paulariegel

Reserve these dates and come take a surf class with the coach who wrote the book on surf kayaking! More information regarding the classes and how to sign will be posted soon.

PS - check this link out.

http://www.starling.com/nigel_surf_wmv.html

WOW!!! Amazing scenary. I'm with Carl - it's on my list now! Did you see any whales?

I have tried one. For about 5 minutes and all the while issueing a string of expletives. Plus I had trouble with the rudder concept;-))I don't see how you guys stay on those things.

A big congrats to Alex taking 1st, yet again, but in a different class this year. If you put that woman in a bathtub and gave her a canoe paddle, she'd still come in first! Way to go!

Never less than 3 on the sea... and that's what we were. Three of us launched, late morn (about 11am), from York Harbor. After the short trip through the harbor, we decided to head north towards Nubble Light. (About a 7 1/2 mile round trip - not including the gunkholeing).

Conditions were very mild(winds 5-10 seas 2-4) so rock play provided the thrills and practice of boat handling skills. And from time to time we would stop and gaze down through the crystal clear waters at the underwater kelp gardens.

After moseying (sp?) along the shoreline, we made a bee-line from Roaring Rock Point to Cape Neddick Nubble. Once there, we decided to paddle clock-wise around Nubble. On the eastern side, steam rose from rocks drying in the sun giving it a sauna-like appearance. The southeastern tip of the tiny island provided fun with larger swells breaking over/around rocks. With stomachs grumbling, we landed on the slippery rocks beneath where tourists congregate to view the lighthouse. Walter provided yet another sandwich feast. We finished our respite by dozing in the sun on the hot rocks.

At 2pm we packed up for the trip back. Thick haze was over the waters. After a roll to cool off, we headed southwest approx 240. About 1/3 way across Long Sands, a rumble was heard. Then another. And another. We kicked the pace up (which wasn’t easy after those sandwiches), and made for Cow Beach Point. There wasn't much chatting on the way back as each of us concentrated on forward strokes. Once along the shoreline again we relaxed. If the t-storm hit, we could easily land and take shelter amongst the rocks.

We proceeded to have a leisurely paddle back into the harbor with the current (high at York Harbor was 3:36pm). At the take out we saw Alex. She had been paddling south of York Harbor and was in Brave Boat Harbor when she too heard the rumble of thunder. After chatting and packing away gear/boats, the thunder grew more louder/frequent and a lightening streak was seen. A good time to be off the water and for a stop at KTP.

A fun day and good company and excellent sandwiches. (Bill, you missed out!).

I'd be interested in a wfa course that would include fixing shoulder dislocations. Other courses: Greenland rolling, Mr. Hutchinson for anything, and rocks/surfing.

Good job you guys!

This trip has been cancelled but will be rescheduled for later this summer.

Hi Folks,

There's been a delay in getting the details regarding this trip posted to the calendar. If you are interested, please post your interest here and send me an e-mail with requested information below. The trip is scheduled for the afternoon to take advantage of the flood/ebb. Below are more details.

Salmon Falls River Trip

June 26, 2005

1:30pm Launch

This is a level 3 trip that will take us from Dover Point up the Piscataqua and Salmon Falls Rivers. Salmon Falls is a lovely, rural river. North of the RT 101 bridge, homes along the side of the river give way to pastures and forests. There will be a planned stop at the RT101 Bridge Launch site and potential stop at Hamilton House/Vaughn Woods State Park. Hamilton House is a historic New England property. More information can be found at http://www.spnea.org/visit/homes/hamilton.htm. Mileage could exceed 10nm, plus current at put-in/take out classifies as a level 3. Trip duration about 5.5-6 hours. Group size limited to 8. Leader: Paula Riegel, Assistant TBD. RSVP to Paula Riegel at fatcat@metrocast.net and include the following info:

1) Your Name;

2) Your ACA/NSPN member # and expiration date. If you have not yet received your ACA/NSPN card, forward a copy of the email acknowledging receipt of your application. If you are participating as a guest, state that you will be bringing the two waiver forms will be paying the required ACA fee specified on the waiver form.

