alcoons

The real issue is one we discussed on our last S&G and Judy pointed out in her email (that she did not know that S&G's are now under private trips). We are concerned that attendance on S&Gs may be diminished, the number of S&Gs may be diminished, and as a result our club may be diminished. The decision to create a Private Trips conference has been made. I have some strong feelings about that decision and conference name since I have been involved in the same kind of risk management decisions in mountaineering announcements, but that decision has been made. That is history. SO WE LIVE WITH IT. So now we need to find ways to make sure new members of the club and those members that do not read every message in the main message area each week will be aware of S&Gs. I am sitting here right now thinking that it may rain Saturday night for the Sawyer Island dinner paddle. So I want to post a S&G perhaps for Sunday. In fact, I usually post S&G's late in the week when I can get a better sense of the weather and my schedule. It has worked very well in the past. What I am debating is whether I can put some indication of it on the General Message Board as I did last week. Can I say, "See the PRIVATE TRIPS conference for Show and Goes for the upcoming weekend"? Can I say each time (probably once every two weeks) I post a S&G? That would most likely help solve the problem. Any other ideas?

Peter, Dan and I set out at 9 AM on this perfect July 4th from behind the Police Station in Manchester-By-The-Sea. The early start was well rewarded as the annual town Parade was about to start and we would have been held up trying to get to the put-in any later. Leisurely paddle around Bakers and the North and South Gooseberries - small waves, light cooling wind. On the north side of South Gooseberry we found a young seal on a cobble beach apparently sunning himself. He did not seem to be quite right and his skin was very dry. Peter was good enough get wet in a surf-landing a good way up beach just to make sure the seal was OK. Of course, as soon as Peter landed, the seal decided to demonstrate his health by sliding down over the stoned into the water. We simultaneously awarded Peter both the "good guy" and "molester of wildlife" awards. We rounded Eagle Rock and headed for Misery as boat traffic increased. Lunch on the SE bluff of Misery was as wonderful as ever. We walked the island and said hello to the rangers, giving our sympathies for the recent thefts of personal and Trustees equipment. We finished with a nice paddle back to the put-in, passing an anchored mega-power yacht. It probably has more crew than the population of Manchester. Take out was about 1:30 (11 miles by Dan's GPS) with the final 20 yards fouling the bottom of our boats as is always the case there. Could not have been more perfect. Al

On our wonderful "private trip" (Show and Go) today we were discussing our concern that with the understandable move of the posting of "Show and Goes" to the "Private Trip" folder some paddlers may not see or be aware of Show and Goes. One paddlers suggested changing the name of from "Private Trips" ( which sounds like something perhaps from a kayak company) to "Show and Goes" or "Show and Go Paddles" or something that is more descriptive of what they really are. I guess even "Show and Go/Private Trips" would work. What do yo think? Al

I have older friends who are interested in starting to kayak but they are not really sure. They will not be going out to sea. Most likely the lake, river, marshes, bay type paddlers. I suggested they do a classic 1/2 day beginners group trip and see if they like it. I know ERBA in Essex and Charles River Canoe and Kayak run those kind of trips. Can anyone recommend other outfitters/trips? Thanks, Al Eddyline Nighthawk Only upside down 1/2 the time.

June 4, Sunday After reports of deep fog in Hingham, new member Tom Hirschfeld and I headed for Pavillion Beach and the Parker River. I had put in there, but had never been up the river very far. Tom knew it well enough to be the tour guide. After launching at 9 AM, we caught the last of the incoming tide up past the railroad bridge on the Parker....wow...just never had been in that area: quiet, endless birds, and blue sky. A quick snack on tiny rock island and then we caught the tide back to Pavillion which by 1:30 PM was almost full. Perfect location, perfect weather, perfect paddle partner. Al

