10 Questions with Cindy Kelly

Our paddling friend Cindy Kelly has weathered the trials of paddling with the wolf pack and gets to eat fresh meat. She always brought her own anyway -independence being the hallmark of reliability.

We take you now to the action already in progress…live on disk:

Cindy Kelly

You’re a rare find. Up before dawn gelding the stallions before you had to go to kindergarten?

Nah, they let me wait till second grade.  Actually, it was more Chemistry sets and quadratic equations.  I was even on the Science quiz team.  Over the years I’ve built up a confidence - I’m just not afraid to try. I can usually do whatever I set my mind to and if I don’t, it’s a learning experience. Well except singing or dancing -those have both been dismal failures.

Ah yes, the triumph of logic paths and process over extrapolating rhythms and getting funky with it. I don’t believe you. Do you mean to tell us that you did not participate in the PAGA 2006 square dancing partner twirling? I could’a sworn…

Given your Swiss army knife-like skills and interests, why paddling?

It just feels good.  I work in a cube farm.  Paddling gets me out in the real world.  You can paddle the same river, but it’s always different, I never get bored.  Plus I can’t deny there is that adrenaline factor.

Yes, substituting one form of stress with another keeps that soothing momentum going. You are a trooper and it is appreciated.

Day trips or paddle/camp trips?

Paddle/camp trips. Gives me more time to decompress.

Early or late?

Definitely early. While I probably won’t be meeting the guys at 6:00 a.m. at the Huddle House, I love to see the mist rising over the river in the morning.

You can have my ice-cream next time. We’re headed towards Fall and will be able to enjoy more misty mornings soon.

Best/worst gear investment?

Worst – My three boat kayak storage hanger - It collapsed after about 6 months and all three boats came crashing down.  I was not pleased. (Good thing that REI has a great return policy)

Best- I love the Seven2 paddle I bought used.  It’s light and I love the ergonomic grips (sadly, they don’t appear to make them anymore)

Yes, Seven2 is no more. After 10 years… I have their 210 Vapor.  Saves my web-worker wrists.

What’s on your paddle trip wish-list?

Alaska maybe. Prince William Sound or Glacier Bay.  Closer to home-would like to paddle in the Everglades.

Let’s do it. There are enough people who have been to gather the beta necessary to optimize such a trip.

What advice can you give to someone just starting out?

Find out what you want to paddle before you buy.  (Nothing worse than the wrong boat for the conditions.) Try boats out, many of the outfitters let you do this. Just because you find a kayak cheap on Craig’s list, doesn’t make it a good deal.  Actually considering all the accessories (roof racks, paddles, PFD, etc) the price of the kayak is minimal.

So true. Many of the big box stores carry gear for shooting the ‘hooch, which is understandable. I suggest deciding on what type of paddling you aspire to in the medium term and then jump right into it with a group of paddlers that want you to succeed. Don’t waste resources on baby steps.

Can you recommend an exceptional river section for a beginner kayak camper?

The Etowah-X Fall 2009 trip coming up is a good one for someone starting out.  The days are relatively short and the river is beautiful.

Camping guilty pleasure?

A wee bit of rum. It makes sleeping on an inflatable mat the approximate thickness of a two ply paper towel just a tad easier. Also, ear plugs when you hang out with some of the guys I paddle with.

Haha! *cough* Ear plugs you say, really? I hadn’t heard (and definitely did not solicit the revival of this thread)! I thought it was badger caught in a barb wire snare.

You’re (alledgedly, proof pending) an accomplished cook who has travelled for classes etc. What’s on the deluxe paddle/camp dinner menu?

Well it won’t be soufflé or mousse.  How about some nice grilled salmon with asparagus and homemade brownies for dessert.  Definitely packable.

GSI has an anodized aluminum Dutch Oven that is a third of the cast iron equivalent.  REI has them too although at the time of this linkage, the price was about $20 cheaper in the store! I took a good look at these. I could easily paddle with two of these things in my kayak for a few days.

Well, thanks Cindy for playing along. Always good times, thank you!

Cindy Kelly everybody! [APPLAUSE]