Ginger

Josko: best breakfast place in Portsmouth is Colby's. Often has a lines on the weekends, but shouldn't be bad that early. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colby's+Breakfast+%26+Lunch/@43.0774347,-70.755518,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x6db50774e37741f5!8m2!3d43.0774347!4d-70.755518 Golden Egg is also good. https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Golden+Egg/@43.0519288,-70.7520204,16z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x6db50774e37741f5!2sColby's+Breakfast+%26+Lunch!8m2!3d43.0774347!4d-70.755518!3m4!1s0x0:0x362a5f38907cc4cf!8m2!3d43.0537159!4d-70.7478829

I'd prefer a slightly earlier off the water time (3:00 would be my ideal), but I can try to make 4:00 work if necessary

I'm in -- and if it's an option, I like the Rye harbor (and lobster roll) idea.

I'm in!

I currently paddle a Current Designs Rumour (https://cdkayak.com/Kayaks.aspx?id=45), and absolutely the only thing I don't love about the boat is the modified ocean cockpit, which the Willow doesn't have. My boat is very well made and very lightweight for its size (many NSPNers have been surprised at light it is when helping rooftop it, and this is a group that knows their fiberglass boats). This past summer I took it on a circumnav of Cape Ann in sustained high wind and periodic 3-4 foot seas and it performed admirably. The Willow is a very different boat than the Rumour (wider, a bit shorter etc), so really I can't comment on the design. I strongly suggest that you paddle the Willow before you buy it. My boat, for example, has a very strong "personality" that a few other folks who have paddled it weren't fond of. That may be the same with the Willow.

I second the idea of going down for a look-- last time I was there it was pretty awesome.

I'm going to second (third?) the suggestion that what you need to buy first is lessons and guided trips. It really depends on *how* you intend to pick up the sport (some people like to jump into 34 degree water with both feet), but if you're easing into it, put yourself in good hands for a while and see if you're having fun. As for all physical equipment, I would (did) hold off on the kayak purchase for a while... up to a year or two (depending on how much you paddle your first few years). One can (and should) try out a lot of different kayaks-- which I found was best done by renting (several good shops offer a "season pass" to their local waters with some off site days). Whatever boat I rented came with a skirt that fit and a pump/float/sponge. The first gear I suggest buying: a good paddle that suits your stroke style and a PFD that fits. Both items are critical to *enjoying* the sport, especially as you spend more time in your boat and hold your paddle for longer. It's much more difficult to rent a high quality paddle and a PFD that fits your body properly (especially if you are a woman) than it is to rent a quality boat, so (IMHO) they should be the first "investments". Those two, some dry bags, and a snap on compass served me very well for my first two years of guided trips, lessons, and protected coastal paddling. (15 years later and I still don't own a drysuit. So far I don't find paddling in water *that* cold to be fun, so I don't do it.)

Thanks everyone-- I've emailed with the terra santa folks and am looking at what I can find in/near Cinque Terre. I'll let you know what ends up happening.

Hi Folks. I was wondering if anyone had good experiences/bad experiences with far-flung guided/escorted multi-day kayak trips (Europe is mostly what I'm looking at for the summer/early fall, but a wish list for the future wouldn't be bad). I'm specifically looking for ones that keep the paddling level at intermediate or higher and have good quality single kayaks. I had come across this: http://nwpassage.com/naxos-santorini-kayaking-tour, but don't have any experience with the outfitter (and it seems maybe a bit overpriced? Not sure). Recommendations, warnings, links very appreciated. Thanks, Hill

Okay, it sounds like Pablo, at least, is committing. I will be there tomorrow at 10:30am, I don't really care where we go. My preference is longer, but I'm fine with whatever. The one way is a lot of futzing with boats and cars, so that's my last choice.

If no one is in for the 14 miles, I can happily change the trip to Minot and the Smiths. That's 8ish miles.

Here is my proposal: Launch Site: Cohasset Marina (Longitude: -70.786783 Latitude:42.239142)Launch time: 10:30 am on SATURDAY 9/12. (Not generally one for later starts, but the tides aren't great for an earlier start.)Head out to Minot and then turn South with the intention of Situate Light. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon, and with the somewhat later start, we will decide if Scituate Light is reasonable based on the speed and feelings of the group (and the forecast tomorrow morning). If we keep a reasonable pace we'd then return to Cohasset Marina generally around the start of the incoming tide (or at dead low). Sunset is 6:58. Total distance for this would be 14ish miles. Should some people want a shorter trip, they could launch with us at Cohasset and make Minot, either turning around at that point or turning around after the longer group makes Smith Rocks.

I'm up for the 16 mile trip, sounds great to me. I'm in meetings until this afternoon, but will do some planning and post this afternoon and post tonight/this evening.

Good morning! Alas, due to work eating my life I'm not able to make it to the MDI extravaganza this weekend. Is anyone else in similar circumstances and stuck down here this weekend? I'm happy to plan something for either day: location and time flexible. It has been a while since I've been to Minot Light, so that's a good option, but am also open to anything North Shore.

Thanks for putting this together! Yes, I had a short but very powerful storm on the way home, luckily no accidents (washed off the boat, at least).

I'm in for this trip

Carol (and anyone else considering)-- it is a great opportunity, highly recommended. I went out on the first trip Kevin (and Rob) were great at helping me through some fear and discomfort and getting me into some rocks I would never have "played" in before-- not to mention surfing (with my eyes closed?!?) at the mouth of the harbor.

I'll be there.

I'll be there. I've never tried to roll my new boat (and don't have much of a roll in my old boat) so that's my agenda.

9:30 at odiorn point, headed to isles of shoals, if anyone wants to join.

Sounds good Jo! I'm traveling from Cambridge. If you want miles and feel up for it, do you want to do the Isles of Shoals? We can put in at Odiorne Point, NH at 9:30 or 10:00 (parking there can be a bit of a challenge, but at low tide-- 8am tomorrow-- it's a bit of a mudflat... you usually want at least an hour after low, but not too late) or we could launch from Rye Harbor-- slightly shorter trip, sometimes dicey parking. If you want a bit closer to the city, maybe Pavilion Beach launch? Could paddle past Crane's and into Rockport if so desired. Preferences?

I fail at the internet.

Looking for people to do a July 5th paddle. I'm open to location, would prefer to get some distance in. Potentials I'm thinking: Isles of Shoals (round trip 16ish miles), Rockport/Ipswitch/Plum Island area, Hull/Minot Light. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, light to no winds, but somewhat hot-- perfect day to be on the water. Message me here or at [username].ninja[at]gmail if you're interested.

Looking for people to do a July 5th paddle. I'm open to location, would prefer to get some distance in. Potentials I'm thinking: Isles of Shoals (round trip 16ish miles), Rockport/Ipswitch/Plum Island area, Hull/Minot Light. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, light to no winds, but somewhat hot-- perfect day to be on the water. Message me here or at [username].ninja[at]gmail if you're interested.

Thanks Bill! Yep, I'm in for the Level 3 pod. Looking forward to meeting everyone on Saturday.