Come join us at Chebacco Lake in Hamilton on Thursdays at 5pm until sunset though the summer. Work on fundamentals in a relaxing environment with the support of other paddlers. Practice strokes, rolls, rescues, falling out of your boat, or just watching kingfishers.  Dress for immersion.  A wetsuit is warm enough in early season, and keeps down the bruises from climbing back into your boat ten times a night.
We meet at the boat ramp at the south end of the lake, and hang out in the cove to the left of the ramp. You can either get off 128 at Pine st (exit 49) and head north, or find Chebacco road off Rt 22 in Essex. No entrance fees. Sign up below if you're coming.

Announcing a Skills Practice Paddle! This is exactly what those three words imply: we will practice some skills by going on a paddle somewhere.
This paddle is open to members at all skill levels. Everyone benefits from practicing, and we'll work in pairs or small groups to help each other:
If you are just getting started on a skill, you'll get to spend some time learning the basics from someone first.
If you know how to do something but would like to do it better, you'll benefit by practicing it with others.
If you've mastered a skill, you can learn even more by helping someone acquire it.
We will determine where to launch and what skills to work on shortly before the date, since this depends so much on the weather and sea state. However, we'll try our best to do this somewhere in northeastern MA that doesn't cost too much.
Please indicate your interest by signing up for the form here. To make the most of the experience, this trip will be capped at 8-10 paddlers. However I'm going to leave the signup open so that there is a waitlist in case of cancellations. I'll confirm attendance and post reminders as we get closer to the date.
(Note: I will not be monitoring those "I'm interested!" comments. If you're interested, please sign up using the form!)
The rain date for this paddle is Sunday, July 12.
Here are some things we might practice... but we'll select no more than a few on the actual date!
safety/rescue:
wet exits
assisted rescues
self-rescues with assistance on hand
towing
strokes:
efficient, powerful and comfortable forward and backward strokes
sweep strokes for turning the boat while moving
draw and pry strokes to move the boat sideways
rudders to hold the boat in place along some direction
boat handling:
edging the boat
bracing for stability or turning
stopping the boat
stern and bow weighting
adapting to wind
adapting to waves
trip planning / navigation:
chart and compass usage
route selection
wayfinding based on landforms and markers
Hope to see you there.

We have a remote campsite at the lake in July! If you haven't visited this area before, think of a lake ringed by mountains. During the day we can explore the waterways which enter and exit the lake, do some hiking, and visit a beach. Evening sunsets behind the mountains are amazing, as is the nightly loon chorus, sometimes accompanied by a parade. The site can hold a maximum of 5 tents. Message me (Jody Harris) if you would like more details and are interested in joining the trip.

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This two-day coastal paddling clinic is designed for experienced paddlers who are comfortable in Paddle UK Moderate Water (wind to 16 kt, current to 2 kt, launch and land through 1 meter surf) or ACA Level 3 conditions and looking to take their skills to the next level.
Over two fun and focused days, we’ll dive into how to move, play, and travel efficiently and safely in dynamic coastal environments. You’ll build confidence in your technical paddling and rescue skills while exploring the judgment and decision-making that keep trips smooth when conditions get busy.
We’ll also look at leadership—how to make good calls, work as a team, and support both safety and fun on the water. The course follows a learner-centered approach, shaped around your goals and experience, ensuring that every paddler leaves more capable, confident, and connected to the sea.
Venue will be local to the North Shore, and will be chosen to take advantage of conditions.
Registration link to follow soon. Follow this event to receive updates.
Cost for this two-day workshop will be $185. Comparable training opportunities typically cost $170/day. This is in addition to our free (to members) peer-led skills sessions throughout the season, and will be a good complement to them.
This clinic is open to 10 participants. We need to determine demand. If you are interested in joining, respond HERE by March 21. We'll open registration later.
Questions? Ask [email protected].