kevinfre

Thanks for all the ideas so far. My preference is to do this without adding another piece of gear (despite how cool that gear might be). I may have more to say after I get through all the responses. Kevin

Been working on my ACA Level 3 this summer and I'm trying to figure out a simple short tow. Not that it's a really complicated problem, but I figured I'd ask to see what folks here use. I have a North Water tow belt so I can daisy chain it and clip in to make a shorter line. Any reason to not just stick with that? Suggestions /improvements welcomed. Thanks, Kevin

Thanks again for all the replies. I'm now the owner of a new Palm Torrent drysuit. Looking forward to using it soon! Kevin

Thanks to everyone for the helpful responses. One other question - the suit is breathable, correct? Or at least the fabric is intended to be? I understand that how dry you stay has a lot to do with how many layers you have on underneath. Kevin

I've been presented with the opportunity to buy a Palm Torrent drysuit, unopened, for what seems to be a surprisingly good price. The seller is local so I can try it on first. Does anyone have experience with Palm drysuits? Anything good or bad to report? I'm looking for online reviews but haven't found much. Thanks, Kevin

Never mind, I just noticed where it says "Saturday 10:30 Am launch" in smaller, lighter font. Was that there before? Because I stared at that post for a long time, making absolutely sure the day wasn't mentioned and I wasn't going to ask a dumb question. I'd hate to think I managed to do so anyway. Kevin

Based on the tide prediction I assume this is Saturday, correct? Kevin

I might be in. Need to confirm schedule. Will post again later. Kevin Fredette

Kevin: I'm interested but I seem to have misplaced your email address. I changed to gmail awhile back and not all my contacts made it over. Can you email me at kevintfredette@gmail.com? thx, Kevin

How popular is that race? Is it the kind of thing that ties up downtown and attracts crowds of people to watch the start (or the finish)? Just wondering. Kevin

Looks like I now have other plans for Saturday. I might try initiating this trip again on a date where the tide allows a later start. Kevin

Here's a description from when I did the trip last year: We will be launching from Pavilion Beach in Ipswich, then paddling across Hay Channel to Fox Creek, where we wil paddle up Castle Neck River then out to Essex Bay and around the southern end of Crane’s Beach to the open water of Ipswich Bay. If the sand bar at the end of Castle Island, we will land there, otherwise we’ll head back into Hay Channel and return to Pavilion Beach. Although given the lack of interest so far, I may do something else. Will post again later this week. Kevin

I'd like to do a Castle Neck circumnavigation this Saturday the 23rd, since I haven't done it yet this season. High tide is 5:50 AM, so an 8:00 AM launch from Pavilion Beach should get us around the back of the island while there's still enough water (i.e. we're going counter-clockwise). This is a CAM trip, which means I'll do the beach briefing but there's no single designated leader and we make decisions as a group. I've done this route a couple of times and as long as the conditions cooperate there aren't too many opportunities for trouble (whether that's a selling point or not is up to you). However it's not a beginner trip, and you should have experience with open water paddling. This is my first time initiating a CAM trip so if any of our more experienced coaches and CAM trainers wanted to come along, you would be especially welcome. I'm personally not comfortable with more than 10-12 boats on the water, so if we attract more than that I think it would be especially good to have those people around. I'm a stickler for punctuality so I'll do the beach briefing at 7:45. Post here if interested, and please don't show up without posting. If you have safety gear that you routinely bring, please mention it (tow ropes, flares, radio etc.). I think that covers everything, but I'm sure someone will chime in if I missed something. Kevin Fredette

Very helpful, thanks again. I always appreciate the resources of this group. Kevin

Thanks for the tips. I'll either time it for slack or just use Greasy Pole. I don't have any particular attachment to the High School put in, I just figured I'd think about it as an option. If we do go there, I'll make sure people know where to park and where not to. The trip, BTW, is to go to Manchester Harbor and back. Which brings up another question: I've done the route several times, but I'm not sure about which beaches are suitable for a short break and which ones have lifeguards that will chase away kayakers. I know I've had it happen. Any thoughts on that? Thanks again, Kevin