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"Although I knew of the legend, I first met Jim Snyder after I got into boating in 1994. A friend of mine had recommended I start with a ThrillSeeker and I went to Attila Szylagyi of Custom Inflatables to have my ThrillSeeker custom made for my butt. On the way out, I asked Attila what kind of paddle he would recommend. His response was, "Follow me." We crossed the road to Jim's home and he introduced me to Jim Snyder and his RivrStyx. I promptly ordered one after seeing his artistic mastery. My Thrill Seeker and paddle were then ready at the same time and Jim offered to take me on my first boating trip. The paddle was such a piece of artwork, I was very reluctant to use it. It appeared to be something to put above the mantle piece, not to bang off rocks on the river. However, we went on the river trip. It was pretty basic for Jim, but for me, it was exciting. I could tell that Jim was a professional in everything that he did from the get go. He was obviously very concerned with my safety but at the same time, wanting us both to thoroughly enjoy ourselves.
Over the ensuing years, as I got into hard boating, I ordered several more paddles from Jim, again thinking that they really should not be used because of the beautiful artwork involved. However, not only were they beautiful to look at, but they made the strokes on the river much more enjoyable. Ultimately I decided to try my hand a little at squirt boating and bought one of Jim's designs. Jim showed me the ropes in a squirt boat, though obviously I will never be as good as the master.
Later, in the late 1990s, I began a new avocation of flying. I decided to build an airplane. Simple matter I thought. However, it became much more of a project than I would have expected. The airplane is a Lancair Propjet made out of carbon fiber. I needed a master to work on the shapes and fiberglass/carbon fiber. I discussed this with some of my friends, who also are boaters. There was only one name that came to mind ... Jim Snyder, master artist and craftsman, both in wood and composites.
When I called Jim, it was obvious that he was somewhat reluctant to take on this project, not fully understanding aviation nor understanding what he was going to get into. However, it was obvious to me that it was a perfect fit. After all, what else is a kayak but a wing? I invited Jim to come down to the building place and explained to him what I was trying to accomplish. After I spent about three hours staring at instructions and trying to figure out what in the world to do, Jim looked at it and within minutes understood what needed to be done. Being frustrated, I disappeared and went and watched athe Steelers game, came back a few hours later and Jim had masterfully completed a small part of the project. I had to have Jim work on this airplane.
Ultimately I think that Jim thoroughly enjoyed the project and he has helped build one of the best Lancair Propjets in the world. The amazing shapes that Jim was able to contour using the simplest of tools, generally hand tools such as sandpaper on a Red Bull can or occasionally a Heineken bottle was mastery at its finest. Adding to its artistic quality, Jim helped design the paint scheme, taking into account colors that would go with each other and we have wound up with a stately and simple, but beautiful airplane. Although I believe Jim enjoyed the aviation part of this on the ground, flying is a different matter. He once told me that he cannot believe that we would ever fly in these things and we must be crazy. I reminded him that I am sure that more than one person said that about him and his mystery moves.
During the construction project of the plane, I was able to convince Jim to go to the Sun'nFun Air Show in Lakeland, Florida with us to get a better handle on aviation as well as the other Lancairs. I could tell that Jim was extremely nervous about this whole thing. Interestingly, Jim was calmest when we were in the clouds in instrument conditions. I assumed that this would make him the most nervous. However, when I looked in the back seat and saw him smiling, I had trouble understanding this. He related to me that he had a good feel for being in the clouds, as it reminded him of being in a mystery move. However, when landing, I think Jim held his breath longer than he ever did during any mystery move.
I have become good friends with Jim over the years and consider him a close and trusted friend. I would and have trusted my life with him. Case in point, a winter kayaking trip this past year with temperatures dipping below 0’ F, he came running up from the river at 7 o'clock exclaiming, "We had better get a move on, the river is freezing." If it were not for his excellent river guidance and assistance, we may still be on that river.
On the winter camping trips, I take a Cheta, which is a Jim Snyder design. It is also a wonderful boat.
In summary, Jim's paddle artwork is not only some of the most beautiful paddles made, but also some of the strongest and well thought out. All of his designs are very thoughtful and functional. Jim puts more than 100% into everything that he does. It is just his nature. He is extremely thoughtful and frankly quite brilliant. If Jim says it or does it, count on it.”
David L. Weinsweig, M.D.Diplomate,
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Huntington, WV
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