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Trip Report 4_13_2024 Cold Water Workshop. 10:30am-4:00pm. Shari G, Bob L, Sue R, Barb R, Jody H, Rainer K, Ben R, Janice C. Beverly Farms Library Conrad Room 10:30am-1:00pm, Manchester Harbor Skills Session, 1:30pm-3:30pm. 50F air, 42F water, SW 10-15 kts sustained, >20kts gusts, HT 4:50pm, Tide range 9.8ft. On-the-water participants, Shari G, Bob L, Sue R, Barb R, Jody H, Ben R. The session started with a discussion of some major topics related to paddling in the winter, although it was emphasized that all of New England paddles are “cold water”. Topics included the benefits of winter paddling, and cold water parameters to consider including conditions, route, time frame, and participants. It was emphasized that the parameters that define a cold water paddle are personal to each individual and determined by experience. It was also emphasized that hypothermia is the key issue and can sneak up on a paddler. Modes of heat loss; convection, evaporation, and radiation were noted. This led to a detailed “medical” review of hypothermia including prevention, recognition of hypothermia stages, and treatment. Each of the stages; mild, moderate, and severe, required different levels of intervention that were discussed. The next topic focused on where one is likely to cool down rapidly, namely outside of the boat. Staging the car, clothes, and gear for launch/landing procedures was mentioned, as well as the importance of choosing a wind-sheltered and sunny spot for lunch. It was noted that on particularly cold days, simply eating lunch in the boat (the warmest location) is always an option. The importance of fast, easy access to hats, gloves, and food/water was emphasized. The benefit of a mat or removable kayak seat for use at lunch was noted. The next section was a detailed review of gear, including the drysuit, pogies, hoodies, neck warmers, socks and boots, thermos, and easily accessible quick carbs. The Bothy Bag was introduced and tested (see pictures below). Further it was noted that normal paddling gear, such as the PFD, spray skirt, and helmet are warming and should not be taken off during a cold trip. A hypo kit was emptied onto the table including hand warmers, silvered medical blanket, oversized coat, extra pogies, extra gloves, hat, and dry clothes. A discussion of special topics and tips followed. It started with an interesting back and forth on “hand strategies”. Everyone had experienced cold hands, and various types of pogies, mitts, and gloves were related. Tips included using the thermos or lunch bag itself to warm hands, gloves without fingers for dexterity, and large wool mittens in the lunch bag. Hyperthermia was also noted as an issue, and it was suggested to wear exterior clothing that can be removed in layers or dipping one's head in the water. Layers of wicking undergarments were also discussed. During an in-house lunch we discussed the on-the-water segment of the session which focused on rescues. The timeline of hypothermia - gasp reflex (second), loss of hands (minutes) and exhaustion/core hypothermia (tens of minutes) was noted. In addition to the gasp reflex it was noted that another involuntary response can be the rapid onset of vertigo from cold water being in direct contact with the “eardrum” (tympanic membrane). It was emphasized that the overall goal of either self- or assisted- cold water rescues is to get the swimmer out of the water. Speed is critical. For assisted rescues, it was noted that the cold-water T-rescue in which the swimmer climbs onto the rescuers boat while the boat is being drained is an option. It was emphasized that in that case the T-configuration is critical to stabilize the climb up. It is sometimes preferable to simply have the swimmer directly heel-hook into a flooded boat and sort out the drain later (either by pumping or having the swimmer climb further onto the rescuers boat for a T-rescue). If there is a group of paddlers, it was noted that a quick raft can be used for the swimmer to climb on while his/her boat is being retrieved or drained. Self-rescue is a serious situation. It was noted that re-enter and roll can be difficult as it involves the swimmers head and body re-submerging into the cold water for the set-up. Cowboys are preferable but can be difficult in conditions. If unable to self-rescue, various options are available. One key point is to stay with your boat, as it is very easy to underestimate the time to swim to shore. A swimmer can climb up onto the stern of the boat to get a large part of their torso out of the water. It may be possible then kick to work the boat towards the shore. With practice, a swimmer can swim a boat to shore (or a safer location for a cowboy) as fast or faster than direct swimming. Again, with practice, the paddle and a tow belt can further speed up the swim. Due to predicted conditions, we decided to move the session to Tucks Point in Manchester Harbor (town restrictions were not enforced due to the off season). Shari and I partnered up and the four other participants rotated as pairs. The goal was to have everyone practice assisted cold water rescues in various scenarios in which the swimmer had to get out of the water as quickly as possible. In turn everyone swam and performed a rescue of a swimmer. Rescues included cold water T-rescues, rafted rescues, and flooded cockpit rescues with subsequent pumping or climbing onto the rescuers boat. There was a lost boat rescue in which a raft was used for the swimmer while the boat was retrieved. This one was particularly interesting as the raft had to be bulldogged because of separation due to the flood current and winds. As it turned out, it was necessary to continually adjust the site for rescues due to high winds on the harbor - a good exercise in situational awareness. Shari and I demo-ed a scoop rescue of a swimmer unable to climb into the boat. As for self-rescues, people were able to do cowboys. We ended the session, by noting we could see the four-foot swells bursting out on the Ram Islands. A lone paddler could easily round the corner into unexpected waves and capsize relatively close to shore, but in conditions impossible for re-entry. This motivated the need for swimming a boat back to an area where self-rescue or landing was possible. Accordingly, Shari demo-ed swimming in her boat without a tow belt, and I swam mine in with the tow belt. Thanks to our enthusiastic participants. It was a great day all around! Bothy Bag Exercise at Beverly Farms Library On the Water Session, Tucks Point

