rylevine

Thanks to all the NPSN people involved in the New to Sea Kayaking Workshop today. The slide show, camper's corner (destined to be a yearly tradition), boat and gear providers, food, presenters and leaders, NSPN peanut gallery - it was all good! - Bob

Warren, Be careful. It may be hard to find your way out of Topsfield in a thick fog. Bob

Lisa, I didn't get that from your post. I agree that it may be a good idea to move gear to a main table during lunch and gather around to answer questions. Also, you are correct that the focus should be on summertime paddling. Who in their right mind would paddle in the winter?! Thanks. Bob

Hi Lisa, We talked about having a gear table, but now I think it may be better to get as much gear as possible with the leaders so they can discuss the items and answer questions. It may be inefficient to have a central location for everything. I'm bringing my dry suit and wet suit, boots, pfd, sprayskirt, paddles, pump, paddle floats, compass/chart, dry bags, radio,...basically everything in my boat when I go out. I was planning to mention safety concerns specific to cold water paddling with my group, and emphasize the need for appropriate clothing and gear. Leaders without gear can just point out stuff in neighboring boats. We can sort it out in the morning of the session by arranging boats close to gear, as long as enough boats and leaders show up. By the way, we are up to about 50 RSVPs for Gould barn. Bob

It is hard to estimate attendance at the NTSKW, but we are at about 45 RSVPs. This year we are planning (hoping?) to have enough experienced NSPN members with their kayaks and gear in order to break into groups of 4-5 participants per group. Each of the leaders will discuss gear and clothing, car racks and loading tips, demonstrate sitting in the boat, possibly demonstrate a wet exit and forward stroke, and answer questions. We have an able and willing bunch of leaders, but a few more volunteers would be great - the more we have the less the size of the group. Before the breakup into groups we will have an Intro to NSPN, the kayak components, and paddles. Afterwards there will be a short discussion emphasizing safety, and resources for tide/currents and weather information. The Gould Barn session starts at 9:00, but the barn will be open by 7:30. If possible, we would like to meet with leaders by 8:15 to go over the agenda. By the way, this year we are having a "Camper's Corner" run by Warren and Rob. If you missed the NSPN Camping Workshop, this will be an opportunity to look over camping gear and ask questions. In addition to the Gould Barn session on April 20th 9:00-1:00, the pool session is now scheduled for May 11, 2013 at the Haverhill High School 1:00-3:30. We also need volunteers to bring kayaks and introduce participants to the kayak on the water. The goal is to have each participant get into and be comfortable with a boat, and successfully wet exit. It is a short session, but last year some of the leaders managed also to demonstrate a forward stroke and some rescues. Please post here or PM me if you would like to be a leader at either the Gould Barn session or pool session. Thanks! Bob ps. There will be morning refreshments and a pizza lunch at the Gould Barn session.

My slot at tomorrow's Haverhill pool session is available. Probably a good idea to post here or PM Doug. - Bob

Just an excellent session yesterday. Agree with Rob and Pru's postings, except I think the final swim was more than 30 yards - or at least felt that way. Talk about an energy drain! I was never so grateful as when the surf finally caught my boat. Thanks to Rob for organizing and all participants. Bob

I also store outside, but no place along the fences seemed convenient, so had to sacrifice some ground. Cut the back and legs (to about 6 inches) from two of those cheap plastic deck chairs. Keep some of the arm pieces on the chair to act as a guide for the boat. Put the Explorer upside down on the chair seats about at the hatches. I found this to be OK for lifting by first turning the boat on the side while standing at the cockpit (midway between the two chairs). Still have a lift off though. I also clean off snow in the winter, but don't think it is necessary. Have never had a problem with winds, but could weigh down tarp with some rocks. Bob

Hi Rob, Best day for me is 3/31, but I'll donate the pool session if you get more people for 4/6. Can't make 4/21. Thanks for organizing. Warren, Not to put too fine a point on it, but there is a certain amount of self-interest for me in you being able to fish people out every-which-way. Bob ps. With the spreading popularity of polar plunges for charity, I've struck upon an NSPN fundraising idea: Say we get $10/minute for the plunge, but sort of de-emphasize the fact that we are wearing dry suits. Hey, is this your NSPN BOD at work, or what?

Actually, I still have an old perception pirouette. Not really a rec boat, but I'll bring it if we can't find a better example. - Bob

I plan to attend. Thanks. - Bob

Rob, I'm in. While we're at it, why not just cold water rescue practice just in case you're too far from the shore to swim for it? By the way, no way would I leave my boat to swim a distance to shore. If you could not get back in, I think you would be better off trying to swim with the boat. If you get cold, you could get out as far as possible from the water onto the deck, rest, and perhaps kick towards shore. A lot depends on the conditions. We could try all this stuff. - Bob

All, Thanks for the offers of boats and help! Looks like another impressive display of boats is shaping up - especially the exotic ones; QCCs, Tahes, and etc. Lisa, Great idea. Unfortunately, I sold all of my rec boats - but not before trying to fix float bags into one with comical results as soon as it capsized. We could demo the difficulties of a swamped rec boat at the pool session.... Bob

Thanks to all the instructors. Also, thanks to Doug for organizing an excellent workshop! - Bob

