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bbjorn

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Posts posted by bbjorn

    Beverly L2+ Coastal Exploration

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    If you're still getting your sea legs and not quite ready to venture farther out from shore, come join me on a leisurely paddle up the beautiful coastline of Beverly Massachusetts. This trip is geared for the level 2+ paddler (for paddle level descriptions see here: http://nspn.org/paddle_levels.htm ).

    We will meet at Lynch Park in Beverly at 10:30 Saturday morning and launch from there at 11:00. There is a small parking fee for non-residents. We'll follow the coastline northeast toward Manchester-by-the-Sea at a leisurely 2 - 2.5 knot pace, or whatever pace the group is comfortable with. If conditions are mild and we have enough time and energy, we may make the half-mile crossing out to the beautiful Misery Islands, a perfect lunch stop.

    We will plan to arrive back at Lynch park between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. Total distance 7 - 9 miles depending on whether or not we go to the Miseries.

    Note that this trip is weather dependent. The current forecast is for clear skies and moderate breeze from the WSW which means a tail wind in the morning and headwind on the return. If the forecast changes significantly, the location may be changed or the trip possibly canceled. You can turn on the Follow this topic option at the top of the screen to be informed of any updates.

    You must have a sea-worthy touring sea kayak, at least 15 feet in length, with spray skirt and PFD. A wetsuit (shortie, farmer john/jane, or full) is recommended, or at least sufficient layers of NON-cotton material to keep you warm if you end up in the water. Bring your lunch, water, snacks and sunblock.

    Note also that this is a CAM trip (http://www.nspn.org/...rticipation.htm). There won't be any formal instruction, although we should all be willing to share our knowledge informally throughout the day.

    If interested please RSVP here and let me know the likelihood of your attending so I can get a head count.

    Blaine Bjornstad

    2012 Solstice Paddle and Potluck Party ! Saturday June 23rd

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Rob,

    We'll have a sharp eye on the weather tomorrow and will be keeping all options open, including shortening trips or, if need be, canceling the paddling and starting the party early. There is no rain date. Hopefully any thunderstom activity would be brief and we can just wait it out off the water, then continue when it's over. All part of why we love kayaking.

    Blaine

    Solstice Paddle, L2 Trip Saturday June 23

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Saturday is shaping up to be a great day for paddling in mild conditions -- predictions are for light winds, calm seas, and temperature in the 70's. We'll be paddling at a relaxed pace, only about 6 miles over 4-5 hours, with several rest stops along the way to stretch, snack, relax and take in the views. If you've been wanting to try ocean kayaking, this is the perfect opportunity. You should have a kayak suitable for ocean travel: at least 15 feet long, with water-tight compartments or air bags in the bow and stern, a pfd that fits you properly, and a spray skirt that fits both you and your kayak cockpit. Sit on top kayaks (no cockpit) are not appropriate for this trip.

    You should already have practiced getting out of your kayak while upside down in the water (wet exit), and be reasonably comfortable doing it. The water is still fairly cold, so even though a wet-exit and swim is not very likely, a wetsuit is strongly recommended just in case.

    Note that this trip does not include formal instruction. It's a chance to paddle in a group of similarly skilled kayakers in a setting appropriate for novice level (L2) paddlers.

    After we return to Riverhead Beach, we'll have a chance to hang out together with the other paddling groups, and have a picnic/barbeque until the sun goes down. I hope you will join us!

    If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at sunblaine@sunblaine.net.

    Blaine Bjornstad

    Message board upgrade Thursday June 14th 21:00 EDT

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Hey guys,

    I'm afraid one of those chickens got loose. I just noticed the Calendar events appear to have all shifted to a day earlier. So everything that was scheduled for a Saturday, like the Solstice paddle, is now on a Friday, and the Sunday events have moved to Saturday. The Chebbaco sessions have moved from Thurs. to Wed. and the Seabrook surf sessions from Wed. to Tues.

    Other than that, I like the new look.

    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I hope this is an easy fix for you. Having worked in tech support as a DBA, I'm all too familiar with that awful feeling when the "easy" upgrade goes awry.

    Blaine

    Occupy Muscongus Bay! We Are the 100%

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    A really nice report Pru, and a very enjoyable read. I almost felt like I was there, and am now committed to going there soon. If you also have pictures, you should consider submitting this to Atlantic Coastal Kayaker magazine for possible publication. It's published locally, in Ipswich, and has a large number of subscribers all up and down the East coast. I believe the editors welcome trip write-ups like yours for possible publication. You never know, you might get published. Gee, maybe you could even mention somewhere that you're members of NSPN and help lure a few readers to join!

    If you do decide to share this publicly though, and if you haven't read the first pinned entry on the General Msg. Board regarding disclosure to the general public of the private islands on the Maine Island Trail, you will need to.

    Blaine

    Hampton Beach Thursday

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    I have the day off too so anytime works for me.

    Assuming we'd be launching from the Seabrook side of the bridge, it would be nice to paddle out on the ebb or slack and back on the flood. Low tide is 4:15pm. Magic Seaweed is showing wave heights at Hampton of 1.5 feet at noon, 3 feet at 6pm, so later will be better.

    Blaine

    Lake/Pool Practice in Future?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    I believe the pool sessions are finished for the season. However I've heard that the Chebacco Lake (in Essex, MA) practice sessions will be starting up again in a few weeks. They are held every Thursday evening 5PM to sunset,

    Can someone confirm the startup date for Chebacco?

    Blaine

    L2 paddling next weekend....

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    Rick,

    A bunch of us are hosting the annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop this coming Saturday. The response has been overwhelming. Rather than the usual 20 or so signed up, we've had over 80 RSVPs and had to cap participants at 73, with the rest on the waiting list. If we do a good job at the workshop, we can expect to see a demographic bubble in the club of L1-L2 paddlers eager to become L2's and L3's. I expect you'll be busy in the coming few months.

    Blaine

    Need your advice for Workshop

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    There's also New England Small Craft (NESC) at 295 Newburyport Turnpike (Rt. 1) in Rowley, MA. They stock mostly Prijon and Seda Kayaks, and also a few good quality used kayaks on consignment. They have a decent selection of kayaking gear including paddles, PFDs, spray skirts, wetsuits, paddling clothing, tow belts, dry bags, and other equipment. Online at www.nesmallcraft.com.

    Blaine

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