Sue H.

Hi Folks, We have a handful of sign-ups for tomorrow and have room for you too! The focus of Skills Session # 3 was posted as more boat handling skills needed for the dynamic sea environment, but the reality is the facilitators are happy to hear from you regarding your interests and will tailor part or all of the session to meet those needs. All of the sessions going forward will have a topic or focus, but all of the venues and facilitators are able to accommodate individual needs and skill levels. So come join us tomorrow or in the future! I am eager to hear from you! You may express your interests here, or PM (private message) me with your interests. See you on-the-water soon! Your Prez, Sue

Joe has raised many good points regarding trip planning and the difficulty in providing a simplified answer to your question. In addition to the direct link Joe has provided, you can also go to the NSPN's Message Board, find the Paddling with NSPN heading and in the pull down menu you will find the course mentioned above, a section titled Weather, Tides and Navigation, as well as a link to Floating Trails giving online access to charts and other tools for small boats. Additionally, Gary York, an NSPN member, has himself listed there as a resource to help in trip planning. To add to what Joe mentioned, you would want a localized nautical chart, either as a purchased hard copy or a printed chart from an online resource, knowledge of the tides on the day of the trip, make decisions regarding the course of travel and the related magnetic headings along that journey and specific detail regarding the sea state, ie wave height, period between sells, wind direction and speed, likelihood of rain, thunder/lightening, fog and more, ie total trip distance, paddle breaks and lunch spots... and other things I may have forgot! So some of these things can be determined as general preparation, and some are critically pertinent to the day of travel.

Just got back from away, so now I'm a definite!

Very interested and almost guaranteed going !

Skills Session #3 (Saturday 7/22/23) will continue to bring awareness to the characteristics of the ocean environment, body position and edging, while adding turning strokes to your tool kit. After some attention to these skills, we will go for a moderate paddle and apply the skills underway. Upon returning to the launch, will will pause for rescue practice if appropriate. All skill levels welcome, experienced paddlers will have the opportunity for refinement and those with emerging skills will find support and guidance in your pursuit of sea kayaking. Location: Odiorne State Park Boat Ramp, NH-1A, Rye, NH 03870 What You Need to Bring: Kayak with bulk heads and a spray skirt, PFD, paddles, hat or helmet, dress for immersion, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and water. Arrive: 10:00 am, Beach Briefing at 10:20 am (personal gear on, boat unloaded and packed with kit for the day) and launch at 10:30 am. LT at Jaffery Point, Newcastle is 8:54 am and HT at 3:12 pm. Return: 3:00-4:00 pm We use ACA insurance for skills sessions. You need to either be an ACA member (join here for $40/year) or pay a $10 event fee here. The annual membership is a better deal, as it covers all our skills sessions and pool sessions for a year. You also need to sign the ACA waiver at our special NSPN link here, once a year if you're an ACA member, or for each session if you're paying the event fee. Registration: Register by signing up at https://forms.gle/dEZdvjZ3DBocvow59. You'll need your ACA member number. Please remember to make your parking reservation at the link below. https://www.nhstateparks.org/fees-reservations/make-an-online-reservation

Skills Session #2 will focus on overall body position in your kayak We will achieve this through getting comfortable with the body mechanics of posture, cooperation between upper and lower body to form a C for edging and keeping loose whilst underway. We will also look at the components of a forward stroke to maximum efficiency and power. After some attention to these skills, we will go for a moderate paddle and apply the skills underway. Upon returning to the launch, will will pause for introductory assisted rescue practice. All skill levels welcome. Location: Odiorne State Park Boat Ramp, NH-1A, Rye, NH 03870 What You Need to Bring: Kayak with bulk heads and a spray skirt, PFD, paddles, hat or helmet, dress for immersion, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and water. Arrive: 9:00 am, Beach Briefing at 9:30 am (personal gear on, boat unloaded and packed with kit for the day) and launch no later than 9:45 am. Low tide at Jaffrey Point is 10:49 am, so punctuality is key to launching on time or before to avoid slogging through muck. Return: 3:00-4:00 pm Registration: We use ACA insurance for skills sessions. You need to either be an ACA member (join here for $40/year) or pay a $10 event fee here. The annual membership is a better deal, as it covers all our skills sessions and pool sessions for a year. You also need to sign the ACA waiver at our special NSPN link here, once a year if you're an ACA member, or for each session if you're paying the event fee. Register by signing up here. You'll need your ACA member number. Please remember to make your parking reservation at the link below. https://www.nhstateparks.org/fees-reservations/make-an-online-reservation

