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Hi Ross, Sorry about the delay. Having computer problems......so went to my office! The NOAA web page with detailed conditions seems to be down (all the activity South of us?). However, they do have a small craft advisory through tomorrow morning: 20kt winds with 3-4 ft seas. Temps high 20s. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?l...nit=0&lg=en It may be better to wait for those balmy temps in the 30s. I'll try again next week! Thanks. Bob

Any interest in Sunday? Open to suggestions. See previous thread for connection to weather forecast and conditions.

Saturday's trip is CANCELLED. Bob

Need confirmations if it is a go for tomorrow. Right now I think there are two. Will check back around 8 tonight to call it. Looking for two more. Sunday is also a possibility, but will start another topic for it later. Bob

Tyson, It's a great idea. I can't believe this has not been tried. Bob

Interesting topic. Another factor is the loss of hand dexterity. I think that can happen faster than 10 minutes, and if it is needed for rescue (to work paddle floats, pumps, for balance and etc) it could be a problem independent of overall hypothermia. Gloves obviously help, but they are not waterproof and I've noticed my hands can get cold even with the gloves on while paddling (hence the pogues). Bob

Hi Ross, http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/wfo/secto...ineDay.php#tabs Both Saturday and Sunday are cold (20-30F) and gusty (~20kts). Sunday has clear sunny skies and somewhat less wave heights than Saturday (to about 3ft). Saturday looks a little rougher - 4ft waves and cloudy skies, but somewhat less gusty. Our plan on either day would be to stay close to shore (similar to our December trip), but I think four or more paddlers would be best. Car by 2 would mean starting earlier than 11, which is OK with me. I'll check postings this afternoon..... Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Feb 1 2010, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Bob, Are you thinking BIB time of 11ish? Kevin, That has been the usual time for winter trips - and usually off the water by around 3:30 or 4:00. To be concise, let's define the trip to be Seabrook BIB 11:00 on Saturday 2/6. Post here if interested or have questions. I'll confirm the trip on Friday, or modify if weather, conditions, or schedule changes. BTW, how long did it take you to get to Haverhill from Seabrook? I would go directly. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Feb 1 2010, 03:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Had fun up in Seabrook a few weeks back and Ross might be heading that way on Sat. Sound good? We'd be close to Haverhill for the pool session as well. I had a good trip there with Ross last December. Nice beaches and sandbar for surfing, and has protected areas as well. Nearby rock island full of seals. Sounds like a plan for Sat. We can confirm or modify as week progresses. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Feb 1 2010, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Ah, the competitive side of me wants a brownie competition! Sounds interesting. A beach brownie competition at 30oF or so (and who knows what wind chill!).

Gene, As a dyed in the wool Michigander, I have to confess that I had to look up the Rudolf Steiner School. I can do the brownies. Bob

It's early, but post here if interested in a trip this weekend. The only constraint is the Haverhill pool session at 5:15 on Saturday, so a Saturday trip would have to end with enough time to drive from the put-in. Should not be a problem if we get off the water around 3 or so. Sunday is open. Bob

Slight typo: I meant cold-water time-sensitive rescues have never happened on one of my trips.

I simply do not understand these points. There is a random aspect to the risk; and the safety margins decrease in cold water. Paddling alone, in the winter and far from shore would really be asking for trouble for many of the NSPN people that I paddle with. Define rely? We all work on self-rescue techniques and nobody is anticipating a "situation". Nevertheless, the fact is that having a functional nearby paddler is a tremendous advantage if you are in the water - especially cold water. Is that denied? Is it wise to depend on rolls or cowboy reentry, if that dependence can be easily avoided? Certainly these are first-line defenses, but you're not suggesting to deny yourself a backup plan involving other paddlers just to satisfy somebody's notion of a complete paddler? I'm not aware of anyone that has taken on excessive or unnecessary risks with the idea that other paddlers are around. As regards to Kevin's later post - what is the 'rule of 5' about if not safety? Our rescues have been very rare, in fact it has never happened while I've been on a trip. This is probably due to our caution in choosing paddling conditions and locations, and the basic skill set of those who go out. Having too many paddlers can be a problem, but I think we decided that could be solved by splitting into groups. In any case, that does not seem to be an issue in recent weeks. Bob

Gene, Actually I haven't given it much thought, but my initial reaction relates to a situation of two paddlers getting tossed by the same wave. They have to get out of the cold water quickly, and with five there is a better chance of having more than one nearby rescuer. The fifth could chase down lost equipment or just stand by to assist. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 31 2010, 06:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Arrgh, looks like we don't have the numbers to make it work today. Perhaps next weekend, although it's someone else's turn to coordinate Kevin, Will try next weekend. I'll call the trip and coordinate. I agree with the 'rule of 5' (well, maybe 4 if sea is calm?). Will start trip topic tomorrow. Thank you. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 30 2010, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Updating folks via email/text. At the moment don't have a quorum yet... Kevin, I'm in. Will check late tonight and am for confirmation or cancellation. Thanks. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 29 2010, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Argh, not takers yet. Bob, are you free Sunday? Looks a tad warmer on that day. Kevin, Sunday is best for me. We can confirm or cancel tomorrow night. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 26 2010, 07:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>If we can get three, it shall be:) Devereaux? Devereaux is great. A lot of varied conditions around there. By the way, late last fall Blaine and I went around the neck and headed south to Tinkers. We turned back because of a singular repeating wavefront crossing from just north of Tinkers east into Marblehead neck. At the time, we decided that the eastward winds were just a little too strong to risk going outside of Tinkers. I think the wave pattern may be the same one we encountered last summer, and could be a recurring (low-tide?) condition there. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 25 2010, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Might be a bit on the cool side, with a forecast a little too far off at the moment, but it would be nice to get the discussion going. So anyone? I'm interested in Sunday, weather permitting. Bob

Kevin, Ok. We'll try again soon. Back to the chlorinated hip flicks, as Ernie would say! Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 23 2010, 08:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I would like to have five confirmed for this trip by 8am Sunday if possible. We have only two definites at the moment. Kevin, I'm in. Will check postings in early am. Thanks. Bob

QUOTE (Kevin B @ Jan 18 2010, 08:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yup, another long range plan. Forecasts could change, but thinking about paddling Sat. anywhere from Hampton to Newburyport before the pool session and Sun. around Marblehead/Swampscott. Any interest? Both days would have put in times around 11am. Post here or email with interest. Kevin, I'm interested in the Sunday trip. Will confirm tomorrow evening. Thanks. Bob

Sorry, Typo: It was 1/15/10.