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wylddeuces2
Rock Bumper
Joined: 20 Jan 2011
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Posts: 33
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   Topic: New to kayaking....
Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 2:00pm |
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I'm getting my first kayak in about two weeks :))) http://www.wetplanetwhitewater.com/index.php has a sale on their boats... if anyone else is interested!
I'm looking to meet some kayakers that wouldn't mind a newbie, I do intend on taking some lessons, but being at Ft.Lewis on post I haven't come across anyone else who has the drive to hit the rivers. My drive to get my first boat and hit the rivers is up there with me keeping my Harley, nobody can take that from me... my drive and thrive for the two things that bring me peace of mind and Fun!!! I Can't Wait!!!!!!!
I'm also uncertain of which boat to get.... Mamba 7.5 or the 8.0.....Diesel 70 or 80?!?!?
I'm 5'9", 31" inseam, 158-165lb depending on how i eat or how much i drink :) lol.
Any and all advice would be Great
thanks for your time and input
Tricia
Now's if i can only find a way to strap the boat to my Harley, I'd be set! j/k lol, thats what my pickup is for :))))
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SplashDaddy
Paddler
Joined: 04 Sep 2009
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Posts: 57
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 2:41pm |
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Hi Tricia
Welcome to the madness.
First, I'd say get yourself to the pool. The University of Puget Sound(UPS) has pool sessions for cheap and have loaner gear available. They very well may have the boats in question, so you can try them and let your pool mates help you decide which boat you like.
I try to get out once or twice a week on easy water. I'd be happy to take you swimmi...err..kayaking. You do have a drysuit, don't you? If not, I'd suggest a cheap, used boat and spend the saved $$$ on a drysuit.
As for your motorcycle idea, here's an idea... http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=144251&l=0730383099&id=1195248727
Dale
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wylddeuces2
Rock Bumper
Joined: 20 Jan 2011
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Posts: 33
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 2:49pm |
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I do not have a dry suit :( Any suggestions, what about finding one on CL? My used boat one of the two i listed are going for $600, I looked them up and the retail at just over 900. Its an hour south drive and I wouldnt have to worry about shipping or anything. I need to find a paddle (size? im thinking 186?) and a vest... well i guess i need the whole 9yards! ugh.... but free entertainment once its all paid for!!!!
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James
Admin
Sum Dum Guy
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3598
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 2:54pm |
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Check craigslist and also the REI basement. I have seen several nice Gortex dry suits in the garage sale area and of course they have sales frequently.
I would re-sound Dales suggestion. Go to the pool and get that roll on. No better place to get after it than the UPS for where your located. Also keep in mind you can use the boats they have for an added few bucks and you might like to check them out that way your a little more aware first hand of the differences, of course a pool is not going to tell you much about the way a boat handles in whitewater but you will have fit/comfort figured out and folks there can give you more insight on how the differences will pan out on the RIO!
Welcome and Have a blast.!!!!
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rainpaddle
Paddler
Joined: 20 Aug 2007
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 85
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:15pm |
Besides Craig's List and the FSBO part of this site, try calling NRS and asking them if they have any smokin' deals on dry suit returns. Since we are at the tail end of January, a dry top and bibs is another option and when the dry suits go on sale next September, pick one up then. Swimming without a dry suit in winter really sucks, though.
One other thought, The Washington Kayak Club is having a beginners series of classes fairly soon. Look it up online at www.washingtonkayakclub.org. The advantage to it is that you will have an immediate peer group of similarly skilled paddlers to recruit for paddling trips. Also, there are posted paddles on weekends of varying levels. Oh, buy the book Guide to Washington Whitewater by Jeff Bennet.
Rob
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4230
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:26pm |
WE can hook you up with a boat. We have several for sale right now.
I think Dave wants like $100 for his old playboat, a Wave Sport Project 56 and Blair has a couple of Jackson Creekboats he will probably sell really cheap also. They have cracks in both of them, but he has patched them and they would be great beginner boats. Plus they are almost like brand new...
Your size of person you should be looking for a 194cm to 197cm paddle for all around paddling. you dont need a really short paddle like a 186cm unless you are playboating only. See Werners website for paddle guide. http://www.wernerpaddles.com/
PM me and I will help you find a good boat really cheap and hook you up with one of these guys. We all live up here in the Seattle area but like to help anyone out when we get a chance.
Also, there are a lot of beginner groups getting out on easy stuff this time of year with spring coming around the corner.
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Nomad
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posts: 4230
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:35pm |
One more thing, Harleys RULE...I can hardly wait for the nice weather so I can ride mine more...
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Nomad
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wylddeuces2
Rock Bumper
Joined: 20 Jan 2011
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 33
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:40pm |
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Thank You's all for your advise and help!!! I cant wait to get in the rivers..... No swimming here! j/k my newbie, im sure i'll have plenty of swimming days LOL!
Dont let a little drizzle stop ya :)))) but at the same time i Wont leave post on my bike if its raining right now... maybe when it warms up and stays lighter longer, then it'd be a bit diff., for the time being, on post only at the moment :) Nice bike!!! That boat is longer than the Cooper... cute :)
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wylddeuces2
Rock Bumper
Joined: 20 Jan 2011
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 33
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:42pm |
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Help me stay in touch at..... http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/tricia.wormack
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
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Posts: 4230
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:47pm |
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My Harley and I dont see rain anymore. Years ago I had to ride one of my street bikes for two years in the rain, snow, ice and so on... So, after I got a car again, I vowed to never ride on wet pavement again. So, my Harley stays spotless, except for dead splattered bugs...I have an old dirt bike for the mud and snow days...
