First time out paddling :-)

[snowsprite]

Finally made it out on one of the new kayaks yesterday, if only for an hour, but it was a really good hour! The husband and I loaded up the 2-person ocean kayak on the car (which was surprisingly easy w/ the two of us) and headed out for Long Island Sound---which is only a few minute drive for us. We have a really convenient-to-access boat launch here at Cove Beach in Stamford. The water was very calm and it was a grey, overcast day w/ light winds. It was actually a good day for a newbie like me to get out there.

We encountered a few issues in that: a) I forgot to wear water shoes and b) my wetsuit/paddling gear has not come in so I was just in sweatpants, a few fleece layers and a lifevest. So not wanting to completely immerse my shoes I had to hop into the kayak from the dock. Surprisingly, this worked. Being small has its advantages!

There are no adrenaline rush moments to report, but it was very peaceful and nice. I am surprised at how long I could paddle...maybe the husband won't complain as much now about how much time I spend at the gym. When we paddled out we hit a few waves, which was interesting and I can see how on very choppy days this is going to be a lot of fun.

The highlight of the trip was spotting a lone pheasant seeking out his dinner and two beautiful white herons walking gingerly along the shore. The sewage trucks unloading their contents weren't making such a pleasant view but I did my best to ignore those! Gotta take the good w/ the bad I guess. It will be nice when the rest of my gear gets in and we can paddle out to some of the little islands offshore (not sewage trucks there!).

It's so nice to know that I am only a few minutes away from beauty and relaxation on this level. We are really so super-stoked that we got the kayaks, and can't wait to go out again.

I know this isn't much of a TR, but it was really a nice experience and I just posted it to kind of say thanks for those who offered me some tips and stuff here. I know I'll be doing it a lot now!

I hope to get some photos next time, but am wondering what to do about the camera issue. Maybe just buy one of the waterproof disposables? It's too pretty out there not to capture some nice shots at some point. But I don't think it's a good idea to bring the digital cam out there...

Sprite

[SJP]

It is nice to hear that you are having so much fun paddling. You should definitely bring your camera. It is not worth having if you don't use it and the risk you are subjecting it to while sea kayaking is very small. Get a pelican box the appropriate size and keep it tetherer behind your seat or between your legs. You can shoot while on the water from your boat but most of you best shots will come by getting out of your boat and looking for different perspectives. It is much more stable to shoot while standing on the ground with two feet than while bobing around in the chop and waves.

Looking forward to seeing your photos and keep having fun.

[steved]

Paddling's a lot of fun Sprite, enjoy the boats
PS: Relax and use those back/torso muscles...

steve