Suz

I arrived early at 8:30 and worriedly looked at the buckets of water pouring out of the sky and wondered if the sky would clear and who would show. Slowly the cars started trickling in... Eventually we ended up with 16 people on the water. It was a slightly later launch than the norm - I think about 10:20. The winds picked up as we got on the water and the decision was made that the group would stick together and stay on the inside of Plum Island. We slowly made our way exchanging the Werner paddles as we went along, someone borrowed my Mystik Lendal early on and that was the last I saw of it for the day. Lunch was had on a rapidly disappearing Middle Ground Island. The lunch time treats were shared brownies, hermits and assorted candy. Then we turned around and headed back to Pavillion with a bit of stroke practice on the way in. We arrived at the beach just as Nick Dyslin arrived with the Lendal paddles. Tom Bergh brought out some boats for people to demo - Greenlander Pro, Explorer, Explorer LV, Romany, Argonaut, Aquanaut and a double Triton. As people arrived, they signed up for the raffle and demoed the boats and the paddles. Eventually we got around to pulling the lucky winners for the 2 paddle leashes and the Lendal Nordkapp - Carbon Nylon paddle. Jane Alaimos and Ken Cooper won the leashes and Rick Crangle won the paddle. Finished up on the beach by 6 p.m. Great day! We had 34 people who signed in! A great turn out for a rainy day. Thank you everyone for making this happen! Suzanne

One interested party here. Suzanne

Why don't you come to the paddle/paddle demo at Pavilion Beach in Ipswich on Saturday (see other thread) and let's pose your question there:) Seriously, it sounds to me like you must be using your shoulders and "holding" the muscle. Perhaps a shorter paddle would allow for more torso rotation and therefore less tension in the shoulders. Try using your shorter WW paddle as an experiment to see if it still hurts. Or,(shameless plug) come to the paddle prior to the demo and borrow one of my 210's for the day and see if at the end of the day, you have the same issue. Suzanne

As registrar, I should have sent out the e-mails confirming all details before today. By now, all 36 people in all four classes have received directions and info. E-mail me directly if you didn't get your confirmation. Thanks, Suzanne suzanne dot pritchett at comcast dot net

Ben, I observed the same thing and I wonder what is behind it. As you know, NSPN organizes classes with guest instructors such as Karen Knight and Bob Foote. In June, for the first time we organized classes with Maine Island Kayak Company. All of this years offerings (almost 60 class slots in Karen's and Bob' classes and 26 with MIKCO) have filled. In prior years, NSPN offered classes with Derek Hutchinson and Nigel Foster. Both instructors were unable to fit us into their schedule this year so far. Here are my random thoughts on the subject... Perhaps NSPN club members figure on taking instruction within the club because it is easy, someone organizes it and you take the class with people you know. Perhaps because the club offers instruction, that discourages people from searching out instruction and therefore pursue more advanced instruction from the outfitters. Do people think they are good because they can roll, paddle in bumpy water and therefore don't need instruction? I also wonder if perhaps people don't feel the need to improve their skills once they get to a point where they have a certain comfort level in the water. They can pick and choose the days they go out so that in general they paddle in conditions where they do not have to stretch. As a skier, I have observed for years that parents will bring the kids into ski school but never take a class themselves. They go up and down the same slopes, enjoy the scenery and being outside. It seems that only a very small percentage of people feel the need to improve their skills by taking classes. They just keep doing the same things that they have always done and by the end of the season, they get a bit faster, can turn a bit better and ski a longer day. Last year Sunday River started giving away UPPER LEVEL lessons with hotel stays, just to start exposing people to instruction. They have always done this with the entry level first class through their Mobil partnership... 3 fill ups and a free 1/2 day lesson with equipment. Obviously the difference with ski areas vs. kayak outfitters is that there is no incentive for the outfitters to give away entry level stuff to introduce new kayakers to kayaking nor is there any reason for them to give away the upper level stuff to show people how they would benefit from instruction. The ski areas benefit because once you’re at the mountain, you may spend the night, eat lunch, dinner, buy a hat... Personally, I realized very early on that learning to kayak after age 40 would be a very slow process if I tried to do it on my own. I felt that there was WAY TOO MUCH to learn through trial and error. Also figured that the ocean is not a forgiving task master so in order to play where the water isn't flat and the rocks are hard, I better learn how to keep my boat upright and to find my way home at night. So I seek out instruction to help me with those things. I find instructors that I can go back to regularly. I find instructors who remember me from class to class. Instructors who begin to understand my learning style so that they know exactly how they need to present a concept to me for me to get it. I find instructors so that I don’t have to spend as much time unlearning things as learning new things. My concern is that if people like Maine Sport and Maine Island Kayak Company are having difficulties filling their advanced offerings, what will people do for instruction when they close their doors? Suzanne

