BLConaway

Wonderful TR. Hoping to get there this summer, so I appreciate the preview!

What a wonderful day! What a wonderful group! It was my second NSPN trip, first Solstice Paddle, and I had a wonderful time. Everyone was exceptionally friendly and welcoming to a newcomer, which I appreciated. And the food was incredible. Excellent day--thanks to all who put it together.

There's a chance I WILL make the potluck and if so, will bring black bean and corn salad.

Unfortunately, I can't stay for the potluck. Sorry to miss the party!

From my experience with women's gloves, I doubt a man could wear the larger sizes. I sometimes get men's gloves because even a woman's XL is too small for me. YMMV.

Now there's a fine idea.

Greatly enjoyed my first NSPN outing and look forward to many more!

Thanks everyone--I really appreciate your helpful answers!

I apologize if this topic has been covered thoroughly elsewhere, if so, feel free to direct me there. Excluding a dry suit, what do folks consider essential to have as clothing options for paddling in warmer months? At this point, I have a paddling top for windy/rainy paddles, and have wondered what else I should think about getting. I see all sorts of gear on my fellow paddlers, from full to shorty wet suits, short-sleeve paddle jackets, splash pants, dry tops, neoprene shorts, etc., etc. I recently bought a shorty wet suit (sleeveless) at a very good price--and it FIT, which is a miracle. I got to thinking it would be a nice extra layer for cloudy/cooler days or if I planned to be in the water practicing reentries etc. I didn't want a full-legged wet suit because I tend to run warm. But having done some reading, I am wondering if I'm better off with something else? Right now, my goal is to paddle into late summer/early Fall and to start to spend more time in the water working on skills and hopefully a roll. I'd also like to extend my season a bit on either side. I'm a skier, so I won't start paddling until mid-late May. Do I even need more than my paddling top? If not, why do a I see such a range in the folks I've paddled with (and not just Phil and Lorrie! ). What are some of your essentials--things you've found have made a difference in your comfort/safety when paddling? Thanks for any suggestions!

Hi there--slight glitch as my membership expired right after I checked it in May, so I couldn't respond until now. I'd like to sign up if it's still possible. I emailed Lorrie who knows me and my skill level. I've also done this trip in the past (2 years ago). Happy to talk via phone if needed. Your name:Brenda Conaway Cell # or best # to reach you Sunday AM - 617-875-9761 Emergency contact name and # - Steve Mahler 617-872-7364 Boat (make, model & color) Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Yellow (plastic) And, if I haven't paddled with you recently please let me know your skill, comfort and experience level. Solid 2.5 to 3, although paddling 15 miles would spend me this early in the season. I've done this paddle before. Happy to chat via phone if needed!

I'm interested in the 18th!

Terrific TR and write up (I got the FB preview too), although there is a lot of lingo I have yet to learn. Looks like an amazing trip for you two! Glad it's you and not me. And Happy "-0". Beat you by a year--it's not all that bad on this side.

You're not the only paddling couple on this board who (almost) never ski anymore! And I met them through skiing--ha!

Thank you all! I really appreciate your thoughtful posts and reassurance. I've actually been paddling off and on for several years, but more the last 3 since we got our boats. I keep learning how much more there is to learn! Fun stuff, if sometimes intimidating. Thanks Ed; I'll have to look up stern rudders--not sure I know that stroke? (Or didn't know the name). Sid, that was exactly why I bought the boat and so far it's been doing what I had hoped. Looking forward to growing out of it! BTW, what's oil canning? Had the skeg fixed last year, had it out twice, and the cable promptly got kinked when some friends brought by boat onshore from a dock (I had neglected to put it up). I drilled the hole and added the cord on Sunday.

Thanks Kate. I couldn't deploy my skeg--it needs to be fixed. I just thought it would be "good for me" to do without. As I said above, my boat is a Wilderness Systems Tempest 170. So it sounds like some boats are more affected by the wind. That's reassuring to know. I am also interested in what types of strokes people use to deal with wind. Like I said, I've noticed this before, but have wondered how much it's my boat and how much better technique would help.

A question for my betters: is there a different between boats in terms of how they handle in the wind? My SO and I were paddling in Plum Island Sound, with cross winds 10-15, gusts to 20 (at least according to weather reports--I honestly don't know for sure), and I struggled all day to keep my boat going straight. My skeg is hard to deploy (a different issue that I plan to deal with), and given that I hear all the time that you should learn how to paddle without one, I though I'd just go without for the day. I spent a frustrating day constantly sweeping on one side and often not even paddling on the other. I did notice that any time I stopped paddling, my boat would immediately turn into the wind, just like a weather vane on top of a barn. My partner would stop and his boat wouldn't move. I'm in a Wilderness Systems Tempest 170, and he's in a Looksha 17. So obviously, I need to work on my strokes (although I really thought I had made some improvements), but is it normal when paddling in a cross wind without a skeg to only do sweep strokes on one side? I can't imagine! Any tips? What types of strokes do you do to keep your boat traveling straight in the wind? This isn't the first time I've noticed it, but this was probably the worst. There is a HUGE different between when I use my skeg and when I don't. If I should be able to paddle without a skeg, then I've got a lot of work to do on improving my paddling. Well, that goes without saying. Edited to add: I also understand that to many on this board, 10-15 is more of a light breeze ...

Can't make it this week or next. Headed to Beal on Friday!

Looking to buy an historic property? Perfect for paddlers! In Boston Ha'ba: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/30/for-sale-boston-harbor-lighthouse-acres-bedrooms-ladder-access-only-needs-some-work/FNC0nLCbbKbtbGy2c6Z3mK/story.html Other locations: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2338394/Lighthouses-sale-Government-selling-spectacular-maritime-landmarks-little-1--highest-bidders-refurbish-crumbling-buildings.html

Well that's good to know. I borrowed a pump on Wed. night and wow what a difference. I'll give REI a try. Thanks!

I have a relatively new pump, but it's beastly hard to actually move the handle to get water out of me boat. Is there some basic maintenance for these things I've overlooked? Any ideas for how to get it to work better? Thanks!

Great--thanks for the heads up on paying. I know where the boat ramp is--good to know I need to pay at the parking lot. Walden Pond is Tweeting when they close: https://twitter.com/waldenpondstate The number I found is: (978) 369-3254

Anyone going tonight? I've never been, but would love to meet up with folks. Great way to cool off and practice reentries. -Brenda

OK, guess I'll have to wait. Have fun!

Hi there! I'm considering attending, but will have to miss the potluck. I'm interested in the 2 or 2+, although I don't have a wet suit, so it may be best to stick closer to shore.

I saw this doctor give a short presentation to a bunch of journalists at the American Health Care Journalist conference. Very cool!