Thanks Mike and Barb. That is the address. It is called the "Farms Branch" on the Beverly Public Library website. Bob

Hi Jody, I put it on the calendar for sign-ups. Probably best to RSVP. Thanks. Bob

The 2024 Cold Water Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th starting at 10:30am at the Beverly Farms Library. It will start with an in-house session to discuss some of the issues related to paddling in cold conditions. Following that we will go out for a lunch paddle where people can test gear. The launch site will be nearby and will be posted later. The rain-date for the paddle is the following day, April 14th. More details will follow on this thread as they develop. If you have any questions, PM me. Bob

I'm looking for a transmission if anyone happens across one... Bob

I'm in. Thanks! Bob

I'm in. See you there. Thanks. Bob

9_14_2022 West Beach, Beverly to Graves Island, Manchester. 10:15am - 3:00pm. LT 8:32am -0.2ft HT 2:49pm 10.4ft. Tidal range 10.6ft, ¾ moon springs. Participants: Ricardo, Prudence, Mike, Fred, Sue, Sue H, and Bob L in Castrato Explorer. >10kts W wind, gusts to 25kts. Air temp 75F. 1-2ft long period swells, wind chop, sunny. The ground track for the 7nm trip is shown in Figure 1. The location of the coasteering run is circled on the chart. Figure 1: Ground track for the 9_14_2022 paddle. Mola Mola sighting at black star, coasteering run circled, and wind direction indicated in blue arrow. The group launched at about 10:15am from West Beach into warm west winds. Temps were peaking at a balmy 80F inland. It was sunny in the morning and turned partly cloudy in the afternoon. Perhaps the last summer-like weather for the season. The goals were to combine rock gardening with a mid-day coasteering run. Coasteerers Ricardo, Sue and Bob had helmets, gloves, climbing shoes, and at least three mil neoprene wetsuits. Water temps were about 65F, although we noted a large (~10F?) variation in water temperature as we paddled along the coast. After rounding the Ram Ledge in Manchester, we had excellent rock face runs along Gales Point, into Lobster Cove, and out to Pickworth Point. The 1-2 foot swell was perfect, and the following west wind was nonexistent in the nooks-and-crannies – as we expected. That would be appreciated on the return. On the out-bound run we scoped out many excellent rock formations for coasteering, including the NSPN Ledge and Rock off Pickworth Point. We also circumnavigated Rock Dundy and checked out a deep crevasse on the north side that would be good for climbing. As we were returning into the lee of Singing Beach we were pleasantly surprised by a visit from Alex Debski. He was between jobs for his diving service company, ABC Diving, and stopped by in his motorboat. After catching up with Alex, we paddled along the beach for more rock gardening to Graves Beach and out into the wind to scope out the Graves Island coastline. The stretch between Singing and Graves Beaches offers unique sheer rock faces that continue to Gloucester – including Rafes Chasm. The “Avalon Terrane” rock formations and crevasses are perfect for coasteering. The rocks are rounded vertical and horizontal slabs with deep narrow chasms. The rock faces have small well-placed hand and foot holds allowing climb-outs that appear miraculous from a distance. This is distinct from the “Nahant Gabbro” on Nahant and the outer islands – also great for coasteering – but more sheer, dark, spiky and less “friendly”. As we approached the west side of Singing Beach, we encountered a large Mola Mola. We were able to paddle very close, nearly on top of the fish, and Mike noted that it was surfacing to attract birds to eat parasites on its skin*. While the Mola Mola was not at all concerned about us, the desired birds would stay away due to hovering kayakers! We moved on. After crossing back to Ballarock Cove for lunch, the coasteerers decided to suit up and head for the terrane along the eastern shore of the cove. The coasteering section is indicated in Figure 1 and shown in detail in Figure 2. Ricardo, Sue and I started walking through the ledge, but it quickly became obvious that it was easier to swim. We were grateful for the safety kayakers Prudence, Sue H, Mike, and Fred. The first goal was a deep long chasm that we had passed earlier and decided was too narrow for a kayak (#3 on Figure 2). I’ve eyed this slot many times in the past. It is only 2-3 feet wide, yards long, with high walls and very deep water. The slot is overall highly protective; but concentrates swell energy into a focused vertical wave that runs its distance. We had only 1-2 foot 10 sec swell outside, very reasonable for a kayaker, but the big ones concentrated into a 3-4 foot traveling wall of water in the slot. It looked menacing. However, the wave is vertical, not horizontal, so the effect was just a gentle rise and forward push. It does not break until exiting the slot. This would be a good starting point for coasteering! On the way to the slot, we found perfect hand/foot holds to climb up rock faces. These are shown in #1 and #2 on Figure 2. The ledge skirt was small, so it was easy to jump out into deep water. I think we got up to around 10-15 feet above the water. As noted above the climbs look difficult due to the small hand/foot holds; but the holds are plentiful, and it is easy to navigate upward. The climb starts with a hand hold on an incoming swell, a quick gathering in for the foot hold, and then holding on, hoisting, and moving up or holding tightly for the next swell. Vertical rock faces are far easier than horizontal ledges. If I slipped, my plan was to push out from the face to clear the ledge skirt. The fall would not be difficult. As it turned out, nobody fell, and we had exhilarating jumps into the water. As Ricardo, Sue and I entered the slot, I was amazed at its depth below and the beautiful view to an open ridge of sky far above. Occasionally, that big swell would be seen coming in and we would yell “incoming!”; but for all the visual drama the wave just pushed us gently up and forward – aiding in our progress. Midway, at the front of the line, Ricardo found a small climbable section and managed to get about 5-6 feet up the interior rock face. He then jumped dead center to the slot. I thought it was gutsy, since there was a ledge skirt on