I'd like to set the record straight

[William Novotny]

This post is not for anyone in general but mainly for those mud hens that feel the need to gossip about things they have no first hand knowledge of.

During the summer I was attempting to trade my kayak for a larger, more suitable yak. Makobob made me an offer that I could not afford to outright do with cash on my end. He came up with the idea to offer my professional tattoo services to an upcoming event to supplement the trade on my end. I was hesitant at first because I didn't want to appear as taking advantage and have my intentions misconstrued. Long story short wet worked out the details and both parties left happy.

Fast forward a few months.... my wife lost her job the day after Thanksgiving, leaving me too provide for a family of three on a starving artists income. With Christmas weeks away and rent not even paid I contacted Bob and asked for his blessing to sell the kayak to get through a few rough months. He completely understood and said to take care of my family first and could get another kayak when the time is right.

Come to find out this created a stir within the gossip rooms of the b we community. Look at it how ever you want but until you have a 3 year old you can't buy a present for you have no room for judgment. I'm so disappointed with the arrogance of some members of this forum. I'm still upholding my commitment to the deal and have also tried to become involved in other community events. I just will not be involved in the conversations on this board. I do not consort with gossip mongers and as you can see I have a very cut and dry straight forward approach to handling rumors.

This was not an easy post to write. I am prideful and its not easy todiscuss my financial troubles with strangers. As well off as some people are, you do not know the next man's situation and talking about them outside of their presence without even knowing your facts is like salt in a wound.

[YakDout]

Seems like you had good intentions on what you originally were doing with kayak. Now I don't have kids yet, but . I struggle with money all the time, seems to be a never ending battle. With that being said, if anyone was put into that situation and chose the opposite of what you chose, they would lose my respect. You did what any father should do, putting family first.
I'm also with you on the drama gossip thing.

[YakMedic]

Don't let the gossip bother you brother, everyone makes tough decisions in their life. I'll stand behind anyone who puts their family first. At the end of the day this is a hobby for 99.99% of all of us and when life gets tough the luxury items are the first to be sold.

I have a loaner yak for you for those times you need to get on the water.

[jorluivil]

Been there so I know the feeling.


Got laid off from a job of 20years
Kid in college
Sell the boat
Drain the 401k


There's always two sides to every story so It's easy for people to interpret What happened and Why it happened. Don't worry about What people say or do, just do your thing and move on.

[Cbad Mike]

I think it sucks that you felt that you had to explain your personal situation.
Good luck to you and I hope you get over your financial hump quickly.

[TJones]

And you need to relieve some stress by getting on water , feel free to pm and I will gladly meet up with you with at landing . I have a fully rigged outback as backup .

[StinkyMatt]

William,

Do not allow a few individuals represent the entire community.

From the posts and offers above, you can tell that this is a pretty good group of people.


The haters will hate.

[oneyedeer]

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

I think it sucks that you felt that you had to explain your personal situation.
Good luck to you and I hope you get over your financial hump quickly.

2x

[Sdspeed]

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

"I think it sucks that you felt that you had to explain your personal situation.
Good luck to you and I hope you get over your financial hump quickly."

Originally Posted by oneyedeer

2x

X3

Now, What can we do to help you get through this rough patch!

[easyday]

Hey man when I pick up my new yak I have a buddies yak im storing for him while hes on deployment, I'll load it up and we can go out.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by William Novotny

This post is not for anyone in general but mainly for those mud hens that feel the need to gossip about things they have no first hand knowledge of.

Man I feel for you. The bottom line is you can't control what people say and some will say anything to build themselves up and put others down.

A friend of mine runs a business associated with the kayak fishing scene. We have often talked about how people who have never met me come into his shop and not only talk shit but obviously literally hate my guts because of things they have "heard" about me. I say "heard" because like I said they do not know me and have not met me, and the things they were repeating were ridiculous lies.

It started small: on one hot bite down at La Jolla I caught larger fish then two well known guys who basically think they own one of the kayak message boards. I made a joke about it in my report on "their" board thinking we were good enough friends that we could tease each other about such things. I mean it's only fishing right?

I was wrong and the next thing I know these two had instigated a hate driven, misinformation fueled, online bullying campaign that essentially ruined my relationship with the kayak community, and even got me banned from several boards.

It was so pathetically sad. Nothing I could do could stop it, and it completely poisoned the well for me when it came to kayak fishing.

I was so into it to. I built my own kayak, bought and set up two others and in my first year of kayak fishing I caught a 27lb butt and a 40lb Yellow and really felt I was getting it dialed in.

I love to innovate and try new things but I also really love to help people.

In the boating community I'm seen as knowledgeable but also a resource because I often help people repair their boat, fix motors, and add new improvements to their skiffs. Countless fisherman have come by my shop so I could help them, but no kayakers because I'm obviously the "bad guy" in the kayak community and not to be trusted.

Thanks to BWE who let me stay on and keep posting, and a huge thanks to Gary "bubblehide" for befriending me despite all the lies. There's a guy that contacted me direct and said "Man I don't think you're getting a fair shake" and remained my friend even after they threatened him for it.

