rylevine

Sid, Congratulations! - Bob

Kevin, I plan to attend. Definitely gear and likely a boat. Bob

Hi Phil, I think for me the hardest part was the night nav. In the spring sunset is at 9:30 or so in Wales, so the night nav was late after a day of on-water assessment and an on-paper navigation exercise (which was interesting but a little tricky). In addition to unavoidable late-night scheduling, it was just miserable weather - cloudy, driving rain, and high winds. Earlier in the week we had paddled large sections of the north Pembrokeshire coast in a series of perfect training paddles designed by John and Nige. During those sessions, I must admit to carefully keeping track of headlands, coves, shore topography, and unusual features trying to get a visual for the night nav. As it turns out, the night nav was along one section we had not covered! This was not purposeful, but just due to conditions and logistics of the paddle. Bob

Thank you for the congratulations. A few years back, Dave Corbin passed and posted the following statement that I agree with - especially the last bit. I'm happy to assist 5* aspirants. Getting to 5 Star does in fact take a lot of focus and dedication, but it is in my opinion very achievable. When I started on the path 3 years ago it was clear I had a lot of work to do. I got there though, and if it's something that appeals to you, you should give yourself a chance. If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to reach out. Bob

Katherine, Beautiful day on the water. I guess next time stalkers won't be able to use the CRCK class ruse... Bob

Thanks everyone, and congrats to Doug and Julie.

I would like to thank the NSPN volunteers Cathy, Rob, Warren, Rick, Gene, Pru, Janice, Jeff, Phil, Lorrie, and David, who helped with the NTSKW this year. Thanks also to the Portsmouth Seacoast Family YMCA staff led by Kat for their help with logistics for the event. - Bob

Rob, Thanks for organizing the EBP again this year. Also, thanks to Pru for yet-another great trip report, and Cathy, Mike and Beth for participating. It was a lot of fun! If they make them, perhaps we should bring colorfast peeps next year? We tried to get the attention of the other bunny in that picture, but I'm not sure that we succeeded. I'm glad you got the shot anyway. Bob

Pru, 15 mph southwest to west sustained winds and up to 28 mph wind gusts are predicted. These are along shore for most of the north shore. Probably could find cover in nooks and crannies north of Manchester, but also possible slog coming back, for example crossing Lobster Cove area. I'm game for whatever people decide with the option to pull the plug if too gusty. A more conservative paddle would be out of Riverhead in Marblehead in the lee along the M'head shore up to Brown's Island. Assess situation as we go to decide to round the tip or just enjoy rock gardens at Peachs Point. "Plunges" could occur in Doliber Cove or, if we decide to go to M'head tip, there are plenty of coves for practice under the mansions. Would suggest mentioning our efforts to the harbormaster so was not to inflame the locals. Take a look: http://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/massachusettsMarineDay.php#tabs HT at 12:50 so plenty of water around Doliber. Bob

Reminder: The New to Sea Kayaking Workshop is open to non-members. Thanks. - Bob

Josko, Will be good to see you and catch up. Bob

Pru, Yes, please bring the Romany and gear, and it would be great if you could help people in the pool. I'll respond directly to the volunteers on the PM thread. Bob

We are up to 27 participants for the workshop with about 10 for the pool. This is an opportunity to invite family, friends, and co-workers (those wondering where you have been disappearing to in the afternoons!) for an introduction to sea kayaking. NSPN volunteers are bringing boats and gear for the pool, but people are welcome to bring there own to practice with. Pool session has a $15 fee towards a free year membership in NSPN. Bob

I plan to attend. Thanks. - Bob

Attached is the 2015 NTSKW flyer. Please distribute. Looking for NSPN volunteers; presenters, hospitality, logistics, and people to assist at the pool session. Post interest here and/or PM me for more information. Thanks! Bob NTSKW Flyer 04-11-15.pdf

9th Annual NSPN New to Sea Kayaking Workshop Optional Pool Session Need advice on getting started? Looking for others to kayak with? Wondering which type of kayak is right for you? Don't miss our annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop! Learn what equipment you'll need. Learn about safety. Find out what a beginner's trip is like. Discover places that offer classes and specialized training. Discussions with new and experienced fellow kayakers. Plan future adventures! Back by popular demand: Camper’s Corner in which experts will discuss gear and techniques for kayak camping. Where: Portsmouth Seacoast Family YMCA, 550 Peverly Hill Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801 When: Saturday, April 11, 2015, 2 - 4pm; Pool Session 4:30-7pm Fee: WORKSHOP is FREE & open to the public. POOL SESSION COST $15 will be applied to a free year membership to NPSN and will be used to help cover the cost of the YMCA rental for this venue. Register: Bob Levine ntskw@nspn.org Questions: ntskw@nspn.org Basic Overview: How to choose equipment: kayaks, paddles, clothing and additional equipment. Overview of skills, training and what to expect. Locating and experiencing initial on-water training. Open discussion and questions welcome. Workshop followed by optional pool session in adjacent YMCA pool. Wet exit, strokes, rescue techniques. Kayaks and gear provided.

