cfolster

I'd like to get back to the original topic, which was useful techniques in addition to the roll. I've been practicing a paddle float re-entry that I call the outrigger. I put the paddle float on the paddle and then insert the other blade under both sets of deck lines on the back of the boat. It makes an incredibly stable 'outrigger' that allows you to simply hop up and rescue yourself in the same manner you would if someone were doing a T rescue with you, or you can hop up and do a cowboy (I've also stood up comfortably in the boat with this method). Then once you're in the boat you have that side to lean on while you spray skirt and regroup. I like this method because it allows you to get your boat flipped over and somewhat emptied of water - certainly moreso than a re-entry and roll. You do need to turn and pull that paddle out and have to watch your stability while doing so, but I think the re-enter and roll has the same issues while pumping out and putting your spray skirt on and for a much longer period of time. Granted, I've only practiced this on calm lake water, but I'm finding that miraculously, those skills that I'm learning on the lake actually do work on moving ocean water - funny, how that works ;-) I'll let you know when I've had a chance to test it in conditions! Cathy

Great trip report Warren! It's funny how your description of the falling object at camp was a 'tree', but Robert described it as a 'branch'. I think he was downplaying it for me so I would not worry-after-the-fact!

Cathy, Thanks for posting the pics. I was hoping I'd get to see what it was like out there today - from the safety of my couch! I looks like they had fun! Cathy

Robert and I will be there for meeting and paddle. Cathy

I had a vague recollection there was a surfing movie called Point Break. So I looked the term up. For those like me who didn't know: A point break refers to the place where waves hit a point of land or rocks jutting out from the coastline.

Thanks Bob for the opportunity! It was a great day on the water! Cathy

Congratulations are due to Prudence who as of this past weekend has attained the BCU 3* level! 'Apparently, she didn't even know she was being assessed (thought it was a class?) and and the end, John said congratulations, he's submitting the paperwork for her 3 star! Yeay Prudence!!

Wondering if folks have opinions on ACA or BCU for the following: Individual training and certificationLeader/Instructor training and certificationWhy might a person choose one over the other? Thanks! Cathy

Well, as you know, Robert and I will be there! Looking forward to kayaking in the rain (but no lightning) and if the group wants - to go check out the NDK boats . . .

Every time I try to craft a response to this topic, I keep coming back to the beach briefing. The reasons for this are that I want to talk about the various types of paddling that separate a group – the speeders, the chatters, the laggers, the rock players, the side drifters, etc, and the solution seems to me to always come back to the beach briefing. The moment when you can yell to your paddling buddies to slow down or to just close ranks seems to me to be quite fleeting. I think that moment passes quickly and is often missed (lets come back to that). Most people will say the solution is for speeders to slow down and check behind them, for drifters to not drift too far, for rock players to not go out of sight and to keep up and for the chatters to not let the chatting get in the way of a reasonable group speed. However, if you’re on the water and those things are happening, it’s hard to speak up and say something if nothing was said at the beach briefing. If you haven’t laid that groundwork for the pace of the paddle and come to consensus, corralling folks on the water will be nigh impossible as we’ve all seen and may very well be met with annoyance or hostility. Yet, except for the CAM practice sessions in the spring, I’ve not been on one paddle where pace and group cohesiveness and methods for maintaining such was clearly discussed at the beach briefing. So I will be speaking up more on that when Robert raises that topic! Now back to that moment when you can still corral everyone. Am I correct that it seems to be a small window? Or, perhaps, am I guilty of my own inward focus and I miss much of the opportunity that presents itself to give a shout out? I know I’ve found myself in the middle of a pack and should have spoken up because I could see all around me the group separating and I was probably in the best position to say something. However, I was not yet comfortable enough to speak up to anyone. It’s tough when you’re paddling with someone you know will scoff at you if you try to reign them in. I definitely need to grow some armor and work on that.

Guy at West Marine said their private label are Uniden phones. He didn't steer us away from them specifically, but couldn't tell us why they might be superior to any others when we were looking.

I second Prudence's imploration. It's clear neither of you were ever in trouble and it was actually a unique situation of 'non trouble' but radio needed. I know Robert was worried about singling you out with the mention of your incident and tried to explain that it was just the impetus to post the topic - much of his inspiration I know has come from past pasddles he's been on. I also know he's sorry you were indadvertently thrown under the bus (boat). I, like Prudence, have learned a great deal and been given even more to consider and practice while I'm on the water. At the very least, others' experiences give me food for thought. That others may learn, I hope I have the courage to lay bare the foibles and shortcomings of myself and others (not implying prior posters have any ) as I post future trip reports. Cathy

Okay - Robert and I are out. Hope it turns out to be a great day for you. Looking forward to the trip report!

Forecast is for 10-12 knots and with the outgoing tide and southerly winds, you'll be looking at 2-3 foot wind waves as soon as you exit Gloucester Harbor.

Robert and I will be there!

We will definitely join you (no rain delay today).

Salem Willows Amusement Park in Salem . . . play some skeeball with your ice cream.

Foot end first zipped or unzipped doesn't matter, unless your bag zips completely closed, then unzipped - the air gets trapped if it's zipped or if the closed end is last, so it takes much longer to expel that air and stuff it in.

Today's Google doodle was made just for us kayakers. Have fun playing! https://www.google.com/

If anyone would feel more comfortable pming me with thoughts, feel free to do so. Katherine, I'll check with Rob . . .

Has anyone kayaked with this group, or encountered their trips while on the water? Do you have any opinions about the skill level of their guides and the safety of their trips? A colleague at work is planning a trip with them and asked me (I've don't have any experience with them). http://www.erba.com/ Thanks! Cathy

There's a group headed up to kayak camp around Great Wass this weekend . . .putting in near Jonesport

We had a conflict and needed to move this trip a week prior to September 20th. We are so sorry if this late change causes scheduling difficulties - I'm hoping we won't lose any folks, but maybe we'll gain a few who had said, 'oooh, I wish it was just one weekend earlier!" The tides are not as ideal for a morning put in, so we're thinking lunchtime put-in will have us paddling the last of flow and into slack and ebb. On the Sunday return from Jewell, a late morning put in will allow us to ride the tide back to Cousins Island. The plan for the four day trip is as follows: Here’s our thoughts: Thursday 9/20 (High Tide @ 2:47pm): Group #1 beach briefing around 12or 1pm, launch from Sandy Point on Cousins Island to an interim island such as Bangs or Crow for snack/lunch (we can discuss stewardship if there is interest) and then continue on to Jewell. Friday 9/21 (High Tide @ 3:43pm): Group #2 (same as above). Group #1 is open for a local paddle or relaxing and exploring Jewell Island. Our thought is that a designated contact from Group #1 will keep in touch with a designated contact in Group #2 via cell phone or radio. Saturday 9/22: Day is open for a local paddle or relaxing and exploring Jewell island. Sunday 9/23 (High Tide @ 11:30am): Return to mainland, mid-morning launch around 11 or so. Currents (Broad Sound West of Eagle Island) http://tidesandcurre...d=168&footnote= Please respond or comment here (or feel free to PM me) if you are interested. Cathy & Robert

Bob, I'd be happy to help represent NSPN at the table, or be on the water, whichever is needed. Cathy

Thank you for showing up to confirm our decision not to go! :-) Sorry it was so lonely, but an hour of reading anytime is awesome! We're going over to the dark side this evening to join the folks at Chebacco Lake if you want to join us.