would have been caught in the monster&#8217;s big teeth.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-zBMvcVq/0/S/P1050031-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Lumpy-Waters-Coaches-Paddle/i-zBMvcVq/0/S/P1050031-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />
As the guys disappeared from sight, I knew that I made the right decision but was pissed that I wasn&#8217;t out there.  I contemplated taking a nap in the sun or going for a walk on the beach, but decided that this could be a learning experience so I sat and studied the surf zone and honed my water reading skills.  I practiced picking routes and timing sets.  Could I have made it out if I had sat and watched it longer?  After having watched it for an hour, I had a sense of the lines and timing and was confident that I could launch but had made my decision to stay on the beach.</p>
<p>Some of my decision came from an experience that I had on Friday . . .</p>
<p>On Friday, we went out for a morning surf session in short boats. Prior to getting our boats, we walked along the beach and saw others launching from the north end.  It was a relatively straight forward surf zone.  We opted though not to drive up there but launch from the beach right in front of the house where we were staying.  There was a significant rip there and a mid surf zone dumping closeout wave, but some nice peaks and shoulders on the outside that were quite alluring.</p>
<p>I looked at it for a moment and looked at Jeff and off we went.  I found a rip that created a seam through the inside and was on my way out to those peaking waves on the outside.  I saw the mid zone dumpers and felt certain that my line and speed would carry me between them.  Just then one reared up in front of me.  I guess I drifted slightly to the south and right into the impact zone.  Rather than take the impact on my head and risk imploding my spraydeck, I attempted to duck dive under it by capsizing my boat.  The plan was to sneak under it and roll up on the other side.  My timing was a little late and I went cartwheeling over the falls upside down and backwards. I rolled up only to face the next thumper about to crash on my head.  I purposely capsized again and expected the same maytagging but instead felt suspended in the wave and then sucked out of my boat.  I was dismayed and grabbed for the cockpit combing to hold myself in but the wave had other plans and ripped me out.</p>
<p>Jeff was just 10 yards to the north of me and avoided this whole experience.  Another paddling buddy was 10 yards to the north of him ended up out of his boat too.  Due to the rip currents and trying to swim out of a rip with a boat full of water, it was a long swim in to shore.  When I made it to shore, I was glad to be out of the grips of the sucking currents but felt invigorated.  It has been awhile since I had a good swim in the ocean.  There&#8217;s nothing like a little cold water immersion to make one feel alive.</p>
<p>Chalk these 2 up to experience.  Paddling is about skill but it is also about experience &#8211; applying ones paddling skills in situations/conditions and applying the knowledge gained through experiences to good decision making.  I hated the decision that I made not to launch but I still think that it was the right one.  Of course those that know me, know where much of my time and efforts will be spend this fall/winter training season.</p>
<p>PS Fall/winter training has already begun.<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Jeff-Fest-2011/i-ThLtKpQ/1/S/PA231183-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Other/Jeff-Fest-2011/i-ThLtKpQ/1/S/PA231183-S.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>
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		<title>Washed Ashore</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/09/19/washed-ashore/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/09/19/washed-ashore/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:31:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[rock gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=629</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s Jeff checking out Henry - Henry was washed ashore in the form of millions of pieces of plastic After a busy summer, Jeff and I meandered off the Mendocino Coast to check out The Washed Ashore exhibit at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. It is AMAZING &#8211; 15 creations made from trash that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here&#8217;s Jeff checking out Henry -<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQDgTQWbGb0/Tm5xYMA28TI/AAAAAAAAAq8/t-TuToyctcI/s1600/Henry%2Bthe%2BFish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQDgTQWbGb0/Tm5xYMA28TI/AAAAAAAAAq8/t-TuToyctcI/s400/Henry%2Bthe%2BFish.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Henry was washed ashore in the form of millions of pieces of plastic</p>
