subaruguru

I think I now get your perspective. But I want to assure you that most paddlers in the club exercise sufficient care in planning, precaution, training, and management to reduce risk on our paddles to MUCH less than a "crap shoot". I invite you to attend the CAM training sessions next spring to become better acquainted with our modus operandi.

Hi Rob, It's not that we had special knowledge that allows us to be extraordinary seers of the weather. Indeed we were constantly aware that the relatively calm winds (which incidentally shifted to the east, so we didn't get a free ride home!) could kick up to perhaps even exceed the 10mph forecast, and were prepared for that in our planned return. Situational awareness counts for a lot.

I'm unclear as to your meaning. Often enough conditions are extremely conducive to exactly that, and many friendships are formed and solidified...as well a measure of interpersonal trust developed.

The West Marine/Uniden VHF85 seems dandy. Charges quickly either 12v or 110v, and I really like the individual top-mounted painted-index volume and squelch pots for when it's tucked vertically into a PFD pocket. 3yr warranty is included in the $99 price...and a 4th and 5th year are added for only +$14. Finally a great deal in a compact, fine radio. Only wish it came with TWO power cords so I could have a charger indoors and in the car....

Ha! Lots of tongues in cheeks here. See ya next week. Ern

1.) Leader? Is there one leader? What is his/her role in decision making? Could, for example he or she tell the folks going off to rock garden to rejoin the pod? 2.) Plans? In the beach briefing, can the group decide on a range of activities and variants? E.g. "We'll paddle to point X, stop and the rock gardeners will play, while others will watch or rest, then we'll carry on.." 3.) Paddle formation? I've been told many times that I'm too anal in suggesting that people have a fixed formation. I personally like a diamond formation, with lead, sweep and sides. There are responsibilities of the lead to check back and adjust speed. No one passes the lead. No one falls behind the sweep. No one strays left or right of the sides. Sounds like I'm a kill-joy, but if you paddle in a formation until you reach a spot to play, it seems like a way of keeping the group together. 4.) Maximum size of the party? Hi John, 1. No! Leadership within CAM is "fluid" within a pod. As Rick noted, one is part of a group, which "us". 4. We discussed this a bit at the CAM sessions. My preference is to at least semiformally identify multiple pods when total exceeds about 8 paddlers, as it's too difficult to keep track and count otherwise. In rougher conditions or multiple interests a smaller max becomes prudent, of course.

Thanks, Rob, for your carefully carved topic delineation, and for Lorrie's fine response. To answer most succinctly: *Why? Myriad reasons, as we know. The old herding cats, etc. *Problem? Depends upon conditions, distance, visibility, radios, paddling abilities, interpersonal knowledge, etc. *Fix? Just a couple of 6AM thoughts: Never let the slowest, or weakest, or least experienced paddler lag; aside from inherent risks a laggard's mounting fears of increasing distance can easily overtake any inherent paddling pleasure (lest one think a subsequent adrenaline push stimulates a newbie, please remember that CAM-paddling isn't an S&M activity) If one is speeding ahead: stop frequently to check pod position (if visibility is lost, FIND THEM, especially if radio contact isn't established, 'cuz ya screwed up!); announce to pod your direction (bearing, compass heading, buoy) Yesterday I found myself speeding ahead of a trio of capable intimates to test the improved tracking ability of my Vaag with a wing paddle. I was so impressed I was soon a couple or three hundred yards ahead of the pod. Conditions were mild, my tendinitis had abated, so I continued, with reasonably frequent stops to turn and confirm visibility punctuated with a couple of radio contacts, both to test at distance the radio bought that morning, and to confirm my compass bearing indicating WHICH side of Misery we agreed to pass by on (this latter action I deem to be the more important in general, as much confusion can occur when pods break when members vary paths around islands, as visual contact is lost, and ONLY radio must be relied upon, with its inherent flaws). Had the distance increased, or the sea-state gotten much bumpier, or visibility impaired (or lost!), I would've simply returned or at least awaited the pod, possibly confirming by radio. In this case I ran directly into a novice heading out in the late afternoon, barely making headway with a new Solstice and an antique 4lb too-long wooden paddle. We chatted, exchanged paddles and I gave him a few forward stroke tips; I warned him about the looming front and of course invited him to join nspn. By then the pod passed me, cognizant of my activity while caught up in their conversation. I caught up soon as we were near our well-known take-out. So yes, paddling is situational, and activity elastic. But good practice comes from good training, and that's part of what CAM is all about.

Yeah, some fun mini-surfing that day. Too bad it cost me my VHF.... Karen fell asleep on Ten Pound, but I didn't let her crisp up too much. See ya soon.

