October, Ogunquit, again,10/23/21

[Jim Snyder]

We ended up being eight paddlers at the beach parking lot, which was more crowded than expected do to a classic car show which was kind of cool. We were Janet Lorang, Stephanie Golman, Jane Cobb, Nick Pearson, Fred Goodman, Vladimir Gersht, Dan Foster, and Jim Snyder. The walk to the water on the ocean side was pretty long and the water pretty surfy so we decided to launch into the river, even though there was some flood current to overcome on the way out.

We decided to forgo surfing until the return and headed out and down the coast. Despite low winds and predicted 1.5' swell, piling up in the shallows made for fairly sporty conditions. Initially the rock play was mostly deemed to be sightseeing only but eventually we found some places that were doable.

Not far down the coast we got an opportunity to practice rescues in bouncy water.

After a second capsize the group went into incident management mode as the swimmer, once back in his kayak, was warm enough but reported feeling like he had lost his equilibrium. The decision was made to abandon the original lunch destination of Cape Neddick Harbor and turn back towards Ogunquit with a lunch break in Perkin's Cove. We decided to raft the kayaker and tow with two kayaks, leaving four of us free to relieve or assist. After a long break in Perkin's, the kayaker having difficulty felt ready to give it another try and made it back to  the launch without event.

Typical of an NSPN paddle, teamwork dealing with a problem was amazing. No disagreements or disappointment about shortening the trip, just teamwork to ensure the safest outcome. Once back in the river mouth some of us got some good rides on the short period surf as the sun came out.

[JanetL]

Beautiful day on the water. Thanks for organizing, Jim.

[Dan Foster]

Beautiful scenery, sporty conditions, a solid group of new and old friends, and a chance to apply those skills we practice but seldom [knock on wood] get to use. I consider myself very fortunate to paddle amongst all of you, and Saturday's paddle was yet another reminder of how NSPN's culture makes every paddle a great paddle, no matter what the day brings.

Thanks, Jim, for organizing, and for sharing this stretch of coastline with us.

Edited October 25, 2021 by Dan Foster

[NPearson]

Thanks again Jim, for organising this paddle along an interesting stretch of the Maine coast. When the trip's theme turned from 'day paddle in sporty conditions' to an 'incident management exercise' it was great to see how we all acted as an efficient, competent, drama-free team.  As Dan said, it was good to be able to practice our rescue skills in a real environment. Saturday really showed the value of paddling as a club. Kudos too to the paddler who 'lost his sense of equilibrium' but maintained his sense of humour.