prudenceb Posted April 16, 2019 Share Posted April 16, 2019 Wish I could join you but wrist will only be one week out from cast and not up to propelling a boat. Which doesn't stop me from making a suggestion ?. If you decide on PPPO at A and B Burger, make reservations! Showing up with a big group...that place can be packed on a Saturday afternoon. And come to think of it, if you do make rez, I might meet up with you all when you land at West Beach - you know, photo ops - and then join you for lunch. So pls keep me in the loop if you go to a group PM model for commnication. Thanks! Prudence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mharrison Posted April 16, 2019 Share Posted April 16, 2019 8 hours ago, rfolster said: Saturday is looking like a good day for testing cold weather gear! Strong southerly winds, rain, and 4'-6' short period wind chop waves will make for a miserable day for attempting any sort of journey. My thoughts are that I would prefer to do any paddling against the wind to start, and end with the wind to my back, so some place like Marblehead Beach is not ideal (that slog can be interminable). I also worry that if things go bad at a place like that, the wind is carrying boats or people into more exposed waters. I am thinking about West Beach in Beverly with Misery Island just 3/4 nautical mile away as an option. The the beach is really exposed, but at least we don't have to worry about anyone or anything getting blown out to sea. Paddling out to Misery could be a challenge, but we might find shelter from the wind out there. Might be a really good day for a shorter water session and a warm PPPO somewhere local? Open to suggestions....... As a paddler who's between a L2-3, a more sheltered paddle on a cold, rainy, windy day would be preferred... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfolster Posted April 16, 2019 Author Share Posted April 16, 2019 Historically, the Easter Plunge started out as one of several cold-water workshops where paddling was not a priority (even questioned whether or not to bring boats) as much as was getting in the water to test gear and safety methods for dealing with the cold. I think that this Saturday will be a really good opportunity to do just that. Just imagine waking up on a multi-day early-season camping trip in Maine (like the Jewell Island trip) to find the wind blowing and rain pouring, and you need to get to the take-out location to go home. I actually experienced this a number of years ago during what was supposed to be a week-long journey in mid-coast Maine, but we had to paddle 18 miles to bail out mid-trip before the weather got any worse. Mariana, I completely understand if Saturday is not sounding like the "fun" we might have hoped for, but even as an L2-3 paddler, you and your husband are still more than welcome to join us to test out your gear and the general learning experience. If we get to the beach and conditions are just unbearable, we can take a really quick drive to a spot in Manchester Harbor that will provide more protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethS Posted April 16, 2019 Share Posted April 16, 2019 Unfortunately, I have to pull out this year.. I tweaked my knee in Baja; and although it is healing, I want to give it another week or two before I start dragging boats around (and practice falling out and climbing into them) again. have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David M Posted April 17, 2019 Share Posted April 17, 2019 I'll be happy to make the A&B burger reservation once we agree on a timeframe closer to the launch date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfolster Posted April 17, 2019 Author Share Posted April 17, 2019 I would like to do a final update tomorrow night, so if people can provide input and update interest by then, that would be helpful. My thought is a 3 hour session from 10am-1:00pm and have a late lunch around 2pm. Willing to consider alternatives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mharrison Posted April 17, 2019 Share Posted April 17, 2019 20 hours ago, rfolster said: Marlana, I completely understand if Saturday is not sounding like the "fun" we might have hoped for, but even as an L2-3 paddler, you and your husband are still more than welcome to join us to test out your gear and the general learning experience. If we get to the beach and conditions are just unbearable, we can take a really quick drive to a spot in Manchester Harbor that will provide more protection. Oh, I'm not looking for this paddle to be 'fun'. I'm thinking it's a pre-season test of our gear with the advantage of being with more experienced paddlers. Plus, sometimes 'fun' is when you look back at an event, while during said event it's a slog paddling/hiking/snowshoeing through mud/rain/snow/below-freezing weather. I just don't want us to hold the group back. In the past 2 years, we've done a 16 mile roundtrip, 10kn+ headwind with rain paddle from Cedar Point to Chapmans Landing in Stratham, NH... and a paddle from URI's Bay Campus across to Jamestown Island, sheltering behind Dutch Island over 2 miles in 2'+ non-breaking slow-interval broadside waves. We finished each paddle exhausted. Each was a L3, but in different ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneC Posted April 17, 2019 Share Posted April 17, 2019 Rest assured, I am always concerned about holding the group back. Please join us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Burgess Posted April 17, 2019 Share Posted April 17, 2019 I'm in. Looking forward to it. I just have to repair the gasket on my drysuit. As long as that turns out to be as easy as youtube makes it appear, I'll