Wed. Lunch Paddle #11: 8/5/2020 @ 9.30 am, Stramski Beach

[Joseph Berkovitz]

This week's Wednesday Lunch Paddle is on August 5, 2020 at 9.30 am.

Important Note on Conditions: This week's paddle will likely take place in the immediate wake of Tropical Storm Isaias. Current forecasts (still not very reliable) suggest the storm will pass through quickly during Tuesday night, with peak winds of 20-30 kt SE and peak offshore seas 4-6 ft, after which the wind will veer S -> W and drop substantially in speed to < 15 kt. The exact track and intensity of Isaias is hard to predict though. Seas in Salem Sound and the ocean may still be rough Wed. morning, but we have chosen a very sheltered location in Salem Harbor from which to start. The idea is to avoid exposure to ocean swell for launching and landing, and proceed into the sound and seawards with care, exercising caution, good observation and good group communication to stay within the group's comfort zone. We will go only as far as we are comfortable going!

We do not expect to cancel this trip due to conditions, unless road travel itself becomes unsafe, or we don't like what's happening at the put-in. You can monitor Isaias at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and keep track of the latest NOAA forecasts at https://marine.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-70.83217&lat=42.51042#.XycLg1BKiHF (note that this is an offshore point forecast and Salem Harbor conditions will likely be much smaller).

Covid-19 paddling: on this trip we will strictly observe social distancing and MA state recreational boating guidelines for the pandemic. Please research and respect all regulations that apply at the time of the paddle. In particular, we will stay at least 6 feet apart, minimize sharing docks and ramps with others, and wear face masks while off the water in public use areas—no exceptions on mask wearing except for a medical reason.

We also employ an online waiver to avoid passing around a physical piece of paper. You must register using the form link below to be sure that you're actually on the paddle.

Location: Stramski Beach, Marblehead. https://goo.gl/maps/JZW9MQVKSyMxuhPq7 (it is on Stramski Way off of West Shore Drive. Although Google Maps cites an incorrect Pitman Road address, it appears to give correct directions, so good enough!)

 

Parking: Don't be fazed by the apparently residential nature of the street: drive past the first parking lot and keep going to the end. Go past the second parking lot, drop off your boat and gear at the turnaround at the end of the street, then try to park in the second lot which is smaller. If that doesn't work out, there is a much larger lot a few minutes walk away from the beach further up Stramski Way. The lots are open to non-residents and there is no charge for parking. Given the weekday and the lousy weather we hope that there will be few cars there.

Registration: To attend, please register using this form which will also add your information to the float plan:

https://forms.gle/RwFSfKHH9UKNuRHZ8

You must be a paid-up NSPN member to join this trip. Your signup information will only be shared with other participants.

Predictions:  (see note above for weather and seas)

Salem Harbor tides: 

2020/08/05	Wed	07:11 AM	-0.07	L
2020/08/05	Wed	1:27 PM	8.68	H

When/what: We will meet at 9.30 am and launch at 10.00 am sharp.  We're simply aiming to be out in whatever conditions exist, paddle safely, and enjoy what nature is doing.

This trip doesn't have a specific level: we'll determine the route based on who shows up, what people want to do, and what the environment wants to do. All properly equipped members are welcome: please bring boats with rigged deck lines, bulkheads, spray skirts, and dress for immersion. If you're not sure you have a safe vessel, please get in touch with us and ask.

NOTE: The Wednesday Lunch Paddles are cooperative adventures, not guided trips. Each participant is responsible for her/his own safety.Don’t assume the trip initiators are smarter, stronger, better at rough water, more attractive, or more skilled paddlers than you are. For more information, see this description of our trip philosophy from the NSPN web site. 

We encourage paddlers to make their own independent decision about their comfort level with conditions at the time of the paddle. Please PM me if you have questions or if you haven’t paddled with me or Bob before.

Hope to see you there!

Edited August 2, 2020 by Joseph Berkovitz
correct the date