After becoming involved with the planning of the Verlen Kruger Memorial paddling events, I decided to participate in the "Halfwhacker" which is the first 75 downstream miles of the 150 mile Bushwhacker Challenge. At first, I planned to paddle my SOF folding kayak, but Mark P. of Kruger Canoes very generously offered to let me borrow his Sea Wind for the trip. I brought the Sea Wind home after last weeks Hugh Heward event, and I have been paddling it as often as possible since then. My first trip out was a night-time paddle; I chased the sun to the west and got a couple of shots of De Zwaan before the sun went down:
I paddled back in the dark, which was fine except for the fish that kept swimming into the boat. I could see them swimming just below the surface, and a few of them actually swam into the boat; weird.
I got out again this morning for a little while in Lake Macatawa. It was nice paddling in the daylight, and also nice experiencing some wind and waves (well, boat wakes...) I paddled with my friend Dan who was paddling his SOF Sea Ranger.
It was a great outing on a beautiful day. I can't wait to get out again!
Oh yeah... and I have not forgotten about my folding kayak. I have the deck completed and I'll be working on the cockpit coaming next.
Looking great - I don't think I could fit in the Sea Ranger...:) but looks like a fast kayak. Take a pole and troll for some fish at night....could be interesting.
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