be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David M Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Following up on Rob's comments related to the currently proposed launch and sheltered options. In case some folks are considering paddling but may be unfamiliar with the area, I've attached a pic of the chart area. The launch is generally marked by the orange dot. With the forecast of winds from the south (red arrow) the destination Island of Great Misery (S of the launch) and Baker Island (SSE of Great Misery) should offer some mitigation of the swell. The sheltered option Rob referenced is Manchester Harbor (marked by the Inset less than a mile ENE from the launch). I've found this to be one of the most cohesive group paddles of the season. As mentioned it's a great opportunity to test gear and self with a lot of support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneC Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Just wondering. I’ve heard it is going to be quite warm, especially compared to previous plunges. Given warm air temps and cold water what does anyone recommend wearing under a dry suit. I’m concerned about being too hot if I dress warm enough to go in the water i most likely will not be able to attend the pppo ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Alas, this turns out to be Grandparents' Day at Brooks School where I teach, so will be unable to join this time. Have fun, all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhabich Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Can't paddle, but can eat. Put us down for 2 places at the table. Bathrooms aren't open yet at West Beach. Our house is 5 minutes away, on the way, and everybody's welcome to stop on the way to kit up. If you don't know the way, PM or email me. Some seaweed on beach, but not bad, less to the west as always. Best to park on street side to leave space for all those who like to sit in their cars and look at the water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 (edited) On 4/17/2019 at 1:28 PM, mharrison said: Oh, I'm not looking for this paddle to be 'fun'. I'm thinking it's a pre-season test of our gear with the advantage of being with more experienced paddlers. Plus, sometimes 'fun' is when you look back at an event, while during said event it's a slog paddling/hiking/snowshoeing through mud/rain/snow/below-freezing weather. I just don't want us to hold the group back. In the past 2 years, we've done a 16 mile roundtrip, 10kn+ headwind with rain paddle from Cedar Point to Chapmans Landing in Stratham, NH... and a paddle from URI's Bay Campus across to Jamestown Island, sheltering behind Dutch Island over 2 miles in 2'+ non-breaking slow-interval broadside waves. We finished each paddle exhausted. Each was a L3, but in different ways. On 4/17/2019 at 1:28 PM, mharrison said: Oh, I'm not looking for this paddle to be 'fun'. I'm thinking it's a pre-season test of our gear with the advantage of being with more experienced paddlers. Plus, sometimes 'fun' is when you look back at an event, while during said event it's a slog paddling/hiking/snowshoeing through mud/rain/snow/below-freezing weather. I just don't want us to hold the group back. In the past 2 years, we've done a 16 mile roundtrip, 10kn+ headwind with rain paddle from Cedar Point to Chapmans Landing in Stratham, NH... and a paddle from URI's Bay Campus across to Jamestown Island, sheltering behind Dutch Island over 2 miles in 2'+ non-breaking slow-interval broadside waves. We finished each paddle exhausted. Each was a L3, but in different ways. 8 hours ago, David M said: Following up on Rob's comments related to the currently proposed launch and sheltered options. In case some folks are considering paddling but may be unfamiliar with the area, I've attached a pic of the chart area. The launch is generally marked by the orange dot. With the forecast of winds from the south (red arrow) the destination Island of Great Misery (S of the launch) and Baker Island (SSE of Great Misery) should offer some mitigation of the swell. The sheltered option Rob referenced is Manchester Harbor (marked by the Inset less than a mile ENE from the launch). I've found this to be one of the most cohesive group paddles of the season. As mentioned it's a great opportunity to test gear and self with a lot of support. Having not paddled with this club before, never paddled in a cold water o/ dry suit, being maybe a L2+ paddler after one season, and with the forecast for Saturday not looking great, I'm worried that this would be a good first trip. I'm afraid of stuff like my drysuit not fitting right and having to turn around and make adjustments and issues like that. I'm looking forward to trying my new gear (dry-suit, booties, gloves, cap, etc.) but not sure if this is the right fit or not. Edited April 18, 2019 by Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph Berkovitz Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Ken: this event is ideal for trying cold weather stuff out with absolutely no pressure to get going and paddle. There’s going to be a lot of fussing around and talking. There is probably no better trip for this purpose (although there will surely be better weather on other trips!) And if you did get out on the water and have to turn around and go back and adjust, someone - myself included - would be more than happy to go with you. JaneC: I’ve had a lot of chances this winter to play around with layers in different weather. For what it’s worth, if the forecast holds I plan on wearing 1 thin fleece and 1 polypro base layer. Given the rain and overcast and the short duration I doubt that overheating will be a big problem. Immersion if (when!) it occurs, would be