JohnM

In the winter, some folk mentioned interest in running some easier whitewater. Fife brook is a great novice whitewater run. Having tomorrow off and assuming i can find one other person, i will be heading up there. Any interest from NSPNers? Is there still interest in whitewater? John

Hey Ross, hope you had fun. Whats your plan this weekend? Want to get some time in the sea kayak for Blackburn, then maybe finish with a little surf. John

Alas you can have both. How many have been out in the surf to look behind you and see a seal cheking you out or following you? Last season down the deerfield, as my friend was surfing a section called left turn, a black bear appeared to the right bank of the river where they watched each other for a bit. It does not get better than that. I have paddled very close to basking sharks but never a whale. I look forward to that experience.

Swimming rapids in the winter time is never fun...brrr. Either way your right, with large eddies and paddler support, getting a paddler to the bank of the river is no big deal..assuming everyone, including the swimmer, knows what to do. One advantage of river paddling is that land is always close by, where you can quickly warmup with some plyometrics or jumping jacks. This is where safety differs in the ocean though. Having to warm up after wet exiting in a winter Isle of Shoal crossing for example, with land a mile or 2 a way is much harder.

Whitewater is a lot of fun. I have found with the sea background, you will find your skills develop very quickly. I have also found the whitewater skills have enhanced many of my sea kayaking strokes, balance, water reading, etc. After the workshop, if anyone still has interest in paddling rivers, im often in western ma paddling.. Millers, Deerfield, Westfield, West, Farmington, etc. anything from class 2-class 4. Ill be happy to guide some folks when that time comes. Cheers John

Im out...Too much to do. maybe next time. enjoy the beautiful day

I have been following this thread for the last 2 days really hoping i can get my work done to go for a paddle. Right now i am a maybe. For those who dont remember or know me, i am Ross's buddy and i am well prepared for cold water immersion with plenty of hand and feet warmers. Hopefully see ya tomorrow John

Sorry guys, heading out to Boston wont work out for me tomorrow. I hope you get out and enjoy yourselves John

If you decide to head out of Boston Harbor i would be interested. Maybe a paddle out to Graves Island? John

Where could i find directions/street name to the cohasset ramp? If my day changes i may show up to play with you. cheers John

It was a great paddle Monday. The view from the lighthouse was amazing!

Hi all, Im taking the drive up to the North Shore...havent paddled with many of you in awhile...or at least this year. Unless something changes ill see you in the morning. Looking forward to a great paddle. John

Hey Ross! John here. My cell phone has been disconnected so its been tough to keep in touch. Anyways Im in need of some salt air and thus should be able to make the sunday paddle. If not sunday then maybe monday. John

Sorry..i should read more carefully..potluck afterwards. is anyone bring short boats to surf in?

Im going to try to make this trip as well. Is there going to be separate groups heading to different locations? In other words a beginners group in the cove and a separate group to paddle the gardens and surf. Potluck was mentioned from the original post...are people bring stuff for all or are we just having regular do-it-yourself lunch? I see 2-4 foot seas predicted off shore..maybe the surf will be decent John