Bill Gwynn

Now...I would buy a ticket to see that.

Just to add to the confusion or knowledge, I looked at the current velocities for Portsmouth Harbor and found that for Portsmouth Harbor the ebb velocity is always greater than the flood velocity. I believe the location of the Portsmouth harbor station is off Wood Island. For Oct. 19, 2008 the mid day flood was 1.5 Kts and the dusk ebb was 2.2 Kts. However, the velocities south of Seavy Island were a flood of 3.75 Kts and ebb of 4.62 Kts while NE of Pierces Island the flood was 3.6 Kts and the ebb was 1.54 Kts. Note the huge difference in ebb velocity at locations not that far apart while flood velocity not that different.

The Merrimack current velocities are based on correction factors applied to the Boston Harbor velocities and, as opposed to Portsmouth, at the Boston Harbor station some days the flood is higher than the ebb and some days the ebb is higher than the flood although they are often close.

The correction factors for the entrance of the Merrimack river are flood 2.0, ebb 1.2 which would tend to make the flood faster than the ebb at that location for whatever reason.

Ed Lawson

More confusion...The flood on the 19th in Portsmouth Harbor took only 5 hours and 42 minutes at a max of 1.5 knots. The Ebb that evening took 7 hours and 8 minutes with a max of 2.2 knots. That throws my theory of water moving in an amount of time effecting current right out the window. Now I am really intrigued/confused as to why this is.

I agree that it counters what we would think. So...who can provide a logical explanation as to why the flood is stronger than the ebb?

Some thoughts... Looking at the current predictions for Oct 16th. The morning flood took 6 hours and 1 minute (slack to slack). The afternoon ebb took 6 hours and 34 minutes. So, roughly the same amount of water has to move from flood to ebb and the flood happens in less time, therefore more current.

I'm surprised that flood can exceed the ebb. I thought that the ebb always was greater than the flood, especially at the mouth of a river such as the Mac , where the flood is countered by the current of the river, and ebb would be the combined force of the outgoing tide and the water backed up by the previous flood.

I agree that it counters what we would think. So...who can provide a logical explanation as to why the flood is stronger than the ebb?

Max ebb on Sunday the 19th at the mouth of the Mac was at 1730 with current at 1.4 knots. I don't believe the Mac ever ebbs more than 2 knots, the flood can exceed 3 knots. This info come from NOAA's Tidal Current Predictions. That being said, I am positive there are areas that do exceed the current predictions due to underwater topography. Plus, it sure as hell feels like a lot more when trying to make headway against max ebb. It's one of those paddles I love to hate.

I pre ordered mine weeks ago, but it hasn't shown up yet. Hopefully it will today.

EDIT: It came today.

In nautical navigation, magnetic declination is divided into two parts, namely Magnetic Variation and Magnetic Deviation. There are also three types of bearings--True, Magnetic, and Compass--which are related by the rules:

Compass Bearing +/- Deviation = Magnetic Bearing

Magnetic Bearing +/- Variation = True Bearing

This relationship (finding what the compass should show when the true course is known) is frequently taught as:

T = true course;

V = variation (of the Earth's magnetic field);

M = magnetic course (what the course would be in the absence of local declination);

D = deviation caused by magnetic material (mostly iron and steel) on the vessel;

C = compass course.

A mnemonic for this is:

"True Virgins Make Dull Company".

To remember that West Variation needs to be added as the "cure" for this condition,

"Add Whiskey," remembering that whiskey stands for west.

If one knows the course shown by the compass and wishes to find the course relative to true north, the steps are inverted and the signs of deviation and variation inverted.

Another method for going the other way (compass bearing to true bearing) is CADET.

C = compass course;

A = add;

D = declination;

E = east;

T = true course.

Variation

Magnetic variation is the difference between True Bearings and Magnetic Bearings and is caused by the different locations of the Geographic North Pole and the Magnetic North Pole plus any local anomalies such as iron deposits. Variation is the same for all compasses in the same location and is usually stated on good quality maps and charts, along with the date it was measured.

Deviation

Magnetic Deviation is the difference between Magnetic Bearings and Compass Bearings. Deviation varies for every compass in the same location and depends on such factors as the magnetic field of the boat, wrist-watches, etc. The value will also vary depending on the orientation of the boat. Magnets and/or iron masses can be used to correct for deviation so that a particular compass will accurately give Magnetic Bearings. More commonly, however, a correction card will be drawn up listing errors for the compass which can then be compensated for arithmetically.