Thanks, guys (and gal), I visited West Marine, and after comparing the M88 to the latest SHs with their guru (Barry in Woburn), am settling on their private label (Uniden) VHF85, on sale from $120 to $99. Cast aluminum case, Li-ion, small (I have small hands), REAL squelch and volume pots, HUGE display, good immersion spec, and INCLUDES the WM 3 yr warranty at no extra cost! Just too easy. The newest SH are bulkier (thicker polycarbonate cases), and I couldn't see paying 2-3 times as much for the M88. PS There are a few left in Danvers, but NONE in Woburn (despite their inventory tally).

Cursory review finds iCom M88 for $200 and SH HX370S for $150 on eBay. Any others that are compact and tough? I'm a little leery of Cobras and Unidens....what about West Marine's private label?

Upon reading a parallel radio thread this morning I realized I didn't see my Standard Horizons rig strapped to my foredeck at the end of yesterday's paddle. Damn! Was probably dislodged when I was slammed by a breaker while surfing. It was the first time I simply stuck under bungees instead of clipped to my PFD. That'll learn me.... So here we go again: which of the current crop of radios are recommended, especially for value, corrosion resistance, and use with gloved hand? Thanks.

I too wish to thank Leon (and Lisa) for reporting their experience...especially as the events tailed from a paddle I was part of. I believe that a wider berth of acceptance, with a more positive spirit of discussion for the general good, etc., should be the goal of NSPN in its forums. Current and past quasi-confrontational statements and postures have served only to force defensiveness, and thus a reluctance to continue involvement. This has been extremely unfortunate. Some believe that simply posting depersonalized technical mantra can be helpful, but only if not in the perverted guise of a combination of personal statue-polishing and sideways, sub rosa attack. If some members feel attacked, it's not because they're paranoid. Unfortunately that leads me to suggest that we reread our prose before posting, with a possible further reduction of participation. (But at least maybe it'd reduce typos and misspellings?) It is hoped that we on the BoD can reorganize and broaden the scope of the forums so that there will be fewer complaints altogether. In the meantime let's all try to wear life like a loose coat, eh?

Wow! Blade snap off or shaft fracture? Glass or carbon? Perhaps an Epic "standard" resilience shaft?

Tom: OK. Karen: I couldn't send a PM as you're an unpaid (oops?) member. Call me at 781 483 3922, or 781 526-3860 ©, or be at my house by 8:30AM to carpool. Liz: Weather.com calls showers to abate by 9AM, winds only 5-10kn. Ern

I'm in. Tom, are you pooling with Al? Ern

Tom, Why don't you share a ride with Al, as I'm not 100%. I might paddle w/ Leon later instead; but if I'm up early I get to Greasy solo...unless Karen calls me in the morn to also carpool? Ern

9:30? Oy...maybe. Ern

A half dozen of us set out from Manchester Tuesday, eventually lunching on the west side of Children's. The racing duo were champing at their bits, so headed south (track: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210741494908048893469.0004c6df90d1e791ad00a&msa=0&ll=42.526519,-70.836067&spn=0.184702,0.236549). ...while our quartet decided to find a few really friendly big grey ones around the Breakers. A second leisurely break back at Misery allowed kayak-swapping before our bee-line home as the wind and chop increased to provide a bit more fun. Our 12-miler felt just right, but L&L packed in a 23-miler. Phew! Pics, Lisa, Leon, Tom? Cheers, compadres!

Sorry, Liz, but three trips to Gloucester, culminating in Master Harold and the Boys last night at The Stage, has done me in! Thanks for the rec for such a phenomenal experience, and have fun tonight. Ern

Hey Liz, Just saw your update. I'm a maybe for Sat, to be confirmed in the morn. Ern

Aaah...thanks.

Darn! Was hoping for Saturday. Have a fine paddle...I'll wave to ya from Gloucester Stage or Rocky Neck!

After a most pleasant 10 miler Monday from Lane's Cove to Crane's...with a final swing up to Folly's Cove, four of us decided to beat the forecast today with a spirited straight-line paddle from Manchester to the tiny Stramski Beach (new one for me!) on Marblehead's west side. A fine picnic table provided a semblance of civility among the horde of screaming kiddies day-camping on the lawn. A more circuitous return had us playing in 2-3 footers for a bit, yet we managed to beat the advancing front, and packed up JUST as the heavy showers started. Another great 10-miler perfectly timed. Maybe some pics will arrive?

What's Jonesport?

I just booked tix at Gloucester Stage (after Liz's rec!) for Friday. Maybe Sat for me?