Katherine, This year the agenda is a little different. There is a need for 4 kayakers on an earlier shift for swimmers during a warm up period (meeting 7:30 at Forest River Park), and about 12 kayakers on a later shift for the races (meeting 8:30 at the Palmers Cove Yacht Club). Both Forest River Park and the PCYC are in Salem. The event is Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the Forest River Park. Bob

SALEM SOUND SWIM AND FIN RACE: http://www.swimandfin.org/ Safety kayakers are needed to monitor swimming races in Salem Harbor. NSPN has a tradition of providing volunteers for this event. Safety kayakers activities include: 1. patrol a zone 2. identify tired, distressed or disabled swimmers 3. signal a rescue boat 4. offer the swimmer support 5. carry AND use a hand-held radio (we may have a _limited_ number of radios available but kayakers with their own radios are best) Safety kayakers in two groups this year, early or late, meeting to organize at 7:30am or 8:30am. All races end at 12:30. Post here or PM me for more details and to RSVP. Proceeds to benefit Salem Sound Coastwatch. Bob

I agree with Leon and Rick. We can land on the Gooseberries and/or Misery like in previous years. Looks like calm conditions tomorrow, so we can follow the traditional route through Childrens (crossing the M'head channel) - Cormorant Rk gap, then out to Gooseberries, possibly Dry Breakers (although should avoid if seals are present - as likely), around Bakers, and Misery for lunch. Details can be sorted out depending on interests. Given the numbers it is a good idea to break up into 2 or so pods; each following a similar route or endpoint at lunch. In previous years we've had a separate pod go over to donate gel coat to the dry breakers. There will be plenty of rocks around as we will be out there at low tide (see Rick's posting). Doug is running an alternative L3-L3+ trip probably with less distance, more action in rock gardens, and possibly the beach at Devereux. That is an option for people as well. Here is the forecast for tomorrow. http://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/massachusettsMarineDay.php#tabs The Salem Ferry is running. Here is the schedule for tomorrow. Saturday Departs Salem - 8 AM, 10:30 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM & 8 PM Departs Boston - 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM, & 9 PM It usually arrives to the M'head channel about 45 minutes after departing Boston. We may end up briefly waiting for it to pass at M'head tip on the way out, and then keep an eye for it coming in at 3:15. See everyone tomorrow morning at 9:30, Riverhead. Bob

2014 NSPN Solstice Paddle Saturday June 21st Riverhead Beach Marblehead, MA L3 Pod led by: Bob Levine Beach Briefing at 9:30am Launch at 10:00am Most likely we will head out to Bakers Island. More information to follow as we get closer to the date. There will also be L2 and L2+ pods from the same put-in. These have been announced on this forum. Please post below if you are interested in joining the L3 pod. Bob

Robin, Thanks for posting the video and pictures. It was a perfect day for training and practice. Thanks to all the participants and leaders; and especially to Scott Camlin for organizing the CAM sessions this year. Rick and Andy; looks interesting. Will definitely get a group together to try it out. Thanks. Bob

Yesterday's NTSKW was a combined workshop and pool session at the Portsmouth YMCA. There were about 40 participants to the workshop and 20 in the pool. The two-hour workshop in the exercise room included seminars on NSPN and sea kayaking intro (Bob), the sea kayak (Gene), the paddle (Lisa), gear (Ed), clothing (Lisa), and camping intro (Warren and Rob). The refreshments, pool session sales, NSPN material sales, and banners were organized by Cathy and Rob. The pool session had teams around ten or so boats led by a volunteer. It started with Cathy and Gene demonstrating pool entry, wet exits, rolls and rescues. The teams then started with wet exits and progressed to other skills - mostly rescues. The NSPN volunteers mentioned above were joined by Janice and Doug for the pool session. In addition to the volunteers and participants, thank you is due to the Seacoast Family YMCA staff led by Kat. They were very helpful and accommodating to our requests. The feedback from the NE Seacoast Paddlers Meetup has been very positive, and I think all the participants were informed and excited about sea kayaking through our efforts! Bob PS. The pool session participants received a first year membership in NSPN, so let's welcome these newest members to the club.

The NTSKW flyer is attached. Please distribute to people who may be interested in the workshop. We also display the flyer at community bulletin boards, YMCAs, commercial vendors (kayak and canoe outfitters, guides, and vendors), supermarkets (Whole Foods often have prominent community boards), and etc. Thanks! Bob NSPN_NTSKW_Flyer.pdf

Hi Lisa, Thanks. I'll be creating a PM thread for all volunteers with more information. So far, > 30 workshop and 7 pool RSVPs - so volunteers definitely welcome. A variety of kayaks would be helpful since people may want to test them in the pool. A PDF version of the flyer will be posted soon for distribution. Bob