Pool Rools
Okay, it's that time, and many of us are headed to the pool for sessions. For some, it will be their first in a kayak in an indoor pool. What, they ask, are the rules? Do the basics still apply? Is it like being on the big lake or the ocean, or do we need a whole new set of guidelines? Well, fear not. Once again, I am supplying that info for you with our annual review of pool rools.
1. Check with the other to see what marine channel you need to monitor. Many pools
do not use Channel 16 any more.
2. Don't forget sunscreen. Many pools have fluorescent lights which emit UV rays.
3. Wash your boat. We don't want invasive species in our pools. (Report giant carp sightings to the life guard).
4. Helmets aren't a bad idea, especially if you plan to surf. The indoor "beach" can be quite hard.
5. You can bring a race boat, but don't plan on any endurance races.
6. While hypothermia is less likely indoors, many pool accidents are due to inattentiveness in such a confined space. So get out of your boat to ogle the gals in their bikinis at the other end of the pool.
7. If you use a skin on frame which you cannot easily wet exit, ask someone to keep an eye on you. How embarrassing would it be to survive force 5 conditions only to drown in a pool?
8. In pool kayaking one washes before the paddle and will be amazingly cleaner after.
9. Check the weather forecast ahead of launching.
10. Don't over pack your kit. You're going to have to carry all that stuff into the pool.
Paddle safe...
DS
Time for my annual post of Sherri dragging her boat away from Lake Michigan. It some how personifies the drudgery of winter, short days, lethargy and often clouded skies. Still...
...there is beauty to be found. 
Not all the frost is on the pumpkins.
You know, there is a Santa. In fact, I know him on a first name basis, and here's a pic I took to prove it. Thing is, he isn't too happy with some of the behavior he is seeing out there. "They don't always wear their pfds," is a common complaint I hear from him. He is also saddened and upset that, "...they don't practice their rescues in conditions, and they don't ask me for the right equipment to be put in their stockings."
With temps and chill factors at 0 degrees F. and lower (not to mention that my dry suit is at Kokatat), most of us are pretty much off the lake as it lets off steam. At least its heat has moderated temps near shore, but the wind has been blowing causing chill factors that cut to the bone. Best idea seems to be to find a nice warm pool and
relax.
And, so, free of their bright flashy fall colors I offer the elegance of these two nudes.
Okay, it's that time, and many of us are headed to the pool for sessions. For some, it will be their first in a kayak in an indoor pool. What, they ask, are the rules? Do the basics still apply? Is it like being on the big lake or the ocean, or do we need a whole new set of guidelines? Well, fear not. Once again, I am supplying that info for you with our annual review of pool rools.
