Thanks to the North East Wisconsin Paddlers for inviting us up yesterday.  We had a great time.   Anytime I get a chance to visit the North East group it’s a special thing for me.  When I first started paddling and was looking to move forward in my skills John Browning of Milwaukee told me about the group.  We packed up one weekend for one of their summer events and just showed up.  In looking back it’s pretty clear that their warm welcome and friendly atmosphere went a long way toward feeding my deep roots in sea kayaking.  In coaching we often talk about our responsibility as the welcoming committee for the sport.  Paddle Clubs are of course another important gateway for new paddlers. Thankfully we have groups like the NEW Sea Kayakers out there giving us a place to grow and fostering that good feeling that sea kayaking is really all about.

I wanted to again thank  Robin and Chuck for the invite. We hope to see you down in our neck of the wood soon.  Thanks Bill for being such a great host. (I can’t figure out which buttons to push!!!)  Bill Merrick and I met when along with Tom Keppin we had a wild experience with cold water rescues one cold cloudy December morning. Something that sticks with you forever.  Thanks to Jeff too for the miracle of having a digital projector that worked without a hitch!!