Events
Events happening today
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6
PM
Mar 13, 2021 06:00 PM 08:30 PM
This event began 03/13/2021 and repeats every week on Saturday until 03/27/2021
THIS EVENT IS:
A set of 3 sessions over Zoom, aimed at improving paddlers’ ability to research, plan and execute paddling trips in typical local areas used by the club, up to NSPN Level 3. No prior experience is needed. Joe Berkovitz and Bob Levine will co-teach this class.
The class is built around an online workbook of exercises created by the instructors and others. Lecture and presentation will be kept to a minimum. Wherever possible, material will be introduced in the context of solving real-world problems. Some exercises will be done online with the instructors, some in student breakout sessions or “pods”, and some offline.
As a culminating exercise, small groups students will plan one or more “fantasy” paddles given a set of expected weather conditions, and present their plans to the class for critique.
Registration is not limited. If there are over 12 students, we will ask more experienced paddlers to limit their interaction with us (i.e. audit the course), so that we can give less experienced folks the individual attention they need.
REGISTRATION:
You can register using this form:
https://forms.gle/rCfFMrKGeXHfHE4W8
WHEN IT’S HAPPENING:
On three Saturdays in 2021: March 13, 20 and 27 from 1-3:30 pm.
March 13: Navigation
March 20: The Coastal Environment
March 27: Planning a Trip
In the week preceding the first session, a package of information including a Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants via private email.
WHAT IT COVERS:
3/13 - Part 1: Navigation
Essentials of map and compass use:
Scale and distance
The coordinate grid
Magnetic variation
True and magnetic bearings on the map and in the world
Reading and interpreting nautical charts
Depth
Buoyage and Channels
Coastal topography
Suitability for landing and launching
Parsing the visual environment
Sources for nautical charts
3/20 - Part 2: The Coastal Environment
Understanding and predicting weather and sea conditions
Understanding and predicting tides: water level, volume, currents
Interactions between weather, tides and geography:
Weather and geography
Tides and geography
Weather and tides
Online information resources
3/27 - Part 3: Planning
Balancing the environment, the group’s desires and the group’s capabilities
Determining an ability level for the trip
Estimating duration and effort
Anticipating and adjusting for tides, weather and visibility
Handrails, crossings
Shipping and boating
Identifying and using ranges
Places to rest, eat, refresh
Anticipating decision points and escape options on the water
Documenting the planned route
Appendix: Logistics
Parking and access
Organizing an NSPN club trip
WHAT IT ISN’T:
This workshop is not a full-blown Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning course, nor does it substitute for trip leader training. Some materials are specific to areas frequently paddled by the club. All NSPN members are encouraged to develop their skills through professional instruction from accredited sources.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
A color printer or other way to print the maps
A handheld plastic compass (preferably with string attached)
Pencils
Paper or other note-taking device
EXTRA BENEFITS:
You'll get acquainted with other NSPN members at approximately your own level, who can become paddling partners!
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