You can't flog a dead horse

For the last nine years I've led and promoted a mid-week practice in St. Philips.  The cove there is ideal because in the prevailing winds, the cove is relatively calm whereas decent conditions can be had outside the point.  The location is great for novice paddlers as well as more experienced.  Novice paddlers can incrementally expose themselves to more challenging conditions by sticking their noses out.

This Wednesday winds were expected to be up but the forecast did not pan out.  Nonetheless some decent waves made for good surf rides but you had to be patient.

There were a scant 4 other paddlers show up this week.  We've had as may as thirteen but usually 8 - 10.  However, attendance seems to have declined over the past few years.  It may be that the more experienced paddlers feel they have gotten as much out of it as possible and newer paddlers maybe are not interested in advancing their skills.

Greg however was there trying out Paul's Makkovik kayak.  Not being used to it, he stuck around in the more calm waters getting his sea legs.  Like I said, you can pick the sea state you want to paddle in.

Paul nails a roll.  Its part of the program where we practice assisted and self rescues, surfing when conditions are right, paddling into strong head winds to build conditioning and confidence.  On calm evenings we've just gone for a social paddle with a chance to do a bit of rock hopping.

But, facing reality, you can't flog a dead horse so I've decided to stop pushing this.  Maybe someone will take up the reigns and maybe it will continue on a limited basis but I've invested enough of my time when maybe I'd have done other things but felt compelled to go anyway.

It was fun while it lasted and I too have benefited greatly.  I likely will pick my days when its too windy to paddle - but I'll be on the water catching the salt water spray.

A new boat, a new impetus?

Its been a while since I posted.  It seems a general kayaking malaise has set in here that appears to infect everyone.  But, last evening we were on the water again.  The event?  Shane took delivery of his new Nordkapp. 

Its a striking beauty with orange hull and black deck.

So, the focus was on Shane.  The conditions were ideal to put her thru her paces.  No wind but huge swell that ...

... piled up in mountainous waves as it reached the cliffs.

Dean was the first to roll the dice as he made his way into the space behind the Rock of Ages.  Massive water swept in unexpected behind him and a bunch of furious ninja paddle strokes got him out of danger.

As the "official" new boat photographer I followed Shane along the shore, both of us enjoying the action.

What goes in has to come out and so significant clapotis accompanied each crashing wave.

Shane joins the Nordkapp crew.  Here on the other side of Dean in his North Cape Jenny.  There's four of us now!

Shane put the word out that he had taken delivery and invited the regular crew to join him on his first paddle in the new kayak.  There were ...

... 10 of us to toast the new arrival thanks to Hazen who brought along a bottle of bubbly.  We rafted up short of Topsail Beach because Shane wasn't putting any scratches on her the first night by landing on the beach.

I welcome the arrival not only for the joy it brought Shane but also for what it might portend.  I'm hoping its going to make Shane a driving force to spur us on to more regular paddling.  Sometimes it only takes one to ignite the flame that seems to have been greatly diminished of late.