rfolster

I refer back to #1. I don’t think having a roll makes anyone invincible to taking an occasional swim.

Thanks for posting the info, Ken. That max speed is interesting, since 7.395mph is equivalent to about 6.5 knots, which I doubt any of us got up to that day. Is it possible you ran down the beach with the device in your pocket or something like that?

Unfortunately, I am away for the weekend and can’t go. But as far as clothing, keep in mind three things in order of priority: 1) How cold is the water if you were to be in it for several hours? A local kayaker was just recently rescued after adrift for 4 hours. 2) Do you know the people on the trip and how much can you trust them to get you out of the water if things go sideways? Still, refer back to #1. 3) What is the weather forecast? Check as close to your decision point as possible? In other words, can you decide what to wear at the launch, or get a forecast that morning before you leave? Then refer back to #1 and #2 and determine if the forecast helps or hinders either. This weekend may be a difficult one to decide. My best advise is that it is always easier to cool down (by taking an intentional dip) than it is to warm up (during an unintentional dip).

I was in Wales this summer doing a Leadership Provider training when we saw a kayak fisherman towing his buddy who was IN THE WATER for almost half an hour because they had gotten caught up in current. If they can’t curb this type of behavior in a location that is home to such a world-recognized organization based around paddling education and safety, I don’t thing we can do any better. help those in need to the best of your abilities, alert authorities to life-threatening situations, and let the masses be. None of us are in a “position of authority” as far as the general public is concerned, so any direct criticism of someone’s actions will mostly be in vain. It is the rare occasion that anyone will actually listen, and when they do, they ask how to join our club!

Yes, there is. I think we should be ready to launch by 9:30, so plan your arrival accordingly.

Well, we are lazy enough to not change the trip plan, sooo.......... launch from Lynch!!

Glad you got the experience. It is one thing to make guesses based on forecast, but actually experiencing it is so much more informational. Good call on knowing your limits and bailing.

Water temperatures are in the low 60's, so not frigid, but not "bathtub" either. Air temps are not much warmer, and with the lack of sun coupled with a breezy day, a swim will be a chilly event. I would recommend for more than a poly shirt. Neoprene or drysuit is a coin toss as to how much sun we actually get, but I always recommend that it is easier to cool off than it is to warm up, and can be more fun too!

I’ll be there.

Yes, Ken, waves and swell can be enjoyable to paddle in! SSW wind is blowing mostly on-shore, not off, because wind comes from the listed direction: Indeed the 23kt gusts would be annoying, but if overall winds stay below teens, it should be manageable. As you said, this all depends on what actually develops as the day approaches.

Take a look at the forecast discussion here. Scroll down to the .LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/... section. They tend to be a bit technical, but can give a better indication of the overall picture and how likely or unlikely the forecast might hold.

Jeff, I will join you. Saturday looks like it might have a shower or two (not a washout), but that may be preferable since the weekend is supposed to be on the warm side. Anyway, let me know what time you are thinking of launching and keep me in the loop if anything changes.

This thread has been locked. If you are interested in this trip, please see the other posting for this trip.

I have moved this to the General forum as it seems more suited to general discussion.

Just curious - why short?

Cathy has worn the MsFit Tour since we started paddling and loves it. Kittery Trading Post has a good selection for sampling. Don’t worry about getting “so many” pockets, but concentrate on fit. If it happens to have more pockets than she wants, just don’t use them. An extra pocket or two wouldn’t hurt.

Hello and welcome, Jeff! The Trips/NSPN Events forum is where you will find what you are looking for. The Checbacco Lake and Walden Pond sessions held during weekday evenings are not specified for any one activity, but lend themselves more towards individualized practice that quite often does include rolling. Weekends are usually dedicated to actual paddling, but only by choice, not decree. You are more than welcome to initiate a rolling-dedicated session to see who might be interested, which brings us to your second question. Trips should be posted on that forum as well (not on this General Forum). Club policy is that all trip participants are supposed to be club members, so if your buddy is not, that creates a conflict. Feel free to send me a private Message (using envelope icon at top right of the screen) if you want to discuss that further.

I might actually be able to make it for once!!!!

I recommend the Explorer based on your description of primarily doing “exercise” paddles. It will track in a straight line better than the Romany, which will allow you to concentrate more on body movement rather than steering adjustments, minor as they might be. I would strongly suggest sitting in each and getting familiar with the fit. A test run on the water would be ideal if you can manage it.

What kind of paddling do you intend to do - sheltered/quiet water or coastal/rough water? What boat do you have?

Unfortunately, the error message is generated by the company that operates the forum software, so we don’t have any control over the language.

Aside from superstition, I would think aerodynamics would be top of the list. The cockpit coaming slopes downward front to back, generally allowing air to go above the cockpit, and any air getting down in should slide back out the seat and bulkhead behind. Facing backwards, the raised front of the coaming would force air to build up in the full volume of the cockpit. I am sure there is plenty of turbulent drag from the wind curling around the front of the coaming and into the cockpit, but I would think it should be less than a direct scoop into a dead end. Cockpit covers should reduce this drag either way, but I would assume less chance of imploding when bow forward. I also think that most kayaks have a more gradual taper from bow to cockpit then stern to cockpit, although probably minimal.

Hi Jeff! Glad you have reached out to ask the questions. Hopefully I can provide some insight for you. First and foremost, your boat is a suitable kayak for coastal paddling with fore and aft hatches with sealed bulkheads which will provide flotation should a capsize occur. Yes, the shorter length and weigh can inhibit speed, but a good number of us are paddling plastic "play" boats in the 15'-16' range, so not as much of an issue. Heavier boats are usually more of a concern on land, either being carried to the shoreline or lifting onto a vehicle, but again some of us have heavier boats than others, so this is a minimal concern as long as there are others around to help (usually is the case). Speed will be a varying factor depending on the type of trip. Most Level 2 trips operate at a pace and length conducive to those not as familiar with ocean paddling. It is helpful to know your own paddling speed, which can easily be determined by measuring how long it takes to paddle a known distance. I might put the pace of L2 trips at 1.5-2.5 knots; L3 trips at 2.5--3.5 knots, and L4 trips from 3-4 knots. Most important is to be willing to discuss your limitations and aspirations with any trip organizer or group that is planning a trip that you are interested in. Hope this info helps, and you will be able to join some trips soon!

Not going to make it tonight

I hope to be there!