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hopefloats

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    Camping Workshop

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Yikes! I didn't realize it lasted so long - sounds really great, but I'm not going to be able to make it, I have another committment. I'll look for it next year, hope to see people another time! Florrie

    Yes- me neither... I guess I should change the banner ad... Sorry gang!

    :tent7::campfire-2::tent4::camping:

    Interclub Paddle

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Pete H.

    Thanks for the idea, I just want to be careful... The objective is to be able to see your group easily out in the sun on the water so you don't get separated... I appreciate the brainstorming, but I think small rubber bracelets would be pretty hard to distinguish in a mob of crossing paddle pods among moored boats on their way out of the same harbor. Buddies paddling together could end up following the wrong group if they couldn't tell the difference between green or blue rubber bracelets in that situation and once they caught up, the group who was counting their heads maybe elsewhere.

    If it's not super easily visible for the express purpose of staying together, I would worry we'd only succeed in creating a weirdness about labeling peoples skills or perceived weaknesses, which isn't the atmosphere the solistice paddle is supposed to have.

    Flags from the stern may be a better strategy, or something on pfds.

    Interclub Paddle

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    A Marblehead launch for all gives many opportunities for protected paddling and open water for play. The key to it is to make sure that all groups are kept small and not like some of the previous Solstice Paddles with 25 people in a group.

    Sometime once on the water, it is hard to keep from mingling groups but this could be handled easily with some sort of colored band that one would wear AND having a buddy system within each group. That would keep groups from inadvertently mingling and someone ending up with the wrong group and their group thinking they are missing.

    Nothing wrong with rec boats in protected waters. Only hard part is finding trip leaders willing to stay with them! I will volunteer to take one group in protected waters assuming the other two events that are penciled in on my calendar don't require my attendance.

    Suz

    Suz

    I'm intrigued by your idea of "wearing bands" to visually help keep groups paddling together! Has this sort of thing been done before? Is it an arm band or would it be more visible somewhere else? Obviously would have to be nylon or polyester (not cotton)...? Wonder if this could be "whomped up" in short time? Flourescent colors or reflective strips would be helpful too... kind of like bike or jogging thingys people wear?

    A suction cup kayak flag of some kind would be very visible but too hard to fashion different groups in short time, i think. ...and maybe not "cool" enough for people to want to use them ;) and also losable. I thought of floaty sunglasses strings having something, but that could be losable too.

    Whatcha think?

    Interclub Paddle

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Just to be disruptive. This is the first I heard that last year's Solistice paddle was a nightmare. I seem to recall all the posts being positive at the time on how everyone dealt with things kicking up a little.

    Regardless, a couple of comments from the peanut gallery. If the paddlers on the L2 paddle had trouble, it was definitely not their fault. I do not even like the concept of paddlers being rated or thought of as "only" a level this or that paddler. Rather I think paddles are a certain level (often determined in hindsight) and it is up to the more experienced people on the paddle (whether leaders or whatever) to mentor folks to enable them to do the paddle or to take responsible action to avoid serious trouble. I think as club members the more experienced paddlers should not put on the mantel of L whatever advanced paddlers and go bounce around the same rocks they can bounce around any time, but should willingly and affirmatively go out with the least experienced folks and chat, mentor, and aid as needed.

    The often used phrase "pass it forward" should not be some hollow platitude. Otherwise how are folks within the structure of club activities ever going to develop the skills, knowledge and experience to go on coastal trips without fear and trepidation. I make these points because I learned a great deal from folks who were willing to go on easy trips, who chatted and gave suggestions along the way, who provided encouragement, and who by their presence demoed how to do things properly. It seems to me that is what a club is all about.

    Ed Lawson

    'what Ed said!

    Guess I'm gonna make some ripples too. Generally I try not too, I think it was Jeff that said "...compose your post, go have a beer and if you still feel like it says what you need to say, hit send." So here goes - heads on the block.

    I believe NSPN is STILL in transition, and that the CAM model could work wonderfully if there were more experienced members willing or interested in mentoring beyond lake sessions. I don't intend to take anything away from lake sessions, because they are a huge asset to the club. The problem I see is beyond that.

    What I have witnessed is there are is a dwindling number of NSPNers that still think of it as "mentoring" (those remaining - I am still your biggest fan!) and a growing number see it as "babysitting", hence the growing stigma for NSPN. There has simply not been enough experienced manpower WILLING to back up the remaining "pay-it-forward" mentors to effectively handle the numbers of beginners enthusiastic about kayaking and wanting to be a part of this "once great club". Therefore this stigma is being VERY difficult to shake for those of us STILL trying to rise the club back above it.

    The risk involved comes into play NOT because the "L2 paddlers are going where they don't belong", but rather that the mentorship and teamwork has dwindled. There always seems to be the ones not wanting to be babysitters taking the wind out of the sails of those that want to be mentors and NSPN ends up with an empty calendar for beginner paddles in the process.