Welcome Jon,

PPPO stands for Post Paddle Pig Out. In other words a gathering afterwards to eat.

SNG stands for Show N' Go. In other words, an informal (usually) gathering to paddle.

Share information on how to dress and prepare for cold water paddling. Paddlers can test gear - gaskets and seals and drysuits, wetsuits and drytops, gloves and hoods, etc. - and see how well they hold up under immersion. Experience immersion in cold water and perform basic skills -- self and assisted rescues, towing, etc. -- while wearing cold water gear.

10AM start time at Liz's NSPN Clubhouse for the dry part of the workshop, then down to Lane's Cove for the wet part. A PPPO will be at Liz's after.

This event is offered at no charge to NSPN paid members.

Please post your interest here so we can get an idea of head count.

Please email: suzanne dot hutchinson at comcast dot net for additional info and directions.

Looks like she was on a roll with the $12.00 items.

Send me the new PDF Heidi and I will post it up.

I am also a fan of the 2 piece setup. I use Reeds Chill Cheater Pants, and then whatever is appropriate for the top.

When I bought my tent I found a trip to Hilton Tent City, across from North Station in Boston, very rewarding. They have two floors of tents setup. Much better than pictures.

I got a Eureka tent and the scout troop I work with swears by them for durability. I cannot make an endorsement for Eurekas as Kayaking tents since I have not tried that yet.

Good hunting.

Agreed, everyone should go to Hilton's Tent City at least once. It's amazing how much stuff they have there. Reminds me of LLBean 40 years ago.

The crossing from the southern tip of Deer Island, straight south to Long Island is the shortest and probably safest channel crossing.

Here is a link to the same site, but, with a menu on the left to choose the geographic area you are interested in.

http://fvcom.smast.umassd.edu/FVCOM/index.html

Hi Mary, I saw Rick on Sunday, and he gave me your booties. So at least they are now in New Hampshire, so we are getting them closer to you.

Hah...found it in one of your own posts

http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showto...hl=tide+graphic

Don't forget about the search feature in the forums.

I have the Kokatat Tributary as well. Fits great on my Kokatat PFD. One of the things I like about it is the large ziplock opening. It makes it real easy to fill it with ice cubes. However, I have heard that the new ones no longer have the ziplock opening and now use the standard round cap type.

Nahant - Long Beach is a Mass DCR Park http://www.mass.gov/dcr/

Lifeguards are only there in July and August.

Fee for parking at Long Beach, 8:00am - 6:00pm, May - Sept

Hey Brian,

My comment about surf landings with an ocean cockpit just reflect my experience. I find that when you have surf coming in behind you, you have a limited opportunity (time wise) to get your butt out before that next wave. No big deal really. I just think that more often I end flopping around on the beach rather than the graceful exit I can usually do with the keyhole pulling my feet out first.

My thoughts were to just to let people know that Ocean Cockpit's are different and not necessarily everyone's cup of tea.

Love my Pintail. I paddle it quite a bit. I don't consider it specialized at all and will paddle it anytime anywhere. Of course, I am a playboat type person and own an Avocet, Anas and Pintail. I paddle the Anas only when I am not going near any rocks due to the hard chines taking a beating on the rocks. I paddle the Avocet mostly when I expect to be doing a lot of rescue practice (keyhole cockpit) and really damaging rock play as it's kevlar and has been through the wringer so much now, that it's my "beater boat". The Pintail gets paddled most other times, so out on a regular day trip where the is a mix of stuff, the Pintail gets the nod. It's great in the surf, great in the rocks, is reasonably fast for a play boat. Low profile, so the wind doesn't affect it too much (others may disagree) I have never own a strong tracking boat, so for me, the Pintail just requires a little more attention. Some people say that just using a little skeg makes the boat "just right". Personally, I never use the skeg on any of my boats. Now, the biggest concern you should have is with the Ocean cockpit. They are great once you are in. Lots of contact and control. The issue is getting in and out of it. I spent a lot of time working on entry and exits, and can now do cowboys pretty reliably, but not anywhere near as easy as a keyhole. Re-enter and rolls are pretty much the same, just takes an extra second or two to get situated. Getting T-rescued is more difficult for both you and the rescuer due to you needing to basically sit on the rear deck to get your legs in first. So, getting in, you can work to get it down pretty good. Getting out is where I have the most problems. I would say that 1 or 2 times out of 10, I end up falling out. Surf landings are a real PITA. Personally, I love the Ocean Cockpit and believe that a Pintail with a keyhole is blasphemous. But, I do understand that some just do not not want to deal with the hassles of an Ocean cockpit. Seeing as Valley decided to offer the Pintail both ways proves it's popularity. It's such a fun hull design. So, great boat, lot's of fun, I would just carefully consider if the Ocean Cockpit is right for you.