a bigger one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfolster Posted April 18, 2019 Author Share Posted April 18, 2019 1 hour ago, Ken said: Having not paddled with this club before, never paddled in a cold water o/ dry suit, being maybe a L2+ paddler after one season, and with the forecast for Saturday not looking great, I'm worried that this would be a good first trip. I'm afraid of stuff like my drysuit not fitting right and having to turn around and make adjustments and issues like that. I'm looking forward to trying my new gear (dry-suit, booties, gloves, cap, etc.) but not sure if this is the right fit or not. The long answer is "Yes!" But seriously, like Joe said, the day will be "by choice", meaning that people don't need to do what they don't want to do. The main purpose is to allow folks the opportunity to test out gear (Jane, bring layering options and decide what works best at the beach). If conditions are too gnarly for some or all to paddle to the island, that is OK. In years past, we have done longer trips when the group consisted of all experienced paddlers, while other years we barely got ten yards from the shore. I would like to officially set the itinerary for the day: I will arrive around 9:30am to assess conditions. If anyone wants to get a jump on starting to figuring out gear, I'll be there to help. If you happen to arrive near 10:00 and no one else is there, we have moved on to Masconomo Park (60 Beach St, Manchester-by-the-Sea) We will officially start the session around 10:00am with a quick discussion about goals for the day and review of cold water management. We can review various hypothermia prevention and treatment methods using both simple and specific equipment. Would be good to do a swim-test to verify suits are leak-proof and layering is adequate (time for adjustments will be allowed). Swimming, wet exits, rolls, rescues, and paddling are all up for the offering - each by choice. We can split the group into different tasks if need be Wrap up by 1:00pm to gear down, pack up, and head to A&B Burger in Beverly for a 2:00pm reservation. Please let us know ASAP if you are going to lunch so we have a head count for reservation. Thank you, David, for taking on the task of making the reservation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaneC Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Please count me in for pppo but I may have to bail depending on time and what I still have to do for Easter dinner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfolster Posted April 18, 2019 Author Share Posted April 18, 2019 What I like to call "square waves" when height = period I am really curious to see what the sea state looks like near the beach!!! The waves won't be six feet, but what will they be. Anyone want to start taking guesses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Debski Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 I'll be there for paddling ... but no PPPO for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David M Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Ken said... I'm afraid of stuff like my drysuit not fitting right and having to turn around and make adjustments and issues like that. I'm looking forward to trying my new gear (dry-suit, booties, gloves, cap, etc.) but not sure if this is the right fit or not. Ken, You may have done this but I suggest gearing up in the house. If the truth be known many of our closets are full of attempts. That said, trying the gear, especially the fit of drysuit gaskets can be helpful. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfolster Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 I’ll be at the paddle, but am a maybe for actually paddling. Im happy to be an escort back to beach if I do paddle. i will be at pppo. Yum! I HAVE LOTS OF BUNNY EARS FOR EVERYONE! ? ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joseph Berkovitz Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 please put me down for PPPO. thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 2 hours ago, David M said: Ken said... I'm afraid of stuff like my drysuit not fitting right and having to turn around and make adjustments and issues like that. I'm looking forward to trying my new gear (dry-suit, booties, gloves, cap, etc.) but not sure if this is the right fit or not. Ken, You may have done this but I suggest gearing up in the house. If the truth be known many of our closets are full of attempts. That said, trying the gear, especially the fit of drysuit gaskets can be helpful. Cheers! I have tried the stuff on a several times, trimmed the neck gasket but want to be careful to not overtrim so it is now just barely comfortable. Being a former windsurfer and sailor and seeing small-craft adversaries and 7.5' wave forecast sounds intimidating. But I learned from ski trips that the best thing is to "always go", sometimes it ain't great but you survive learn something and sometimes you have any epic day you didn't expect; stay home you get neither. I guess I'll play it by ear and make my mind up tomorrow evening. No, meal for me, family holiday dinner Friday night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil McCabe Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Hi Robert and all. Weather looks too bad to paddle to make the Journey down from Vermont. Hope to see you all more this spring and coming summer. Be safe and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanetL Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Hi all, I’m planning on paddle and PPPO. Mike can I swing by your house before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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