    The example set by last year's solistice paddle, I think, was a good one towards the goal of using the CAM model EFFECTIVELY. ALL pods had good beach briefings, communicating what batches of skills, equipment, and area knowledge were going on which trips. And when the "L2 paddle pod" ended up with more than they could chew with changing weather, I think those that were experienced acted with wonderful leadership. Some by electing to assist on a lesser challenging trip than originally planned to go on, some by convincing those inadequately equipped for the rougher paddle back to stay on the beach to be picked up, and some by assisting getting the rest back to the put in safely. Everyone arrived for the party in one piece, and we gained EXPERIENCE and perspective on how to better run this year's paddle. Yes there were some hair-raising moments, but in contrast to previous years when it was dead clam and boring, all that participated learned something, whether we were on the water or traveled back on land. I am pleased to see that those involved in initiating that trip last year are enthusiastic about doing it again, AND there seems to be a bigger number of experienced volunteers willing to help with the L2 this year! THAT'S what this club is all about! NOT this "see - I told you so" attitude that keeps popping up.

    There are some major efforts still being made to bulk back up the training and education PRIOR to the solistice paddle this year, as well as trying to get more L2 trips posted later in the summer and I strongly urge anyone thinking they want to be part of the solistice paddle to come to the weekend events coming in the month of May.

    ...and welcome to all other groups to the solistice paddle! I think we can all learn a lot from each other and have a great time!

    Camping Workshop

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Me too Rob! This is one of my favorite workshops we run! I learn something new each time!

    Just in case this will be the first NSPN event you will be attending, here's how to get to the Gould Barn!

    Directions:

    From the south, take Rt. 1 north exit off of Route I-95. Follow that to Rt. 97 west into Topsfield. At the stop sign, the library will be on your left and a small side street immediately before the stop sign is on your right - that is East Common Street . Take a right onto this street and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church.

    From the north, take I-95 south to the Topsfield Rt. 97 exit. Proceed to Congregational Church on the right and Town Common on the left. Make a left turn onto Route 97 East, for 1/2 a second and then take a SHARP left onto East Common St and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church.

    There is some parking on the street or at the far left end of the church lot closest to the Barn.

    It's time once again for the Annual Holiday Party!!!

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Help us kick off the holiday season in style!!! This is one of the main NSPN opportunities to meet & mingle with many of our members at all skill levels. You don't want to miss it!

    Annual Holiday Party

    Where: Gould Barn, Topsfield, MA

    When: Saturday, December 5th, 2009

    Time: 6:00 pm to 10pm

    -B.Y.O.B. & Potluck Party.... we do it so well! NSPN members have legendary high culinary standards! Soda and large-ish metal bins with ice will be provided.

    -ongoing slide show of past events and festive music (If you have some new pics you want to contribute, please email them to brian@nspn.org)

    -Gear Raffles and Year End Awards presented

    -plus a return of last year's fun Club Trivia Game (new questions)!

    -as always celebrating another year of friends and fun!

    :drinkinBuddies::t79015::tree::emweather3::558::1537::t07021::smiley_cheers::t7410::t7819:

    Directions to Gould Barn:

    From the south, take Rt. 1 north exit off of Route I-95. Follow that to Rt. 97 west into Topsfield. At the stop sign, the library will be on your left and a small side street immediately before the stop sign is on your right - that is East Common Street . Take a right onto this street and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church.

    From the north, take I-95 south to the Topsfield Rt. 97 exit. Proceed to Congregational Church on the right and Town Common on the left. Make a left turn onto Route 97 East, for 1/2 a second and then take a SHARP left onto East Common St and park in the lot on the right that is for the Emerson Center/Congregational Church.

    There is some parking on the street or at the far left end of the church lot closest to the Barn.

    NH Kayaker dies....

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    very sad... based on what I've read/heard, I can't imagine what the finacee is going through right now.

    All I can think is - I have the bin of NSPN literature in my possession at the moment. If there are any volunteers who want me to send them a handful of safety brochures to hand out to your friends in passing (maybe just so they pass them along to THEIR friends), please email me at heidi@nspn.org. They could even be kept in your glove compartment for those few occasions at a put in when someone asks you where you bought your kayak... "Six Degrees of Separation" being what they are, and the fact that there have been a few incidents in the area lately, I'm thinking the more we hand out the better. You never know who might end up reading it that might ultimately end up benefiting from it.

    Special thanks to the two folks who responded so far. The offer stands if there are any more takers... I'll be handing them out more myself as well.

    NH Kayaker dies....

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    very sad... based on what I've read/heard, I can't imagine what the finacee is going through right now.

    All I can think is - I have the bin of NSPN literature in my possession at the moment. If there are any volunteers who want me to send them a handful of safety brochures to hand out to your friends in passing (maybe just so they pass them along to THEIR friends), please email me at heidi@nspn.org. They could even be kept in your glove compartment for those few occasions at a put in when someone asks you where you bought your kayak... "Six Degrees of Separation" being what they are, and the fact that there have been a few incidents in the area lately, I'm thinking the more we hand out the better. You never know who might end up reading it that might ultimately end up benefiting from it.

    NSPN Solistice Paddle + Party 2009

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Ok, I'm new to shutterfly, but here goes... Click here to see my pics of the each pod heading out, the first leg of the L2 trip to Dolliber Cove, and of course the Party in the fog afterwards!!

    http://hopefloatspaddles.shutterfly.com/27

    Great L2 paddle and yet another glorious potluck post paddle pig-out! Lots of smiling faces after several North Shore Excursions Around the Bay! Great Day!

    :douglas::jenni::kayak::dennis::kayak-surfer::paddleersmilie:

    :drinkinBuddies::1537::smiley_cheers:

    Special thanks to all who initiated and supported the various trips, all the wonderful company, the amazing contributions to the potluck and those who helped clean up at the end too!!

    Can't wait for the next adventure! It felt good to be back on the water with great paddle-folk!

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