I won't be there but here is what I have for directions to Odiorne: Take Rt 95 North (or South) and take the exit for the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Follow RT 1 Bypass SOUTH. (You'll see hospital signs pointing the same way). You'll go through about 4 or 5 sets of lights. (On the way, you'll see a plaza with Margaritas and Pier I in it on the left). At the set of lights where there is a Sprague Energy gas station on right and Exxon (or Mobile) on left, take that left. I can't remember the street name but I believe there is a sign for "Beaches" or RT 1-A at that intersection. Follow the road to an 4 way intersection. (There's a gourmet shop on left). Go straight through intersection (follow signs towards beaches/Rye). A couple miles down is Ordione (it will be on your left). Parking area is right after the wooden bridge. There is a $5 charge to park. Hope this helps!

IMO, a cowboy re-entry is impractical in conditions. In most cases it is considered a fun thing to do. Besides,it isn't in my repetoire, but re-enter and roll is. Throw a paddle float on and you can then re-enter, roll and then pump. It is hassle to remove the paddle float but not impossible. Note that it is possible to re-enter and then put your skirt on and then roll. A bit more fiddly but less water in the boat. It is probably worthwhile practicing. Suzanne

I arrived on Thursday night in rain and fog. Found Maine Maritime Academy and decided that I needed a bowl of soup and a beer. Somehow my car headed to the water like a trained hunting dog and as I looked through the fog I found Dennett's Wharf Restaurant with a kayak hanging on the side. I headed in for chowder and found that they have a strange custom there: the ceiling is littered with dollar bills thumb--tacked to the ceiling. Of course I had to ask...the bartender said "it will cost you a dollar". He preceded to show me how they get up there (which is a secret and you will now have to go pay your own dollar to find out). It turns out that the last time they cleaned the ceiling off was for a donation to a family that was affected by 9/ 11. They donated $12,000 from the ceiling. It was late by now, so I headed back to the dorm rooms as it was to be an early morning on Friday. I got up early on Friday and headed over to the cafeteria to join the other volunteers there early for the set up. There was a great breakfast spread -- as were all the meals provided by Maine Maritime. After breakfast, we headed to the Field House to set-up down there. Before I knew it, it was 11 a.m. and the rest of the 20+ volunteers were arriving right on time. We reviewed the volunteer duties, prepared the registration desk and signed up for our shifts throughout the weekend. On Friday afternoon, Christopher Godfrey, Paula Riegel, Mike Crouse and Rick Crangle put on a towing demonstration that was well received. After dinner, the Tom Bergh moderated a round-table-type discussion in the auditorium with the clubs that were present: CONNYAK, BSKC, Champlain Kayak Club, RICKA, NSPN and SMSKN. It began with a representative from each club talking about what they felt the purpose of their club was and what were the major issues facing them. Their stated purposes ranged from: having fun, network of paddlers, fight legislation (access issues), educational focus, outreach. We seem to be lucky in that NSPN isn't facing the same access issues that our friends down south in Rhode Island and Connecticut are -- it is probably only a matter of time. Each of the clubs discussed initiatives that they are involved in: RICKA has worked with their Department of Environmental Management to publish public access materials; CONNYAK has published a paddling etiquette brochure and worked with DEP to design a kayak launch at Indian River Marina; SMSKN has developed safety seminars that are open to the public and Champlain Kayak Club has partnered with environmental groups to develop a paddlers ' trail on the lake. Some of the hot topics that were mentioned were: access issues; developing a universal "rating" system across New England (so a that a level 2 paddler means the same thing everywhere); the role the clubs play and our duties to the paddling community -- moral, social, legal and financial. We touched on risk and liability and how each of the clubs handle it: NSPN is the only club represented that carries insurance through the ACA! We wrapped up the discussion, agreeing that the clubs need to find ways to gather together to continue these discussions and work together on issues that face all of us. The organized activities for the evening finished with Tom Bergh showing a slide show of Coastal Maine from Casco Bay to Nova Scotia. I know that I left thinking I needed to spend more time in my boat on longer trips as far north as I can. A large group of us continued discussions down at Dennett's Wharf and drank lots of beer. Saturday morning came early with lots of great things on the agenda. Something for everyone: lectures in the halls by Wayne Horodowich, Ken Fink Karen Francoeur; demonstrations from Keith Attenborough on Greenland paddle making, Sandy Martin from Lincoln Canoe on repairs and on-water classes on strokes and braces by Steve Maynard, Doug Van Doren, Jen Kleck Keith Attenborough, Tom Bergh, Karen Francoeur and Nigel Foster -- a really full morning (you cannot do everything and it was hard for people to make choices). Everyone then made their way to yet another fine lunch provided by Maine Maritime and then on to more lectures and on-water activities in the afternoon. Gail Ferris and Deborah Walter gave presentations of their solo expeditions in the Arctic; Ed Friedman spoke about Swan Island; Ken Fink lectured on navigation and Ben Fuller gave tips and tricks on navigation that work in cold and wet places. There was a wilderness emergency presentation from David Craig of the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS and Jen Kleck demonstrated what to bring to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing. On the water, Wayne Horodowich brought out his bag of tricks and Doug Van Doren, Nigel Foster and Jen Kleck spoke about paddle form and function. Karen Francoeur demonstrated what happens when a recreational boat overturns and Alison Bramhall spoke about her solo paddling down in Palau. After a full afternoon of activities we convened for yet another fine meal in the cafeteria. The highlight of the evening was Tsunami Ranger Michael Powers presenting a slide presentation of his amazing on-water photography. (How does he do that from a boat???) He also brought one of their open kayaks for us to see. The evening was filled with many interesting stories about the "tribal" feel of the rangers. Of course, it would not have done to end the night at that point, so the group re-convened (yet again!) down at Dennett's Wharf! Sunday morning came so soon -- and with it the kayak cooking demonstration by Paula Riegel, Mike Crouse, Kim Flint and myself. We prepared two hot meals: one from dried ingredients and one from fresh, along with some hot scones baked in an Outback Oven. Wayne Horodowich did a recovery and rescue lecture; Ken Fink continued with maneuvering in Wind and Waves; Sandy Martin spoke about the elements of Sea Kayak Design and on the water there was Nigel Foster and kayak handling and a really cool demonstration of Greenland Rolling by Doug Van Doren, complete with the 16-lb.bowling-ball roll! Then we were off to another fine lunch before the afternoon activities: a lecture on the Maine Island Trail; Ken Fink on navigation and Wayne Horodowich on learning and practicing good judgment when kayaking. There were many beach activities and small group instruction by all the instructors. Paula and I were lucky enough to spend a few hours with Jen Kleck who is a BCU 5* paddler -- only the second women in the US. She provided a few "ah ha" moments for me on the forward stroke. Throughout the weekend there were boats to demo and people to meet. The goal of the Castine event is to build a paddling community. I know that it helped me to network with paddlers from as far away as Georgia and with instructors from our own backyard to California. It was the first symposium I have attended and I will be sure to put this event on my calendar for next year. I urge you to do the same. Suzanne PS - Could the other attendees write about their favorite class or "ah ha" moment that they had?