We already have about 25 RSVPs for the Saturday, April 20th, New to Sea Kayaking Workshop. The follow-on pool session is Saturday May 11th at the Haverhill High School Pool, 1:00-3:30. We will need volunteers for the following: April 20 Gould Barn, Topsfield 1) Bring your boat(s) by. One of the most popular parts of the workshop is having a great variety of boats on the lawn so participants can compare them. Can you drop a boat or two off between 8:30 and 9:30 and pick it up around noon to 12:30? 2) And/or be available to answer questions from the participants during the question sessions and while they look at boats? Between 9:30 and noon would be great but come earlier if you wish. 3) Help with hospitality: greeting, NSPN tent, pick up food, flyers, etc. 4) This year we are having a "camping corner" at the workshop led by Warren. He may also need help setting up the tent and camp kitchen, and running that part of the workshop. Probably a good learning opportunity for NSPN members who missed the NSPN/REI camping workshop last week! May 11 Haverhill High School Pool, Haverhill We will need boats, paddles, pfds, etc for the pool session. As done last year, after a brief intro, we will break into groups with 2-3 participants per boat plus an NSPN volunteer (boat owner?) to help people get into boats and teach wet exit, strokes, and rescues. We can pair up boats for rafting and T-rescues. It was a lot of fun last year. Last year we capped the pool to 20 participants and had about 10 boats. May allow a few more this year if we get enough boats and interest. Please PM me or post here if you can volunteer. Thanks! Bob

7th Annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop Optional Free Pool Session Following in May Need advice on getting started? Looking for others to kayak with? Wondering which type of kayak is right for you? Don't miss our annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop! Learn what equipment you'll need! Learn about safety. Find out what a beginner's trip is like. Plan future adventures! Discover places that offer classes! Mingle with new and experienced fellow kayakers! Where: The Gould Barn, Topsfield, MA When: Saturday, April 20, 2013, 9 am - 1 pm Fee: Free & open to the public! Register: with Bob Levine ntskw@nspn.org Questions:ntskw@nspn.org Basic Overview: How to choose equipment: kayaks, paddles, clothing and additional equipment. Overview of skills, training and what to expect. Locating and experiencing initial on-water training. Open discussion and questions welcome! A great chance to meet new kayaking friends! 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. New2Yaking2013 Flyer.pdf

Doug, Yet another excellent pool session on Sunday. Thanks for organizing! Bob

Congratulations Lorrie. It was a good weekend of paddling. - Bob

Hi Doug, Looks like the Fame: A replica 1812 privateer that tours the harbor. Launches from Pickering Wharf. http://www.schoonerfame.com/main.html Bob

Thanks to the NSPN members who participated in yesterday's Salem Swim and Fin as safety kayakers. By my count, cooler weather and water resulted in at least four rescues and two swim-ins (at least two of the rescues via a friendly kayak bow for support as the harbormaster maneuvered to pick of the swimmer). Excellent job! Thanks also to Kevin Beckwith and Tom Bergh for hosting the NDK demo day at Winter Island. Robert, Cathy, Joyce, Jeff, and Doug (the other doug) and I paddled over after the Swim and Fin, and found a busy beach full of demo kayaks. Great opportunity to try out NDK boats and catch up with other participants. Bob

Planning a post-Swim and Fin paddle in Salem Sound, probably L2+ or so. Post-event paddle open to all, whether or not you were able to be a safety kayaker. See posting on Commercial Classified and Events forum, http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=8789 Leave Forest River beach 1:30-2:00. Possibly round Marblehead to Children's Island. Rock play, rescue practice, compass/chart orienteering depending on interests of participants and conditions. Arrive back at Forest River beach around 5:00. PM me for more information.

Robert, Cathy, and I were at the preliminary meeting for the Swim and Fin this morning. Looks good, but could use more safety kayakers and a person not on the water to greet people at the NSPN tent. Below is more information. Planning a post-event paddle in Salem Sound, probably L2+ or so (depending on conditions and people's interests). Post-event paddle open to all, whether or not you were able to be a safety kayaker. Details on paddle in separate posting. Thanks! Fellow Kayakers, We still need 5-10 kayakers so please have your fellow paddlers contact me. Thank you for volunteering to help out at the 2012 Swim & Fin Race for Salem Sound at Forest River Park in Salem on Saturday August 18th, two weeks from yesterday. Salem Sound Coastwatch is a regional watershed organization whose mission it to protect and improve the environmental quality of Salem Sound and its watershed. We have the honor to host the New England Open Water Swim Championships for USA Swimming and US Masters Swimming for the second consecutive year. ORGANIZATION: Kayakers will spread out evenly between the leading and trailing swimmers of each race. Kayak Team #1 will follow the 500 m swimmers. This race lasts about 20 min The 5 Km race starts next and they will be followed by Kayak Team #2. The last start will be the 1 Mile swim race monitored by Kayak Team #1. Each paddler will be given a whistle and a flag to alert rescue boats if there are any problems. Kayakers will NOT be rescuing or even approaching swimmers so no special training is necessary. RACE DAY: We will meet at Palmer Cove Yacht Club (www.pcyc-salem.com) 47 Leavitt St. Salem MA at 10:00 AM. You can pull up to within 20 feet of the boat ramp. Parking and a bathroom are close at hand. We all will be on the water by 10:30 and in position on the race course by 11:00. The first of 3 races starts at 11:30. Most of the swimmers are off the course by 1:00 pm so there is still time for a tour of Salem Harbor for those who are interested. Lunch can be had back at the yacht club. Cap Colors will be as follows: Race USA Swim Masters (adults) 500 m Red Red 1 mile Yellow White 5 km Blue Green Let's make this another great and safe race.