Doug

For the 3d time in 2 years one of my Werner carbon fiber paddle shafts has water sloshing around in it. The last two times, I sent half a paddle to Werner which they covered under warranty to repair but took 3-4 weeks turn around time. For this reason, I have two Ikelos paddles. I was wondering if anyone has had the same issue and did the repair themselves. My first thought is to drill a tiny hole and plug it up after. Not sure I want to do something that extreme. Doug

A few of us made the trek to Great Waas late in July. The weather wasn't quite as nice as last year but we made some great memories. The first full day of paddling was was spent in the fog allowing us to practice our navigation skills island hopping the west side of Great Waas. Day two we explored the islands off the east side including Roque Island. Two of us pushed the envelope with a loop around the lighthouse in thick fog and 5 foot seas straining our senses to locate the gap at Mistake Island. The third full day was spent paddling and exploring Halifax and Brothers Islands. I spotted one colorful puffin but their numbers have dwindled in the area and environmentalists are making an attempt to entice their return with decoys and sound boxes. Off to the islands around MDI in two weeks. Enjoy the pics... Doug http://www.pixel8er.net/Other/Great-Waas-718-21-NSK

Some pics of the day.

http://www.hamptonbeach.org/webcam.cfm For those of you still concerned about the sea state, check out the Hampton Beach Beach Cam. It scrolls through a handful of camera views so be patient for the ocean view. The water temp is 64 Sea Ya

To elaborate a bit on what I failed to be specific about and what Peter clarified, most of Odiorne rocks are completely above water at low tide. Further south there will be some rocks to explore but the return trip should be more exciting for rockafellas and gals. I have found that on many trips, people tend to explore more on the first half of the paddle and b-line it back to the put-in on the return. I guess it's human nature to do so. I try to encourage people to make the best of both halves and tomorrow particularly, heading north with a more favorable segment of tide and with the wind at our backs we can appreciate the coastline at its best. Doug

http://magicseaweed.com/Jenness-Beach-Surf-Report/881/ Added note: Heading south at low tide will have very little rock play available as most of them will be fully exposed. As far as the swell and waves, I don't think it will be of any concern and personally would rate this at an L2+ level at this point. Doug

Magic Seaweed calling for 4' swells and 3-4' surf at noon, 3-5' at 6am. Things could change. Lets wait til tomorrow morning and decide collectively if we need to change the venue. Could always do a nice warm lake paddle. If we do opt to keep the original plans, there should be enough back-up. We can stay away from shore and only deal with the swell which is fun and easily manageable but dumping surf could have us finding a safe take-out. It's still doable though. Winds will be light so I don't think the sea state will be at all nasty. Another option would be Newburyport to the rivers mouth. With a low tide of 11:26 am, we could ride the river out and do the same on the return. That's always a nice paddle. Doug

I didn't realize that you are new to the club. Welcome aboard. You may not be aware of our "launch site" reference. Go to "Events & Planning" above and "Put-ins/Directions" are posted there. There is also this site. http://www.paddling.net/launches/ Doug

Looking forward to it. Doug

Given the multiple put in spots currently available, I can't think of any area you can't paddle to. In my opinion, there really hasn't been any need to make a conserted effort to work at fighting local governments for more access. If you or anyone else feels like going through the trouble of expanding local access, I'm sure there are many of us that wouldn't mind another launch site but I really doubt that local authorities will feel that Kayakers are a special group that should be given special privileges that shouldn't be offered to everyone. Doug

Try spraying the working parts with silicone spray. It worked for me. Doug

I paddle both Euro and Greenland. I find the Greenland paddle to be very fast and efficient when used properly and have no problems maintaining a brisk pace with one. I prefer the Euro blade in big conditions, surfing and rock play because its shape gives me a more powerful brace. I can go a bit faster with a Euro than a Greenland stick and a tiny bit faster with a wing but don't rule out the power of a Greenland paddle and efficient stroke. I find it easier to go slower using a Greenland blade due to its design. Slow Greenland strokes feel more graceful and artful to me than a huge Euro blade so I often use one in group paddling. Its nice to appreciate the best of both worlds. Keeps things interesting. It almost feels redundant to me to go slow with a huge blade. It's like owning a sports car but never getting it out of second gear. Doug

