Kayaked downtown to Exchange Island last Saturday. Saw lots of "gators" and some stray "dogs" but no "Noone". Water was rough from the traffic but we prevailed.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/GrumpyOldBakerman/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/Oct%2031%202015_zpsurbinjh4.jpg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/GrumpyOldBakerman/media/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/Oct%2031%202015_zpsurbinjh4.jpg.html)
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/GrumpyOldBakerman/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/10-31-b_zpsvidrjozi.jpg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/GrumpyOldBakerman/media/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/10-31-b_zpsvidrjozi.jpg.html)
Per the chart it appears you embarked at Ortega/Saddler Point and thence returned. Nice jog. Multiple photo scenes.
Where did you see gators?
Quote from: thelakelander on November 08, 2015, 10:33:34 PM
Where did you see gators?
Probably near where they saw the dawgs...
Aww, that totally flew over my head, the first time I read it.
Quote from: Overstreet on November 02, 2015, 01:02:56 PM
Kayaked downtown to Exchange Island last Saturday. Saw lots of "gators" and some stray "dogs" but no "Noone". Water was rough from the traffic but we prevailed.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/GrumpyOldBakerman/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/Oct%2031%202015_zpsurbinjh4.jpg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/GrumpyOldBakerman/media/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/Oct%2031%202015_zpsurbinjh4.jpg.html)
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/GrumpyOldBakerman/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/10-31-b_zpsvidrjozi.jpg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/GrumpyOldBakerman/media/exchange%20Island%2010-31-15/10-31-b_zpsvidrjozi.jpg.html)
Nice! Was this part of an organized event (some type of paddling association) or just you and some friends?
Florida Sea Kayak Association..............annual Gator/Dog weekend paddle.....timed to work the tides.
The gators are all figurative in this case. However I have seen the reptiles swimming in the Ortega river and Fishing creek.
Quote from: Know Growth on November 08, 2015, 10:24:39 PM
Per the chart it appears you embarked at Ortega/Saddler Point and thence returned. Nice jog. Multiple photo scenes.
Sixteen miles more or less. Long sleek sea kayaks make the miles easier.
(http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/GrumpyOldBakerman/DSCF4415_zpsqrgy3oen.jpg) (http://s738.photobucket.com/user/GrumpyOldBakerman/media/DSCF4415_zpsqrgy3oen.jpg.html)
Quote from: Overstreet on November 09, 2015, 11:13:56 AM
Florida Sea Kayak Association..............annual Gator/Dog weekend paddle.....timed to work the tides.
The gators are all figurative in this case. However I have seen the reptiles swimming in the Ortega river and Fishing creek.
That's great. We have Sea Eagle Razorlites; a nice, fast inflatable, but doubtful we're going to be able to keep up with you in those things!!! ;D
Still, looking forward to being able to go out into that river.
Most of the inflatables paddle like a sponge but for a select few higher end inflatables. My attitude changed on inflatables when a certain tandem disappeared in front of me on a 20 mile paddle. They were faster, but there was two of them paddling. The Sea Eagle looks like one of the better inflatables. Whatever you do be aware of the tides and use the eddies to your advantage. Downtown can be tricky. An incoming can flow by the old ship yards creating boils and strong cross currents. Then again the inside of the turn by the marina can be smoother.
Quote from: Overstreet on November 09, 2015, 02:34:11 PM
Most of the inflatables paddle like a sponge but for a select few higher end inflatables. My attitude changed on inflatables when a certain tandem disappeared in front of me on a 20 mile paddle. They were faster, but there was two of them paddling. The Sea Eagle looks like one of the better inflatables. Whatever you do be aware of the tides and use the eddies to your advantage. Downtown can be tricky. An incoming can flow by the old ship yards creating boils and strong cross currents. Then again the inside of the turn by the marina can be smoother.
Yeah, we are in our first year of this. We are runners and cyclists, but trying to add on to our activity choices! The Razorlite has really impressed us both. No one that we see on the water can believe we are in inflatables. They are solid as a rock and they truly can fly, if they have the right motor. (Not this 58-year-old one!) We actually brought them down with us this summer, and had them out in ATL when we were there, but my wife got pretty sick in Jax, so we weren't able to do anything that strenuous while we were in town. Maybe next year. :)
Overstreet, I may have seen some of you from the Hart Bridge. Went to the game and noticed some kayakers. Good for you. It was nice weather. GO GATORS! Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 11/12/15 at 9:30 am in council chambers. Have you ever been to one?
