Thursday, February 25, 2010

March 4th - 9th, 2010...

Please look to the mobile updates section to the right for updates and pictures. We will be on the move!!
-
The Capt'n Reporting

And...

The Northern most Tribe starts their nomadic voyage south. Word on the water Manitou is packing it up and gingerly making his way to the frozen... I mean balmy Florida today. A few stops along the way, see the fam, drop a boat off, do a little scouting. "Just remember to pick Boo and I up on Thursday 7pm at the airport!!"
-
Not sure what Macatawa is doing? I see his SPOT test post puts him in the frozen waste land of Michigan. But he could be sneaky and already on the move.
-
Boo and I will be heading out next Thursday, a fly in fly out UM adventure. - Then back to my cubby for updates and blogging on the EC and FC events.
-
If you are wondering where NightNavigator and his band of misfits are; check out his SPOT:
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=06A1VoqojT9pdQCpdsvXUZKNP8CF1WjR5

The Capt'n Reporting

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Subtle Changes

to the blog; for your viewing pleasure!!
.
Over on the right column; there is a photo drop that we will initiate while on the move during the Florida Challenge. A picture is worth a thousand words and we hope it will help tell the story. There is testing going on present pics will be cleared before the event.
.
We also have weather on the top with a seven day outlook, links back to the WaterTribe Website, the challenger viewer and discussion board. We are looking at free beach cams as well to give you a different perspective of the beach and water.
.
There will be a lot of action on the discussion board; but you will find yourself wanting more in anticipation of arrivals to CP's and mandatory 24 hour check ins. There are some very active blogs to follow as well. A must see must view is SandyBottom's Blog.
.
Paul (DanceswithSandyBottom) is a master of the technical aspects of the events, getting the data you need want and desire. We are moving an easy access link to SandyBottom's Blog to the upper right column for easy point of entry.
.
Duck Works will be following along as well, another great resource to follow the event, They will be following a group from Texas and beyond. Upper right column access.
.
We're under the two week warning whistle - It's all happening!
.
The Captain Reporting

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Chief has closed registration for the WaterTribe 2010 Ultra Marathon Everglades Challenge and the Big Bear of all small boat challenges; The 1200 mile running of the Florida Challenge.

-

Online wagering and off shore banking activity increases. We are set, now waiting for Vegas to post the handicaps.

-

The Captain Reporting

School's in session

If you are here, you must be there; what I mean is... the WaterTribe Discussion Board is full of banter discussion and wildly important information. You're a click away from hearing more discussion on small boat adventure then ever before.
-
As team and solo challengers prepare, so can you as a viewer. Here is a suggestion:
-
1. Go to The Rouges Gallery; you will see that these are ordinary people just like you and me. (Well there ARE a few crazies) This makes for a very relatable event when you can identify with one or more of the participants.
-
2. Then check out the Challenge Viewer; a video is worth a thousand words. There are many to view.
-
Now you have a feel for the event. Next look at the Roster; Crazy Tribal Names alter egos...
-
As I see it expression of determination.
-
If you are wildly excited by what you have seen thus far, then start bookmarking in favorites, dig deep into the WaterTribe Magazine to learn all you can cause school's in session.
-
The Captain Reporting

Monday, February 15, 2010

Show me the beef!

-
ManitouCruiser beefs up an already beefy Paddle Boy Heavy Lifter portage cart and goes with a through axle and 16" wheels. Rolls like a dream...
-
I think this will either be MC's 3rd time across Florida by cart, and has at least that many up in Michigan on the UHH and Bushwacker events.
-

Here is the shot of his handle. The cart and 16" wheels offer a better height to the handle and levels the boat out when in tow. The handle has a duel purpose... yep you guessed it; a push pole for those tight shallow spots when you don't want to ding up your paddle.

-
The pole attachment is pretty simple. padeye through some aluminium stock doubled up' make for a ridged stout system. The line you see is the bow line unrelated to the operation of the portage handle.

The Captain Reporting

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Hey Doc!!

OK Nic, I cry UNCLE!! We really need to chat. What's happening in the world of Dr. Nic; What are you paddle/ pedal / sailing this year in the FC, hopefully not this gator?
-
This year, I'll be using a sit on top Hobie Tandem Island, with virtually all the electronics powered by solar. I picked up the panels from PowerFilm Solar yesterday at the Miami Boat Show.
-
You have a very informative blog Pelican's Poop, you are definitely on the cutting edge melding education and adventure. Your latest edition, the account of the 2009 EC, chronicles the trials and tribulations of Egret who is blind with one leg gone, and other practically useless is truly an inspiration. Outstanding read! I love this quote you have on your blog!
-
“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.” Jack London
-
It just keeps getting better and better. Wow... Go Doc Go!!
-
The Captain Reporting

The Magic Show! Starring Wizard

They were bound to surface; pictures of Matt Layden's new design. At 9' LOA and 38" W - a true microcruiser with a lot of competitive spirit. The 5 gal. buckets are to simulate cruising weight while under way.
-
WaterTribe forum postings from Matt state that she handles pretty well with a little weather helm. (he plans on moving the mast forward). There are a lot of subtleties on Matt's designs. Like the Chine Runners for windward advantage, the balanced reef-able lug sail. outboard kick up rudder with internal steering. She's a beauty!!
-

So after a few minor changes, a coat of paint and some glass in the windows, she looks about ready to go. Time to kick off those training wheels! More Matt Layden Designs and pictures can be found at: Matt Layden's Boats
-
The Captain Reporting

Friday, February 12, 2010

Extra Extra Read all about it!!

