The Makeing of a Flotilla

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chuck naill
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The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by chuck naill »

With 8 grand children and their desire to paddle, I am living a dream and putting together a flotilla to be used this Summer. Last year my oldest grand daughters took a several day paddling camp from a living legend here, Juanita Guinn. A little background, the Guinns owned Blue Hole Canoe Company in Sunbright , Tennessee and later Dagger. I still have the mid '80's Starburst with aluminum gunnels.

Here is a description of what I have been able to accomplish to date:

11' Aire Puma raft

Esquif Vertige

Esquif Zephr

2 Dagger Torrent sit on top kayaks

I am in the process of securing PFD's and helmets, another kayak paddle and some other accessories.

Down the road I hope to introduce them to my c-1's.

For me this is a way to invest in relationship while having a lot of fun and doing it as safe as possible. :D
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KNeal
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by KNeal »

That is really awesome, Chuck! It is especially cool you get to associate with the Guinns. They have been at the forefront of whitewater canoe development.
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C1NCR
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by C1NCR »

What a project and you are in a perfect part of the US to pursue.
Kids and rivers are a great match. A great way to build your relationship with them and have a great time.
chuck naill
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by chuck naill »

Thank you both for the encouraging replies. Yes, I live in a place where a or several rivers "run through it". I did not mention, but Juanita taught me to paddle and read rivers in the mid '80's. She even cooked supper, dinner, and breakfast.....lol :lol:
Sir Adam
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by Sir Adam »

Sounds like a great plan- please post images of the flotilla when it happens if you are comfortable doing so!
Keep the C!
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chuck naill
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by chuck naill »

Sir Adam wrote:Sounds like a great plan- please post images of the flotilla when it happens if you are comfortable doing so!
Absolutely, Sir Adam. :wink:
Deuce
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by Deuce »

Awesome. Can't wait to see pics of the flotilla (including action shots)! Kids on the river is one of my favorite things in the world and you've assembled an impressive array of craft to accomplish that.
Pejibaye
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by Pejibaye »

Come on down toward the Hiwassee and I might be able to chip in some gear for the day. Also, my Outrage has about 3 feet between the saddle and the front airbag, a perfect place to plant a little person.
chuck naill
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by chuck naill »

Pejibaye wrote:Come on down toward the Hiwassee and I might be able to chip in some gear for the day. Also, my Outrage has about 3 feet between the saddle and the front airbag, a perfect place to plant a little person.
Thank you for the generosity.
chuck naill
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by chuck naill »

Just an update. I now have a new inventory of five boats (one Blackfly on order), seven new helmets, six PFD's, various and sundry wet type clothing pieces, another paddle, gloves and shoes for family. :D

I got a wonderful , well kept Esquif canoe from a member here. Thanks Mr. Nick. :D

Jeremy said the "big octane" is due out in June.

A dream is about to come to fruition.
pedro
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by pedro »

Chuck you're not buying boats, you're investing in Family Time maybe the most important thing you can do. good for you, I totally get it.
NickParker
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by NickParker »

chuck naill wrote:...I got a wonderful , well kept Esquif canoe from a member here. Thanks Mr. Nick. :D
Chuck it was definitely my pleasure to meet you and some of your family. Ya'll are good people.

Pedro nailed it. The value of the time your family will spend together in this venture is immeasurable. Kudos to you!

Nick
chuck naill
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Re: The Makeing of a Flotilla

Post by chuck naill »

Thank you for the confirmation and kind words, Nick and Pedro. :D
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