Hi Cynthia, Many club members have sea kayaks with no rudders, as that is their preferred set up. Whatever spray skirt you buy, be sure it will fit the boat you intend to purchase. The spray skirt manufactures will list the kayaks a particular skirt will fit. I am not sure what you mean about the back band, some seats have a back band, but that is unrelated to a spray skirt. On the bottom, you would need neoprene pants of 2-3 mm (as recommended under NRS clothing guidelines) and the same for a neoprene top. Or on top a rash guard shirt with a semi dry or dry jacket. A dry suit is nice to have, but expensive, and not necessary for this event, unless the temperature significantly drops and the wind chill favors a dry suit. Are you able to borrow any equipment from friends? I can bring an extra chart and compass that you can borrow for the day. Your interest and enthusiasm is refreshing. Welcome to the club! Sue

Hey Cynthia, If you have your kayak this week, it's likely you can come to this event. What type of kayak are you planning to buy ? What length and will it have bulk heads ? Best< sue

This event has been changed to an off-the-water session due to the weather instability and risk of thunder. We will be conducting the chart work, observations and hypothetical journey planning from a different location. Location: Chandler Hovey Park, end Follett St. off Ocean Ave., Marblehead Neck. Time: 9:30-11:30 am Bring: a handheld compass and chart of Marblehead area Recommended Reading: https://tsunamirangers.com/2012/07/23/kayak-navigation-piloting-without-tools/ This event has been changed to an off-the-water session due to the weather instability and risk of thunder. We will be conducting the chart work, observations and hypothetical journey planning from a different location. Location: Chandler Hovey Park, end Follett St. off Ocean Ave., Marblehead Neck. Time: 9:30-11:30 am Bring: a handheld compass and chart of Marblehead area Recommended Reading: https://tsunamirangers.com/2012/07/23/kayak-navigation-piloting-without-tools/ Please PM (personal message me if you plan to attend). Please PM (personal message me if you plan to attend). Our first Skills Session of 2023 will focus on the environment in which we paddle, and open to all skill levels. In addition to reviewing the information you need before venturing out on the ocean (weather, tides, currents, hazards, etc) we will be observing and experiencing the larger and smaller movements of the water. After paddling out the harbor, we will land at Brown's Island and take a short walk up the hill to view the ocean. From this vantage point, we will be looking down at charts and transitioning to looking out over the water to identify characteristics just noted in the chart work. Each pod will design a journey for the day and then execute that journey on the water. In later Skill Session episodes, we will focus on particular skills to control your kayak and their application to different types of water movement. What You Need to Bring: Kayak with bulk heads and a spray skirt, PFD, Paddles, hand-held compass, chart of area, hat or helmet, dress for immersion, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, water and $20 for parking. Location: Riverhead Beach, Ocean Avenue, Marblehead, MA Arrive: @ 9:15 am, Return: by 3:00 pm We use ACA insurance for skills sessions. You need to either be an ACA member (join here for $40/year) or pay a $10 event fee here. The annual membership is a better deal, as it covers all our skills sessions and pool sessions for a year. You also need to sign the ACA waiver at our special NSPN link here, once a year if you're an ACA member, or for each session if you're paying the event fee. Register by signing up here. You'll need your ACA member number.

We will have 3 facilitators & 3 assistant facilitators, so I will be limiting this session to 12 participants, possibly 15 and have as many as possible car pool.

