Kevin B (RPS Coach)

Update: Dates are getting close to filling up so if you are interested in joining us, you may not want to hesitate to sign up.

I'll be up in Seabrook from 3-5 playing in the surf if anyone wants to join. Not predicted to be big so a good opportunity to learn new and refine old techniques. I'll be leaving the beach at 3pm. If you plan on coming, I just ask that you let me know. In case folks haven't been there, this is the put-in: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6125599

It's never too early to plan for colder weather. This year Salem Kayak will be holding pool sessions at the Salem YMCA, which has a great pool and great access. The dates are listed below. Each day is a Saturday and each each session goes from 3-5pm., with folks arriving at 2:30pm and leaving at 5:30 pm (two hours on the water). For those with their own equipment and just want to practice for 2 hours in the pool, the fee is $20. For those seeking professional instruction, the fee is $65, all equipment included. When purchasing, please indicate which date or dates you would like to attend: 12/712/211/41/182/12/82/223/13/83/224/54/195/3 Registration is best done online through our online market. Registration will be complete when we verify availability. Fees will be refunded if requested 48 hours prior to the date of the session or if inclement weather forces a YMCA closure. Space is limited.

We have cancelled this course since we will not reach the maximum number of students needed to run it.

The recertification fee is what SOLO requires for those who want reup their First Responder (WFR) status. This is not for those whose WFA certs have expired and just want to be certified again. From the SOLO site: "WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) & INTERNATIONAL WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER WFR certification is good for three years. You have three options for recertifying: Take SOLO's 2-day, WFR Refresher course. You must pass a written exam (70%) and provide proof of current CPR certification. See WFR Review course dates.Take a SOLO WFA course. You must pass a written exam (70%) and provide proof of current CPR certification. There will be a $15 recertification fee. See WFA course dates.Participate in a state-authorized EMT/First Responder Refresher Training Program, plus, the SOLO 1-day Wild Day. You must pass a written exam (70%) and provide proof of current CPR certification."

UPDATE #2 (COSTS AND LINK) http://www.soloschools.com/index.cfm?event=course.wfaafloat COSTS WITH CPR: $175 COST WITHOUT CPR: $140

UPDATE: Ok, here are the details for the course: LOCATION: Winter Island Maritime Park, 50 Winter Island Road, Salem, MA 01970 PARKING: Attendees will not need to pay for parking. State that you are here for a Salem Kayak event and we will give you a day pass to place on your dashboard when you park) DATES: 8/17 and 8/18 HOURS: 8am to 4 pm. each day (AHA Heart saver CPR from 4 - 7pm on 8/17) COSTS: $175 FOR THOSE TRYING TO RE-CERTIFY: add $15. TO REGISTER: please email me at rpskayakcoachingatmacdotcom and I will respond with confirmation that you are on the list and where payment should be sent. Feel free to also send along any questions that you may have.

We will be hosting a SOLO WFA AFLOAT w/CPR course on August 17th and 18th for those who might be interested. Details will follow regarding cost, location, etc., but at least this folks can put this on their radars if interested. http://www.soloschools.com/index.cfm?event=courses.show&ctid=37

A clarifying point: registration is not required for the strokes workshop.

