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| There are many things that need to change about our equipment. Our lives depend on a wrap of velcro around our leg. That is insanely stupid but we all do it. There is a paddler here in Minnesota that wears two leg leashes going to the same leg. That is not paranoid; that is smart. Most boats have no way to attach a tow line, and none of us carry tow lines. That means that if someone loses their boat, you might be able to paddle after it but you'll never be able to bring it back to them. I plan to do end pours on my v12 and drill holes to attach a tow rope. I am going to modify a sea kayak tow rope so that it will have an industrial strength suction cup on the end in place of the carabiner. That way I will be able to tow any boat, even if there is no tie down point on the bow. I never used to carry flares or a strobe light on me, but that will change. I used to keep my marine radio and cell phone on my boat rather than in my PFD. That has to change too. | There are many things that need to change about our equipment. Our lives depend on a wrap of velcro around our leg. That is insanely stupid but we all do it. There is a paddler here in Minnesota that wears two leg leashes going to the same leg. That is not paranoid; that is smart. Most boats have no way to attach a tow line, and none of us carry tow lines. That means that if someone loses their boat, you might be able to paddle after it but you'll never be able to bring it back to them. I plan to do end pours on my v12 and drill holes to attach a tow rope. I am going to modify a sea kayak tow rope so that it will have an industrial strength suction cup on the end in place of the carabiner. That way I will be able to tow any boat, even if there is no tie down point on the bow. I never used to carry flares or a strobe light on me, but that will change. I used to keep my marine radio and cell phone on my boat rather than in my PFD. That has to change too. | ||
| - | To appreciate the story I should explain to you lake Mille Lacs. It is a lake in central Minnesota that is essentially a circle 15 miles across. It is a surf skiers dream. A road goes around the lake, so whatever direction the wind is blowing there is a perfect 15 mile downwinder to do. On windy days 8 foot waves are common. | + | To appreciate the story I should explain to you [[:mille_lacs_lake|]]. It is a lake in central Minnesota that is essentially a circle 15 miles across. It is a surf skiers dream. A road goes around the lake, so whatever direction the wind is blowing there is a perfect 15 mile downwinder to do. On windy days 8 foot waves are common. | 
| You should also know something about Todd Ellison. He was 50 years old, and as fit as any 50 year old can possibly be. He would rank among the top few marathon canoe racers in the Midwest, and one of the top handful in the entire nation. He was almost as impressive in an ICF sprint Kayak as he was in a canoe. He loved canoe racing, but he was addicted to the speed of a K1. | You should also know something about Todd Ellison. He was 50 years old, and as fit as any 50 year old can possibly be. He would rank among the top few marathon canoe racers in the Midwest, and one of the top handful in the entire nation. He was almost as impressive in an ICF sprint Kayak as he was in a canoe. He loved canoe racing, but he was addicted to the speed of a K1. | ||