Hi. Have a gift certificate to REI I would like to use. After getting very good advice from NRS about various spray skirts and looking at the REI web site, the "Snap Dragon Glacier Trek Breathable EZ Skirt" caught my eye. For those of you I have not already frightened while paddling, here are my specs: Eddyline Nighthawk 16. I have a squatty body (short torso). I get hot easily. Class 3+/4- with lots of skills from the old days of whitewater and lots more to learn. Three season paddler who will be doing more class 4's but nothing outragous. Thanks for your comments. Al

Thanks to Dee, the first Mystic Lakes practice season of the year was organized, fun, and very useful. Although appropriate time was spent marveling at 3 supermen rowing an Irish skin covered racing fishing boat (wow could they make a boat go), equal time was spent on very productive coverage of strokes, theory, and acceptable bad jokes. Dee is a great teacher for beginners and those with more experience alike. I hope we see even more new club members and those new to paddling at future session. Al

These rusty muscles are looking forward to it. Al

As a member who is lucky to remember the name of the manufacturer of my own boat, I had to find out what a chine was to understand this good discussion. Searching the web gave; "Chine - The point at which a kayak bottom turns upward and becomes the kayak's side is called the chine. Smooth, rounded chines provide good secondary stability and easier bracing and rolling. Sharper, more pronounced chines can enhance tracking as well as initial stability." From this I gather that a truly round chine provides no evidence where the the botton ends and a side begins. Al Eddyline Nighthawk red/white

I expect to be there. Al

A serious question. Am I the only sea kayaker in the world that has a boat in which there is absolute no need for modification to the seat or cockpit? I was a old white-water boater and back then (70's) many white-water boats where about the size of present 16' sea kayaks. So, I looked for a sea kayak that fit me like my old white-water boat. I ended up with an Eddyline Nighthawk (my first and only boat). The seat is great, the thigh braces are just right and tight, and the pegs are where I want them when adjusted. I ask the question because no other boat I have sat in is anywhere close to comfortable or usable without modification and it seems everyone modifies their seat and/or braces. Thanks for the input, Al

For those of you, like me, who have no idea what is being compared, surf to http://www.seakayakgeorgia.com/valley.htm and scroll down to the Pintail pictures. They show both a keyhole and ocean cockpit. Al Keyhole cockpit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen. Two of the best guided trips we have every taken were 1) With www.tofino.com to the Baja. We have been with that company on 3 different trips now. The trip is not very demanding, very laid back but great fun. Tofino always does things very professionally, yet without being fancy. They also have 1/2 price discounts if you fill a last minute slot (but then you may pay alot for airfare). Note that they always take doubles. 2) With www.crystalseas.com. While that trip was the San Juans, we were planning to go with them to Costa Rica this year until other demands got in the way. Check with them about doubles versus singles if that matters to you. Al

www.paddling.net has a nice set of DVDs for purchase. 1) "This Is the Sea" caught my eye. Anyone know how good it is? 2) I also thought it would be fun to look at a skills training DVD. There are DVD's listed on specific topics (Surf Zone, Rolling,...), but "Performance Sea Kayaking...The Basics...and Beyond" sounds like it might cover a great deal. Of course, it might spend a great deal of time on the very beginner basics and not get to the next level very well (surf launches, basic rolling, etc). Maybe as everything in kayaking, I need 536 different items. Thanks for any help, Al Eddyline Nighthawk red/white

Brian. Thanks for your suggestions and ideas on how to contact our representatives as an individual. I just wrote Representative Paul Casey again (I did last year), to remind him of the core issues and the hope of kayakers to be part of discourse on possible legislation. I also mentioned NSPNs efforts to promote safey (classes, brochures, working with Harbormasters, etc.). I received a personalized response last year and felt that at least our concerns were heard. That made it seem worth the effort. For those who wish to email or write your rep, addresses are at http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

Don wrote: >The outlet hose connects to a deck mounted bulkhead fitting >or exits the deck through a properly sized rubber grommet. >I use the thru-hull grommet technique for hydration packs >stowed in the aft compartment. If I’m not carrying a small >cooler with ice water I just plug the grommet. > Don. Could you tell us more about this? I finally settled for a hydration pack on the deck behind my cockpit...works well, but would much rather have it below deck. Sounds simple...is the grommet/plug something that can be bought at a marine store? No leaks? Thanks, Al

