Staying Safe on a Soggy Winter Paddle

[@williamjohnston6033]

Cheers, thanks for sharing your day, and some good advice. Hope to paddle on the river Bann tomorrow. Forecast isn't so good but only those off us who fall for this wonderful sport can understand the pleasure of winter Kayaking. All the best from Coleraine Northern Ireland.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Glad you enjoyed the episode. Yeah, it's time to think about winter considerations again! And NI! I've had several lovely trips to see Friends in Northern Ireland. I'm looking at an artistic print of the Carrick-a-Reed bridge on my desk right now! Hope you enjoy your day out tomorrow.

[@sammccreery4139]

Hi ,I'm from the UK, don't usually comment, just saving up for my first kayak!! Your videos are great for people like me, full of information and tip's, my mind boggles why people don't wear life jacket's when kayaking \ canoeing, you see a lot of that on other channel's!! So keep doing what you love, with kind regards Samuel.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Hello! Thanks for watching and for your kind words. Enjoy your first boat and have fun out there.

[@garyzapel4022]

Thanks for sharing. Much learned! Maine is very beautiful even in the winter! My first port visit in the navy was Portland in 1989. I hope to re visit one day and bring my kayak too. GB

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks for your service! And, it's an amazing State to see kayak! Hope you make it back some time.

[@flatheadfletch]

I have truly enjoyed your videos. I’m sure in your Mexico trip you were missing your P&H Aries, lol. It only takes a minute in a plastic kayak after paddling carbon n Kevlar to realize how great the P&H kayak truly are. I paddle the Volan 160, it’s the only new yak I have bought in 40+ years of paddling. I’m still a novice but I’ll always be a novice compared to many. It’s about the feelings of nature, human powered traveling. Theirs nothing more joyous than paddling at night or in fog patches on glassy water under cliffs and I can’t emphasize just how harmonious this is. Again Steve, great work, the work in editing, thank you. Ps, if you haven’t tried a Greenland Paddle, I highly recommend you do. I use the Gear lab , a real game changer !

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Your comments mean so much to me. I am delighted you're enjoying the channel. Luckily in Baja, I was in a P&H Delphin, the plastic version of the Aries. I was glad not to have a composite boat in Mexico, and I definitely was willing to try things I would not have done in my Aries! The Volan is a great, excellent choice! Thanks for your recommendation on a Greenland paddle. I have a one-piece wooden Greenland that I love. I find I use it more for longer-distance cruising. My Greenland will make an appearance on my channel soon. My parter has a new Gearlab, which she loves!

[@mattzilluh]

Thank you for your comments about overcoming inertia - a poignant lesson that I think a lot of us need to be reminded of.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Glad it resonated! Thanks for watching.

[@MadYakker]

Awesome! Stonington is sea kayaking heaven!

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

It's a pretty cool spot. Do you have a favorite island or area in Stonington?

[@MadYakker]

@@SeeSteveSeaKayak Of the ones I’ve visited, I’d say Doliver I. Doliver is on the eastern side of Isle Au Haut, probably 9ish miles out of Stonington if I had to guess. Only has one tree, and one little campsite. Very wild one

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

I know Doliver! Almost camped there once after a trip around Isle Au Haut. But, the wind was absolutely horrible from the South and all I could think about was being battered by the wind all night by that little tree! Pushed on a bit further and stayed on Burnt. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@kevinharding2099]

I am impressed by your respect for the fisherman. When I was younger I was rescued by a passing fisherman when my small sailboat capsized. Kayakers need to give them space and acknowledge they are earning a living while we are playing.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks for sharing that. I think we can easily take things for granted or not fully understand our impact, particularly when the person on the other end might save our life. I appreciate you watching and I hope the episode brought you some joy.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Nice area thanks. Love paddling with zero sun.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgemorcom9700]

I’ve been watching your videos for a few months now. I’m enjoying the scenery and your insights on where you’re going and just the things you share on safe paddling. I paddle coastal NC where I live. Much warmer conditions here even in the winter. I like the cloudy days myself. I’m wanting to learn more on navigation using maps and compass. Do you have any suggestions on where to turn to get more understanding? Looking forward to more videos from you. Take care.

[@thepeacerunners]

Just found your channel and subscribed...I absolutely love that area...Stonington is beautiful...I'm from Southeastern Mass on the coast...it's so different...I keep to kayaking the tidal rivers and canoeing the back waters...not good enough to get out on the ocean yet and my fear of sharks that are around here...keep me as far as the bays..lol...but love watching you guys that are out there in the waters that I'm not ready to get out into yet. Well done...we are so lucky in New England to have every type of water for everyone to get out on...and it's all beautiful...look forward to watching more!

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

I'm delighted you found the channel and are enjoying the episodes. I agree; New England is a pretty magical place! I started my paddling journey 20+ years ago on the South Shore! I can't say I know those waters too well, but I enjoyed my time out that way. Thanks for watching and for reaching out.

[@robert-ne1835]

Nice trip! In the summer, I liked the dreary days for a couple of reasons: don't need sunglasses or sunscreen, less people on the water, and I feel more in touch with nature in the grand scheme. Those benefits definitely diminish in the winter, but sometimes it is good to just get into the thick of it and recognize that, if you have prepared properly, you can deal with it and maybe even enjoy yourself. There is no denying the sheer elation of warming up after a cold day on the water, and thinking back on what you accomplished.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Well said. Well. Said. Thanks for watching and safe paddling (summer or winter). 😀

[@Boilermaker92]

Beautiful video and excellent commentary. Thank you for sharing this!