DIA (Downtown Is Adrift) with the new guy Aundra Wallace and Guy Parola on the agenda. What is the position if any of the Fla. Sea Kayak Assoc. as it relates to kayak launches in this new 2014-560 CRA/DIA 4.8 mile Rivers edge zone from the Fuller Warren to the Mathews Bridge?
Quote from: TimmyB on November 09, 2015, 03:27:04 PM.......... they truly can fly, if they have the right motor. (Not this 58-year-old one!) ...........
Some of the paddlers on that paddle were 10 - 15 years older than you. Don't discount age.
Quote from: Overstreet on November 10, 2015, 10:21:38 AM
Quote from: TimmyB on November 09, 2015, 03:27:04 PM.......... they truly can fly, if they have the right motor. (Not this 58-year-old one!) ...........
Some of the paddlers on that paddle were 10 - 15 years older than you. Don't discount age.
C'mon, man. You're taking away all my excuses!!! ;D
I do OK in my age group races, but I always reign myself in with reality. I imagine the same is true for my kayaking abilities.
Quote from: Overstreet on November 09, 2015, 11:25:13 AM
Quote from: Know Growth on November 08, 2015, 10:24:39 PM
Per the chart it appears you embarked at Ortega/Saddler Point and thence returned. Nice jog. Multiple photo scenes.
Sixteen miles more or less. Long sleek sea kayaks make the miles easier.
10/4.
For many years I ran a Sleek,Fast Necky Looksha sit-inside. But I often wondered about a Flip in Downtown waters,the scramble back inside (forget about tugging the craft to shore there,sea walls etc.....think about it...),currents,maybe a nice big barge rolling through.
I got a taste of DWSSIV; Downtown Waterway Swamp Sit Inside Version,right there with Noone,under the edge of the parking lot. Good positioning,'planing'- I had to pee bad,waited until emerging from the inner parking lot sanctum to do so,waited until I was next to the floating dock,aware of potential spill,and yep,second "try" I swamped. Bizarre. Clamored on to the floating dock (yep......careful of dem' barnacles),swamped boat,soaked camera. It was about this time of year,falling light,a bit cold. Noone was great,produced a pump. It took some time to get the boat drained,situated.
Since than,I have opted for a sit on top self bailing kayak. Wilderness Systems Ride,comparatively a "barge" but very stable,actually designed to stand up in,I can swing both legs over the side,gotta' really work at it to flip.What a Ride!In the event of a Downtown Waterway Swamp, it's a relatively easy righting,if in fact righting is required,climb aboard and the hull drains. (And one can discretely pee and 'flush' via self bailing scuppers- a wonderful feature :) )
The "Barge" seems nearly as good a performer as the Necky,and so super comfortable,comforting. A masterful,wonderful Downtown Urban Waterway vessel.
Noone and I once made a kayak run originating at Hogan Creek,McCoys Tunnel Vision diversion,and thence to Ortega/Fishweir Creek.
World Class.
Makes one thankful to not live in Boulder,Colorado.As but one Kayak Lyfe example.
Jacksonville Area Kayak World rocks!
Cheers,Onward!
The probability of a wet exit is greatly reduced by the skills and equipment of the paddler. Regular training an familiarization of paddling technique, self and assisted rescues is a necessary part of the sport. A cockpit "skirt" and a high or low "brace" (paddle stroke) will often eliminate the need for the wet exit. Swimming to shore is usually a bad option in the NE waters due to silt, bulkheads, oysters and surf. An assisted rescue is much faster and less exhausting.
Personal wetness is a scheduling and fluid management problem.
A capsize around traffic, piling and other hazards can be avoided by route selection. But if it occurs a "contact tow" can be applied to move the stricken boat and paddler out of harms way.
I recommend regular participation in a paddling club to increase experience and skills.
Quote from: Noone on November 10, 2015, 04:10:20 AM
Overstreet, I may have seen some of you from the Hart Bridge. Went to the game and noticed some kayakers. Good for you. It was nice weather. GO GATORS! Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 11/12/15 at 9:30 am in council chambers. Have you ever been to one?