There is a great link on the WaterTribe website called Media Contacts. Outstanding overview of the events and some good information on the racers that are participating in the FC. Here's a little taste:
-
The 2010 Ultimate Florida Challenge Roster:
-
Steve “Chief” Isaac, 61, a computer consultant from Clearwater, Florida, and WaterTribe founder, in a Kruger expedition canoe with a full sail, outriggers, and a leeboard. Quote: “This race is at the very top of my bucket list
-
Mark “ManitouCruiser” Przedwojewski, 39, builder of the Kruger canoes used by five of the challengers, from Irons, Mich., in a Kruger expedition canoe with full sail, outriggers, and a leeboard. ManitouCruiser finished second in the 2006 Florida Challenge. Quote: “The earth’s waterways are a most sacred gift. For me water travel is always a life changing experience and I welcome another chance to enjoy the gift.”
-
Matt “Wizard” Layden, 48, a boat designer/drafter from Jensen Beach, Florida, in a self-designed and built 9-foot sailboat with enclosed cockpit and lug-rig sail. Wizard finished third in the 2006 Florida Challenge. Quote: “I just want the chance to get out on the water for a few weeks with a goal to sail towards.”
-
Nick “Pelican” Hall, 61, a university professor and speaker/consultant from Tampa, Florida, in a Hobie Tandem Island sailing kayak with a solar-powered engine. The boat is entered in a special "experimental" class. Pelican finished fourth in the 2006 Florida Challenge. Quote: “I’m doing the UFC 2010 to underscore the fact that it is possible to do in a kayak with solar power just about anything you’d do in an oil-powered vessel. No matter how far or where you go you can have a continuous source of energy.”
-
Jonathan “RunningMouth” Coble, 35, a commercial pilot from Raleigh, North Carolina, in a Kruger expedition canoe with full sail, outriggers, and a leeboard. Quote: “Why am I entering the race? The grand adventure of it all.”
-
Toby “Whitecaps” Nipper, 59, retired, from Fort Myers, Florida, in a Kruger expedition canoe with full sail, outriggers, and a leeboard. Quote: “I’ve been waiting for this one.”
-
Bill “SnoreBringGator” Herrmann, 55, a utility superintendent from Delray Beach, Florida, in a Kruger expedition canoe with full sail, outriggers, and a leeboard. Quote: “A life well lived is spent pursuing great challenges, experiencing moments that make you say ‘WOW!,’ and finding joy therein. The UFC does that and more.”
-
Vladimir “CrazyRussian” Eremeev, 45, a truck driver from Staten Island, New York, in an inflatable catamaran. Quote: “I have always liked to do impossible things.”
-
Makes you wonder why your sitting on your couch right now, and not packing sorting gear for one of these events. You got three days to throw down. Pick an event, UM, EC or FC and come to the dance, you will be inspired.
-
The Captain Reporting

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

We have a Winner


Chasing dreams I finally caught up with Bill Hermmann (SnoreBringGator). No stranger to WaterTribe and testing the limits of equipment and humor, I give you the Snore Man:

Q: So Snore, What is your tale of woe?
-
In 2006 Jack Cramer lent me his SeaWind and it was a hoot. After taking the last 3 years off to tend to my parents, I look forward to the madness that of a WaterTribe event; doing another long race.
-
In January 2009 I picked up my new Kruger DreamCatcher from Irons. Family commitments prevented me from doing the EC 2009.
-
Q: So any insights predictions and claims to be made?
-
As far as predictions? No sir----- no, not me. I am the winner of the inaugural hubris, first awarded in 2007. We have a Winner!!
-
Q: No paradigm shifts in WaterTribe?
-all I heard were crickets... snore didn't... then do tell, do tell...

-
But I predict that there will be a great time, good camaraderie amongst some fairly skilled mariners and don’t be surprised if there is a the occasional prank. Let’s face it WaterTribers all have Peter Pan Syndrome… You know, we may grow old, but we will never grow up!
-
I'm a loss for words.
-
The Captain Reporting

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

No mama's boy

Fresh, vibrant and full of sand, Jonathan Coble (RunningMouth) throws down and enters the FC. Quite an undertaking for the young at heart; and heart he has.
-
With a crisp new Sea Wind right out of the wrapper; proves to be his boat of choice. As a small boat sailor "Sea Pearl" turned paddler, JC is hooked on WaterTribe.
-
Question: Paddling adventures?