I recommend that before making this when camping, experiment at home before you go. Let's share our recipes here on this thread! Suzanne

Here is a simple meal that can be made many different ways, use your imagination! One Pot Meal-serves 3 to 4 people Ingredients: Chicken (2 split boneless, skinless breasts) Vegetable Olive Oil Garlic Basil Oregano Red Pepper Flakes Prepare in advance at least the night before: In advance, cut the meat into small cubes and then place on plastic wrap and also put in a Ziploc and freeze the uncooked meat solid. Day before you go, prep vegetables – red and green peppers, onions, garlic, In the 3liter pan, sauté the garlic in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Add the meat and cook until just barely done – don’t overcook. Remove meat and put aside in the small pan w/ lid. Add 1 cup of regular (not quick cooking) rice to the pan and cook for a few minutes with a little of the oil left in pan. Add about 1 ½ cups of water and a bouillon cube and a 14 ounce can or box of diced tomatoes to the rice, stir until the cube is dissolved. Turn the stove on low and allow to cook and absorb the water – about 15 minutes. Add the meat back to the pot, then add the chopped peppers, onion. Put the lid on to warm the meat back up and cook the vegetables until you like them – I like them crisp. Just dish up. Variation: Pork (1 lb of boneless trimmed pork) with pork, I substitute salsa for the chopped tomatoes and then add 2 tablespoons of taco seasonings and 2 tablespoons of peach or apricot jam. or Beef (1 lb lean eye of round or better) – veggies that are good with the beef are broccoli, carrots and bean sprouts. Brown Rice or white rice or noodles (small ones rather than spaghetti) or red skinned potatoes (don’t cut the potatoes until you are ready to use them) Use any of these starches… canned corn is nice with rice and mushrooms- really good with the chicken carrots and green beans are nice together broccoli, carrots and bean sprouts are good with the beef diced tomatoes (either canned or Pomi brand tomatoes packed in cartons and sold in the canned veg. aisle) Enjoy and be creative! Suzanne

Jonathan - Thanks for a great presentation! Other than providing a little food and the outline, it was Jonathan's show! Well done! Suz PS - I will see about writing up a few non pasta based recipes to post. Will start a recipe thread that others can post to also - maybe we can get an NSPN cookbook out of it.

Still working on this and based on the response at the general meeting,I am trying to get in touch with the Werner rep to see if they would like to join us. Any other suggestions? Note that contrary to what "." posted earlier in this thread, Charles River Canoe and Kayak do not carry Lendal paddles. I called to verify as they were not listed on their website. Moral of the story, don't believe everything you read, especially if people won't sign their names. Suzanne

This was not the overall sentiment at the meeting. There was a comment made that when the trip reports ONLY reflect the challenging or scary paddles where crazy rock play and BIG waves are reported, it makes new people think that is all NSPN does. Suz

Will do that or simply change the location. I like the idea of Pavillion Beach - Ipswich. Any interested in doing it there? Suzanne

Please post here if you will be attending. Thanks! Suzanne (Note that all old ID's seem to be lost.. so simply pick your name and come up with a password and start again)

I apologize, I didn't realize the Charles River Canoe and Kayak also sold the Lendals. I knew they sold Werner... You can certainly demo them other places but not with the chance at a door prize:) Besides, Nick Dyslin, (Lendal, Kokatat and Chota rep)is a nice guy and will tell us all about the latest innovations that will be available. Suzanne

Last year when I was camping in November and didn't bring a warm enough sleeping bag, I slipped the whole Ras Dex over the outside of the sleeping bag (with the hood at the feet) and slept nice and toasty all night long. Rick neglected to mention that they are made out of some sort of breathable fabric - not brand name but it is breathable. Suzanne

Any suggestions other than M-head that are protected and have a good place for a picnic afterward? How would doing a paddle demo differ from running a paid class with Derek Hutchinson? Sure the numbers may be bigger but we have large groups go out of M-head such as the Solstice paddle... FYI, at the paddle demo, NOTHING can be purchased. The rep would show us the paddles, talk about them, show us the new innovations (really cool variable length, variable feather, shaft with lots of different blades)andlet us try out the paddles in different lengths. For purchasing, you can buy/order through the following places: Country Canoeist Kittery Trading Post (they only stock Kinetic - rest would need ordering) Maine Island Kayak Suzanne

The August tides aren't conducive to launching on high. Another idea would be to do the paddle demo at the end of the day - say 3 p.m. and combine it with a pot luck afterwards. That would allow people to paddle elsewhere and from Marblehead and then arrive for the paddle demo and cook out afterwards. Maybe done this way, we would get more participation. What do you think of that idea? Suzanne

Earlier in the year I was trying to plan a paddle demo day but logistics got in the way. Trying again... How early in the a.m. could it be done so that it could be followed by paddling? Would 8 -10 a.m. be too early? Saturday or Sunday? Thinking of doing this in Marblehead Harbor one of the first weeks in August. Any input? Thanks, Suzanne PS - The Lendal rep said that they would even have a "door" prize.

