mlevin77

Thanks for the info everyone! I've invested in the recommended clothing, and am signing up for a Charles River Canoe and Kayak class (which will be held in Marblehead or Gloucester July 10th). A couple of final (for a while...) questions: 1) Does anyone have a pointer to an inexpensive submersible VHF radio, just in case? I still can't find the link to which Brian refered (I think he said he had a pointer to a deal on one such device). 2) is there a local (Swampscott) Marine supply store which might have the flare that people recommended? Thanks, and hope to see you on the water. Mike

Hi Bethany. Thanks for the Welcome! I'll keep an eye out on the board to see if anyone is doing anything in the Nahant/Swampscott/Marblehead/Salem harbors. Mike

I'm a brand new owner of a sit-on-top kayak and am wondering if there's anyone around here who does outings in the local harbors. I'm learning about it and will probably be taking a class, but am also looking to find out if anyone from NSPN does outings in these particular locations. Hope to meet you, Mike

Hi Brian - >Glad to have you aboard, Mike. thank you for the reply! >NOAA's website (NOAA.gov) has marine weather info. >Maineharbors.com is another good site. I think I'm missing something - I scoured those sites and see weather and tide info, but nothing about rough vs. calm seas. Perhaps I just don't know the keyword to look for. What is that paramater (the "waviness") called officially? >A handheld marine VHF radio is the best tool to have for >coastal paddling. It can put you in contact with the Coast >Guard with a touch of a button. They also have weather radio >capability with typically much better reception than >inexpensive weather radios. I posted today about a deal on >one of the better marine radios. Check it out. sounds great. I did a search on the Classifieds portion of this site but didn't find your ad. Can you give me a URL? Is something like this http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...ronics&n=507846 "Midland NTVP1 Nautico 5 Watt 88 Channel VHF Marine Handheld Radio with NOAA Weather, Rechargeable Battery, Charger, AC Adaptor and Watertight Case" the kind of thing I'm looking for? Do I need a GPS also, to tell them where I am if I get in trouble or is it close enough to know where I am relative to the coast? >>4) are there ocean currents out here to be aware of? That >>is, what are the odds of being dragged out too far? Does it >>matter if I'm going when the tide is incoming or outgoing? >It's not much of a problem unless you're trying to paddle >into a narrow harbor inlet or a river mouth against an >ebbing tide. There are some areas where current cause rough >water. Your best bet is to ask about specific areas so >someone with local knowledge can fill you in. ok. I plan to be in harbors in Swampscott, Marblehead, and Salem. Perhaps someone can clue me in; people keep telling me I'll be swept out to sea and I need to know if that's nonsense or can really happen (provided I don't go out in storms and stay reasonably close to the coast). >>5) and finally, what is the most appropriate next NSPN >>outing or class I should attend to gain basic experience >>with others in the waters around Swampscott/Marblehead? >You should plan on attending some of the skills sessions >that are going on all summer. You'll learn the basics there >and then some. Try some lower level (1-2) trips to get an >idea of what they're about. Great - thanks! What is the best way of finding a basic trip close to my location suitable for sit-on-top kayak skills on the local harbr? I see a bunch of lakes trips in the Upcoming Events calendar - is that it or should I be looking for an ocean one? Thanks again! Mike

Hi everyone. My name is Mike, and am thrilled to have found this group. I have just been given an ocean kayak (a "Frenzy"), and have some basic questions as I'm excited to begin to have fun with it. I've been on a kayak once, on a guided level 2 whitewater trip in Oregon, so I'm a complete beginner. I live in Swampscott and my goal is to be able to get out from one of the Swampscott beachers, and go up and down the coast, perhaps checking out the few small islands right off-shore. I'd also be interested in a guided trip under the Zakim bridge and that area of the Charles. I'm not interested in racing or specifically seeking out dangerous/challenging conditions. So, with all that in mind, I would be grateful if someone who is familiar with this area can clue me in to the following: 1) is there any sort of website or other resource which I can check on a daily basis (before going out) to ascertain the condition of the water (rough seas vs. placid)? Do conditions change rapidly (what are the odds of being out in calm water and getting overturned by sudden waves)? 2) is there any sort of radio/beacon/other device I should have with me in case of an emergency? Is there anything that's useful and practical? 3) I've got a wetsuit which is sleeveless and stops right around my knee. I've got gloves and rubber booties. Is this enough for the waters around here or do I need something elsed? And should I be wearing anything in addition (under or over it) to avoid hyperthermia? 4) are there ocean currents out here to be aware of? That is, what are the odds of being dragged out too far? Does it matter if I'm going when the tide is incoming or outgoing? 5) and finally, what is the most appropriate next NSPN outing or class I should attend to gain basic experience with others in the waters around Swampscott/Marblehead? Thanks in advance! Mike