This is our annual summertime social event which is always held at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead and finishes off with a pot luck party under the pavilion across the street at Devereux Beach.  Traditionally, we end up with multiple groups on the water doing different trips based on skills and experience.  Examples would be a 15 mile trip out to Bakers Island for some play in heavier seas around the island, a 10 mile trip to Children's Island for some conservative paddling in moderate seas, and a 5 mile trip to Dolliber Cove for those newer to sea kayaking.  Those are just examples, and we may end up with more or less than three groups if needed.  The actual trips would be designed based on the weather, sea conditions, and the general desires of participants.  Each trip will have leaders of varying levels but all trip members should be active participants in the design and execution of each trip to the extent of their abilities.  Therefore, we welcome NSPN members of all skill levels to join this event, and only require a minimum of a sea kayak (must have active flotation such as bulkheads or float bags), paddle, PFD, sprayskirt, food and water.  Even then, if you are lacking something (say a proper ocean kayak with bulkheads), please post what you might need and we will see if someone has one you can borrow for the day.
Parking at Riverhead should be free, but can be busy with dog walker, SUP rentals, and - oh yeah, a bunch of kayakers!  Alternate parking at Devereaux is $15 for the day.  Everyone should be ready to launch by 9:30am, and we will sort people into trip groups at that time.  After the trips (most likely 3:00 - 3:30PM), all groups will pack up their gear, change into warm clothing (be prepared that it tends to be very windy in the afternoon) and collect under the picnic pavilion at Devereaux Beach across the street, and enjoy a pot-luck style beach party for dinner!  NSPN will have plates, bowls, napkins, utensils and some extra serving utensils and serving bowls on hand, so bring your favorite dish (enough to share!), your favorite beverage (no alcohol) and you best kayaking stories to be told.  Non-paddling friends and family are of course also invited to meet up with us.
So bring your gear, your love of paddling, and a yummy dish to share to help us kick-off the summer paddling season in style!!!  Please click the GOING button to the upper left so we get a sense of who will be joining us.  Also, watch the Trips message forum for an official announcement as a place for comments or questions.

Event details