I know last year, and probably for a couple years before, there was a complete set of Leader Training courses sponsored by the club. I attended one part of the training and it was very valuable. Will this happen again this year? Al

Mark. I think you bring up a very good point. You made me think back about my experiences with the club. I remember shooting through simple rock gardens on my second trip. In my first life I was a white water kayaker so what I did was reasonable and I had some background about what to do if they rocks starting moving closer to me than they were suppose to:) However, when I think back about the dynamics of rock play in the past two years I remember that some very knowledgeable leaders shot through some rocks and then most of the rest of trip followed. There was an assumption by many of the trips participants that it was safe to try this exercise since the leaders did it. When a couple of paddlers dumped I was worried for them, but the rescues were quick and well done. However, that begs the point. I realize now that there was no training for this situation, no discussion of who could handle it and what it would take to do it right, and no discussion of what to do when you dump in a rock garden. I realize now from your comment that we need to take the same thoughtful precautions about going in rock gardens that NSPN takes on all other paddling activities. Participants need to work with leaders to assess their ability and knowledge with respect to this activity before blinding following through a rock garden. I guess one assumption that should be clear is that just because you are on an appropriate level club trip (Level 3 paddler on a Level 3 trip) rock play needs to be assessed separately. I wonder if there are other skills that are different enough to fall in the same category. Al Eddyline Nighthawk Red/White

>One of my goals this winter is to improve my navigation >skills. To that end, I would like to find some like minded >people to work with after the holidays on Tuesday nights. >We can meet at my condo in Middleton. If you have interest, >let me know via a post here or an e-mail: suzanne dot >pritchett at comcast dot net. > >Suzanne Suzanne. I am interested. Al

>IIRC, the recess on the Nighthawk's deck is sized to accept >the base of a Ritchie Kayaker. It's a good compass that can >be found online for ~$45. It's also removeable, should you >be interested in that feature. First...thanks everyone for the suggestions. Second..Brian. Just for the fun of it, what is "IIRC" and how did you find out this information? I went looking for it and could not find it. Caveat: If you have to kill me after you tell me, I would rather not know. Al

Was doing some online research. Anyone have experience with the Pioneer Marine Sighting Compass? I like the concept of the permanent mount but being able to easily remove or replace it. Description is below. If you click on the picture at the following link, you will see a full picture that is very helpful. http://www.thecompassstore.com/51pionr.html "Using the same housing and rubber body as Suunto's Orca kayak compass, this versatile compass comes with a plastic adapter that allows mounting to any flat surface. The base mount is designed to be permanently affixed to a flat object, and the compass can be quickly and easily attached or removed from the base mount. The rubber body of the Pioneer stretches securely over the base mount for a snug fit. The unique luminous capsule is effective at tilting angles up to +/- 30 degrees. Perfect for snowmobiles, jet skis, boats, and kayaks. Not recomended for automobiles or any large metallic vehicles. Available only in black"

Time to mount a compass on my Eddyline Nighthawk 16. It has a flat area designed for a compass about 4 feet from my eyes. Suggestions on the brand/model to buy? Notes: When I was at MIKCO (with 90% of the club) this fall a group discussed compasses. Someone pointed out that some of the traditional brands have placed so many "degree markings" on their compasses that, along with waining eyesight, they have become hard to read. Another commented that his measure of value is how stable a compass is in bouncing seas. Thanks in advance for your advice, Al

Thanks for the health, resources, and time to paddle. Thanks to NSPN for the support, camaraderie, and sharing. Al

Great pictures. What was the water temperature? Saw one person in shorts in one of the pictures? Thanks, Al

Thanks for all of your advice. I am now the proud owner of a pair of NRS Hydroskin G2 pants to go along with my waterproof paddle jacket with excellent neck and sleeve closures (neoprene). The Hydroskin pants do not have a reinforced bottom or knees. Do you wear anything over them or just go with them as is? Thanks again, Al