Pru, again a wonderful trip report. A couple of the photos were exceptional as well. I commend both Warren and yourself for having created this series NTSK Camping trips. Don't you just love it when everyone is in sync and thinking the same thing all at once? It embellishes such a sense of balance. Life truly doesn't get any better than that. Off to Great Waas.... Doug

Pru, once again I thoroughly enjoyed your trip report. I'm left feeling I was along for the ride. Thanks for that. Good therapy in the middle of my work week. I envy your ability to simply pick up and go camping every other weekend. Doug

That is a really cool device. Doug

Today's modern "smart-phones" use a tremendous amount of power to operate. Most people leave many apps open that continuously drain the batteries life. I suggest finding out how to close these apps on ones phone to extend battery life. GPS locating apps in particular drain batteries the most.

I have this Mophie external device: http://www.mophie.com/juice-pack-powerstation-PRO-smartphones-tablets-p/2028_jpu-pwrstion-pro.htm It charges my iPhone 5, 4 times (or) ipad 1 full charge. I also have this iPhone case by Mophie that claims up to 120% charge. I've fully charged my iPhone one full charge with a tiny bit left in this juice pack so their claim is factual. http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-plus-iPhone-5-p/2110_jpp-ip5-blk.htm I always need to be connected. Very happy with these products. Purchased them through my Verizon store that offered a money back guarantee for a period of time so I had nothing to lose by making this initial purchase. As an added note: I also have a set of alligator clips with a cigarette type lighter attachment on it that I purchased at Radio Shack for car camping. I can't charge from my car unless its running so this option is a good one unless you drive off with your phone attached under the hood, yikes! Doug

Bill, we should move the surf sessions to Jenness. Park at Rye harbor. Less difficult for newer paddlers to get in the surf than trying to navigate their way around the Hampton jetty. Doug

Tide Graph HD

Eventually, we all pay for the mistakes we make in life. In this case, a very sad outcome. Doug

I sent you a PM on FB with the exact location.Perhaps we took much needed recluse from the wind in a bad spot, which happened to be an awesome one. I wish I had the nerve to pull out the camera when it was really blowing hard but conditions forced me to keep it tucked in my vest. Doug

Casco Bay, June 1st. Peaks & Cushing Islands PERFECT DAY TO BE ON CASCO BAY Also took the opportunity to demo some of Tom's boats at Maine Island Kayak... http://www.maineislandkayak.com/ Air temp in the mid 80's with winds fluctuating to 5mph in the am to 25 in the afternoon. some pics of the trip: http://www.pixel8er.net/Other/Casco-Bay-Peaks/29761660_zxNCkR#!i=2549580262&k=tr6VkDK Doug

The first "Wednesday Night Surf Session of 2013" was held last night at it's customary Hampton/Seabrook location. Around 8 of us showed up and dawned a variety of cold/warn weather atire. Last weekend I paddled Casco with a thin double hydroskin with temps in the 80's and at one point a 25 mph wind in our face around Cushing Island. I was very comfortable. Last night, I was very happy to have my drysuit on. the differance of course was expecting to get wet. Don't miss out on this great learning opportunity every week. Good for all levels 2 and above. Newer paddlers will be introduced to the final break along shore to become comfortable with bracing and boat handling in a couple feet of water before advancing to the primary break. Learning and practicing in the "surf zone" IS the fastest route to skills advancement. Here are some fuzzy pics of last night. My camera is on its 3d or 4th season and needs replacement soon. Not great in low light. http://www.pixel8er.net/Other/Wednesday-night-weekly-Surf/29838139_FGjfQ5#!i=2558660404&k=ckGWdkB Doug

See "NEW DATE" and details posted above. Doug