This sounds off topic, but it's not (exactly). Besides it's a break from the usual. While building my kayak I find I have no time to paddle, or while paddling I have no time to build. It's a terrible catch 22. My wife likes to buy exercise machines and use them one time and then put them in the attic. I end up getting more exercise hauling them up and down the stairs than she does using the machine. One was the "total gym 1000." It's that thing Chuck Norris sells on TV. I think the new-and-improved version is called the "total gymn 2000." It uses an inclined bench and a rope and pulley system for resistance. You basically lift your own weight. I tripped over it one day while rummaging around in the attic. I got it out and developed a "kayaking" technique that mimics paddling. Now I am using it every other night. I thought it was stupid when we bought it, but she wanted it and I finally bought it thinking "this will be a ripoff." I have to admit it's a great workout. Here is how I do the kayak paddling exercise- you sit facing "uphill" on the machine and make a paddling stroke. You have to alternate one arm and then the other to get the resistance you need, but it has really developed my muscles for paddling, and I can look out the window at the unfinished kayak and imagine I am sitting in the cockpit out on the river paddling away. I thought some of you might be interested, or you might just get a good laugh at my expense. If you paddle for extended periods or you paddle in rough water you should try it. It will get your arms developed. You can also lay down and do a swimming motion with your arms. I think it's a good thing to be in shape just in case the unexpected happens while you are way out there somewhere on the water. I promise I was much bigger a skeptic than any of you but I had to eat my words when I tried this machine out. Thought some of you might try it to rid you of the "dry dock blues." It's certainly kept my muscles from turning to mush- in fact, uh, well... brag brag, I'm kinda getting buffed up. My flabs are turning into abs!!!!! My gluteous maximus is getting less maximus. My triceps have started trying again. Okay, I will shut up now. No more humor.