Kayaking

[Quillfred]

I have found kayaking to be a great adjunct to cycling, giving my upper body a nice workout. For years I windsurfed on the local lake but over time it took its toll on my back and I had to quit. As a child I developed a love for kayaking as my dad would take my out in the SF Bay. A couple of years ago I bought a well-used glass boat from an acquaintance.

Since I decided a few months ago to store my kayaknear a lake (with much easier access), I have been kayaking much more. The summer this year in Seattle has produced many warm sunny days and getting out in the boat has proved irresistable.

Up until yesterday, I had been using a wood paddle which did the job but left me with a fair amount of tendonitis (my guess) in my elbow. Nice new paddles seem expensive so I finally snagged a wonderful glass Swift (made by Eddyline - a Washington company). It made all the difference in the world. I was able to go much further in less time with better access to varying strokes.

Ah, the best of both worlds!

[chickwhorips]

windsurfing question for you. my BF windsurfs and he told me if i get a wetsuit he'll teach me.

what is a good women's wetsuit for windsurfing?

[Quillfred]

In Alaska, I'd imagine the best wetsuit would be a drysuit. BBBrrrrr. In Seattle I used what is called a Farmer John. It is a one-piece sleeveless.

[chickwhorips]

ya it is pretty chilly up here. i figured a full sleeved 5 mm probably should work. don't plan on doing anything in the dead of winter. i'm not that crazy.

[KnottedYet]

Try NRS (Northwest River Sports) for good, sturdy, no frills, cheap wetsuits. I'm very happy with mine.

www.nrsweb.com

[Bad JuJu]

Hey, Quillfred--I got a Swift paddle for my birthday last year--love love love it! Is yours one of the ones with a fabric inlay? Mine is Spiderclouds--a design of red/gold clouds with spiderwebs.