either side of a very narrow opening. Reaching that location, I accepted the challenge, climbed out, and plunged into very deep water just adjacent to the skirt. The jump area in the slot is shown in #3 on Figure 2. The traveling wave in the slot did break at the exit so required us to wait for a small wave and a gentle push out. After exiting the slot, we swam along the rock face into a basin #4. The 1-2 foot waves, while less consequential in a kayak, can have very significant impact at the swimmer’s level. This is particularly true in shallow basins and ledges. After experiencing just this condition and enjoying the sloshing rides in basin #4, we swam around the headland to basin #5. Here I discovered a completely unexpected tunnel (circled on Figure 2)! In many kayaking traversals of this rock garden, I had never seen what I was facing at the water level – a tunnel of approximately 20 feet or so with a small, yet passable, triangular entry right at the base of the ledge. On the drain I could see light at the other end. It appeared that the exit was also passable. I exclaimed to Ricardo to come take a look. As we stared at it, I mentioned that despite being flooded to the roof on a swell, the tunnel was passable. I wondered out loud what would happen if I got stuck in there. Ricardo looked grim, then smiled and said, “You will die”. We laughed just as a big swell came in and swept me back toward the entry. Ricardo looked alarmed as I disappeared in the water and said later that he thought that I may have been swept in. He could not see that I was positioned so that was impossible. Well, traversing that tunnel was above today’s paygrade, and anyway would require examination of the exit; and possibly entering through the exit side first to test for a push out. We decided to leave it for next time and move on. The next slot is shown as #6 in Figure 2. This is a known slot that is passable in a kayak at very high water. We flushed through and back on swells. I went feet-first through, but my leg got caught on a rock and the ride was bumpy. We decided that it was better to run through head-first. In a flowing current of green water (not breaking) it was possible to keep your head up away from the rocks, and it just seemed easier to direct the push through. After #6 I went onto a ledge at #7 that had a little more action. It was fun to get pushed around with one footers flowing over the shallow table, but a larger set came in and it became chaotic. I briefly lost control in the sloshing and felt a sharp pain in my left leg. I was wearing only Body Glove shoes for a good climbing grip, and foolishly left the bottom of my wetsuit pantleg unzipped. Big mistake. My feet were swept over some sharp rocks or barnacles, and I got a nasty scratch exactly in the opening of the wetsuit. Lesson learned. The larger waves (really no more than two feet) continued pounding over the shallow ledge; and this caused a very challenging climb-out. Much harder than the rock faces. I eventually managed to crawl, not climb, out onto a rock that was probably 4-5 feet above the water level. Standing at #8 I was initially going to jump but could barely discern lighter coloration in the water as it drained. I think it was deep enough, but that set off alarms of a possible ledge. In an abundance of caution, I worked my way off the rock and just stepped into an oncoming swell. Ricardo and Sue were already swimming back and I started in that direction as well. I managed a nice climb-out and jump at #9 before following them into the original slot #3. Now experienced with the slot dynamics, it was a relaxing passage for us before the final swim into the beach. High-fives all around for Ricardo, Sue and me – and a heartfelt thank you to the safety kayakers. The scrapes on my leg were painful but just superficial – a good reminder to wear heavy-duty high socks with the shoes, and fully zip the wetsuit. It is for more than just warmth! Figure 2: Overview of Coasteering from Ballarock Cove. White line is the track, red stars are jump locations, the location of the tunnel is circled, and numbers refer to basins, slots, and jumps mentioned in the trip report. Back in the kayaks, we had a delightful rock gardening run to Gales Point with very high springs water. The venerable NSPN Rock was just a bump over breaking waves. By looking at the treetops, it was clear that the coastline was providing water-level lee from the west winds – a fact that had motivated the paddle plan. As we rounded Gales Point, it at first appeared that winds had died down. Perhaps we had escaped the expected slog from Gales to West Beach? Unfortunately, as we moved into the open area of Manchester Harbor, sustained winds and gusts increased. We’ve seen worse though, the air was warm, and the sun emerged occasionally from the clouds that had arrived during the afternoon. It was a very pleasant paddle past Chubb Island into West Beach. We landed in high water at around 3:00pm. Thanks to all the participants! PS. Coasteering is a sport combining swimming, rock climbing, jumping, and diving. As seen in today’s session, participants experience unique environments and water dynamics at the interface of the ocean with rock faces, slots, ledges, and basins. The kayak has an important role in providing accessibility to island coasteering, and for safety. With or without safety kayakers, a nearby fully provisioned kayak is useful for the safety and comfort of coasteerers. We are currently in the three-mil weather regime dictated by water and air temps. Five mil wetsuits will be preferred later in the fall. *PPS. Note on the Mola Mola. More than 40 species of parasites may reside on the skin and internally, motivating the fish to seek relief in a number of ways.[5][25] One of the most frequent ocean sunfish parasites is the flatworm Accacoelium contortum.[28] In temperate regions, drifting kelp fields harbor cleaner wrasses and other fish which remove parasites from the skin of visiting sunfish. In the tropics, M. mola solicits cleaning help from reef fishes. By basking on its side at the surface, the sunfish also allows seabirds to feed on parasites from its skin. Sunfish have been reported to breach, clearing the surface by approximately 3 m (10 ft), in an apparent effort to dislodge embedded parasites.[26][29]