DIA (Downtown Is Adrift) with the new guy Aundra Wallace and Guy Parola on the agenda. What is the position if any of the Fla. Sea Kayak Assoc. as it relates to kayak launches in this new 2014-560 CRA/DIA 4.8 mile Rivers edge zone from the Fuller Warren to the Mathews Bridge?
The 11/12/15 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting is being televised at 9:30 am in council chambers. Go to coj.net and watch the live stream. The 4.8 mile rivers edge zone of the highly restricted area is on the agenda.
What is so wrong with creating a spot at the DCPS building next to the JEA property for the Wheelchair gang?
Don't be afraid of this.
Quote from: Noone on November 10, 2015, 04:10:20 AM
Overstreet, I may have seen some of you from the Hart Bridge. Went to the game and noticed some kayakers. Good for you. It was nice weather. GO GATORS! Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 11/12/15 at 9:30 am in council chambers. Have you ever been to one?
DIA (Downtown Is Adrift) with the new guy Aundra Wallace and Guy Parola on the agenda. What is the position if any of the Fla. Sea Kayak Assoc. as it relates to kayak launches in this new 2014-560 CRA/DIA 4.8 mile Rivers edge zone from the Fuller Warren to the Mathews Bridge?
The Tom Ingram kayak launch recommendation that he made has been approved for the 2016 Potential Alternative FIND Projects list at the 11/20/15 FIND subcommittee meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. Somebody share with Tom the positive news.
Support 2015-777 with a resolution of support from the JEA, DIA, SJRA, SJRK, COJ for the DOJ, ADA next to the JEA at the DCPS that is FIND in the USA.
Sit On Top/Self Bailing type is clearly safest for any and all paddlers. Downtown waterway presents particular potential peril as a result of a flip.
A Downtown Jacksonville Kayker Fatality would (finally!...) put "us" 'on the map' but ultimately not worth the loss.
Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 12/9/15 at 9:30 am in council chambers. Open to the Public.
On the agenda for the 12/9/15 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting is
"Water Policy Legislation"
Quote from: Noone on December 08, 2015, 11:55:13 AM
On the agenda for the 12/9/15 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting is
"Water Policy Legislation"
Anything to report Noone? Formal meeting minutes not yet available.
Certainly an intriguing subject title. Water quality/quantity/supply et al? JEA/DEP? etc.
Quote from: Know Growth on December 10, 2015, 08:07:51 PM
Quote from: Noone on December 08, 2015, 11:55:13 AM
On the agenda for the 12/9/15 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting is
"Water Policy Legislation"
Anything to report Noone? Formal meeting minutes not yet available.
Certainly an intriguing subject title. Water quality/quantity/supply et al? JEA/DEP? etc.
Too much to report.
But you MUST ONLY POST POSITIVE comments.
"WATER POLICY LEGISLATION" was agenda item IV under River Issues Update By Lisa Rinaman of the SJRK.
She was a No Show but Chairman Crescimbeni indicated that she would email her comments so as to then be distributed to Commission members.
So how much money has been raised through the fertilizer ordinance legislation?
Then went upstairs to attend the 12/9/15 Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission meeting and heard a Presentation on their Social Media Plan. Very Positive.
KG, We need to Kayak Downtown an do a RICO District Loop with some Environmental Ethics-Vince Seibold, A Vivian Harrell KJB Bluebag cleanup. And to top it off we can drift by a 2013 Tom Ingram FIND kayak launch recommendation and according to a DOJ (Department of Justice) ADA update tell the Wheelchair gang to Keep Wheelin. Shared this with JWC member Ray Pringle after the 12/9/15 JWC meeting.
Kayaked Downtown. Weather conditions were Jax Chamber, DIA Chillin and OED Spacin. Launched at RCB with an outgoing tide. Took it over to the No Fishing signs that was never before Waterways. Had a 21 inch red. Some catfish. Did a Vivian Harrell KJB Bluebag at the DCPS 2014-190 Tom Ingram, Ray Pringle, Scott Shine, 2016 FIND Potential Project list. Talked to someone on the Riverwalk about Environmental Ethics- Vince Seibold.
Visit Jacksonville!