Jeff Charette

It looks like we have a nice group of paddlers interested in this trip. There is still room for more to sign up. I will be monitoring the weather forecast throughout the week and I should be able to post location and launch details by mid-week. I'm looking forward to paddling with you all.

Are you a solid level 2 aspiring sea kayaker, perhaps attended a few of the skills sessions and now are looking to take the next step. Join me and co-organizer Jim Snyder for this level 2+ ocean trip. The goal of this trip will be to introduce aspiring sea kayakers to the ocean environment in a fun and safe manner. With this in mind, we will be looking for mild conditions closer to level 2 in terms of wind, waves, and current. Location - TBD, possibilities include Cape Ann area, NH coast, or southern Maine. In an effort to keep this trip within the predetermined skill level I will choose a venue once the weather / marine forecast for this date is available. If weather conditions do not cooperate we will seek out more protected waters or cancel as a last resort. This trip is open to NSPN members with solid level 2 paddling skills. You should be comfortable with wet exit and assisted rescues as well as comfortable paddling for approximately 4 hours, or 8 - 10 miles, with appropriate breaks. Equipment requirements - Sea kayak, 14 feet or longer, with front and rear bulkheads, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, and appropriate attire for an ocean paddle (neoprene and a light weight paddling jacket work well at this time in the season). Spare paddle and pump are also recommended. Other things to bring along include hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, plenty of drinking water, lunch, and dry bags to protect anything that shouldn’t get wet. Please post interest in attending to this tread. If you are unsure about skills or equipment please feel free to PM me with any questions.

I plan to be there.

I’m in.

It was a fabulous day. I also paddle out once, approximately 2 hours each way. Hitching a boat ride out allowed us to spend the entire paddling time exploring the islands. Great trip.

Based on the weather forecast and sea state I have decided to make alternative plans for Saturday. Prudence and Sue, thank you for organizing.

Count me in.

DM2787, I am about the same height and weight as you and I also paddle an Explorer. My Explorer has a stock seat. I have not experienced the same issue, with with the thigh grips, as you describe. I find the Explorer to be a pretty good fit. How do you compare in size to the seller? Is there already minicell foam glued in for a more customized fit? If there seller has built up the thigh braces with foam for a custom fit this should be an easy fix. Remove or shave down the foam. If that is not the case I would second the comments mentioned above. Tom Bergh with Maine Island Kayak is an expert on boat fit and always happy to help. If nothing else works, then this is not the right boat for you.

Another source for foam is kayakoutfitting.com. They have a larger selection of sizes and better prices than NRS.

I saw more than one MA plate in the Odiorne parking lot yesterday. Since an advance reservation is required to get in I'm assuming it is ok for MA to use NH launch facilities.

I drove by Ordiorne last week. The gate is open but the lot was not plowed. There was enough natural snow melt that several cars were in the lot. I'm sure this week's weather will help even more. I do not know if the gate will be staffed and reservations required once the boating season kicks off.

I'm interested. Like a few others, I have also paddled out and back. Loved paddling around the islands but the crossing is about as much fun as watching paint dry. I think catching a boat ride out and back is the way to go.

I'm in.

Congratulations Joe.

Cath, you're right, the price he charged was a little vague. Thinking back, I believe we paid one price to park one car, $10 per day, and another fee to launch 2 kayaks.