David M

It's not too late to join this fun urban paddle!

It is!

I've heard consistently good things about these folks... Repair | uniteddiversinc

I've been using this resource for more than a year now. Really like it. On the threshold of a new paddling season, where some of us may have been in mothballs, this new course offering by OSK could be a great additive to the mental and physical conditioning to hit the water running. New Forwards Paddling Course We spend most of our time paddling our sea kayak forwards, it makes sense then that we would want to develop a solid forwards paddling technique. A good, efficient forwards paddle stroke will mean we can paddle comfortably all day without becoming excessively fatigued, picking up injuries and ultimately have more fun on the water. For this first series of lessons in the forwards paddling course we break down the stroke into its key components. Using a series of progressive lessons, clearly shot and structured we aim to develop your stroke to give you more power and efficiency. We have lessons on wing, performance and the Greenland stroke coming soon.

Thanks Prudence for organizing! It was a delightful urban paddle. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore. My track shows 9.46nm with 3 hours and 41 minutes of moving time.

Happy to bring some 8.5x11 copies of the inner harbor chart on water resistant paper. A chart case is recommended. Post here by Thursday at 5 if you'd like one.

Interested.

I'd be up for a paddle. Here are the details on the launch that Prudence mentioned. It was a delightful winter paddle. CHARLESTOWN A free, 2-lane ramp can be found on Terminal Street on the Little Mystic Channnel. This urban launch facility—which is also used by duck boats and shown as the “Little Mystic Access Area” on Google Maps—offers ample parking and all-tide, deep-water access to Boston’s Inner Harbor. However, the City of Boston neglected to install a courtesy float, so there is no convenient place to tie up after launching or when you want to haul your boat. Opens at 7:00 a.m.; closes at 11:00 p.m.

I've successfully used the Aquapac to store the ICOM in my Astral PFD.

In southwest Alaska, where black bears were the major concern, the method of choice was the iconic Ikea bag with slits cut in the bottom for drainage. Hanging about 15 or so feet in the air each held 10-12 5 Liter drybags of food stuffs and other aromatic items such as toothpaste, etc.

I've also found this method works well. The only addition to the process I've made is to use yellow electrical tape to highlight the intended line. The contrast of the yellow tape and the dark gasket really helps assure a straight and smooth cut.

To get sufficient stretch on a tight fit you need more than your neck size. I like empty bleach or windshield washer fluid bottles. The taper at the spout end allows it to slide easily through the gasket. If you end up going with the stretching approach, I think you'll know after 3 or so days of stretching. With a new suit or gasket I typically leave the bottle in until putting on the suit at the launch. If you do end up needing to trim, reach out again for some techniques.

Very grateful to Joe and Bob for organizing these. Always a highlight of the week.

I'm in

I'm in

Count me in Jim.

I'm in. Thanks for organizing!

1. RocksNote how the basic rock symbol looks like a plus sign. This means a rock that's beneath the water surface all the time. A symbol that looks like an asterisk means the rock will uncover (become visible) at low tide. A plus sign with dots in the corners means the rock lies just beneath the surface, even at low tide.

Fully affirm all Peter has said. Fit and comfort are critical. We can be wearing the helmet for upwards of 4 or more hours at a time. After trying numerous brands, I landed on the Sweet Protection Strutter model. Lots of adjustability and very important to me, it has a baseball cap like visor molded in for an increased level of sun protection. Admittedly, its not the cheapest.

This was a great trip! One of the key objectives in taking the boat was to allow time to explore and appreciate the islands. It was more than met! The conditions on the outside were engaging. We paddled/noddled a little more than 9 nm. A highlight for me was the leisurely lunch on Smuttynose, within spitting distance of the scene of the Smuttynose murders, where we were entertained and educated with stories from one of the Islands "stewards" who was staying in "Haley House". On Amy's coaxing we visited the graves of Spanish sailors from a shipwreck in 1801 and the Haley family graveyard. I highly recommend the excursion if "Snyder Tours" offers it again!

Haven't been in the area lately, but in a Google search found an interesting FAQ; Greenhead Fly FAQ | Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District (nemassmosquito.org) And, if it can be described as such, in referencing these menacing beasts...a somewhat clever and humorous piece on life with GHs Life in the Time of Greenheads – Historic Ipswich

Can you pinpoint the location of the ebb you encountered with a bit more precision?

I'm planning on the paddle. Probably not the potluck.

Interested between now and mid-July. I have access to 2 entry level skis I can bring: Stellar S16S, Stellar S14S

Ditto