Wednesday Lunch Paddle at West Beach, Beverly. Meet at 9:30am for launch at 10am. We'll pick an appropriate route based on conditions and the group's preference as per the usual improvised process. On this trip, depending on the interests of the participants, we may include coasteering and/or snorkeling pods. Coasteering involves rock hiking near the water, climbing, climb-outs, swims and jumps. Wetsuits (at least 3mil), climbing shoes, gloves, and helmets are strongly advised. There have been three or so private coasteering sessions among NSPN members so far this year. Here is a link to a trip report from a session last fall: Snorkeling is, well snorkeling...Fins, goggles, snorkels, gloves and etc. Wetsuits are also good depending on duration in the water. Here is a link to a trip report from an earlier WLP with snorkeling: I have some extra gear for coasteering and snorkeling. PM me for special requests. To join the trip you must be a paid-up NSPN member, and have signed the club participant waiver for this season. Your signup information will only be shared with other members on the trip. Covid-19 paddling: this trip requires paddlers to be vaccinated/boosted against Covid-19 and symptom-free, as rescues or first aid may require close physical contact. Trip level: WLPs do not have a specific level. All properly equipped members are welcome: please bring boats with rigged deck lines, bulkheads, spray skirts, and dress for immersion. For this trip a helmet is recommended also. NOTE: The Wednesday Lunch Paddles are cooperative adventures, not guided trips. We encourage paddlers to make their own independent decision about their comfort level with conditions at the time of the paddle. Each participant is responsible for her/his own safety. Don’t assume the trip initiators are smarter, stronger, better at rough water, more attractive, or more skilled paddlers than you are. For more information, see this description of our trip philosophy from the NSPN web site. Windy is showing 2ft 4 sec waves, W winds 15kts, gusts 20-25kts, temps 70-75F, sunny. Please PM me or post here to sign up. I will generate a paper float plan with respondent's names, numbers and emergency contacts. Please include that information in the response. Hope to see you there!

