rossjb1

Well... I'm always up for a paddle around Kettle Cove in Manchester. Lots to explore, some rock gardening, maybe some surfing. We could just poke around. If the weather turns bad then we head back. Not so concerned with the rain or the seas. But of course the t-storms are an issue. If any chance of, this area would afford us the opportunity for an easy landing or a quick paddle back. I'm still interested in getting out. Ross

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Mar 24 2009, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Would anyone be interested in either of these trips? The tides will be right for Castle Neck. We can work out the details as we get closer to the date. Hey Kevin, Pete and I may be interested in one of these. I would enjoy a paddle around Cape Ann. Considering that you and I have had at least two incompletes on that one I would like to complete it before it turns into an F or I have to repeat the whole course. But don't I have until the mid point of the next semester to finish? Oops, sorry, I was having another one of my college years flashback. Ross

Ed, I don't know if your still reading this thread or not (or anyone for that matter considering what it led to) but I would like to expand upon an analogy that might help to explain my starting this topic in the first place. I have always admired people who had the patience to go birding. I see it as a great way to learn about the outdoors and appreciate the natural world. Now lets say I was a birder and belonged to the club. I would probably be posting trips specifically for the purpose of IDing birds. I am a teacher (in real life) and I would likely enjoy teaching about birding. Perhaps drills on the water "Who can ID that bird" "What is the coloring of ___", "What is the mating behavior of _____ ". Maybe even assign people specific whistles that the other paddlers would have to ID. Perhaps ambush people with Bird ID cards if there were no birds to be seen, maybe sneak up on an unsuspecting fellow paddler and challenge them with one of the whistles or songs for them to ID. All to paddle, teach be with friends and make it fun at the same time. If I were not into birding I wouldn't accompany. Perhaps I would join the group but not partake in the exercises or drills. But the things is we are all still in the same club but with different interests. I hope that puts it in a different perspective. BTW the way the service at this place is quite slow...it takes forever to get your check. In the meantime how about hanging around for a few more years of paddling with the club. Ross P.S Since I began this topic, might I ask from this point forward respond to what I have written here. If you do not have something positive to say then keep it off this thread. Thanks Ross

Yeesh! it seems as if my post post has been hijacked. The whole point of this post was to stimulate some thought on how some of us can further hone our skills. There are some of us who are interested in paddling as a sport perhaps such as white water kayakers do. There are those of us who enjoy the serenity of paddling on calmer waters communing with nature and enjoying the company of friends. I enjoy both. Ed, you and I have been on such a paddle together. It seems to me that the club is big enough to accommodate a variety of paddlers as well as paddling styles. If there are some among us who may wish to practice skills, or discuss drills there should be a place for that. If there are those among us who wish to describe a specific serene spot where they have spotted an osprey diving or an eagle circling above they should also be welcome. I believe that the more people take the initiative in carving out niches within the club the better. There should be room for paddlers who enjoy surfing or "rock gardening" as well as the birders or people who simply enjoy paddling in the marshes. We all have our own different reasons for getting out there on the water. But remember, we all share the common bound of our enjoyment of the waters as well as our friendships. Lets not forget that. Ross

Michael, this is what I wrote on the other thread if you didn't see it... If some people feel that energy is missing from the Club then the we perhaps we can re-ignite. That would be fine with me. Perhaps with yours and other peoples input we can further expand the list of activities and drills that we can do our trips. Not too long ago I tried to find a BCU coaching guide that would have practice drills but couldn't find it. One of the things that Peter and I were doing to teach and practice our stern rudder was to have one person tow and the towie would be able to practice edging and proper paddle placement without having to paddle. We didn't do this but one could also use this method to practice rolling while being towed. Most of us do our rolls in a stationary position but in reality we are usually moving down a wave when we go over. practicing a roll while being towed would help with becoming familiar with the sensation of rolling while being propelled forward Any one else? Lets keep the ideas/suggestions/comments coming. We can brainstorm them here and then compile a list then post it as a separate Topic. Ross

Good idea Suz. Hop over to "Bob's Kayak Camp" and people can discuss/reminisce about the old days. If some people feel that energy is missing from the Club then the we perhaps we can re-ignite. Fine with me. Ross

But seriously folks... Perhaps we should be thinking about organizing an NSPN symposium. How long has it been since the club has gotten something like that together? Perhaps we could tap into Bobs expertise and his connections in the NW as well our home grown talent. Yes a lot of work but could be worth it. Ross

