ski_hike_paddle

The focus of this weekend will be an introduction to boat control and rescue skills needed to paddle effectively and safely in ocean environments. Whether from wind, current, or both, more often than not there is moving water on the ocean. Learning support strokes such as bracing, and gaining the ability to initiate strong turns with effective edging will help you to more confidently handle moving water. We'll add parts to the edging to develop effective turning strokes, and learn how to maintain direction in a following sea. We'll work on moving sideways and on confidently moving in reverse when needed. With wind or current at play, the most efficient way to get from where you are on the shore to the island you're trying to reach is not always with your heading equal to your course. We'll talk about the difference between course and heading, why you don't always want them to be the same, and how to make sure you keep a heading that effectively moves you along your desired course. Finally, there's always the chance that you or one of your paddling partners will find yourselves in the water some day. A good rescue will shorten the time it takes to get back in the boat and be back on your way. The group will start in sheltered conditions, and as we build our skills, we'll move into environments a bit more challenging and put them into practice. Outline of Topics Edging and bracingSweep strokesBow rudder, stern rudderMoving sidewaysMoving in reverseUsing a range/transitT-RescueThis weekend is best suited for paddlers who have begun to gain experience in the Level 2 category (see amckbc.org/trips for Level descriptions) and whose goal is to develop and strengthen the skills needed to paddle efficiently and effectively in ocean environments in conditions of wind, current, and waves. Two breakfasts and Saturday dinner provided with lodging at Knubble Bay Camp. Wet/dry suits required. Trip Rating: Level 2. When: Sept 13th-15th (Friday night thru Sunday afternoon) Where: AMC's Knubble Bay Camp in Georgetown, ME Meals: Saturday and Sunday breakfast, Saturday dinner Lodging: stay in the cabin or camp outside (Fri & Sat nights) Cost: $125 AMC members / $135 non-members (includes lodging and 3 meals) Leader: Dave Corbin Registration: Gail Fensom, gailrond@comcast.net About your instructor: Dave Corbin has been sea kayaking for the past 12 years. His certifications include: ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor, BCU 4 Star Sea paddler and Coastal Navigator, Registered Maine Guide, and he is currently a BCU 5 Star Aspirant.

Learn the basics of navigation and how to plan and execute a day trip in a coastal environment. We'll cover compass use, nautical chart symbols and terms, course plotting, and causes and effects of tides. We'll also learn how to plan and execute a day trip. How to breakdown the day, expected traveling speeds, effects of wind and current, and making adjustments underway will be covered. Saturday morning will be spent in class. After lunch we'll break into small groups to follow student plotted courses, led by the students. Sunday morning we'll have time for additional questions then plot a route and head back out on the water for more practice. Participants will be given a packet of the presentation material and a Small Craft NAV-AID Course Plotter. Two breakfasts and Saturday dinner provided. Lodging at Knubble Bay Camp. Trip Rating: Level 1 (see amckbc.org/trips for levels). This class has been attended by NSPN, RICKA, SMSKN and AMC members, and participants have given positive feedback about the content and format of both the class room and on-water sessions. When: June 7th-9th (Friday night thru Sunday afternoon) Where: AMC's Knubble Bay Camp in Georgetown, ME Meals: Saturday and Sunday breakfast, Saturday dinner Lodging: stay in the cabin or camp outside (Fri & Sat nights) Cost: $135 AMC members / $145 non-members (includes lodging, 3 meals and NAV-AID) Instructor: Dave Corbin Registration: Gail Fensom, gailrond@comcast.net About your instructor ... Dave Corbin has been sea kayaking for the past 12 years. His certifications include: ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor, BCU 4 Star Sea paddler and Coastal Navigator, Registered Maine Guide, and he is currently a BCU 5 Star Aspirant. This is his 6th year teaching this class.

