billvoss

I would love to paddle next sumday somewhere around portsmouth or souhern Maine.

Weather permitting of course.

Anyone feels the same way?

I'm detecting a number of people who might be interested, but no strong site preferences among my potential paddling companions. So inspired by Liz and Gene's suggestions, in my capacity as fearless leader cowardly inexperienced trip instigator, I'm going to shamelessly steal propose repeating an AMC trip that I greatly enjoyed. (Thanks again for leading that AMC trip Kevin and Dennis.)

Here is the plan.

Date: Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27th, 2010.

BIB: 10:30 a.m.

Launch Site: David S. Lynch Park in Beverly, MA. We will launch from the beach by the large parking lot. The NOAA RNC 13275 chart with the title "Salem and Lynn Harbors" shows the launch site as Mackerel Cove just west of Woodbury Pt. According to the park regulations, we can park for free at this time of year. Unfortunately, the regulations also say the restrooms are closed after October. So plan accordingly.

After launching, we will head east along the coast bound for Great Misery Island just west of the Manchester Harbor. Where we will hopefully enjoy a snack/lunch, and perhaps inspect the Public restrooms (composting toilets; open seasonally).

Depending on sea state, and the mood of the group, we then have the option of circumnavigating Bakers Island which lies just SSE of the Misery islands before returning to Great Misery Island for a possible final inspection of the Public restrooms (composting toilets; open seasonally).

If we head back to Lynch Park after circumnavigating Bakers Island, the total trip should be roughly 11 land miles.

I would appreciated receiving standard NSPN RSVPs for this trip. Obviously if you don't RSVP, but happen to show up at the same place and time wanting to paddle in the same direction at the same speed, we will tolerate enjoy your company. However, without a couple of RSVPs the trip might be canceled leaving you paddling alone!

NSPN used to have a tradition of a Post-Turkey Day paddle on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Should we try to revive it?

I need the board's help in picking a location.

Somewhat like the Solstice, in reverse. Trips launch from different locations and meet up on Great Misery to share leftovers.

Level 2(+)(the + is for the crossing to Misery) from Manchester Harbor (3 options: Masconomo Point, behind the police station, Tuck's)

Level 3 from Beverly

Level 4 from Marblehead.

• I'm personally mainly interested in a roughly L3 trip. Are there others who would like to form L2(+) or L4 pods?
• Does anyone have another suggestion, of does Beverly to Great Misery win by default?
• Where is the Beverly put-in? I did not find a listing on the NSPN Put-Ins page.
• Is the Beverly to Great Misery route sensitive to tides? I believe North Shore high tide is around 3pm that Saturday.
• Is there a good alternative route from Beverly if NOAA posts gale warnings and a SCA?

P.S.

Sharing leftovers is optional.

Hi All,

This is my first time trying to instigate an NSPN trip. So please pardon my lack of experience. This will be a CAM trip, as I'm definitely NOT qualified to lead a kayak trip. Please don't think I know what I am doing! Though even I know that a drysuit will be required for this paddle.

Because of my family constraints, this trip will occur on Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This will be a L3 or lower trip, expecting to cover say 10 to 15 miles.

BIB late morning, say around 10:30am.

I need the board's help in picking a location. Though I like minor bumps, I don't want this trip to be canceled because of weather. So something with at least a protected option would be preferred. Other than that, I'm willing to launch anywhere between Boston and Portsmouth.

So who wants to join me?

Even if you are not sure you can join me, do you have any suggestions on where we should go?

thanks,

Bill Voss

I'm trying to get to a mobile equivalent of this:

I normally use Firefox (currently version 3.6.8) to browse the forum. Until I saw Tyson's post, I did not realize that the new forum's "View New Content" page had an "Active in the last [24 hours ^] (Go)" bar. I'm seeing the bar when I log into the forum using IE, but not when I'm using Firefox.

Its especially a problem when the forum says "Sorry, no new content found." because then I can not even see a list of the current day's new content.

thanks,

Bill

Voss...how do you like the F1?

I just launched it October 1st! So far I mostly really like it. I love its light weight. I love how it surfs little wind waves. It has definitely become my default boat for ocean day trips.

Unfortunately on some of my recent AMC and Meetup trips, I'm not getting as much exercise as I used to, since I keep having to wait for people to catch up.