Kate, Interesting, and nice photo. Thanks for the information! Bob

Has anyone paddled Digby Peninsula in Nova Scotia? Topography shows even higher elevations than the western coast of Grand Manan; but possibly set back. Looks like an interesting area.

We saw this, especially the first day on the ebb along the SW corner. Overall, as with the Bold Coast, depending on the currents you could either hit the "escalator" on the outside or run back eddies between headlands on the inside. Long Eddy Point on Northern Head is aptly named. Hitting the opposing back eddy there on the approach to Money Cove was a memorable lesson. On the eastern side of Grand Manan the currents around the islands are much more complex. I agree with Tom and was struck by the similarities to Wales. The long western coast has huge headlands (larger than Eastern Head on the Bold Coast and repeated). As in Wales, you are forced to navigate by assessing headland and bay curvature, topography, and spillways for water that appear on the chart. Combined with the currents and conditions, it is a great training or assessment area for 5*. Confederate flags are gone now. The Dark Harbor folks were very friendly, and one provided guidance on the “dead tide” not reaching the landing. A careful assessment of the previous evening’s high-water mark and predicted upcoming high showed he was right. Yet, I parked up the hill - not wanting to be reminded of the variability of water level forecasts by seeing my car in the harbor on the return.

We will meet at 10:00 am and launch promptly at 10:30 am. The launch is at Fishermans Beach in Swampscott. Registration: To attend, please respond here or PM me. To join the trip you must be a paid-up NSPN member, and have signed the club participant waiver for this season. Your signup information will only be shared with other members on the trip. Predictions and Plan: NOAA Forecast is ENE wind 5 to 7 kt becoming ESE in the afternoon. A chance of showers, mainly after noon. Seas around 1 ft., 55F, Magic Seaweed - Nahant, 1.5ft 6 sec waves. Tentative plan is to Nahant Beach then out to East Point, Nahant. Covid-19 paddling: this trip requires paddlers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 per request of the trip organizers, as rescues or first aid may require close physical contact. Trip level: WLPs do not have a specific level. All properly equipped members are welcome: please bring boats with rigged deck lines, bulkheads, spray skirts, and dress for immersion. NOTE: The Wednesday Lunch Paddles are cooperative adventures, not guided trips. We encourage paddlers to make their own independent decision about their comfort level with conditions at the time of the paddle. Each participant is responsible for her/his own safety. Don’t assume the trip initiators are smarter, stronger, better at rough water, more attractive, or more skilled paddlers than you are. For more information, see this description of our trip philosophy from the NSPN web site. Please PM me if you have questions or if you haven’t paddled with me before. Hope to see you there!

Bill, Yes, that is the put-in. There was a portable toilet there last season. Bob