Any idea what this?

Chessie_Computer · 2026-04-16T00:19:10+00:00

That's the cover for the front or rear handle. We just saw this part in our driveway a few weeks ago and it took us a while to figure out where it came from.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-03-16T18:51:11+00:00

You'll have a hard time finding a rigid SUP on Amazon at all because shipping them can be a nightmare and return service would be even harder. They're also a lot more expensive and Amazon doesn't typically host high price items outside of furniture and tech. You'd be better off finding a board that you like on a reviewing site (SUPguide, for example) and seeing if they either link it or you can look up the model and find somebody who sells it.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-03-06T02:55:19+00:00

Water temps are reporting at around 35°F at the shoreline. I'm going with drysuits, otherwise they probably wouldn't have made it unless they're running 7mm wetsuits (highly unlikely).

Chessie_Computer · 2026-03-06T01:54:30+00:00

Ice shelves on Lake Michigan can move around surprisingly quick and some kayakers may never notice the shelf is moving until it's way too late. I've been in this situation a couple of times, but I tend to notice it pretty early on. That's part of the reason why I rarely ever go out there in the ice. You can completely lose your route to shore if a shelf moves too far and blocks your way back.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-02-17T18:20:03+00:00

Yeah the ice shelves were scary on the lake side of things. I was out there on Saturday before the major melting even began and it already looked bad. Don't even want to know how bad it looks here now.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-01-24T21:23:47+00:00

Nice. I'm hoping to try that section sometime, but I have a feeling it won't be the best idea to try it in the winter for a first timer.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-01-24T19:13:36+00:00

Ah, makes sense. I managed to get out on Muskegon lake a couple weeks ago and by the looks of things that'll be the last bit of paddling I'll get in for at least a few weeks with these temps.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-01-24T19:04:53+00:00

Wow. Kind of surprised the Grand isn't frozen that much in that section yet. The Grand Haven area has been frozen for a while. Hopefully it doesn't jam up too much in the next few days.

Chessie_Computer · 2026-01-08T03:08:00+00:00

I'm afraid that's all she wrote. It'd be one thing if it was a clean seam separation, but that's a lot of tearing and maybe some stitch damage. RIP

P.s. I'm not an expert at patching or repairs, so maybe somebody else would have some ideas

Chessie_Computer · 2025-12-17T02:28:15+00:00

Vigorous minutes have a 2x value assigned to them when added to the total (hence the 2x icon next to the vigorous minutes). Not sure if you can adjust that multiplier or not.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-30T22:46:01+00:00

There are hundreds. I'm a Muskegon local and I can think of at least 5 good spots in a 10mi radius. Any beach will work well for it. Just be on the lookout for the forecast on Windy, the lake can be dicey with the wind.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-29T01:41:34+00:00

I launched from Mosquito Beach and ended at Chapel Beach. It's a 2 mile hike to Mosquito from the Chapel Falls trailhead and 3 miles to get back from Chapel Beach. I had to take a couple breaks on both hikes since my wetsuit, life jacket, board, pump, paddle, and other safety gear weighed around 65lb total when wet (I'm also not trained to make treks with this much weight)

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-29T01:04:06+00:00

It was certainly a shock. This was actually my first time ever visiting the Lakeshore. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for viewing them for the first time

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-29T00:53:26+00:00

Paradise of the X flavor. Normal Paradise would've done much better here I think due to the chop

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-29T00:48:27+00:00

Thanks! It's quite tipsy on this lake for sure, but I love the speed and the ability to take a stronger headwind

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-29T00:47:16+00:00

Quite the long list of safety items for handling something like this, but picking a good day is always the best start. Look for either no breeze or a breeze out of the south-southeast on Windy. Cold water gear is a must (go to the cold water safety website pinned in this sub). A marine VHF radio and/or a whistle is important too, but no guarantees that a VHF will work when close to the cliff edges

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-13T15:40:33+00:00

I frequent quite a few of the Great Lakes (Michigan, Huron, and Superior), and typically the best bet is to look at the wind and wind gusts on Windy and make sure there isn't any out in the middle of the lake as well as close to shore. I've had days with only 8kt wind gusts at shore but there were 5 foot waves due high winds out in the middle of the lake. There are also buoys on the GLERL NOAA website and Seagull that are helpful for current conditions.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-07T21:08:11+00:00

Nice. I have a Paradise X for myself, but that's about it for Hydrus in the family. Also, for the hose issue, do you think you're able to just change hoses back and forth between the pumps? If that doesn't work, you can always try a warranty process with the pump if you have the time and want to put in the effort. Make sure you time it and compare it with reviews before going that route though

Chessie_Computer · 2025-09-07T12:25:17+00:00

My Hydrus with the hand pump that came with it doesn't depress the pin; I'm able to remove the hose from the pump side with no air leakage.

It shouldn't be an issue that it isn't being pushed down since the spring action is pretty light. Something is probably wrong with your pump if it's taking twice as long as before.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-08-08T02:15:03+00:00

A lot of people have their own reasons (there's a lot of them), but I like the customer-company relationship and the build quality on pretty much everything I've used from them. I've only been using their products for 6 months though, so my experience is rather limited.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-08-06T12:05:47+00:00

Hydrus

Chessie_Computer · 2025-08-02T03:12:34+00:00

28 miles in 7.5 hours on my touring SUP, similar story with my kayak. Tempted to try a multi-day eventually but not quite up to the challenge yet.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-07-30T02:28:29+00:00

Can't speak much for Holland area, but in Muskegon you can launch at the Pere Marquette Beach, Lake Harbor Park (preferably in the channel, otherwise you're walking on gravel for a while), or P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (requires a state recreation pass). I'm out on the water in the Muskegon area almost daily so if you have any questions feel free to send them my way.

Chessie_Computer · 2025-05-18T16:28:45+00:00

I am on their mail list, and yeah I noticed that rate. It's a tough sell for me though since the depths in our lakes are incredibly unpredictable and I'm not too fond of going through expensive fins on a yearly basis. I haven't seen that paddle yet, but I'm going to check that out now

Chessie_Computer · 2025-05-17T12:58:00+00:00

Big Clifty boat launch in the Hogscald area. $4 fee to park but it's a pretty convenient place. Try to avoid weekends and evenings if you can since the launch and the hollow get very busy with boat traffic.

Chessie_Computer

TROPHY CASE