So what can you do? Burroughs said avoid the mentally ill it's a bottomless pit. Once these guys started threatening my friends and vandalizing my vehicle I just quit fishing the more popular kayak fishing destinations. It's just not worth it. Fortunately I have a skiff and a whole private boater network of guys to fish with, and plenty of other fishing opportunities so I don't really have to go where I know I'm going to find trouble.

I guess what I'm saying here is I get it and like I said you have my sympathies.

Try to realize it's not your fault. If it wasn't you it would be someone else. It's about them not you!!!

The people who do this kind of shit thrive on it. The petty drama gives them a sense of purpose and makes them feel important. For these type of people these boards and the resulting drama are sometimes the most important things in their lives. You obviously have greater priorities, concentrate on those not on these people and their games.


It's kind of initially a pain now, but over time you're going to have the last laugh. I mean imagine what you'll be feeling if these same idiots are talking the same old shit about you half a decade from now.

For some it's like a pathology, a compulsive behavior they just can not stop, and they want you to get upset and respond because it gives them affirmation. Once you don't care it's like water off a ducks back, and then their behavior becomes transparent and is exposed as the stupid petty even comical behavior it really is.

Like Gary said we just laugh about it now.

This will all pass, concentrate on what you have to do, and just try to ignore them. If you need to borrow a yak sometime I have a few just don't ask me to take my truck to Malibu

[TravisLovesYaks]

Originally Posted by William Novotny

This post is not for anyone in general but mainly for those mud hens that feel the need to gossip about things they have no first hand knowledge of.

During the summer I was attempting to trade my kayak for a larger, more suitable yak. Makobob made me an offer that I could not afford to outright do with cash on my end. He came up with the idea to offer my professional tattoo services to an upcoming event to supplement the trade on my end. I was hesitant at first because I didn't want to appear as taking advantage and have my intentions misconstrued. Long story short wet worked out the details and both parties left happy.

Fast forward a few months.... my wife lost her job the day after Thanksgiving, leaving me too provide for a family of three on a starving artists income. With Christmas weeks away and rent not even paid I contacted Bob and asked for his blessing to sell the kayak to get through a few rough months. He completely understood and said to take care of my family first and could get another kayak when the time is right.

Come to find out this created a stir within the gossip rooms of the b we community. Look at it how ever you want but until you have a 3 year old you can't buy a present for you have no room for judgment. I'm so disappointed with the arrogance of some members of this forum. I'm still upholding my commitment to the deal and have also tried to become involved in other community events. I just will not be involved in the conversations on this board. I do not consort with gossip mongers and as you can see I have a very cut and dry straight forward approach to handling rumors.

This was not an easy post to write. I am prideful and its not easy todiscuss my financial troubles with strangers. As well off as some people are, you do not know the next man's situation and talking about them outside of their presence without even knowing your facts is like salt in a wound.

I'm a newbie here so I don't know anything about the gossip and whatnot but I hope you and your family can get back on your feet soon. It sucks being broke and having to sell the stuff you love just to make ends meet. I totally understand that feeling.

[Hunter (The 80's Man)]

God has got a pretty cool way of turning BS into a garden, keep looking to the sunrise.

[SASQUATCH]

Never have met in person anyone here yet but would like to just say, hang in there and always do what you gotta do. I have 4 kids, who are grown now, and have done exactly as you have......... sold off the fun stuff to pay rent, bills and such. Always said to myself and my kids that I can always get another when the time is right. Don't ask me how, but somehow I ended up with some of them again. I live in Central Cal now but grew up in Agoura and would still like to extend a helping hand if possible. Good luck stranger and keep your head up.

[blitzburgh]

Originally Posted by Hunter (The 80's Man)

God has got a pretty cool way of turning BS into a garden, keep looking to the sunrise.

^^^^^^^^This.

[MrM]

Will,

I remember when I first met you, you shared a similar sentiment towards the boards after your first go-around. I'll tell you now what I said then; don't let it get to you brother. There's plenty of good guys/gals on here. I'm sorry to hear that you fell on hard times and quick judgments were made because of it.

I hope to see you back in the game at some point. We still need to get out chase a fish or two.

[William Novotny]

Let me start by expressing my gratitude to all of the above members sentiments and support. You are a great group of individuals and the reason keep ending up back on this board.

I want you guys to know i appreciate every one of your offers to help my situation. The good news is that my slump was temporary one and we got through it as we always do. As stated above the fun stuff gets the trim to make sure our families have security. This was actually a very good year for me professionally, just got hammered a bit unexpectedly with my wife's termination but hey sera sera, life goes on. My kid got a good Christmas but mommy and daddy get tax season! Actually looking for a new ride in a few weeks when taxes come in so I'll be back on the water where I belong.

Makobob you are one in a billion brother. Thank you for Simultaneously defending my decision while keeping my personal business out of public discussion. I just felt some things needed to be cleared up, hence the reason for this post.

I've done allot of contemplating on things as of late and there is no need for any residual animosity over this. Drake, I appreciate your sentiments as well and the past is just that. I'm not holding a grudge.

Once again thank you bwe and let's make this great year of fishing!

[johnnyblaze2009]

Amen. Tight Lines. Good Friends. Big Fish. Cool Kayaks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zfish03]

Great community! Everyone goes through highs and lows, fishing helped bring me out of a low point in my life.
PM me if you want to go fishing, I kept my older outback and got no problem lending it to you for a few trips.