On July 13th from 10am to 3pm at Waikiki Beach on Winter Island Maritime Park in Salem, MA, Maine Island Kayak Company and Salem Kayak will be co-hosting a NDK Demo Day and Stroke Workshop. There will be a full fleet of NDK boats to try! This is a FREE event and those attending will not have to pay an admission fee to Winter Island. We look forward to seeing you in the water! Here are some excerpts from Sea Kayaker Magazine's Annual Reader's Choice Awards in which the Explorer was voted "Best Extended Touring Kayak" and the Romany was voted Best Day/Weekend Kayak and Best Rough-Water Kayak in 2011 and 2012: "Best Extended Touring Kayak Romany Explorer by Sea Kayaking UK The kayak that our readers chose for extended touring does not have a huge cargo capacity, so for a long cruise you’ll have to think like a backpacker when it comes to the gear you carry. What was likely more important to those readers who voted for the Explorer was its ability to handle the rough conditions that you’re more exposed to the farther you paddle. In our review of the Explorer, one of our test paddlers took on 30-knot winds and 3-foot waves and concluded: “The handling in stronger winds and the behavior in confused seas are addressed admirably by this kayak.” A second reviewer, after paddling the Explorer in 20-knot winds and 2-foot waves, wrote simply: “It makes sloppy conditions uneventful.” You couldn’t ask for more." Best Day/Weekend Kayak and Best Rough-Water Kayak Romany by Sea Kayaking UK The Romany placed first in two categories. At 16’ by 21 1⁄2”, the Romany is a compact kayak designed for medium-sized paddlers. Although it is relatively narrow, it has enough initial stability to suit novice paddlers and enough secondary stability to please advanced paddlers. It has a combination of good tracking and high maneuverability, and its low profile allows the paddler a wide range of motion and is well suited for a variety of rolling techniques. The keyhole cockpit provides a sure grip for boat control and the sloped aft bulkhead helps drain the cockpit in reentry techniques. All these characteristics make for a kayak that is well suited to taking on dynamic conditions that make for challenging and exciting outings. SKUKDEMODAY.pdf

Wind forecast is not promising for Sunday so no trip. Most likely end up surfing instead. Anyone interested can feel free to send me a pm

That's unfortunate but will still be putting up details later tonight for Sunday.

Putting together a trip for one these two days. Are folks interested in padding this weekend and if so, any preferences as to location? I will post trip details on Thursday or Friday.

We made it to nbpt and are turning around too! Rain in Beverly but its pretty bad here

Hi David, Based on the surf forecasts, noon seems like our best bet. Meet at noon and on water by 12:30. According to Gloucester websites, there should not be a charge for parking nor should there be any lifeguards given that we are past Labor Day. Number is 978.270.8170 if needed.

I'll be playing in whatever surf is out there tomorrow or the rocks if surf is disappointing. Will post time later tonight. Post interest or pm through site with interest.

Hey Mark, See you at noon...when you get to the front gate just tell the attendant you are there for Salem Kayak so you won't need to pay the entrance fee. I'll be there all morning and will let them know ahead of time.

Planning on launching from Winter Island in Salem and heading out around Marblehead Neck. Expecting rock play and surfing along the way. Distance is not the focus of this trip. Launch at noon from Winter Island. Please email or post interest.

Dave, You can also get the scissors without the holster at West Marine (stainless) for around $8-9. K

(Argh, eventually I'll be able to make all these adjustments to the post all at once!) Just a heads up for those who might be helping out at the Swim Fin. I just spoke to Tom and he is fine with staying after the 2pm end time. So if you can't swing by until mid afternoon, please come on by. If you want to call ahead and confirm we are still there, my number is 978.270.8170.

Also, not sure how to edit the original post so I just wanted to add that Winter Island is in Salem, MA for those who may not know.

Warren, Great review of these kayaks and especially about Tom's uncanny ability to fit people to the boat. I am actually on my third Explorer now and even thought I have tried nearly every competing kayak, you really can't beat the Explorer.

See you then...

Al, Interested in launching from the high school and heading out towards Magnolia or the dog bar?

Sea Kayaker Magazine voted the Sea Kayaking UK's (formally NDK) Romany Explorer Best Extended Touring Kayak and the Romany Best Day/Weekend Kayak and Best Rough-Water Kayak in its third of its triennial Readers Choice awards (December 2011). These kayaks are at home on flat or rough water and meet every challenge as your skills increase. Rock Paddle Surf Kayak Coaching has arranged for Tom Berg of Maine Island Kayak, the largest retailer of Sea Kayaking UK kayaks in the North East and New England, to come to Salem for a chance for folks to try these incredible kayaks. Don't miss this opportunity to try them out and chat with Tom, whom it's safe to say knows more about these kayaks than anyone else around. Date: Saturday August 18th Location: Waikiki Beach, Winter Island Park (attendees will not be charged for parking for this event.) Times: 11 am to 2pm