<p>After a busy summer, Jeff and I meandered off the Mendocino Coast to check out <a href="http://www.washedashore.org/">The Washed Ashore</a> exhibit at <a href="http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/">The Marine Mammal Center</a> in Sausalito.</p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hx4MaXC-8hA/Tm5xjQCxYYI/AAAAAAAAArk/9bYSteGoRS8/s1600/Marine%2BMammal%2BCenter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hx4MaXC-8hA/Tm5xjQCxYYI/AAAAAAAAArk/9bYSteGoRS8/s400/Marine%2BMammal%2BCenter.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
It  is AMAZING &#8211; 15 creations made from trash that washed up onto Oregon  beaches.  The creations are clever and the displays are educational and  thought-provoking (like this one)</p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw8FiMaezf8/Tm5xYbPNSRI/AAAAAAAAArM/8V3xWy4kATU/s1600/Beijing%2BWater%2BBottles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw8FiMaezf8/Tm5xYbPNSRI/AAAAAAAAArM/8V3xWy4kATU/s400/Beijing%2BWater%2BBottles.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Many  know that sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jelly fish, but they are  only one of many species that are significantly impacted.  I was  astounded by this whale of a tale -</p>
<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q76-3cYy3eQ/Tm5xYM_bnMI/AAAAAAAAArE/-cQbWhFjupM/s1600/Death%2Bby%2BTrash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q76-3cYy3eQ/Tm5xYM_bnMI/AAAAAAAAArE/-cQbWhFjupM/s400/Death%2Bby%2BTrash.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
It  is disturbing when you think about how much plastics have become a  necessity in our lives.  Jeff and I were trying to think how we could  live without plastics.  It doesn&#8217;t seem possible, but we can <span style="font-weight: bold">&#8220;Rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle, reinvent, and refuse&#8221;</span> to minimize our use and impact.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vE-hZugzUzA/Tm5xYhHPUyI/AAAAAAAAArU/ytk-sOmNv28/s1600/Jelly%2BFish.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 320px;height: 400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vE-hZugzUzA/Tm5xYhHPUyI/AAAAAAAAArU/ytk-sOmNv28/s400/Jelly%2BFish.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
We also can become involved in activities like <a href="http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html">California Coastal Cleanup Day</a> and support groups that are working to create awareness like <a href="http://www.surfrider.org/">The Surfrider Foundation</a>.   Seeing their photo of the internal contents of a bird&#8217;s stomach has  made me obsessive that every little shred of plastic that comes from a  wrapper gets into the trash.  Be sure to check out their <a href="http://www.surfrider.org/programs/entry/rise-above-plastics">Rise Above Plastics</a> program.</p>
<p>I  also have become increasing aware of my impact as a kayaker.  Seal  launches and landings with plastic kayaks often leaves bits of plastic  on the rocks.</p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa4v7h-Kqac/TnO_NuFPiQI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Ef0sev5PDEc/s1600/High%2Band%2BDry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa4v7h-Kqac/TnO_NuFPiQI/AAAAAAAAAsE/Ef0sev5PDEc/s400/High%2Band%2BDry.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
While  seal launches and landings are fun, we use them only when necessary in  favor of lower impact on the environment.  Jumping off of rocks into the  ocean and swimming to your kayak is good fun too.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffc2VKNbUZs/TnO958K9LoI/AAAAAAAAAr8/oO5Dqf5lubE/s1600/P5140121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffc2VKNbUZs/TnO958K9LoI/AAAAAAAAAr8/oO5Dqf5lubE/s400/P5140121.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Be sure to check out the facebook page &#8211;  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gulfkayak">Out of Sight, Out of Mind</a> .  Here&#8217;s a group of 3 paddlers working to create awareness of the  trash issues in our waterways and what we can do to help.  For many of  us, every day is Coastal Cleanup Day as we pick up trash on our streets,  in the forest, and on the water.</p>
<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9x-OcWEh8e0/TnO_iswiKoI/AAAAAAAAAsM/xjJgSBwaTf8/s1600/Paddle%2Bto%2Bretrieve%2Bplastic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9x-OcWEh8e0/TnO_iswiKoI/AAAAAAAAAsM/xjJgSBwaTf8/s400/Paddle%2Bto%2Bretrieve%2Bplastic.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
If you get a chance, definitely check out the Washed Ashore Exhibit and share it with others. <span style="font-weight: bold">Every Action Counts . . . </span></p>
<p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGWTrX45FCM/TnNnmdG0cyI/AAAAAAAAAr0/jzuraFQzB5U/s1600/Sea%2BJelly%2BFacts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGWTrX45FCM/TnNnmdG0cyI/AAAAAAAAAr0/jzuraFQzB5U/s400/Sea%2BJelly%2BFacts.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></p>
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		<title>Crash Test Dummies</title>
		<link>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/08/23/crash-test-dummies/</link>
