bazzert

I was thinking of getting an NRS Wetsuit jacket to go over my farmer john for spring paddling. Any thoughts on this combination ? The goal is maximize upper body warmth while maintaining flexibility. thanks, Barry

I wouldnt be surprised if the media or bystanders could not distinguish between a wetsuit and a drysuit. He may very well have been wearing a drysuit.

I am ashamed to say that while I have been a MITA member for 3 years I have only once ever paddled to a MITA Island (Damariscove); but I dont regret the investment in the organization. Hoping to visit more of the islands this next season. Barry.

I just finished reading 'Keep Australia on your left' which is a fascinating account of a pair (A New Yorker and an Australian) who attempted to circumnaviage Australia. The made it about half way before abandoning the effort, primarily because of personality differences. They used a tandem Klepper folding kayak, which weighed 400 lbs when full loaded; but had a sailing rig which helped them to make 40+ miles in many days. The most harrowing part of the journey was the crossing of the Gulf of Carpentaria which required a 4 day crossing during which they barely slept because of the high seas.

You can find a summary of the inquest here ... http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/magazine/70/inquest.htm

Thanks Peter. Great tips. Did you know you can download the Coast Pilot from here http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/nsd/coastpilot1.htm Obviously there are benefits to having the printed version, but could be useful for trip planning. I have been a member of MITA for several years, even though I have only ever paddled to one of their islands (Damariscove). It is a great guide, particularly like the new spiral bound versions. Barry.

Oh man! ~40k views and posted by his son. I'd cut the ungrateful bugger out of my will.

I wouldnt dream of going out in this weather without one. The plan is to work on skills this summer and then consider the investment in the right gear for next year. Barry.

Maybe when (if!) I have a reliable roll I might venture out in the winter months; in the meantime I am content to catch up on some reading counting down the weeks until the water temps are a little more than lethal. Here's a list of related books that I have read and would recommend. I would be really interested in what other books you have read or recommend. thanks, Barry. 1. Sea Kayaking Coastal Massachusetts: From Newburyport to Buzzard's Bay 2. On Celtic Tides: One Man's Journey Around Ireland by Sea Kayak by Chris Duff 3. Sea Kayaking: Rough Waters by Alex Matthews 4. Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring by John Dowd 5. Sea Kayaker's Deep Trouble: True Stories and Their Lessons from Sea Kayaker Magazine by Matt Broze 6. Sea Kayaking along the New England Coast, 2nd by Tamsin Venn 7. Quiet Water Maine, 2nd: Canoe and Kayak Guide (AMC Quiet Water Series) by Alex Wilson 8. Keep Australia On Your Left: A True Story of an Attempt to Circumnavigate Australia by Kayak by Eric Stiller 9. Kayaking the Vermilion Sea: Eight Hundred Miles Down the Baja by Jonathan Waterman

Hi Suz: If you punch "42 48.79N 70 52.09W" into Google Earth it should work. Here's a screenshot. Looks like downtown Newburyport. Barry.

Kayakers warned on ocean temperatures With warm temperatures forecast for the weekend, the Coast Guard is warning kayakers of the dangers of cold ocean waters. Coast Guard officials expressed concern that novice kayakers may hit the ocean waters this weekend with temperatures expected to rise into the 50s on the Maine coast. Al Johnson, a Coast Guard recreational boating specialist, said paddlers who do venture out should wear a dry suit or a full wet suit. (AP)

Thanks Ernie, great report. Would love to have been there.

I just watched mine and to be honest thought that some of the segments on the main disc were a bit weak (Israel, Lake Superior, Fishing) ... but the two expeditions on the bonus disc are stunning and well worth the price of admission. Barry.

Ernie, John and I paddled from Tucks point, then west side of Bakers to south gooseberry and then out to dry breakers where we spotted numerous grey seals and then back through the Miseries to Manchester. Stunning day, the weather was beautiful, flat seas and bright sunshine. The fall colors are perfect, if you were on the fence about tomorrows Tucks point trip I would say go for it, there aren't many days in the season left. By the numbers 9 statute miles, 20% @ 5mph, 45% @ 4, 22% @ 3. Barry.

Plans have changed. Going to Tucks point for launch at 11am. Barry

Sorry for late posting, just got back from Boulder (great place, just too far from the sea!). I spoke with Ernie and we are planning to leave from Winthrop at 11am to tour a couple of the islands. Exact details to be determined at launch. Would be great if you could join us. Barry.

I have a pass on Saturday as well. Would be very interested in getting out. Barry.

Thanks everyone for a great paddle today. GPS track below. By the numbers 10 statute miles ( 9% @ 5mph, 35% @ 4, 40% @ 3).

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Oct 1 2008, 03:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>FYI, due to a work obligation later that morning, our "butts-in-boats" time for the meeting will be right at 9am. Unfortunately I wont be able to make the meeting but would like to get out on the water. What time is the actual butts in boat time at Pavilion beach ? thanks, Barry.

Hi Lori, Sorry for late response. Yesterday turned out to be kind of crappy weather wise so I ended up taking my son to the museum of science and then to the pool. Perhaps next weekend, Barry.

Anyone interested in doing this trip tomorrow (Sun 9/28) ? Would be a good trip for a day that will be stormy on the sea. I am flexible as to time. Barry.

I'm in. A roundtrip to the tobin bridge would be about 12 miles. Barry.

What ? The day is half over by 9:30 If the weather is good I'm taking my son camping on the cape this weekend; otherwise I'll join you on this trip. Barry.

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Sep 10 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Al, Interesting route. I think you might have the wrong link The water hazards might be good for rolling practice.

Looking for recommendations for a hydration pack. I am guessing the simpler the better ? Are certain packs unsuitable for kayaking ? thanks, Barry.