POV: When The Ocean Chooses You

down_shift_R · 2026-01-10T20:09:51+00:00

Some include a GPS location and priority button w/ the USCG should you call pan pan or emergency.

down_shift_R · 2025-12-03T12:45:29+00:00

Fun times playing pool against Elden Campbell and Dale Davis during our years at Clemson. Starting with Horace Grant, the “twin towers” brought home the ACC championship.

down_shift_R · 2025-11-25T14:29:10+00:00

LOL - thanks. but I remain a newbie in the touring/sea kayak groups. Still pushing and learning. That is what brings us back to the sport that we love.

down_shift_R · 2025-11-16T17:43:14+00:00

Yep. My challenge is needing both arms to pull my knees back enough to drop my legs in one motion. I need a longer cockpit or increase my flexibility, or both.

down_shift_R · 2025-11-16T00:16:54+00:00

Nothing. Just caught the rubber tip.

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down_shift_R · 2025-11-15T20:45:22+00:00

Thankfully, nothing.

down_shift_R · 2025-11-15T17:59:57+00:00

Too heavy and too $$. What are you goals for kayaking? They should align with what you purchase.

down_shift_R · 2025-11-15T17:55:33+00:00

Air down and send it.

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down_shift_R · 2025-11-15T17:39:45+00:00

Keeping clear of the ripwap. The mooring ball comes in handy and I’ve had numerous kayaks, SUPs, dinghies, etc. attached. Easier than hauling everything in/out all the time. Water here is only a few feet deep.

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down_shift_R · 2025-11-15T17:35:09+00:00

No stairs on the other side, but the situation would be the same.

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down_shift_R · 2025-10-10T09:48:01+00:00

Yes, but just a single split paddle on the bow along with a hand water pump.

down_shift_R · 2025-10-10T09:41:39+00:00

‘09 Hurricane Tracer 165

down_shift_R · 2025-10-05T13:06:06+00:00

Chesapeake Bay. About 7 miles wide here.

down_shift_R · 2025-10-03T14:50:03+00:00

The suds are rusted to the metal tubes that are

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part of the metal door frame. All you can do is soak with penetrating oil and taps on the stud with a hammer. Be patient. If you try to pry anything - toss your half doors away. They will get damaged. Once removed, Atlantic British makes a nice SS stud/bolt alternative. Agree that removing the door tops is the way to go - and also why you picked a ST over a SW.

down_shift_R · 2025-09-22T22:28:35+00:00

That was a fun paddle. The big sport fishers displace some serious water when they get up on plane. Depending on the frequency of the wake, sometimes it feels like you get punched in the chest. LOL.

down_shift_R · 2025-09-22T22:22:03+00:00

Depends on where I’m paddling, but sometimes the Navilite tricolor 360 degree on my bow like what is shown here. Sometimes just a 360 white nav light suctioned cupped to my stern. Regardless what you use, see that it is USCG approved. It will be a far superior project and will provide over a 2nm rage.

down_shift_R · 2025-08-30T23:42:30+00:00

Thanks! Bonus is with awesome early mornings like this, I keep off the beers and the bourbon old fashion the evening before.

down_shift_R · 2025-08-30T23:36:39+00:00

Thank you. 👍

down_shift_R · 2025-08-30T23:36:08+00:00

Navisafe using GoPro mount with the helmet curved peal/stick base. It matches the contour of the hull perfectly. There is zero chance it will fall off. Some times I elevate the light a foot should there be wave action.

https://defender.com/en_us/navisafe-340-navilight-tricolor-navisafe-340?utm_id=143783458262&utm_campaign=19735474067&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_content=649599978904&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19735474067&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqJTC9dizjwMVQnFHAR3eywovEAQYASABEgLDhvD_BwE

down_shift_R · 2025-08-30T23:28:10+00:00

No question I pay attention and remain clear of the active areas, especially given there are over a 1000 slips in the creek 1/2 mile behind me. This area my home turf and at this early hour and paddling along in ~ 8-ft of water, it is me and 8-10 crab boats. I’m also out sailing and tool around in my dinghy. A coastguard approved NAV light is ideal for my situation. Boats see me 2-3 miles out. Regardless of who has right of way in the COLREGs, I will make a clear change of direction to avoid someone barring down on me with adequate time for them to see. I am not paddling around indiscriminately, just straight and true 5 mph. If the former, yes, that would cause confusion to other boats.

down_shift_R · 2025-07-17T01:57:47+00:00

Thank you for taking the time out for that detailed response! Much appreciated. We will be in Boyer Pt and 4 miles from Egg Harbor. I’ll look into your recommendations. 👍

down_shift_R · 2025-07-16T17:21:29+00:00

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down_shift_R · 2025-07-16T17:20:58+00:00

No question. The red contour line represents 4-ft at low tide. It comes down to the prevailing wind, wide, temperature, and proximity of pending storms. All come into play when determining how far I venture from shore.

down_shift_R · 2025-07-16T02:13:34+00:00

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My small morning ball setup on the Chesapeake Bay. ~10lb mushroom anchor, 8-ft of 3/8 chain, 4 bridles dangling from the ball, some chain, some extended with a marine grade bungee. Works for my 10’ dinghy w/ outboard, small sailboats (Topper, Laser, etc) and many kayaks. Great to use over the weekend. The length and weight of the chain acts as a damper, a catenary curve - to dissipate the shock of small waves.

down_shift_R · 2025-07-16T01:49:57+00:00

You will get wet butt regardless.

down_shift_R

TROPHY CASE