Solstice Paddle - Sat June 18th - Level 2 Group

[rfolster]

The Annual Solstice Paddle Returns!!

Date: Saturday June 18th, 2022
Location: Riverhead Beach, Marblehead (across street from Devereux Beach on the Marblehead neck)
Time: Ready to launch 9:30am, back for potluck by 4:00pm

Parking: Cost will be $20 cash per vehicle.

Level 2 Trip: Please click this link to see descriptions of the different trip levels.  This group will be a shorter ocean trip for newer paddlers.  Some ocean paddling experience would be encouraged for participants in this group, but depending on weather, more or less experience might be expected.  Depending on the number of participants, we might merge the Level 1 and Level 2 groups together.  We will have assigned leaders for this group who will be providing guidance as well as introducing participants to the concepts of cooperative group paddling (being a more involved participant).

PPPO: Tradition calls for a Post-Paddle-Pig-Out, where we all meet for a potluck gathering and share tales of the day, catch up with those we haven't seen lately, and make new friends.  We have rented the Garfield Pavilion which is located near the playground, and will gather there.

Requirements: Please note that this is a sea kayaking trip, so boats appropriate for the ocean are required.  I loosely define this as a boat with integral flotation front and rear (or added for skin-on-frame kayaks), deck lines around the majority of the perimeter, and cockpit coaming that accepts a spray skirt.  PFD's are required, as well as appropriate safety gear for your level of experience.  If you are unsure about your equipment or experience, feel free to reach out on the forum or directly to me for answers.

Participants: This trip is open to all active NSPN members (please email membership@nspn.org if you have any membership issues), regardless of experience.  Please be honest with your trip level selection, and be prepared for a possible adjustment based on group makeup.  If you are unsure about what trip level group to join, don't hesitate to ask.

Registration: Please POST TO THIS THREAD if you plan to join the this Level 2 group, and make sure to participate in discussions about the trip plans.  Also let us know if you are attending the potluck, and what category of food you might bring, such as appetizer, main, side, desert, or snack (BYO beverage).

[rfolster]

Weather Update:  Forecast is indicating that Saturday should be sunny and seasonable, but a little breezy from the north, right down the harbor.

Trip Ideas:  I think this group may or may not poke their noses out the harbor.  If the forecast holds, it would be a good day for working on boat handling skills and general balance in choppy water.  Depending on group and conditions, a journey to Dolliber Cove may be possible (approx 2-miles each way).