[Rick Baerg]

Well I finally got the new boat in the water and was very humbled! The big Ocean has a way different feelling that being in the rivers and I was very shocked and nervous with a slight panic feeling! ??? I'm sure that will go away as I get more confident with the boat. It is quite different for me being the newbee but everyone has to start somewhere!! Now I have to figure out the fishing part! ;D eace:

:cheers: Rick

 

[coriba]

I remember my first ocean ride. We launched at McDonald Beach, an ordeal on its own, and travelled out to the chuck. It was a special feeling when we realized that we were on the ocean. Waves were different, prop wash was different, especially when we were out of the Fraser River influence. The next thing is to take your boat off the west coast into the swells. That is really cool and talk about humbling! We chickened out more than once. Hope you have many years of enjoyment with your boat. Respect the water and the weather.

Coriba

 

[abbyfireguy]

Just remember Rick,if you can see the bottom you are in big trouble...Its not a North River and that sharp spinny thing hanging down has a habit of hitting things.
Take care , and when you get time, and if you feel like it ,bring us up to date with what you are going to be doing work and sportfishing wise etc., etc.
I'm sure there are a lot of us who wish we could pack up and escape the rat race too , but are locked into family and work issues.. :'(

 

[marko]

The big Ocean has a way different feelling that being in the rivers and I was very shocked and nervous with a slight panic feeling! ??? I'm sure that will go away as I get more confident with the boat.

:cheers: Rick

This always seems to happen to me and most others. The idea of not being able to get off the tilt-a-whirl
when you want is overwhelming. I usually get past it but some don't..... :happy:

Can't wait for the pics...and scenery shots.

:beerchug: Marko

 

[nowork]

Lots of fun time ahead. Was coming from Anahim Lake fishing last summer and we decided we needed a bigger boat 12 - 26 ,what a learning curve. Should have spent less time working and done this years ago. Have not got the fishing thing down yet but got lots of time to learn that. The ocean is a whole new world. Good luck and be safe.

 

[Pippen]

It can be pretty intimidating out there with nothing between you and Asia!! Just stay in your comfort zone.

"Yes" the first couple of times can be a bit intimidating and make you feel pretty insignificant on your little "floating island".

Not sure if you have taken it yet Rick, but taking your Power Squadron course is a worthwhile investment for the time.

 

[Rick Baerg]

Not sure if you have taken it yet Rick, but taking your Power Squadron course is a worthwhile investment for the time.

No I dont have it, thanks for bringing that up! The Power Squadron would probably be a good thing to have up here, I wonder if anyone does here in QCC? I will have to go into the local shop and ask around, cheers for that!

Rick

 

[ramtuffyankee]

i did some research on the Squadron classes. they are in just about every city. $265 for 8 weeks. i think i will take mine in bellingham. it was $65 and given by the coast guard

 

[Joann]

I highly recommend the power squadron course. My husband and I took the course as an easy way to get our pleasure craft operator's cards, and because power squadron members get decent discounts on boat insurance. I was IN the coast guard for two years back in the seventies, and I still learned enough to make the course interesting. Well worth the money, IMHO.

 

[Pippen]

No I dont have it, thanks for bringing that up! The Power Squadron would probably be a good thing to have up here, I wonder if anyone does here in QCC? I will have to go into the local shop and ask around, cheers for that!

Rick

Rick...

Here is a couple of links....looks like the "closest" to you is in Terrace.

http://www.cps-ecp.ca/public/

http://powersquadron.ca/

http://www3.telus.net/terracepss/

 

[bigjay]

Find some old salt and go with him.

 

[swiftwater]

Buy a good compass and some good quality charts and dont just trust your electronics, always use the compass and navigate with everything. There is nothing worse than being out in the fog and not knowing which way is home,
Or up river :happy:

 

[Canso]

I bought a GPS last year and never leave without it.

But a compass is still needed at all times.

 

[Sea Chaser]

congrats on the boat and new opportunities available to you....as you can get yourself into a mess of trouble on the saltchuck in a hurry...my firm belief is nothing can replace good ole caution and common sense....safe boating

 

[arimaBOATER]

Rick [Ocean Newbee] Lots of good advice given to you [ fog /compass/courses/common sense/ on & on...] The part I'd add in is with all the supernatural beauty with have in BC it's easy to take in the sights as you cruise along... but my experience is that there is alot of water hazzards on the water...big logs barely afloat...deadheads on & on... I see boaters going high speed looking towards a setting bright sun on the N Arm of Fraser R trying to get to the ocean quickly... & on some days there's alot of logs [small & big] in the middle of the river channel... not to mention the odd snags... Recently I passed by a very dark colored log which I did not see till we just passed it on port side... it was like 30 ft long about 10 in dia. ... not a very nice thing to hit at speed... Keep a sharp eye out at all times for water hazzards... Also study how tides & wind affects your area you mostly boat in...... One boater told me of some WHIRL POOLS he's seen in BC waters... some take boats round & round & they can't power out of them... If I remember correctly he said some pools are strong enough to take a boat down into the hole [help] Keep your speed down & keep a sharp eye out... check marine weather reports before going out. As someone said stay in your comfort zone... There are 1000's of horror boating mis-haps yearly & alot of them operator error..... [Personally I never go out on the water without saying a prayer to the "GOOD LORD"... ] eace:

 

[Rick Baerg]

Thanks for all the great advice guys, its very much appreciated, cheers.

 

[fishortho]

I hear there are quite a few job opportunities in Russia and Japan..... ;D

 

[kanuckle head]

I leave nothing to chance in open offshore waters. I re lie heavily on my electronics 2 older GPS mainly just for spares one large screen Garmin two sonars/fish finders a Furuno radar & two marine radios
A spare battery that's 3 total & a box full of tools
And for those extra lumpy days a full survival suit
I greatly respect the ocean