Hey Bill-My browser (Firefox) on Mac reports this address as not found. Is webshots only accessible from PC's?

Works fine on my MAC

Hi Cathy,

I haven't paddled there, so I can't give you any first hand insight. But, here is a link to NOAA's Tidal Currents for the bridge. Looks t be running 3 knots both ebb and flood this weekend.

Another approach for large groups (or small for that matter) is the buddy system. Choose a buddy at the beginning of the trip and then always be within a 10 second paddle from him/her.

Hi Larry,

Just to update you and any other newer NSPN members/paddlers. NSPN up until this season was a ACA PAC (American Canoe Association Paddle America Club). All NSPN official trips were run under the rules mandated to us by the ACA and were led by a qualified leader. These trips were more reminiscent of a guided tour than people just paddling together. Of course NSPN has also always had your standard Show & Go's (unofficial trips) on the message board. This year, for many various reasons, NSPN's BOD voted to drop the ACA. The new model we are using for trips is called CAM (Common Adventure Model)

We have a pretty reasonable description of CAM on our website here. There is lots more you can find about CAM by doing a google search.

So, the club is experiencing some growing pains as we make this transition to CAM. We are all learning the best way to apply it. Personally, I think CAM is a great way to run things and I have supported it from the beginning. I love the flexibility it provides in how it allows the group to decide the days events as things progress. But, this is a double edge sword, sometimes that flexibility leaves some confused with questions about the "right" thing to do. For example, is this trip run with someone acting as the leader. Who does the beach briefing, is he the leader? Or, is this trip more of a "leaderless" type where things are not as structured and leaders emerge as the situation dictates. Both these types of trips are acceptable under CAM. So, for me, the best I advice I can offer is to use good communication before, during, and after any paddling trip. Let people in the group know your expectations for the day and make sure it fits for you. When out on the trip don't be afraid to speak up if you or anyone else is concerned about anything. A post trip de-briefing is also a good idea, you get to talk about all the cool things you did and saw that day as well as discuss what could have been done to make the day even better.

I second what Bob said.

Also, to add my 2 cents.

Whenever I go on a trip, I always take responsibility for myself. That includes knowing the tides, weather, having a chart, and what my expectations are. I evaluate if this paddle is right for me. Do I have the skills, will I be the weakest paddler, the strongest, or somewhere in the middle. I also make sure I have the appropriate kit and the knowledge to use it. Check Here for a guideline for what to bring.

I feel that my responsibility to the group includes everyone in the group. Not only to help a paddler having a problem, but also to communicate to the stronger paddlers that they need to slow down or help or whatever. Under CAM, the whole idea is for everyone to work together and have a fun, safe day on the water. Common adventure is nothing new. We have all used it in our lives. Out on a fishing trip with your buds, out for a hike with friends, a day of xc skiing. These are all CAM trips. Even a pot luck cookout in your back yard could be considered CAM. Any responsible individual would not purposely let someone put themselves in harms way.

To Quote from the Trip Participation Page:

"On a Common Adventure trip, everyone is expected to share in the responsibilities of the trip. The trip initiator (the person who posted the trip) simply gets the ball rolling. The rest of the group is expected to help plan for the success of the trip, from the arrival at the launch and beach briefing until the trip has ended and everyone is safely on their way home. The success or failure of a common adventure trip rests not in the hands of the trip initiator, or NSPN, but rather in the hands of everyone that participates in the trip."

Communication is the key.

Communication prior to the trip via posting or email, know what your in for.

Communication on the beach prior to departure, know what you are in for.

Communication on the water, know what you are in for.

Training...yes get some. Peer learning is a great thing, either at skill sessions or on a trip. I personally do some rescue practice, tow practice, stroke practice etc. on every trip. I am also a strong proponent of professional instruction. Nothing like having someone that does this for a living to help you perfect those needed skills.