BAREFOOT BEACHCOMBING

Kate and I both loved paddling this kayak.  It was extremely easy to paddle, stable, very maneuverable, has a roomy cockpit, and was VERY comfortable.  The seat is especially comfortable and completely adjustable.  You can adjust the back support up and down, forward and back, and there are also adjustable straps for the bottom of the seat to raise your thighs up and provide support.  At Deep Creek Lake, we found that it handled VERY well when 25 mph winds kicked up 3 foot waves in the lake. (Not kidding.  Not trying to do that again either.)  It has a neat drop-down skeg that is raised and lowered from the seat position by a conveniently located springloaded pull rope.  In the lowered position, it helps the boat straight straight when facing wind and/or current.  And then it easily retracts when launching and landing.

So this spring, I decided to expand our kayaking options by purchasing one for myself. 

Once again utilizing the services of Appomattox River Company (ARC) in Hampton, we went over to talk to the guys in the shop.  They didn't have any in stock at the Hampton store, but the Farmville store had some.  I knew that that I liked the color of the one we paddled at the lake which was a dark orange color.  Dagger has a color listed as "Red" but in the pictures  on website it looks orange.  So I put in my order and the great folks at ARC arranged to have it brought down on the truck from the Farmville store the following week. (They don't charge for that service by the way.)  Back to the waiting game.  But since the weather is still cold, the waiting wasn't nearly as difficult as last year.  :)

The following Saturday (today) I headed over to Hampton.  As I exited the tunnel, it started pouring down rain.  Great!  But the guys at ARC brought the boat out and I loaded it up.   It's definitely red and not orange (although the pictures still make it look orange), but it's a good color and will be very visible on the water.

This boat will allow me to go out when the weather is a little bit cooler without the trouble of getting wet as is the case with my Ride 115 (which I still LOVE and will continue paddling).  It's fun to paddle different boats.  And they serve different purposes.  AND there are LOTS of bodies of water around that need to be explored. Lots of sights to see. Plenty of wildlife to discover.   Pirates of the Pocaty!!    Marinha Portuguesa  :)

Now I have to figure out where and how to mount the GPS and the video camera. Oh, and the pirate flag! :) Some people got a bit nervous when I drilled holes in the other kayak last year, but it has to be done!! Maiden voyage to follow once it warms up a little. Can't wait to get back out on the water. (Peace Daddy, can you do a "warm up dance"?) In the meantime, here are some pictures.