Wed Lunch Paddle 8/3/22: Fishermans Beach, Swampscott

[Joseph Berkovitz]

People: Britta Magnuson, Sue Hriciga, Mike Habich, Jody Harris, David Mercer, Amy Chiuchiolo, Ricardo Caivano, Barbara Ryan, Joe Berkovitz
Route: (or browse on CoastalPaddling.com)

 

We launched from Fishermans in downtown "Swampie" a little after 9 am. There was a light northeast wind that reached us once we were a little bit offshore, which was a relief as the heat was already building. Conditions were impressively calm and almost glassy, although some light swell lapped at the beach.

The group headed out to Dread Ledge where conditions were still calm but there was slightly more swell - as in, perhaps half a foot. The low water environment was very conducive to play on the soft cushiony seaweed-covered rocks. It was fun to explore the ins and outs of Dread at low tide including many little slots and channels that are normally far too rough to paddle in.

Thence to Egg Rock. At Egg, as is usually the case, there was more wave energy. A group of us circumnavigated the rock, with many approaching the steep-and-deep cliffsides more closely than they might have in the past. It was incredibly peaceful in Nahant Bay this morning, with very few fishing or pleasure craft out.

From Egg we made our way to our lunch spot on the "secret beach" on East Point. It's not really secret but it is hard to get to from land and not always that easy to land on even in a boat. It was quite low water and the landing, while in calm water, was on algae covered cobbles with difficult footing. But a lovely spot as always with beautiful views out over the bay and ocean.

The post-lunch chapter took us around the corner of East Point to the "ball of the foot" (if you think of Nahant as a foot, and I definitely do). This area has impressive ancient rock formations and also very impressive rock gardening. But with the gentle swell, this too became a great playground for some of us who haven't played in rocks so much. We found a nice pourover that served as ocean playground equipment for maybe 20 minutes or so while its water level was perfect.

Our last stop of the afternoon was Nahant Beach, which did not disappoint - unless you count our getting kicked out of the first place we stopped by lifeguards, who very politely explained to us that as kayakers we needed to go down the beach to the non-guarded section, which we happily did, finding a section with no swimmers where we could play safely. The day delivered its final dose of light conditions ideal for practice—this time, surf practice in the warm shallow water!

Thanks everyone who made yesterday the delight that it was.

Edited August 4, 2022 by Joseph Berkovitz

[Ricardo Caivano]

It was a great day! thank you much.