John Martinsen

Maybe a little kooky, it is mid-winter, but start off with a class using no charts at all. For beginners and the seriously directionally challenged, folks more inclined towards the big picture, maybe introduce them to the idea of piloting (which is what we're doing 95% of the time?) by using a parking lot or very large room, and create a route around the room. Pick out the cardinal points of the room, make each foot a mile and assign a travel speed of three miles an hour, use objects in the room as major landmarks, even labeling if necessary, and have them make up a route around the room for an iconic day paddle. Bonus points for pulling off the same day paddle later in the season for the on water segment. Get some hanks of cord (bonus for color coordination) or maybe use some other props to indicate current and wind direction, traffic constrictions, channel markers, and other hazards. Point out areas of protection and areas that would get more energy and or weather as determined by current "conditions." Maybe create two different routes based on two different weather reports. Bonus points for getting everyone around the area in a coherent pod. Then bust out a chart and point out the basics of chart reading, or save it for another day.

I'd check out the Malone sea wings with the stinger attatchment, would have got that for our double but it exceeds the weight limit, the pad on the back of the vehicle bit gets old real quick. Would have gone with just a stacker type setup and pads, something like the Malone K-rack rollers, to assist in the up and over.

Maybe some pads, a kayak stacker, and one or two of these? http://www.maloneautoracks.com/k-rack.php

Also if it's a venue that is tide dependent, you only have so much time where the current cranks, and it's tricky to do straight forward eddy peels and s-turns, or work on ferrying. For when it's not cranking try doing things backwards, like reverse eddy peels or ferrying, and then try a normal eddy peel but with your eyes closed, then backwards and eyes closed. Also a good time to work on re-enter and rolls.

Get a surf kayak, either an IC boat or all around longer hybrid hp boat, you're down the Cape anyways, pretty consistent surf down there. Get out a day or two a week, and you'll build up all those skills very quickly, although the first season or two might be tough. You're welcome to borrow my beater surf kayak for a few days if you want to try it out. And we are all in between swims...

No one's mentioned the rec boats popping up everywhere for short money, which has now become the norm for kayaks, or the fleets of sit on tops decked out for fishing. Sea kayaks have become some "extreme" piece of gear that many people are afraid of, or pick up used for cheap on Craigslist. Easier to sell 100 short crappy boats than have a high dollar item take up a ton of space in your showroom forever. I think comparing sups to kayaks is like apples to oranges. For most people a sup is a fun beach accessory, only a few hardcore folks are going to have a quiver of them stashed away somewhere. The majority of sups are probably sold to vacationers picking one up to play around with while at the beach. Makes one wonder if more of a "club" venue, with a physical location and access to boats, gear, and informal coaching, would get more people out on the water long term to become dedicated water people.

Maybe you could fabricate a plate to tie into the existing track, or sit on top of the foot pegs, throw some foam on it and you're good.

Insert joke about Lucas electronics and warm beer...

This video has been making the rounds for a few years. Built one a few winters ago but have yet to try it out. I should get it out on a day paddle to verify the accuracy. A big bright cheap digital compass sounds great for the job, especially if it was waterproof.

That and some duct tape and you could probably suture a minor cut.

Ugh, now my seemingly new (6years) Necky hatch covers, which spend the majority of time in the garage, are quickly deteriorating. Think I'll get the oval Kayaksport next and see how long they last.

One of those good foam rollers works great for taking care of the back and glutes.

I've had that happen with foam blocks and a composite boat, eventually went back to it's original shape. Not a big fan of the foam blocks for transport.

People are probably going to scoff at this, but Gorilla glue mixed with vinegar and baking soda makes a waterproof foam that hardens fairly consistently, enough to act as a backing for a quick repair. Experiment with the ratios a bit to find one that expands well and doesn't have to many air bubbles. Pour the solution into the area and tape over the hole, let it dry, sand it down, then do two layers of glass and epoxy over it. https://youtu.be/ggekRdoQJNE

Meh, if you want to shout a lot and have a sore neck from constantly turning around, go for it. Might be worthwhile if you're in more of a guide capacity leading customers\beginners, but wouldn't be my first choice for a peer group type trip.

Make sure you pick good instructors, worth researching to find more seasoned\experienced folks.

You should mention the many circumnavigations you have planned for this season!

I noticed the same thing a few weeks ago.

Looks like Misery would be a good stopping point but not sure about access.

That's a pretty cool trip idea. I've been looking for a place to stealth camp in Cohasset Harbor, and so far there is the big sandy beach just past the breakwater. I think Cohasset residents camp out there in the summer. There's also a potential spot near Briggs Harbor, but you're really out in the open for prying eyes and would need to be very discreet. Another option if you could figure out how to get permission would be Black Rock but it's probably privately owned as there is a small cottage on it. Next option would be the Nantasket Beach resort right on Nantasket, but during the summer the life guards aren't going to want a kayak in their swim zone. You could land after 5pm when the life guards depart, and then portage and launch on the Bay\Weir river side. I've done this with a paddle board, started out of Cohasset Harbor portaged across by the Nantasket Beach resort and paddled around Hull through the gut back to Cohasset. Accessing the Bay side would give you access to lots of camping options on Bumpkin and Grape. I'm not sure about Peddock's Island but you can camp on Lovell for sure. I've also camped on Great Brewster both on and off season, lots of nice spots but also lots of trash. So that would be the southern half, hope it helps, I've been wanting to connect the dots and paddle from the south shore up to the north shore but have yet to get on it. Hope you can get it to work out.

I think a high brace with elbows tucked in is fine, use it quite a bit in the surf zone. For punching through eddy lines I like just a powered up forward stroke and some edging, let the water spin the boat and the forward stroke propel you where you want to go while providing support.

Don't many of the newer headlamps have a dimming mode, so you can turn the power down low? Seems the best option. Or keep the lamp cupped in your hand until you find the right setting so it doesn't mess up your night vision. Having pretty good night vision, getting beamed by someone else's headlamp is quite aggravating, if in a group make sure to keep your head bowed. Doing some nighttime navigation is on my to do list.

Nice!

One tip for the foam pads is to cut them in half and have everyone carry a half. Or cut it long enough for your torso. I use these pads as a "butt pad" instead of taking a camp chair. Makes a good seat and insulates you from the cold ground. Also works great to make first aid splints. Doesn't take much space in the boat when cut in half then folded in half, tends to pack down after a few uses. Use mine to kneel on when packing the boat, also in my tent vestibule to get in and out.

I'd love to get out for a winter night or maybe a weekend. I have a four season tent and a zero degree bag around, as well as a good cold weather cooking system. Food is fuel and fuel keeps you warm. Also wish I could get up for the Muscongus trip, but there's something about our wedding anniversary this weekend.