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Nomad
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wylddeuces2
Rock Bumper
Joined: 20 Jan 2011
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 33
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:49pm |
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Sounds very logical, i cant blame ya! I rode mine rain or shine when i got to WA waiting till i could fix my ole pickup... once i did, it sure was nice to have 4wheels under me again.
How does one add a profile pic to this fartn site?!?!? Lol!
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To each their own. If it makes you happy it cant be that bad, im happy for you! For what does matter...is what makes You happy!
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dave
Master Poster
D4
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4230
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 5:58pm |
I tried to add you as a friend on facebook, but cant seem to figure it out. I did manage to post a comment though.
You can post a profile pic using the settings tab at the top, but the picture has to be small. You can also use the url of a picture somewhere else and stick it in the url slot in the avitar area of the settings area.
I am not very good at explaining this stuff...sorry...
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Nomad
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Aquaholic
Rock Bumper
Joined: 02 Aug 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 37
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 7:24pm |
I have a Dagger G-force 6.3 I would be willing to give ya for FREE. Im north of you about an hour and a half in Bothell. I think I have a spraydeck that fits that boat you could have to. I can write it off as good river karma and we all could use more of that :) Feel free to give me a call if your interested (206) eight 53 eight four 58
-Kyle
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Travisimo
Big Boofer
Joined: 17 Jun 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 598
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Posted: 23 Jan 2011 at 11:42pm |
Awesome! This is the kind of thing that reminds me of how cool this community is! Go for it! Awesome starter boat, get to a pool and meet up with people! That's exactly how I started back in 2000 at WSU, I'll never forget my first run with the guys I met at the roll session there after taking a rolling class. Then the addiction that would take over my life began... 
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H2O please
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GHannam
Tricky Woo
Joined: 12 Feb 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 228
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Posted: 24 Jan 2011 at 7:39am |
Tricia- WECOME to Professor Paddle!!
I think everyone has covered the bases here, but I would agree with James and Rob-- get to the UPS pool session and get into a class. Although I don't think classes are 100% mandatory, I do think it's a good option just the same since there's good people to learn from, and it's a great way to meet people.
I'm sure that Dave (D4) and yourself will have plenty to talk about! He loves his Harley too, as you can see!
P.S. Go into your settings for your profile (top right on the webpage) and "add avatar" for your picture. You have an option to add your own picture there or choose one that's already available...
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wylddeuces2
Rock Bumper
Joined: 20 Jan 2011
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Posts: 33
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Posted: 24 Jan 2011 at 7:39am |
I remember when i first got my Harley and how it took over every ounce time off work i had.... Thats kinda the feeling im getting with wanting to get in a boat!!!! Its the same Want as that harley of mine. I thought i was busy with the harley... now im never gonna be found at home, bike or kayak!!!! 
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To each their own. If it makes you happy it cant be that bad, im happy for you! For what does matter...is what makes You happy!
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PaddleGirl
McNasty
Joined: 18 Oct 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 266
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Posted: 24 Jan 2011 at 10:47am |
Hey Tricia, Welcome to paddling! it totally becomes an addiction.
Take that G-force, that was my first boat and it's a lot of fun - though playboats can be harder to learn in than river runners or creekers cause they're a bit less stable. try out and borrow as many boats as you can before buying something, they all feel different.
classes are great when you're learning so you learn the fundamentals correctly... I'm still working out all of my bad habits i formed from not learning things properly.
i'd be happy to paddle with ya after i get out there - i'm moving from new hampshire soon and need to meet some paddlers... might not be out there till mid march if we road trip it.
peace,
Jen
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irenen
Big Boofer
Joined: 24 Jul 2009
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Posts: 525
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Posted: 24 Jan 2011 at 3:48pm |
Hi Tricia,
People have covered a ton of good stuff here, I just want to say again that the WKC (Washington Kayak Club) is really well set up to get Class II and III boaters out on organized trips regularly, they expect to deal with newer boaters and there are a lot of unadvertised trips going out every week once you get on a few email lists. When I was starting out that was what allowed me to get out on the water and get better, it can be harder to find the lower class level of trips on this forum even though people here are very welcoming to new boaters and generous with sharing their skills - so if you end up not finding enough trips to go out on at the level you're at when you're starting out maybe check out the WKC. Either way, have fun out there!
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It's all fun and games until someone loses a paddle.
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jtemus
Viener Schnitzel
Joined: 11 Aug 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 11
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Posted: 25 Jan 2011 at 6:51pm |
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If your're trying to get the kayak on the harley this might help:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs944.snc4/73785_448329723142_656548142_5422375_2449069_n.jpg
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jtemus
Viener Schnitzel
Joined: 11 Aug 2010
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Posts: 11
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Posted: 25 Jan 2011 at 6:52pm |
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If your're trying to get the kayak on the harley this might help:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs944.snc4/73785_448329723142_656548142_5422375_2449069_n.jpg
WKC is great for intro rivers
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