: I tentatively step my foot up to the plate after having loitered around for
: awhile. Im relatively new to canoes and kayaks having only rented
: fibreglass ones from the local sports shop here in Mandurah Western
: Australia... so Im no real brain when it comes to these craft... ie: be
: gentle :o)
: My questions are quite simple

: 1) Im 45yrs 5'7" weigh in at 11 stone (?? other measurements) have
: reasonably good carpentry skills (furniture) intention is to paddle in
: rivers estuary and streams around Western Australia. help needed regarding
: what design would be best for my present "novice" status.

: 2) Does anyone know of any Western Australian builders and or kayakers? I
: need to meet up have a yarn and maybe a paddle to figure all this out up
: close and personal... or any clubs maybe?

: 3) The style and look of sea kayaks appeals over other designs, what impact
: if any would that have for me? ie: would it be better to build a more
: simpler design to learn with or look at the long term? (surely im not
: gonna be a novice for that long?)

: 4) Are there any designs being created within Australia? I ask this simply
: because our $ is so lousy here and the conversion is huge in many cases.

: 5) Final... I have spoken with other spinal injured people who are into
: canoes and the idea of rebuilding my back, neck and upper body strength
: (no indepth questions or responses I dont know that that would be right
: here?) doing it this way appeals over daily sessions in the gym, spa and
: hydrotherapy pools.. am I right in this aim? I have movement although
: restricted mainly over left side, arm, leg, back and neck through
: industrial and motor vehicle accidents.. (the rest of me is fine!)

: Okay if you can help me here it would be great if not I will keep looking and
: probably get the lightning 17 from Waters Dancing in Canada... great mob
: by the way quick and helpfull email contact.

: Shane

Hi Shave

Why don't you give Paul Lund a try. He's at Paul Lund / plund@one.net.au

Last I heard him say, they'd just bought a home outside of Sidney, but he may be able to send you in the right direction. There are a couple more of our southern brothers over there, and you will no-doubt be hearing from them as well. Welcome aboard and keep us up to date on your choices and working progress.

Rehd