Yes of course, on the reunion paddle Bob clearly asked who among us were interested in ataining our BCU 4. Of the people who replied (me included) he was generous with his time, energy, and patience. He was genuinely interested in teaching and improving/increasing my skill level. He challenged my skills and set the bar higher for me that day and on our other paddles that week. The people who were not interested in instruction seemed to enjoy the antics. Yes a good teacher/coach and paddling companion. Hope people don't take it seriously or get the wrong impression. Just having fun with these icons and busting his chops Ross

Bob, just in case you missed it on the last topic thread Is it possible to organize some workshops involving revamping our teaching of skills/experiental teaching/learning. Perhaps we can get Bob to come back to teach. Maybe a Kayak Camp. I'm thinking of the syllabus now...hmmmm.... I know How about this... Day1: Introduction/lecture: The importance of causing chaos whenever possible Morning- Proper techniques of overturning your buddies kayak Break for Lunch Afternoon- Instruction through ridicule and berating "Your forward stroke sucks" Day 2: Morning- Techniques for towing 5 or more rafted kayaks whilst the two outside paddlers paddle backwards Break for Lunch Afternoon- Proper forward stroke technique to most efficiently run up onto the rear deck of your buddies kayak. Day 3: Morning- Group management and leadership or deciding Who dumps who and who gets dumped first. Break for Lunch Afternoon- Techniques for counseling the paranoid and stressed out paddler. Final Evening- Bob whadya think? Ross

Well you are known as, Peter the Puritanical Pious Paddler

QUOTE(B @ Mar 18 2009, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi all It was apparent during my visit last summer that the character of the club had changed drastically. When I talked about setting off a little rescue practice in some bumpy water I was given the evil eye and told not to. It was my intent when the club was started to practice an important skill, rescues, by providing intentional practice sessions through causing chaos whenever possible. To some this method wasn't attractive, but others seemed to thrive on it. It was the "OTHERS" that became the stronger leaders and teachers in the club back then. Where is the club now that they are not participating? Please go back to your roots. The warmer side of NSPN does no one any good. My students here on the west coast thrive on "the shark in the shallows" or as you all used to call it "getting Bob'd". I don't do it out of the need to be mean. I want you all to become stronger. Sometimes that means a little push is needed for practice to begin. Don't enable dependence, Teach for independence. That used to be the NSPN way. It's up to you to carry on the tradition. B Bob, not to worry we're still getting out there and practicing in all conditions. Alex and I were planning on doing a cold water skills/rescues in conditions 3 weeks ago but had to call it off because a blizzard and a few inches of snow. But more so because Alex hurt his knee the day before when he was skiing. Yes the tradition continues.

Ed, I think that the skills sessions at the various lakes in the area are place where people can really expand their knowledge and skills. That is where I gained much of my mine. You may be right in that the club may not be setting up enough beginner paddles/trips. We do try though. Your right on about the mentoring. Perhaps there could be a specific place on the website where people could hook up with mentors. There are a number of aspiring teachers/coaches who would probably be happy to get some teaching experience Ross

http://maps.google.com/

Bring a helmet if you wish, we may spend some time rock gardening. My Cell # is 914-489-2673

It is off season so there is open parking for non residents. A great time to get out there. I'm going to meet Peter B at 11:00. Not a long paddle, just floating about exploring the cliffs and shoreline. Anyone else?

Hoping to get out and away from the in-laws on Saturday. (God I hope my wife doesn't read this). Meet at Kettle Cove Beach parking @ 10:00 (Ocean St. Off 127) Ross

Jon looks like we have one more in for Popham, three of us so far. I 'll keep checking for our posts. Ross

Jon, Peter suggested heading up to Popham beach on Sunday. Any interest?

Weather looks warmer for the weekend. I have no strong preference for any specific location so I'm up for ideas. Whose looking to get out? Ross

What is the starting salary and is a company Kayak including? Ross

LONG TERM GEOLOGICAL FORECAST FOR COASTAL WATERS OF MAINE Dissipation of heat from the Earths mantle will result in convergent boundaries resulting in the eventual collision of the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Plates will be moving Easterly and Westerly, respectively, at approx. 2 centimeters per year This will result in Maine’s coastline crust crumpling and buckling into a mountain range. SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH NEXT GEOLOGIC EPOCH DUE TO EARTHQUAKES, VOLCANOES AND RESULTING TSUNAMIS.