The difference between p-net and us is that p-net encompasses the broader range of paddling from rec boats, whitewater, canoeing and sea kayaking where we are a sea kayaking club. Most (OK some) of us tend to want to paddle exclusively in the ocean. So I would say, if you want to be in the ocean buy a sea kayak. It will be fine for other flat water venues, not tight fast rivers... I have never been a fan of the soft plastic Perception boats. They deform easily on the car rack (my kayak lives on the car) and the bulkheads leak and they don't hold their value so you do poorly when it is time to resell. Although, they do sell some kayaks now with that new plastic and even some fiberglass.. but I haven't looked into them. Maybe Perception is trying to make it out of the rec boat market. Another thing... why does Perception make the same boat - Carolina in two lengths - doesn't that make it hard to figure out which one people are talking about?? Basically if you want to be on the ocean, get a boat over the 16' range with two hatches (3- is better - day hatches are convenient). Make sure you have good contact with your thighs so that you can edge and lean. If you can't, you will never be able to control your boat. Sorry you had to get introduced to us when our message board is ill... Usually there is a wealth of stored information here... now there is nothing. How embarrassing... Come visit us again and you may find we are back to normal! BTW, if you are local, try and make it over to a skills session and you can chat in person to some of us about your upcoming boat purchase. Good luck! Suzanne

Welcome Chris! Take the time to demo boats. Locally you can hit up NESC in Rowley, their website is: [www.nesmallcraft.com] or Charles River Canoe and Kayak, [http://www.ski-paddle.com/cano/canoe.htm] or head up to Maine Island Kayak on Peaks Island outside of Portland [www.maineislandkayak.com]. All three places will take you out for demo's. From what I hear, all three have great deals on some great boats both new and used (not 100% sure on CRCK). DO NOT BUY before you try! You may find that you can pick up a used fiberglass boat just as cheap as a new plastic one. Really think about the type of paddling that you want to do and buy the right boat for that. Don't agonize too much, get something that will allow you to grow as a paddler. Buy something that will have resale value if you find it isn't the right boat for you. Another few words of advice - don't skimp on the paddle or pfd - they are almost more important than the boat! Buy the lightest paddle you can and don't let anyone talk you into a 230! Lots of used 230's for sale. Spend a lot of time trying on pfd's, you really need to be comfortable in the one you buy. Tighten it up properly and then wear it around the store the whole time you are there looking and chatting about boats. Twist, turn and move alot to make sure that there is no chaffing. Lastly, you may want to show up at the Solstice picnic after the paddle on Sunday and introduce yourself to the group. I won't be there but the picnic is always a lot of fun and a good place to talk about paddling to paddlers. Good luck in your search! Suzanne

If I recall, at the end of the season last year, Lisa S. mentioned that a few times she returned the radio as it no longer "changed channels". Turned out that she had unknowingly locked the station, she didn't know this was an option. FYI, locking the radio on a station is done by holding down the lamp button on the side until the key shows in the monitor. Suzanne

Good thing you mentioned that as 2 bars is Christopher's normal lunch!

Hi Pat and welcome to NSPN and our msg board! In order for people to make suggestions, you need to tell us where you intend to paddle. If you know, tell us. If you don't, Jeff had a good suggestion to contact Charles River Canoe and Kayak and take lessons and try their boats. Best advice is definitely to try before you buy and to buy used for at least the first boat as it gets you on the water and meeting people to try their boats! Recommended reading: Shelley Johnson's Women's Guide to Sea Kayaking. I am sure that Kittery Trading Post carries this. Her sage advice is not to agonize over the first boat decision, just get on the water - you will learn what you want then. Suzannen