3) a description of your boat (color, length, make);

4) an emergency contact for the day of the trip (name and phone#);

5) a way for the Trip Leader to contact you in the 36 hours before the trip (email and telephone)

6) if the Trip Leader does not already know you, include your "paddling resume", i.e., a brief description of your paddling experience. This can include recent NSPN trips you have been on, members or Leaders you regularly paddle with, classes taken, practice sessions attended, assessments completed, etc. It need not be more than a few sentences

Just made a quick stop at Shaws and grabbed a few things. No cooking involved! Thank god they weren't picky!

I'm surprised it doesn't come with fake wood side paneling. That is one butt ugly boat.

What's that saying about always make sure you wear protection?? Ha, ha, yeah it does look pretty silly in those pancake conditions but after a surf roll in shallow water without it, I thought it might be a good idea to slap it on. I got a new helmet too and wanted to try it out.

Hi Walter,

Where to carry spare is personal perference, what conditions you're paddleing in, and what your body can physically do. If your comfortable reaching around behind you in conditions most likely to loose or brake paddle (surf, upside-down, high winds/seas, etc), back-deck is fine. Else fore-deck may be better. I typically carry spare on back deck in light conditions. I recall an instructor questioning me about where I placed my spare when training down in GA. And basically his take was if you're in shi**y conditions, fore deck is easier to reach. So, you may want to try practicing retrieveing 1/2 from either back or fore deck and seeing what works better for you. Then try it upside down.

Regarding the scratches/protective tape, I think Suz had some nifty clear tape put on her Explorer. Believe it was also used on cars.

Hi Jenna,

Welcome to area and NSPN. In case you don't get any responses from single male kayakers, you'll be happy to know there are a number of proficient woman sea kayakers in the club too who are very helpful and supportive in the learning process. In fact, the last time I looked at the calendar, it appeared more women trip leaders were posting club trips then the men. (Ok guys, you can take that as a challenge if you want!).

Too add to Rick's suggestions, you might want to check out local outfitters for instruction. There's a number of them listed under "Links".

I noticed that the other day. Suz sent them and the person that does the programming for their website an email about it. I hope they get it back on-line. There's alot of good information there - it would be a shame if paddlers couldn't access it.

At the KTP paddle sports show Nick mention the proto-type boat for smaller (read women) paddlers and looking to get some feedback on it. Can't wait to check that puppy out. I'll be there!

Please write your senators. It just takes a few minutes. The links Sing provided have all the information. It's unbelievable they are considering taking this tax-payer funded service away. NOAA and bouy data is critical to our safety on the water. In NH, Sununu is on the Commerce Committee.

The AMC/MVP class was definitely fun - the MVPers were a great bunch of folks. They love to paddle, eat alot of good food and drink beer... hmmmm... sounds familiar.

Skills learned for sea kayaking: low brace turn, duffeks, bracing, rolling, and edging the boat all came in handy. Especially the rolling. That's a key skill most WW paddlers learn quickly as fellow paddlers get tried of fishing them out of the river. It came in handy when I hit a rock and flipped. What amazed me was how the WW paddlers could read the river. What looked like a swirling mass of water to me was things like smilies, frownies, downstream/upstream v's, holes, etc. And surfing isn't just an ocean sport!

Oooooyyyyyaaa, I'm hooked.

Hi Sing -

I was going to borrow boat/skirt. Have a 210 shaft paddle that I was going to bring. But perhaps a shorter paddle would be better. Sure, I'll give the Trickster a try. I can always use work on combat rolls too :-)))

!@#$-ing work! Can't go. Have fun guys!

Thanks Sing. I got into the AMC WW course the weekend after next - if you're there maybe I could try it out. Cheers!

And that's from the person who's after a Romany LV??? Something about a pot, kettle and a certain color come to mind ;-))

Looking to expand the fleet the spring and add a boat that can be used for ww and surfing. Any suggestions for a small (125/5'5")paddler? Thanks!

Sing, Thanks for the 'heads up' on this. I've been wanting to try WW so this is perfect!

Thanks Ken - good site w/ alot of information.