I’m aware of the interference issue at the power boat ramp… i’m trying to figure a work around. I doubt I will have time this week to go there to take a first hand look, but I will try. I’m wondering if everyone drove up into the parking lot, turned around & temp parked on the downward slope of the road just behind the Parking Hut, if we could just have 2-3 cars released at a time to drop boats. Given the elevation of granite pier to look out for skills session 1 and then paddling area, seems (water wise & viewing) a good spot.

Do you are talking about the boat ramp used by power boats… so they never repaired the kayak ramp that was damaged by a storm a few years ago ?

Thanks. Can you access the kayak ramp from the above parking lot or do you have to go past the larger boat ramp & past the Porta potty area. ?

Hi Folks, I have called and emailed the Granite Pier Committee to confirm the launching/parking fee for a hand carry boat...I have not heard back. Does anyone know the fee? Surprisingly the Harbor Master's Office doesn't know or the Police Dept. Thanks, Sue

Hi William, I am still working out details for Saturday with a friend. I only want to be on the water for 3 hours or so. My purpose for this paddle is to get fresh eyes on the area in preparation for Sunday's Club Paddle. If you are still interested, let me know. I'm assuming you are not available for 6/11 Club Paddle. Best, Sue

Hi Folks, Is anyone interested in a moderate distance paddle ? Launching out of either Kittery Town Pier at Pepperell Cove or Traip Academy Boat Ramp, both launch sites near the mouth of the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth. If interested we can discuss what ocean route we will take. LT 11:21 am and HT 5:50 pm. Forecast: mostly sunny, variable wind, 5 kt or less, seas around 1 foot. Launch time can be a bit flexible, but I'm thinking 10:30 am. PM (personal message) me to express your interest. Best, Sue

Hey Folks, Have you considered placing the barrel on a sit-on-top kayak, a plastic kayak or an oversized paddle board rather than towing it ? Good Luck, Sue

“Kick-Off Paddle Revived” will offer 3 journeys, with some learning along the way. In addition to having fun paddling together, we'll work together with experienced paddlers to develop an informed awareness of the ocean environment. We will likely be off the water between 3-4 in the afternoon, depending on the length of your journey. Registration link is at the bottom of this page under "Additional Information". Our Kick-Off Paddle Revived will launch from Pierce Island Boat Ramp, Pierce Island Rd., Portsmouth, NH. There are no parking reservations required and the last known launch fee was $10. Please gather by 9:15 to unload boats etc and be prepared for a beach briefing at 9:45. We will launch promptly at 10:00. Alternative dates TBD if the weather and associated sea states are too gnarly. We are offering 3 different trips, commensurate with people’s interests and skill level. NSPN trips provide support to paddlers who want to expand their comfort zone. 1) Tidal Flat Water Journey, an exploration of the inner tidal waters between the Piscataqua River to the north, the western side of New Castle and Little Harbor to the southeast. Depending on the route, total distance 6-7 NM. 2) Clockwise Circumnavigation of New Castle Island, approximate distance 10 NM depending on zig zag exploration. This trip will include paddling either out the mouth of the Piscataqua River or through Little Harbor to the ocean. The journey might include a crossing to Wood Island and the nearby ledges and a short jaunt north to Fort Foster. Then the return traveling along the eastern coast of New Castle and return through Little Harbor and the tidal flat water behind the Wentworth Hotel. This course may encounter some dynamic water. 3) Open ocean paddle, approximate distance 14-15 NM. This pod will either exit the Piscataqua River or pass through Little Harbor to the open ocean and south toward Rye Harbor. Varied coastal terrain with opportunities to experience dynamic water and getting in close to the coastal terrain. Additional Information: As always for club paddles, you will need to be an NSPN member and to have signed the participation agreement for 2023. Click here to read and sign the participation agreement. Click here to register for the event. Sea kayaks with bulkheads, spray skirts and PFD’s are required. Additionally, the water temperature is likely to be in the low 60’s, consequently seasonally appropriate immersion clothing is required: a dry suit, farmer johns or neoprene clothing with paddle jackets or dry tops. You will need to bring water, (a hot beverage is recommended), lunch and sunscreen. A handheld compass and a MAPTECH Waterproof Chart 27 or other chart of the area are recommended. A printable PFD nautical chart is available at https://content.floatingtrails.com/maps/marine/NH-Portsmouth.pdf Let’s all channel the weather gods. I hope to see you there! Sue

