Jeff Charette

This was a great opportunity to improve skills and have a lot of fun at the same time. Rick, Paula, Bob, and Paul, thank you all for a great learning experience and a really fun day on the water. I'm also looking forward to the next CAM session.

Pru, your words paint a perfect picture of how wonderful this camping trip was. I'm glad I had a chance to be a part of the "Alaska 2014 Expedition Support Team". Warren, thank you for organizing this trip. Andy, the rope swing is a moment I will always have fond memories of. Here are more pictures from this fabulous weekend. https://picasaweb.google.com/104130917981156539102/KayakingCampingOnCascoBay4254272014?noredirect=1

Pru, another great trip report, and Cathy, thanks for organizing a fun day. Although Rob was the only one to actually take the plunge, it was a great day paddling with good friends.

Doug, thank you for organizing these pool sessions. Your hard work is appreciated. In reference to the Ipswich pool, like others have already said, it's a great facility, but the hours made it difficult to attend more than a few sessions. I'm also glad to see NSPN returning to the Portsmouth YMCA.

Thank you to Scott, Rick, Suz, and Peter for organizing and instructing us in the valuable CAM session, and thanks to Pru for yet again a nice report of the day. I'm looking forward to the on water sessions.

Thanks to Warren for organizing a great outting, and thank you Pru for an excellent trip report. Here are a few more pictures https://picasaweb.google.com/104130917981156539102/HarpswellMaine?noredirect=1

The Kayak Center of Rhode Island sells VCP hatch covers. You can order online and they will ship to you. Coastal Maine Kayak is a Valley dealer so they will most likely also sell replacement hatch covers.

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the workshop on Sunday. I was called into work. I'm sorry I will miss it.

Count me in. After last year I'm looking forward to doing this again.

Suz, when we were out on Casco Bay last Sat we were discussing winter paddling safey. Warren mentioned your "20,20,20" rule. He could recall only two of the three 20's. 20 degree air temp and 20 KT winds. In good humor I added the idea of not paddling after one has had more than 20 beers. This is most likely not something you ever said, however, you can take credit for it if you like.

Warren, thank you for a great trip report and for planning a wonderful day on Casco Bay. I'm already looking forward to the next kayak trip.

This really was a great day out on the water. Cathy, thank you for organizing this trip, and Pru, thanks for another great trip report. Here is a link to my pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/104130917981156539102/CiscoBay81713

Hi Cathy Count me in also. Thanks for organizing this trp.

I'm in

Excellent workshop. Thanks very much to Peter, John, and Blaine

Rob, thanks for organizing this event. It was a great opportunity to practice and improve our skills in a safe environment, with a group of skilled paddlers. This was the first time I dumped and attempted a roll in water this cold. It felt good to overcome the anxiety of a wet exit in 40 degree water. Here are a few pictures. https://picasaweb.google.com/104130917981156539102/NSPNColdWaterChallenge Will the REAL Easter Bunny please step forward. Jeff

Rob, I can make it on Sunday 3/31. I already have commitments on 4/6 and 4/21. Jeff

Now, before the comments about survival time in cold water start, let me see a digital "raise of hands" of those that have actually done a cold-water immersion trial to see how long it took them to get relatively cold with the gear they typically wear? Has anyone done a simulated swim along a beach with a spotter or two, to see how well they can stay warm moving, and how far they can swim? Before Cathy and I joined NSPN, we did a cold water clinic with Suz where we, in borrowed drysuits, went into the water and sat there! There was no other agenda of rescues, or paddling, or anything else other than determining if the clothing layers and protective gear we were wearing were enough to keep us warm. The other point was to determine how restricted our movement was and how much it affected our ability to swim. I have wanted to do this again, but so far don't have much support. Anyone interested? Rob, although I have been in the cold water long enough to test my dry suit or do a quick rescue, I have never tested my limits. I would be willing to join you for swim before the water warms up. I think we have plenty of time to plan something. Jeff

Count me in. Jeff

Rob, thank you for the great trip report and thanks for organizing this wonderful day on the water. This was a nice way to jump start the paddling season. I managed to snap a few pictures before the camera battery died. https://picasaweb.google.com/104130917981156539102/EarlySeasonPortsmouth Jeff

Rob, I plan to join you. Thanks for organizing this trip. See you Sunday morning. Jeff

If anyone wants my spot feel free to take it. I don't feel like driving to Portsmouth in this weather. Jeff

Thank you Suz, Scott, Rick, and all the others who helped out. This was a great learning experience and a lot of fun as well. Also, thank you Scott for the men's special seminar. Jeff

Because I am generally a New Year's Eve party pooper, I should have no problem waking early on New Year's Day to join you on the water. Any location is fine with me. I'll be looking forward to it. Jeff

Rob, thanks for organizing this trip. It was nice to see some old friends and meet some new friends. A great weekend. Jeff