Yikes...They are few and far between. Maybe it's better if you don't publish some of this until I get off the start beach!
-
Where's your head at preparing for a 1200 mile challenge?
-
If I had dreams and aspirations for this race, it would be to have a great time, finish somewhere around 21 days..and if we're still talking about dreams, maybe feel well enough in body and spirit at the finish to challenge Wizard to a race back to his house.
-
Something tells me RunningMouth is going to fit right in. He ain't no mama's boy! His heart and attitude is going to take this newcomer along way! Hopefully 1200 miles and then some.
-
The Captain Reporting

Primp and Polish

Photo by SandyBottom
-
Are we talking women in adventure paddling? Then we must talk of the multi-dimensional paddler Dawn Stewart (SandyBottom). If it floats, she paddles it.
-
Related to WaterTribe events, she is the only woman to complete the Florida Challenge, has 7 Everglades Challenges under her belt. Not to mention the only woman to have run a full blown WaterTribe event, The North Carolina Challenge. Which I might add has been hailed a huge success!!
-
SandyBottom is taking on the EC this time around. She was in the middle of building a Grand Diva Kayak for the event and put the build on hold to start preparing physically and mentally for the Everglades Challenge.
-
Yes She has been Krugerized and even wrote an outstanding article for the Watertribe magazine - click here.
-
But as she puts it, "I’m all trained up in the NDK Explorer and it’s ready to go, so it’s really the obvious choice now. "
-
The big question is, Has Dawn cut her hair? For the longer challenges it has been sort of a tradition. (less hassle in the wee hours of the morning) Check back to Primp and Polish - hair styles of the rich and famous!
-
Paddle on - The Captain Reporting

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Big Kahuna "Chief"

The Big Kahuna, the man that started it all Steve Isaac (Chief) has saddled up as he puts it, "My Faithful DreamCatcher" to compete in the FC.
-
Chief who has stated that he wanted to compete in each of the 6 classes in the annual EC; unfortunately had to pull the plug for the time being on "Tamanu" an customized outrigger sailing canoe; The weather just wasn't cooperating and the clock ticking.
-
So Chief goes with the tried and true - lives and breathes WaterTribe. He's another hearty mariner all in for the adventure.
-
Don't be suprised if you hear footsteps / paddle splash behind you after all, he's the Chief!
-
The Captain Reporting

Who Dat?

Photo by James
-
Toby Nipper (WhiteCaps) of Fort Meyers FLA - Knife maker and long-distance paddler will be paddling a Kruger SEA WIND in the up-coming FC.
-
A force to be reckoned with has only a few years of paddling under his belt. Being hailed as a wild card entry for the win, those that have paddled with him call him a serious contender.
-
Having Toby in the field will makes for some exciting commentary!
-
The Captain Reporting

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Say what?


The big news is that Mark, (ManitouCruiser) has thrown his hat in the pond so to speak in what is shaping up to be one most competitive fields in UF history.
-
The WaterTribe message board is being updated daily leading up to the event. Warren Ritchey (Sharkchow) is doing a great job offering insight.
-
There is a Watertribe Curse; those that boast and make unrealistic claims have over the past few years failed miserably. A few of the Tribe are trying to call the participants out and make claim but I have seen no takers. In fact the Watertribe even has a special award for such claims.
-
Where are the predictions of crushing the field, blowing everyone off the water, setting new records, and some good old smack talk? We have a tradition to uphold with our award for such hubris, and we need some candidates. Sew-sew's a good candidate if he can keep his boat together. ArdieO showed everyone what he's made of in the North Carolina Challenge and in last year's EC. Roo and Tinker need to retake their winner's position, or will Lumpy and Bumpy "blow" away the field again. Sharkchow is coming back and has hinted to me he may go all-out. Last year's award winner was Sandspur, HD Agua and the Insomniacs - SaltyFrog
-
The sea has a way of sorting these things out.
-
The Captain Reporting

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Team Nitespiritsix


-
NightNavigator has assembled a 6 person coed team to paddle a Coizer OC 6 in the Everglades Challenge.
-
The OC 6 Players:
Bob Bradford - Nitenavigator --(Michigan) Janet Bradford- Nitesong --(Michigan) Pete Binion- Cottonmouth-- (Texas) Beth Schluter- Nitehawk-- (Wisconsin) Kathy Jensen-- Niteknockout---(Wisconsin) Everett Crozier -- Niteowlwon-- (Wisconsin)
-
This is the closest vid I could find that represents an expedition OC6. This is a great video of the crossing across Bass Strait (Australia to Tasmania - 375km). There is a segment 1/2 way through the video where they are in high seas and the canoe pitches throwing the bow 8 feet into the air.... spectacular!!
-
If Everett built their OC6 its got to be a beauty. The 2010 EC is going to be fun to watch!!
-
The Capt'n Reporting

The Big Dance


We're closing in on the Big Dance - The Watertribe Triple Header - FC EC and the UM. Check the WaterTribe website to familiarize yourself in the next 30 or so days as the competition is going to heat up.
-
We'll be tracking the 4 Team Kruger participants , Chief, Snore, RunningMouth and Whitecaps all whom will be doing the epic 1200 mile challenge.
-
We will also be tracking other notables: SandyBottom, NightNavigator and Wizard.
-
I'm all a dither in anticipation!!
-
The Capt'n Reporting