Hi Devon, I am working on the posting this am and coordinating with others involved. It should be posted later today. The trips described in the kick off paddle will largely be the same for 6/11 as we will be calling this event welcoming journeys with some learning along the way. Our launch spot will be Pierce Island Boat ramp, no reservation required, fee of $10. Your questions regarding the event will be answered by the posting later today. Sue

See message above regarding trip cancellation.

Hi Al, Yes you are registered ! The only way a person shows up as going under NSPN Calendar for this event is if they click on going. The completed registration form and indicating you are going in the calendar posting, do not coordinate with each other. The folks that indicated they were going have to go to the Trip/Events forum under the Message Board and follow the instructions within, otherwise they are not registered ! A bit confusing I know, the BOD will look at this conundrum and see if there is anything we can do to resolve the confusion. Best, Sue

Hello Fellow Paddlers, We are not waiting til the official start of summer (Summer Solstice 6/21/23) to hold our annual-start-of-the-summer club paddle! Our Kick-Off Event on Saturday 6/3/23 will be held at Odiorne State Park, Ocean Blvd., Rye NH. The boat ramp is north of the main park entrance, just before the bridge. You need to make advance reservations for parking as soon as possible at https://newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/odiorne-point-state-park/r/deDetails.do?contractCode=NH&parkId=270106 Please gather by 9:15 to unload boats etc and be prepared for beach briefing at 9:45. We will launch promptly at 10:00. Alternative dates TBD if the weather and associated sea states are too gnarly. As usual we are offering 3 different trips, commensurate with people’s interests and skill level. Over the course of day, an effort will be made to support paddlers who want to begin to work on expanding their comfort zone. MAPTECH Waterproof Chart 27 or a computer generated chart of the area is recommended but not required. High Tide at Jaffery Point is 11:24 am and low tide is 5:10 pm. Predictable weather and sea state not yet available at the time of this posting. Proposed Trips Offered (subject to change by conditions or preferences expressed): 1) Tidal Flat Water Journey, likely to explore the mouth of the Sagamore River and the inner tidal waters of New Castle Island. This area lies between the Piscataqua River to the north, the western side of New Castle and with Little Harbor to the south east. There will likely be a stop and short hike on Leachs Island. Depending on the route, total distance 6-7 NM. 2) Clockwise Circumnavigation of New Castle Island, approximate distance 7 NM depending on zig zag exploration. 9-10 NM possible if pod adds a short journey out and about to Wood Island and nearby ledges. This trip will include some flat tidal water on backside of New Castle, paddling out the mouth of the Piscataqua River and ocean travel long the eastern coast of New Castle. May have opportunities to explore some dynamic water. 3) Exit Little Harbor to open ocean and south to Rye Harbor, approximate distance 12 NM. Varied coastal terrain with some opportunity to experience dynamic water and getting in close to the terrain provided. Pod members could choose to order a lobster roll or other food items at Rye Lobster Pound (currently open Fri-Sun 10 am-6 pm) or possibly alternate choices at one of the other food shacks at the Harbor (their status unknown at this time). As always for club paddles, you will need to be an NSPN member and to have signed the participation agreement for 2023. Click here to read and sign the participation agreement. Sea kayaks (minimum of 14 ft with bulkheads), spray skirts and PFDs required. Additionally, the water temperature is likely to be in the high 50’s, consequently seasonally appropriate immersion clothing is required, ie. a dry suit, farmer johns or neoprene pants with semi or full dry tops. You will need to bring water, a hot beverage is recommended, lunch and sunscreen. POST PADDLE ICE CREAM !!! Optional gathering for ice cream at The Ice House, 112 Wentworth Rd., Rye, NH 03870 (5 miles from Odiorne). Register by filling out this form.