Thanks J !

Hi Everyone,

I am considering buying a kayak trailer that would carry 2 kayaks & a small cargo box.  I am curious what folks experience has been with kayak trailers and any recommendations you may have. 

Thanks, Sue

Interested, but I’d have to be in the walking-back pod, not running !

I am withdrawing from this paddle.

Yes, I'm in !

Hi Folks,

This week's Wednesday Lunch Paddle, 6/9/2021, is launching from Odiorne State Park Boat Launch where we will meet at 9:30 am. 

Covid-19 paddling: on this trip we will strictly observe social distancing and NH state recreational boating guidelines for the pandemic. Please research and respect all regulations that apply at the time of the paddle.

Parking: Park in he Boat Launch Parking Lot for Odiorne SP: https://goo.gl/maps/xppZ9LdpXspee8o76. 

NH State Parks recommends that you make advanced parking reservation at Odiorne State Park. You can do that here:

 https://newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/odiorne-point-state-park/r/deDetails.do?contractCode=NH&parkId=270106

Registration: To attend, please register using this form which will also add your information to the float plan:

https://forms.gle/akQA6iGB7oZ8JFK6A

You must be a paid-up NSPN member to join this trip. Your signup information will only be shared with other participants.

Predictions:  As of Monday, predictions are for light winds shifting to E, sunny with air temps in 70s, waves around 1 ft.  HT 11:36 am.

About this paddle: This trip doesn't have a specific level: we'll determine the route based on who shows up, what people want to do, and what the environment wants to do. All properly equipped members are welcome: please bring boats with rigged deck lines, bulkheads, spray skirts, and dress for immersion. If you're not sure you have a safe vessel or safe gear, please get in touch with me and ask.

NOTE: The Wednesday Lunch Paddles are cooperative adventures, not guided trips. Each participant is responsible for her/his own safety. Don’t assume the trip initiators are smarter, stronger, better at rough water, more attractive, or more skilled paddlers than you are. For more information, see this description of our trip philosophy from the NSPN web site. 

We encourage paddlers to make their own independent decision about their comfort level with conditions at the time of the paddle. Please PM me if you have questions or if you haven’t paddled with me before.

Hope to see you there!  Cheers, Sue

I will help with set-up, break down, food provision, bring my Cetus LV, Aries & gear, and participate in break-out sessions.

In addition to what others have said, encouraging them to take some basic lessons (from an outfitter that includes providing a boat) can be helpful and then either renting boats in a protected area or in a similar area with an outfitter that allows demos.

Hi Folks,

Due to the sea state forecast for Saturday, Prudence and I are looking for an alternative to Portland Islands.  We are considering 2 options, 1) launching from Exeter, (Squamscott River) to Great Bay and hooking a left at Shackford Point into the Lamprey River to the town of Newmarket, stop for lunch and return to Exeter and 2) launch from Saco Boat Ramp and head east to mouth near Biddeford Pool, have lunch and return.  As the forecast further develops and if a prediction of rain for most of the day occurs, we may bail altogether.  Any thoughts on these plans, or suggestions for other protected paddles?

Best, Sue and Prudence

Is the time frame for these events in February or March ?  Is that what you meant by a short winter paddle ?  Should you consider giving an explanation of what a PM is and how an NSPN member would "private message" Bob ?  Newer members, and many existing members, do not spend time monitoring and navigating the NSPN website and may need a brief tutorial in order to access the benefits of announcements, posts and calendar events.  I would invite folks who's initial response to the idea of winter paddling is "no way, not for me" to hear from year round paddlers.  I think we might want to consider that folks could participate in the zoom portion of this Cold Water Workshop, and then decide if they would like to give it a try after learning about what is required.  Let me share a poem by Alan Alda, "Begin challenging your own assumptions.  Your assumptions are your windows on the world.  Scrub them off every once in awhile, or the light won't come in."  Let's inspire folks to be open to the possibility, I know Bob will have have great info and experiences to share (I have inside knowledge that the Zoom presentation will be dynamic, and interactive !)  What could be bad about gaining knowledge and seeing friendly, and to some, familiar faces... yes faces, a benefit of Zoom.

Well done Joe !  I know this personal achievement took lots of time, study & dedication to the craft of sea kayaking.  I & the Club, through the many posted NSPN events, have benefited from your commitment & enthusiasm. Congrats & Thank You !  Cheers, Sue

Thank you Joe, just read the article. I will be returning to my cotton masks as well.

Hi Folks,

Has anyone launched from this ramp in Salem, at the Danvers River ?  What was experience ?

Thanks, Sue

Thanks Dan !  Unfortunately I was not available last night for basic weather, but likely a repeat of other workshops.  I plan to register for some of the others and I passed this info on to my brother, who recently bought a fancy power boat.  Needless to say he does not drive a hybrid car !

Yes, I am posed to jump in, should someone drop out.  Thanks.

Hi Prudence,

I see you have a full group, but if anyone drops out, let me know.  Right now I can do Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  Also, who do we contact to reserve a parking space?

Best, Sue

Thanks !

Hi Joe,  I completed my wavier/registration, yet I do not see it in google docs shared with me.  Did you receive it?  Thanks, for all you do.  Sue

Hi Joe, unless Maine changes their quarantine date effective through end of August, we won’t be able to conduct this club trip.  Are you considering changing the date to Sept in the hope that the quarantine will not be extended .

Best, Sue

Hi Dan,

Thanks again for setting up this social hour.  I followed your latest instructions above, however  the message under the mtg title continued to state after several attempts, “ waiting for the host to start mtg”

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Sue

Thanks Dan for offering this fun, virtual gathering.  I was not able to "attend", yet hope to join the next social hour.   Thanks again Dan, we really appreciate your creativity !

Hello NSPN Members,

Yesterday, for the second time this winter, our Haverhill Pool Session was canceled. The High School is experiencing a shortage of Certified Life Guards.  They will be conducting certification classes at some point to increase the number of available guards.  This move is unlikely to help us this season. Are there an NSPN’ers out there, or their friends or family, who are certified life guards who may be available for pool session (to be paid by Haverhill High)?  If so, PM me and I will forward your info the the appropriate contact person.

Thanks, Sue

I just edited the am to pm ... sorry !