This weekend is intended for paddlers who have been doing coastal day trips in the 10 nautical mile range but who want to take on a longer trip with more open water exposure. On Saturday, weather permitting, the group will circumnavigate Southport Island (~13nm with a 1+ nm open water crossing). Sunday will be a half day paddle focusing on handling currents. Topics covered over the weekend will include trip planning and execution, safety considerations, navigation, boat edging, bracing strokes, and how to work effectively in areas of tidal current. This weekend is being led by an ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor. Boat requirements: 15' minimum, perimeter deck lines, and front & rear bulkheads required. When: Sept 23rd-25th (Friday night thru Sunday afternoon) Where: AMC's Knubble Bay Camp in Georgetown, ME Meals: Saturday and Sunday breakfast, Saturday dinner Lodging: stay in the cabin or camp outside (Fri & Sat nights) Cost: $86 AMC members / $97 non-members Leader: Dave Corbin Co-lead: Dave Jordan Registration: Gail Fensom, 52 Mooers Road, Nottingham, NH 03290 gailrond@comcast.net 603-305-0238 ============================================================= Knubble Bay Camp is an Appalachian Mountain Club volunteer managed facility located about 15 minutes south of Bath, Maine. Weekends are organized around an all-day paddle Saturday and half-day paddle Sunday. Typically one or two groups are formed, depending on the number and experience level of participants. Breakfasts and Saturday dinner are provided by the volunteer committee, with participants helping with meal and cabin clean-up. Participants can share a bunk room in the cabin or tent outside. The weekends are known for great food, paddling, friendship, and Scrabble. Additional information about a particular weekend trip is available from the registrar. See the KBC website for a full list of the 2011 season trips. www.amckbc.org =============================================================

... well the sign was new, and being yelled at not to land was new

just a small FYI. when inside Brave Boat Harbor looking out toward the ocean i often landed on the harbor side of the southern piece of land forming the harbor entrance, in a area of beach and marsh grass. it made a nice lunch stop and i've been using it for about 16 years. couple of weeks ago as i approached to land (and also to check out a vertical post with some red lettering) someone walking along that shore yelled out it was private property. as i got closer the sign indicated such. so i landed at the northern side of the harbor which i am pretty sure is within the Rachel Carson Preserve.

the May MITA e-newletter had a sidebar note that stated Oceanwood Campground is no longer in operation. too bad, it felt like you were camping on an island, even though you were on the mainland. seems there is an effort to preserve the location http://www.savingoceanwoodtrust.org/

some interesting points and counter-points. one topic not mentioned is that some folks have a tougher time fighting off infections than others, in my case due to the lack of a Spleen. knowing how bad a fever is, and what direction it's trending is important to me, and for that i need a thermometer. i kayak camp a bit, usually solo, most often for a week at a time (but i've been out for 2 and 4 week stints). so a thermometer has always been in my first aid kit, and always will be. what ends up in an individuals kit is often a factor of their past experiences and their unique situation.

i've been using an NRS Kayak Tow Line for the past 2 seasons and am happy with it. http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfi...amp;deptid=1766 easy quick release, bungee, 50 foot length, float on the clip end. i've got the 50 foot rope daisy-chained down to about 25-30 feet (which suffices most of the time), but it can be easily changed back to 50 foot. steve

have not been out in a few years, so would be interested. would you start out from rye harbor or little harbor ? steve

i can't speak to the reliability of the icom m88 (as i've just purchased mine), but wanted to mention a good deal from defender.com their regular price is $259.99 but they are running a 4th of july sale ... $246.99. they also have a printable form on their website for a $50 rebate from icom (for m88 purchaces thru 7/31). with shipping that puts my cost at about $206. other places may price match their $246.99, but i felt they deserved my business since they were the only website that listed the icom rebate. steve formisani

thought i would share a bad experience i had several years ago. i was just beyond the green islands en route to matinicus on a clear sunny day with about 1 foot seas. i saw a large lobster boat about 1/2 to 1 mile away picking up pots. after a while they began heading in my direction. i assumed they were returning to port. i paddled to stay out of their line of travel, but it seemed like they were maintaining a direct course for me. in the final 100 yards i was convinced i was going to be run over and just paddled as fast as i could. they ended up less than 10 feet off my stern at a fast clip. they looped back and told me that didn't see me (flat seas, sunny day, bright yellow kayak, white paddle, yellow life jacket, and no other vessel for miles). i was in such a state of shock i barely replied to them and didn't have the where-with-all to get the boat description. they did not head into port, but immediately returned to the spot they had been working. just a couple of good'ol boys having their form of fun by scaring the living daylights out of someone. steve formisani

ok, i'll fess up that i have left serving utensils 2 years in-a-row. lest i get a reputation, this year i plan on attaching them with my paddle tether. looking forward to saturday ... great company and paddling, and awesome food! thanks in advance to the trip leaders (liz, scott, suzanne) and those involved with the planning. steve formisani

oooops ... i meant to say NOW at aol.com

when i renewed my membership in june, i recall cathy saying she had switched providers ... she is not at aol.com steve f

nothing against EMS, but 3mm is NOT too thick. i have been using a 3mm for 10 years. especially useful for spring and fall. i will certainly admit that a 3mm full farmer john can be a bit much in july and august, but that is what 2mm shorties are for. w.r.t. features ... i have ankle zips and full front zip and don't think i could live w/out them. don't have any experience with pads. steve