The NSPN site itself also has a nice article http://www.nspn.org/hypothermia.htm

I expect to attend, unless NOAA issues a small craft advisory.

However, the hook tape approach I could implement this evening, and still paddle tomorrow!

I stuck a strip on my bow last night, and paddled today. So far, pretty good, and

extremely good considering how cheap and easy.

-Bill

tape the keel with the loop side of HD hook and loop tape,

I went back and read the original post, and noticed the original poster specified the HOOK size of the tape, not the "fuzzy" loop side.

-Bill

[snip]

I've had keel-end 1-2 foot strips mounted for several YEARS, outdoors throughout winters.

[snip]

I should note that before attaching ANYTHING to a hull I wipe it quickly with lacquer thinner (even alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone) is fine) to improve adhesion.

I've been awaiting the need to peel off these velcro strips and reattach new ones or another material, but so far they've served exceedingly well.

About the only trick is bending it around the keel corners, at which point I simply cut the "puckers" away and the resultant sides join together pretty nicely.

[snip]

So wipe the hull with rubbing alcohol, then once the alcohol dries tape the keel with the loop side of HD hook and loop tape, trim the "puckers" and you are done?!?!?!? That definitely appeals to my cheap, lazy, and impatient frugal, efficient, and productive nature.

I had been thinking that I would try the Chesapeake Light Craft rub strip approach this fall.

http://www.clcboats.com/shoptips/fitting_out/rubstrips.html

However, the hook tape approach I could implement this evening, and still paddle tomorrow!

-Bill

Perhaps it is finally time to meet the elusive Pintail.

Alas not yet. I will not be able to join you this Saturday.

Have a good time. I'll be properly envious.

-Bill

<I'm looking forward to meeting you all. Bill>

Ah, but you won't be meeting <everyone>! Some of us have to work, so have a good time out there, all!

Perhaps it is finally time to meet the elusive Pintail.

What about another Lanes Cove gig this coming Saturday (31.VII.10)? I think full-moon was two nights ago? So we shall have plenty moonlight, plus likely phosphorescence and warm water.

Shall we pin it at 1900-1930 put-in at the cove? Show interest here, then...

I'm fine with the time, and the board's Lane Cove put-in directions seem to match my Google maps results. So I should be able to find the put-in.

This will be my first time kayaking at night. I have some scuba diving flashlights which will be fine for emergency use. However, I believe I'm required to bring navigational light(s). Am I correct? What do people generally use? I don't want to bring something too bright, or too dim.

Is there anything else I should bring that I would not always bring during a day trip?

What difficulty level is expected? I was comfortable with the L3 group at the Solstice paddle. However, I would not want anything harder during my first night paddle in an unfamiliar area.

Roughly what time would we expect to return, and what time should my shore contact call the coast guard to report over-due paddlers?

Bill

P.S.

Feel free to wave me off if you would rather not have a night virgin on this trip.

Looking to gather suggestions, commentary and/or recommendations as I'm looking into purchasing a handheld VHF radio

Pay attention to battery replacement cost. It varies significantly.

You will probably get a "water proof" radio, but consider getting a waterproof case anyway. I use and like the Aquapac Small VHF PRO

http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/small-vhf-p...225-1136-0.html

Though I have not tried any other cases, as this was one of the few cases that would fit my "floating" radio. From what I have read, even "water proof" radios are not really designed for the challenges of kayaking, and I want my radio to work when I need it, and to last a long time. The case also keeps the sand and other grit away from the radio, and makes post paddle cleanup simple, and less urgent.

Personally, I currently want my VHF radio to substitute for a PLB. So I wanted a radio with an integrated GPS and DSC support. That narrowed the field way down. I ended up getting a Standard Horizon HX850S on close out shortly after they introduced the HX851.

http://standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd...mp;isArchived=0

It is not perfect, but I like my Aquapac Small VHF PRO case with Standard Horizon HX850S combination. I had to remove the belt clip from the radio for it to fit in the case, because the radio "floats" it is a bit large. I also can not operate the Mayday button intentionally or by accident while the radio is in the case, but I can still send DSC pan-pan and securite, or could simply remove the radio from the case if I really wanted to send a true automated Mayday.

I've noticed that the HX850S's squelch will not silence as many nearby conversations as some of my companion's radios. I'm not sure if that is a feature or a fault.

