North Shore Paddlers Network

Put-ins/Directions

Calendar of Events

Trip Participation

Practice Sessions

Mailing Address:

North Shore Paddlers
Network
P.O. Box 262
Reading, MA 01867

Trip Level Ratings

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Paddling will be on very sheltered water with easy access to the shore.	Paddling will be on lakes, sheltered rivers, harbors, tidal estuaries, etc.	Paddling may involve limited exposure to open ocean with access to sheltered water or landing near at hand (less than one mile).	Paddling may involve significant exposure to open ocean with limited access to shelter. May require paddling in open ocean for several miles to reach shelter.

Maximum Conditions
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Wind	Some	10 knots	15 knots	25 knots
Waves/Chop	Minimal	1 foot	2 feet	4 feet
Surf	Minimal	1 foot	2 feet	4 feet
Current	Minimal	1 knot	2 knots	4 knots
Distance	2 miles	10 miles	15 miles	20+ miles

Skills
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Paddle	None	Forward, reverse, sweep	Level 2 skills. Correcting and boat handling strokes. Solid bracing.	Level 3 skills. Strong bracing skills. Surf skills. Tidal current skills.
Rescue	None	Wet exit	Wet exit, paddle float self rescue, partner rescue	Level 3 skills Rescues and tows. Reliable roll or very strong bracing.
Pace	None	None	2-3 knots	4 knots
Other	None	None	Basic trip safety Basic navigation Trip planning Environmental conditions	Charts, navigation, VHF, environmental conditions, trip planning and emergency procedures
Desirable Experience	None	Basic class in kayak safety and paddle strokes	Level 2 trips or equivalent. Class in rescues and tows	Level 3 trips or equivalent. Level 3 classes. Classes in trip planning, safety, and navigation.

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