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PaddleDogC5]

Proper gear and I'm always comfortable I go out down to 34° F air 15 MPH wind.

[@pabloenriquetirabassi7060]

Bellísimo video con paisajes increíbles y excelentes reflexiones. Ya me suscribo al canal. Saludos desde Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks for subscribing and I'm glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@Fishaholicboy]

I found your video through browse and I’m happy I clicked! Great to see another kayak channel!

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Welcome aboard! And thanks for watching.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Neo kokatat balaclava is much better than a hat that can come off . Balaclava can even keep your head dry for the most part. I still wear my kokatat hat for warmth and visibility on top. Water above 55° F I usually carry it in my PFD. I carry cell phone in pouch, 1 VHF on my PFD and another on my deck bag.

[@kayakreflections9987]

Definitely had to overcome inertia yesterday for our trip to Blue Hill reversing falls. Long drive for a short but thrilling time. It was all worth it because we gained experience that we couldn’t get just anywhere. Balance, bracing, surfing, rescues in current.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Glad you made it out, and disappointed I couldn't be there!

[@soihavetoplay]

What a great video, one of your best ones yet ! Even talked about safety!

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks! What stood out for you in the episode?

[@soihavetoplay]

@@SeeSteveSeaKayak you show beautiful captures but I enjoyed the narrative flow, excellent, including safety, everything very useful, from start to end. Well done.

[@davidwalker41]

Loved this video. Great content, delivered in an easy to digest manner (you have an enjoyable speaking style), and nice views.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate your feedback, and I'm delighted you enjoyed the episode!

[@burrharrison2004]

Really nice vid, and I actually watched the entire thing, WHICH I don't typically do, especially with one so long. This was a really nice combination of beautiful images, thoughtful commentary, and practical advice. Well done Sir.

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Wow. Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time, and for your thoughtful feedback. I hope you continue to get value out of these!!!

[@markthompson5746]

Great video!

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickpeters8002]

Very enjoyable video, Steve. There's a whole crew of Ontario CA based paddlers who post super high quality vids on YT (I'm sure you've seen them, Jon @ Lost Lakes is my fave), but Coastal Maine is equally beautiful and might be a good niche for you! I'm a kayaker and my daughter recently moved to Maine, so I'll be following with interest! Might see you on the water one day! One question - how do you plan for and deal with the tides up there - that's not something I've had much experience with?

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Thanks for watching and reaching out. Tides! Yeah, there's some new stuff to put into your toolbox. I'd be happy to connect. Reach out if you want to chat about tides. I don't give my email out here, but it is on my website (seesteveseakayak.com). I have some questions about where you will be and what you hope to do to be best positioned to answer your question. Enjoy your time and Maine, and I hope to see you out there.

[@JohnSchwartz-g1f]

Curious on your paddle choice, I'm only 3 seasons in but I noticed your paddle remotely resembles a white water paddle but your in a sea kayak 🤔 can you explain your paddle choice, again I'm new

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Hello! Happy to talk paddles. I'm using a Werner Ikelos in the video you watched. It is a high-angle touring paddle with a rather large blade size. In my limited WW experience, WW paddles tend to be shorter, have that large blade size, and are made of really durable materials (for knocking into rocks). WW paddlers also use a high angle in their stroke. There are also low-angle touring paddles. I wonder if it is that shaft angle that is catching your eye. LMK if that prompted your question of if I missed what you were looking for. High v. low angle is a personal preference. One benefit to "high" might be a tiny bit more power if you need it due to a deeper blade in the water. I'm sure some would debate that, but I think there is a reason WW paddlers use a high angle. One low-angle benefit might be it's initially easier on your shoulders (although using a high angle with the correct technique doesn't have to stress your shoulders). Again, it comes down to personal preference. I often use a Greenland paddle (although I haven't used it on the channel yet), that's a low-angle paddle. I could go for days with that thing but it takes a bit longer to get going if I need to make fast moves. Does that answer your question or did I miss your question and/or raise a bunch more questions?

[@slowboilingleafs]

How are you wearing your tow line? at 4:46 it looks like its fairly loose behind you? if it works and is secure in that way I might need to adopt it :)

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Hello! The tow line is on a belt with a quick release. I find it more comfortable wearing the bulk on my back than on my front. But the tow line belt is just loose enough that I can swivel it around (with a little effort) if needed. I might make a different decision if I'm in rocky areas with friends, and a tow is likely as part of a rescue. In those cases, I might wear it on my front. Hope that was helpful! What about you?

[@slowboilingleafs]

@@SeeSteveSeaKayak I wear it the same way. When im in a "classic" or standard kayak like yours or a ph virgo/leo it works well. In my own kayak (from Wig) where I have changed the seat so I sit lower in an already higher than normal kayak, there its an issue with finding the space for a tow line around the waist below the pfd. I mistakenly thought you were wearing it differently than the normal way. I have yet to test if a streamlined towline (like the pro from north water) could work ok, even if squeezed :)

[@kayakreflections9987]

What’s the water temperature up there? Right around 40F here in Casco Bay

[@SeeSteveSeaKayak]

Offshore buoy is reporting 39F here in March. It's probably closer to 40F closer to shore.