kevinfre Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 I was wondering if I could talk a leader into doing a relatively easy trip on July 29th or 30th. I've been to 4 or 5 practice sessions at Mystic and other lakes and I'd really like to do a first coastal trip. I've got a pretty solid forward stroke (paddling from the core) as well as forward/reverse sweep. I can do a wet exit and have practiced solo re-entry (with a paddle float) and assisted re-entry several times. Conservatively, I'm probably good for about 4 hours of paddling. I've been looking at the schedules for this and other groups (Charles River Canoe, AMC Boston & NH chapters, North Shore Kayak, Boston Sea Kayak Club, EMS, REI) but nobody has anything at that level scheduled for that weekend. I'm a longtime hiker and I know there are "standard beginner hikes" in Mass and NH. I assume there are similar trips for sea kayaking, I just don't know what they are yet. So - can I interest any leaders in posting a trip along those lines on the 29th or 30th? I'll buy you a beer afterwards, or an ice cream cone if you prefer ;-) Thanks, Kevin Fredette 978-475-8912 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEL Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 >I was wondering if I could talk a leader into doing a >relatively easy trip on July 29th or 30th. I've been to 4 >or 5 practice sessions at Mystic and other lakes and I'd >really like to do a first coastal trip. Two suggestions: First, watch for private trips for that weekend, talk to the poster, be honest about experience, etc. and ask them if the trip might be suitable for you. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the private trips I have been on and often you will have an opportunity to learn a great deal. Second, there is a SMSKN trip around Gerrish Island out of Kittery/Portsmouth on that weekend. You might want to check with them. NSPN would rate that trip a Level 3 I believe. SMSKN has a different level rating system and a different trip philosophy. You really should discuss it fully with them. In my opinion it would be easy to get over your head on this, but it might be a great time too. Caveat, both of these options require you to be responsible largely, perhaps totally, for your safety, to make a judgement about whether to launch or not, and whether to do what others in the group are doing on the water. This is inherently very difficult for a beginner (I know, I am one) since we do not have the requisite experience/judgement to make sound and reliable decisions in those areas. Needless to say, the consequences of a mistake could be unpleasant at best. Having said that and admitting I tend to have a "just do it" and adventureous attitude while you may not, if you exercise caution and go in settled, benign conditions, then it sounds like these might be viable options for you to do that first coastal trip in the absence of a formal NSPN "beginner" coastal trip. Ed Lawson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Kevin, I sent you an email. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Kevin, Don't think I can set up for the weekend pf the 29th/30th, but if you're available on Sat., see the L2/L2+ SNG that I posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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