Just got off the phone with Laird. I asked what it takes to be a real waterman/or woman. He said, " Turd, don't even think about it untill you have all the essential and authentic equipment that, coincidentally but conveniently, can be purchased from my waterequipmentman.com web site...otherwise you're still a freakin kook". (his words, not mine...apologies to everyone so-named)