Hi Guys and Gals, I just got my AI !!!. I joined this group last winter. Mondo/Tom, from New Jersey. I had inquired here about lower back issues. Moved to Fl. (wow, it's beeeeeeen Hot Hot Hot this summer.) I finally found a nice used one. 09 model. From "Econo Tackle" in Sarasota Fl.
Very Happy. Picked it up this morning. Drove it home with a used "bed x tender" from them. Excellent transaction from Al, the owner of the kayak portion of the store, ( a large, well run place,,, from first impressions.)
Got home.
Couldn't wait. Tossed it in the canal behind my house as carefully as I could. Used foam pads on the edges of the the dock etc.
I really didn't have alot of time to play,,, am dog sitting some very needy little ones.
It took maybe a half hour to launch first time. U know,,, afraid,,,, cautious,,, etc.
Weeeeeellllllllll!!!!!. I'm THRILLED!
Went down my canal no prob.. then out to the Caloosahatchee River. Fab! Just a lite breeze. But could tell the little sail had plenty of giddy-up even with a big guy like me on board.
I am a very experienced sailor. This is what I was looking for, as an older guy who wants to enjoy the "on water experience" with minimal effort. NO motor! No registration! No hassles! Take care of myself.
I peddled back up my canal against the lite breeze.
Checked on the dogs... and did the whole thing again,,, not much breeze this time,,took it a little easier on my legs this time. No prob.. got up the canal easily. Against the wind.
Just checked it on Google Earth. It's a half mile down that canal. Cooool. No problem peddling that distance!!!
This was the first time I'd been on the water in "my own" water craft in about 3 years. And it was good. Very good!
Thanks for your input last year as I was inquiring about this "toy."
It's cool. My lower back feels fine. The seat is good.
Mondo, Tom
