Kayak Splash!!!

Brian and I finally got to splash both kayaks together. I've had mine out on a couple of small test outings, but I've been waiting to hit the water with him and his boat before posting anything about it.

We put in at the North Shore Access of the James River/Springfield Lake at Springfield Lake Park and paddled from about 6:45 till sunset.

Following a draw up into the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, we came across a handful of deer grazing by the shore and we saw a standoff between two good size blue herons, resulting in a squawking match and one flying about a hundred yards down stream.

Getting dark, we called it and headed back. One of the great things about these kayaks is their ease of use. They're really light for a 12 foot boat (I think Brian said his was 34 pounds), so very easy to throw on the roof racks or into the back of a pickup for a quick evening trip to the river or lake. I hope to do this all summer and fall and if I make the spray guard idea I have in my head, probably into winter as well.

Much thanks to Brian D. for the leap of faith in building a boat with me. I'm not used to having someone else in the garage to BS with. It was cool and I'm happy to have gotten the chance to share the fun of having a water craft come together by your own two hands. Also, thanks to Dave Gentry for the plans. A week later he was charging for these and we were lucky to squeak in on the free side. I'm sure I'll be buying a plan set or two from him in the future. Also, thanks to Jeff of Kudzu Craft for all of the speedy deliveries (two spools of artificial sinew and 26 feet of 8oz polyester cloth).

www.gentrycustomboats.com www.kudzucraft.com