hopefloats

Congrats!!

Glad to hear it went so well! Sounds like all who attended learned a lot and had great fun doing it!

Yes- me neither... I guess I should change the banner ad... Sorry gang!

Pete H. Thanks for the idea, I just want to be careful... The objective is to be able to see your group easily out in the sun on the water so you don't get separated... I appreciate the brainstorming, but I think small rubber bracelets would be pretty hard to distinguish in a mob of crossing paddle pods among moored boats on their way out of the same harbor. Buddies paddling together could end up following the wrong group if they couldn't tell the difference between green or blue rubber bracelets in that situation and once they caught up, the group who was counting their heads maybe elsewhere. If it's not super easily visible for the express purpose of staying together, I would worry we'd only succeed in creating a weirdness about labeling peoples skills or perceived weaknesses, which isn't the atmosphere the solistice paddle is supposed to have. Flags from the stern may be a better strategy, or something on pfds.

Suz I'm intrigued by your idea of "wearing bands" to visually help keep groups paddling together! Has this sort of thing been done before? Is it an arm band or would it be more visible somewhere else? Obviously would have to be nylon or polyester (not cotton)...? Wonder if this could be "whomped up" in short time? Flourescent colors or reflective strips would be helpful too... kind of like bike or jogging thingys people wear? A suction cup kayak flag of some kind would be very visible but too hard to fashion different groups in short time, i think. ...and maybe not "cool" enough for people to want to use them and also losable. I thought of floaty sunglasses strings having something, but that could be losable too. Whatcha think?

'what Ed said! Guess I'm gonna make some ripples too. Generally I try not too, I think it was Jeff that said "...compose your post, go have a beer and if you still feel like it says what you need to say, hit send." So here goes - heads on the block. I believe NSPN is STILL in transition, and that the CAM model could work wonderfully if there were more experienced members willing or interested in mentoring beyond lake sessions. I don't intend to take anything away from lake sessions, because they are a huge asset to the club. The problem I see is beyond that. What I have witnessed is there are is a dwindling number of NSPNers that still think of it as "mentoring" (those remaining - I am still your biggest fan!) and a growing number see it as "babysitting", hence the growing stigma for NSPN. There has simply not been enough experienced manpower WILLING to back up the remaining "pay-it-forward" mentors to effectively handle the numbers of beginners enthusiastic about kayaking and wanting to be a part of this "once great club". Therefore this stigma is being VERY difficult to shake for those of us STILL trying to rise the club back above it. The risk involved comes into play NOT because the "L2 paddlers are going where they don't belong", but rather that the mentorship and teamwork has dwindled. There always seems to be the ones not wanting to be babysitters taking the wind out of the sails of those that want to be mentors and NSPN ends up with an empty calendar for beginner paddles in the process. The example set by last year's solistice paddle, I think, was a good one towards the goal of using the CAM model EFFECTIVELY. ALL pods had good beach briefings, communicating what batches of skills, equipment, and area knowledge were going on which trips. And when the "L2 paddle pod" ended up with more than they could chew with changing weather, I think those that were experienced acted with wonderful leadership. Some by electing to assist on a lesser challenging trip than originally planned to go on, some by convincing those inadequately equipped for the rougher paddle back to stay on the beach to be picked up, and some by assisting getting the rest back to the put in safely. Everyone arrived for the party in one piece, and we gained EXPERIENCE and perspective on how to better run this year's paddle. Yes there were some hair-raising moments, but in contrast to previous years when it was dead clam and boring, all that participated learned something, whether we were on the water or traveled back on land. I am pleased to see that those involved in initiating that trip last year are enthusiastic about doing it again, AND there seems to be a bigger number of experienced volunteers willing to help with the L2 this year! THAT'S what this club is all about! NOT this "see - I told you so" attitude that keeps popping up. There are some major efforts still being made to bulk back up the training and education PRIOR to the solistice paddle this year, as well as trying to get more L2 trips posted later in the summer and I strongly urge anyone thinking they want to be part of the solistice paddle to come to the weekend events coming in the month of May. ...and welcome to all other groups to the solistice paddle! I think we can all learn a lot from each other and have a great time!

Me too Rob! This is one of my favorite workshops we run! I learn something new each time! Just in case this will be the first NSPN event you will be attending, here's how to get to the Gould Barn! Directions: From the south, take Rt. 1 north exit off of Route I-95. Follow that to Rt. 97 west into Topsfield. At the stop sign, the library will be on your left and a small side street immediately before the stop sign is on your right - that is East Common Street . Take a right onto this street and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church. From the north, take I-95 south to the Topsfield Rt. 97 exit. Proceed to Congregational Church on the right and Town Common on the left. Make a left turn onto Route 97 East, for 1/2 a second and then take a SHARP left onto East Common St and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church. There is some parking on the street or at the far left end of the church lot closest to the Barn.

Think we'll have snow? Drive carefully everyone!

Hope everyone has had a great turkey day ...and is getting ready to kick off the holiday season with us in STYLE!!! Lots of fun being "cooked up" for Saturday! See you there!

Here's so pics from previous years!!

Help us kick off the holiday season in style!!! This is one of the main NSPN opportunities to meet & mingle with many of our members at all skill levels. You don't want to miss it! Annual Holiday Party Where: Gould Barn, Topsfield, MA When: Saturday, December 5th, 2009 Time: 6:00 pm to 10pm -B.Y.O.B. & Potluck Party.... we do it so well! NSPN members have legendary high culinary standards! Soda and large-ish metal bins with ice will be provided. -ongoing slide show of past events and festive music (If you have some new pics you want to contribute, please email them to brian@nspn.org) -Gear Raffles and Year End Awards presented -plus a return of last year's fun Club Trivia Game (new questions)! -as always celebrating another year of friends and fun! Directions to Gould Barn: From the south, take Rt. 1 north exit off of Route I-95. Follow that to Rt. 97 west into Topsfield. At the stop sign, the library will be on your left and a small side street immediately before the stop sign is on your right - that is East Common Street . Take a right onto this street and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church. From the north, take I-95 south to the Topsfield Rt. 97 exit. Proceed to Congregational Church on the right and Town Common on the left. Make a left turn onto Route 97 East, for 1/2 a second and then take a SHARP left onto East Common St and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church. There is some parking on the street or at the far left end of the church lot closest to the Barn.

Last year we got so many great suggestions for this fun award... http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showto...knocks&st=0 surely there were some great mishaps this last paddling season! Come on guys, don't let this award retire after only two years!!