<I'm looking forward to meeting you all. Bill>

Ah, but you won't be meeting <everyone>! Some of us have to work, so have a good time out there, all!

Then I can keep looking forward to meeting everyone, even after Saturday's paddle.

Although we won't be asking for RSVP's, please post here if you think you will be planning for the level 3 trip. This will allow the motley crew to multiply and divide as necessary to end up with enough people who know their way around and can help in the event help is necessary on the level 3.

For a good explanation of what each of the levels mean, take a look at this: http://www.nspn.org/paddle_levels.htm

I'm planning to join you. This will be my first NSPN level 3 trip, and only my third NSPN event. I attended both of the recent moving on the water events.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

-Bill

NSPN CAM (Common Adventure Model) Paddling Trips Workshop

“Moving on the Water Part 2â€

Saturday, June 5th, Odiorne Boat Launch, Rye NH

Is this Google maps location 43.048659, -70.727262 the Odiorne Boat Launch?

I'm looking forward to another great day of practice and learning new skills.

Bill Voss

Have to say it-today's CAM workshop moving on the water was a blast. Kudos to all the presenters and especially to Peter and Rick S. who were leading our pod today.

[snip...]

I have to second that. I had a great time, and learned a lot!

Thanks again. I'm looking forward to the next outing.

-Bill Voss

NSPN CAM (Common Adventure Model) Paddling Trips Workshop

“Moving on the Water Part 1“

Saturday, May 22 Riverhead beach , Marblehead

A full day on-the-water workshop (9M to 4PM)

snip...

Meet at Riverhead Beach, Marbblehead at 9AM.

snip...

This will be my first NSPN event. I've already RSVP'ed, and I'm impatiently awaiting Saturday!

I had a few logistics questions. First, did Google correctly find where I should go on Saturday?

Google Maps: Riverhead Beach, Marblehead, MA

Second, are there any directions/gotchas on where to park/unload when I get there?

Third, is 9AM meeting time the time to pull into the parking lot, or the time to have my boat ready to push off? This is going to be a fun long day for me, but an even longer day for my dog at home.

thanks,

Bill

[snip...] That said, having the ability to put your feet in middle and brace is quite the benefit. [snip...]

Newbie questions.

Is this pretty much only for surfing?

How tight a fit do people create with their foam? Basically, the same locked in feeling common in white-water boats?

While I can certainly see advantages from a bracing perspective, I sure like the ability to take my feet off the pegs and stretch during a long paddle! That is one of the sea-kayak things I really miss when I'm locked into my white-water boat.

thanks,

Bill

I want to download NOAA navigational charts for free and then find a decent chart viewer software program to view and print the charts. [snip]

There may certainly be a better alternative, but I follow the instructions at:

http://www.nessmuking.com/articles/tutoria...wn-noaa-charts/

Then use Google's Picasa to look at the png files.

However, I'm just an absolute beginner at this, and would love to learn of better alternatives.

Wearing a drysuit that has gore-tex "socks" barefoot is really gross! All your sweat and stuff, would be touching the gore-tex material and it would get pretty icky! Up to you if you own it though. I don't let my loaners use my drysuits without socks - no bare feet in them. Honestly all you have to do is smell my daughters Ugg's that she wears barefoot to know you don't want to be going barefoot in your drysuit.

And another thing, I wouldn't wear a drysuit in the pool. The pool chemicals are really harsh on drysuits and it is a definite that I won't let mine be used in a pool.

Suz

Thanks.

I will have dry suits for people to try out at this event if participants are interested. Some of the suits have ankle gaskets and some have socks. If you are interested in giving them a try, please bring NON COTTON wicking undergarments and a few choices of footwear depending on what suit you might end up with. When wearing a drysuit with gore-tex socks, you must wear a sock underneath - preferably wool but synthetic will do. This creates a bulkier than normal foot and your normal footwear might not be big enough. Plan accordingly.

I'm new to NSPN, and the new owner of a drysuit with gore-tex socks. I have only used the drysuit once in a pool so far, but I'm very curious, why are socks mandatory?

I'm still new at this, but I have never encountered such advice before. I had planned to wear the drysuit without additional socks, and with scuba booties. With additional socks, I'll probably need larger booties, which may also require a larger kayak! My current size 12 boots are already pretty full sized!

thanks,

Bill