June 1, 2019 - Sea Kayak Spring Tune-Up on Lake Cochichuate

[Dan Foster]

Offered by Boston AMC, and open to all area sea kayakers. I can't be there this year, but have attended in the past. It's a good refresher, similar to the CAM On-Water Training NSPN has done in the past.

For full details and to register, visit https://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm?action=details&id=112557

An annual training event for sea kayak enthusiasts on Lake Cochituate, Framingham. We will work all essential skills for safe and effective paddling on the ocean. This is a good opportunity to refine and improve techniques and get ready for the upcoming season. This year we welcome new comers and beginners to sea kayaking. After some initial remarks the group will go for a paddle on the lake. This will give the instructors an opportunity to observe the participants paddling to get a sense of the different skill levels present. After a short break the instructors will set up various stations where the participants will practice skills in a high instructor-to-participant ratio. The skills practiced will be from the list below: 1.Launching and landing a kayak from a dock 2.Forward paddling and stopping 3.Reverse paddling 4.Turning strokes 5.Sideways movement - static and dynamic 6.Low brace 7.Sculling for support 8.Assisted rescues 9.Self-Rescues 10.Towing 11.Rolling 12.Reading a nautical chart 13.Emergency scenarios No guarantee we will be able to cover everything on the list. Bring the usual gear: PFD (required on the water), spray skirt, wet suit, paddling jacket, tow belt, paddle float, warm clothing to change into, snacks, lunch, water, etc. I expect the water temperature to be in the 60s as well as the air temperature. Dress for immersion and the weather conditions so that you will be comfortable for the whole day. We will eat lunch on shore and have some discussion on AMC sea kayaking issues, a discussion on marine radio protocols, and some other topics depending on time and interest.