		<comments>http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/08/23/crash-test-dummies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:20:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>thorn91</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fort Bragg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mendocino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mendocino coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rock gardening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea kayak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sea Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[woman on water]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/?p=624</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A couple of strip-built sea kayaks were dropped off for us to demo. &#8220;The Mattang&#8221; was designed to be a rugged, nimble surfing and rock gardening sea kayak. It was specifically built for the surf and rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast. &#8220;The Sundance&#8221; was a gorgeous, 18.5&#8242; long, pointy sea kayak with Greenland and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A couple of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strip-built">strip-built</a> sea kayaks were dropped off for us to demo. &#8220;The Mattang&#8221; was designed to be a rugged, nimble surfing and rock gardening sea kayak.  It was specifically built for the surf and rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.  &#8220;The Sundance&#8221; was a gorgeous, 18.5&#8242; long, pointy sea kayak with Greenland and British design influences.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-Rqn3pPb/0/S/P7310237-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-Rqn3pPb/0/S/P7310237-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
We slipped out for an evening paddle.  I paddled the elegant 18.5&#8242; Sundance and Jeff paddled the rugged Mattang.  A couple of minutes after we launched from the beach, the bulkhead on my boat came loose and shifted forward of my feet, and the right thigh brace came unglued.  I didn’t come unglued over these outfitting details (story of my life) and enjoyed the smooth, effortless feel of her gliding through the water.  She was surprisingly nimble and turned well with a little edge. She was fast, sleek and efficient and very different from my 16 foot plastic Valley Avocet.</p>
<p>It was a mellow evening, and we enjoyed a couple of rides on a rock garden feature called &#8220;The Toilet Bowl.&#8221;<br />
<a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-RJZHqM9/0/S/P7310244-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-RJZHqM9/0/S/P7310244-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
We meandered over to <a href="http://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2011/04/chicken-point.html">Chicken Point</a> which was breaking on some of the larger sets.  I was content to sit on the edge of the break and admire and photograph Jeff and the Mattang in action.  Jeff was tearing it up with her!!!  He made that boat dance on the water.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-x8WNJSt/1/S/P1010719-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-x8WNJSt/1/S/P1010719-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
My friend Amy and her family were spectating from the bluffs.   Of course they goaded me into catching a wave at Chicken Point.   I thought, &#8220;<span style="font-weight: bold">Sure, great idea &#8211; surfing a rock-strewn break in an elegantly crafted 18.5’ wooden sea kayak with a hull design that had never been tested in the surf</span>.&#8221;</p>
<p>I contemplated . . . worst case scenario  . . . I would not be able to control the boat and end up broach surfed into the rocks . . . at least my friends would witness some spectacular carnage.</p>
<p>As my friend Amy says, “I nutted-up” and got into position.  The boat accelerated with ease onto the wave.  As I dropped in, I felt totally in control.  The bow and stern both rode high in the water allowing me to control the boat&#8217;s direction.  I edged her slightly and surfed her across the face of the wave.</p>
<p><a href="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-T2f37qK/0/S/P1010743-S.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px;text-align: center;width: 400px;height: 300px" src="http://liquidfusionkayaking.smugmug.com/Kayaking/Rock-Gardening-2011/Surfing-Strip-Built-Sea-Kayaks/i-T2f37qK/0/S/P1010743-S.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Huh?  An 18.5 foot sea kayak that drops into a wave and edges and carves.  The builder was ecstatic.  He had no idea what she would do on a wave.  Jeff and my friends were hooting and hollering . . . . I was grinning from ear to ear and paddling back for another wave.  And caught another, and another, and another.  On one wave, I actually dropped in and cut right toward the rocks and then cut back left.  It was amazing and so much fun.</p>
<p>So much for being crash test dummies . . . this time.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQFVjxMbjwQ">video </a>of our session using the rapid fire photos that Amy took from above on the bluffs.</p>
<p><a href="http://paddleblogs.com/thorn91/2011/08/23/crash-test-dummies/"><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></a></p>
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