about giving advice

Often we are asked to give a tip or two to help new kayakers improve their paddling strokes, rolling or other skills. There is always a danger of giving too much information at the wrong time or not giving the right answers either. Sometimes we misunderstand the question too. Its always good to check that you really know what you are being asked for as some questions are not always crystal clear.

This is one of the reasons that men shouldnt write advice columns.
Heres an example that I found the other day.

Dear Steve The Advice Guy:

I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't driven more than a mile down the road when the engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.
When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbor's daughter. I am 32, my husband is 34, and the neighbor girl is 22.
We have been married for ten years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless.
I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become very distant. He won't go to counseling and I'm afraid I can't get through to him anymore.
Can you please help?
Sincerely,
Sheila
******************************
Dear Sheila:
A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.
I hope this helps!
Steve

another sick turtle and other stuff

Yoav and Shahar found this sick turtle and brought it in for medical assistance, Zohar was quick to call for help and now the poor guy is being well taken care of. Maybe a case of fish flue, who knows.
I also has the pleasure of taking out a group of my sons friends for a day on the water. First time in sea kayaks provided them with a few hours of introduction to seakayaking. They managed very well and had a great time.

kayaks passing the seawall in ceaserea

I just happened to be at the Port of Ceaserea today when my kayak club came passing by on their way back home. I managed to get a few shots from a different vantage poing, a bit higher than usual and not from inside a kayak.I was standing on the seawall gaurding the port looking down at the sea. Now I know what it looks like from the landward side , pretty impressive I must say. All in all I`d rather be kayaking.

Avital`s new kayak

At long last the great day arrived.
Avital finished her new kayak and brought it to the club for its maiden voyage.
The event was adequately advertised and a banquet breakfast was laid on for all to enjoy.
The main event however was the successful launch of Avitals baby. Two years in the making, lots of angst and hours of hard work finally came together to make a unforgettable first voyage. The first paddle in a new kayak is always an exciting experience, even more so when you have make the kayak yourself. There is always the worry and doubt in your mind, will it stay afloat, how will it handle,whats going to happen. And of course there are lots of people come to cheer you on,adding to the pressure. Lots of us do a secret first launch in private just to be sure that all is well before venturing out in public in order not to fail if something goes wrong. But not fearless Avital, she came straight to the water from the workshop, filled with confidence and pride. And it was justified, her Guillemot S is a beautiful kayak, floats like a dream and paddles with ease. As a kayak builder I can appreciate the effort and hard work that went into this boat considering that Avital has no background in woodwork of any kind.
All I can say is fantastic, well done and happy paddling.

rock hopping with jeff

One week is not enough time to Explore Cornwall. There is so much to see and do and one days kayaking with Jeff is definitly not enough. I will have to go back.
I love kayaking in the rain and rough seas, and when I contacted Jeff he told me that the forecast was for force 7 winds and rain. The night before I honestly thought that he would cancell the outing. Not having the experience of WEATHER, I did not know what to expect.
Because of the dire forecast Jeff had to postpone his clients for the day, you can`t take out beginners with this kind of weather waiting for you.But luckily for me it was a great day for us to go out and taste the Atlantic ocean and the coast of Falmouth.
Jeff picked me up , we collected the kayaks, and off we went. I got to paddle a Rockpool kayak, can`t remember the model , but as soon as I sat in it it felt like home, super comfortable and the footplate instead of foot pedals was a real treat. We planed to go south into the wind and use it to help us get back.
I havent ever had to wear a drysuite and it took a bit of manouvering to get it on, but once in I was as dry as toast and unrestricted. The rain came down , the wind blew and I was happy. The rockpool is a great boat, tracks well and is pretty quick, and when Jeff said lets do some rock hopping, I said," after you".
I followed him through all the crevices and gullies along the shore, going in and out among the rocks , a bit worried about getting washed against them. They can do serious damage to a kayak if you are not careful, but as Jeff was not in the least bothered by a new scratch or two, neither was I.
Tea and a gourmet sandwich, showed me another of Jeff`s talents, the man can prepare good food as well. All too soon we had to turn around and head back, the wind didn`t pick up as predicted but we had a little help from the tide in one crossing and some small surf to cheer us on. In all we paddled about 20 to 25km along a fantastic coastline, with cliffs, caves and coves even seeing a large seal. I envy Jeff, he has paradise at his doorstep and I will definitely be back for more kayaking. The rest of the trip was great too, we explored the coastal path, walking along the cliffs and beaches of Cornwall, visiting the old fishing villages and exploring the countryside. What can I say, life is good.