August starting, 2024
Here I review whether I have so far reached any of my preseason goals (see Feb. 28, 2024 blog).
1. Having sold the CD Slipstream I am down to 3 kayaks, but am still somewhat interested in selling one more - maybe the Etain.
2. I have reconfigured the back band of the Etain and it is now comfortable enough. The seat back looks ugly, but will be refreshed. In any case, the Etain is again usable, allowing me to keep either the Squamish or Etain. Sea kayaks are not selling well at this point, impacted by the popularity of rec kayaks and SUPs.
3. The Squamish now has appropriate thigh/knee padding for rolling ... I hope.
4. If I sell the Etain, I will keep my eye out for yet another kayak for guests. But I would be fairly picky, perhaps some older and relatively cheap classic such as an NDK/SKUK Explorer or a Boreal Design Ellesmere.
5. The Aleutian paddle has been sold and I may modify the GP paddle so it becomes two piece.
6. I am just over halfway to my season's goal to kayak a total distance exceeding 200 nmi, but we'll be gone for a third of September so August will make the difference. However, I am unlikely to reach my 40 day goal.
7. I decided to forego the Sand Creek Challenge, but it ended up being cancelled anyway. With Jason Wiley out of the picture, the city may not start it up again.
