rfolster

Yes, added Tomas to the list - thanks for catching.

Take note that forecast is now looking to be cloudy with a chance of showers. Updated List: Prudence Vladimir Janet Dan Stephanie Mike Cathy Tomas

No, the training program will be individualized to participants, but we can definitely do another session. Let me contact you and Don via PM and see what works.

Just a reminder that this virtual event is tomorrow night. Plenty of room in the conversation if anyone else would like to join in. Let me know.

I have added Stephanie from the list and removed Joe.

Sunday Zone Forecast: W winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. Point Forecast @ Baker I: WNW wind around 12 kt. Mostly sunny. High: 51 °F. Seas around 2 ft. Water temperature is around 44°-45° Currently planning to attend (please update if you are or are not going) Prudence Vladimir Jeff Don Janet Joe Dan Beth Stephanie Mike (maybe) Cathy (maybe) Location: West Beach (121 West Street, Beverly MA) Time: Ready to launch by 10:00am Duration: 4-6 hours Trip Route: TBD Wind will be a factor for the weekend. Being from the WNW, there will be protection along the shore. Misery, Baker, Gooseberrys are trip options, but greater wind exposure. Can go E or W along coast, but limited stops for "relief" breaks. Feel free to voice your opinions here, but regardless I recommend bringing plenty of warm clothing, food, drink, etc. just in case.

Just a thought: You could do a one-way south-to-north run, maybe Riverhead to West Beach, or Rye to Odiorne (need to think about harbor entry during ebb), or something like that.

There are two trips, Pre-Easter Bunny Plunge on Saturday the 16th, and Easter Plunge on Sunday the 17th. This thread is for the Sunday trip as Mike indicated.

Probably 105cm. (sorry, couldn't resist the opportunity for a bit of a paddling joke) If anyone has time restrictions for the day, post so we can figure out timing. We are currently up around ten participants, with room for more! We still need to figure out details, but depending on the group, we can all paddle together or split up into to pods. We generally plan to start around 10am (I would say that is a "ready to paddle" and start beach briefing), and paddle until somewhere around 2-4pm, depending on the weather. The goal of the day isn't about distance or speed, but for many, it is the first group trip for the season, seeing friends again, and maybe getting wet for the brave. And CHOCOLATE!! I think we will again look at Salem Sound area (West Beach is a typical launch spot), and start looking at weather next weekend to develop a plan. Wind and temperature are the critical elements this time of year, with water temperatures in the low 40s. Since those aspects tend to be quite variable, we need to keep our plans adjustable.

Done, and thanks!

Are you new to the club? Maybe you are a long-time member that hasn't paddled with us in a while. Join us for a discussion about being a participant on any of the many trips with NSPN. In this presentation, we can discuss among other things: Various ways trip organizers set up registration (and why) How you can determine if the trip is right for you (look at Trip Levels web page ahead of time) What time do you need to be there? On the water - what you should expect from the group, and what they should expect of you? What is (was) CAM, and is it still around? Check out this web page for more info. Who's leading these trips, anyway? Who can post trips? Post here if you are interested in attending, and if there is another topic related to participating on trips you would like discussed. The link for this virtual discussion is posted to the NSPN Business forum (you must be a current member to access that forum).

Link for this discussion has been posted to the NSPN Business forum

The volunteers have started a Message thread to go over logistics, so if you are interested in helping out at the workshop (setup/breakdown, answering questions in breakout groups, presenting, etc.) and haven't been included on that thread, please post here or Message me and I will add you to the conversation.

I did find two "about"s and removed one. Was that it? Here is the correct flyer: 2022 NTSKW Flyer.pdf

I was able to watch it on desktop (Firefox) and iPhone

NSPN will be holding its annual New To Sea Kayaking Workshop once again at the Gould Barn in Topsfield. This event is designed to be beneficial to a wide audience, from those who have never paddled any kind of boat, to others who maybe paddle calm locations to white water. Regardless of your experience, if you are interested in knowing more about sea kayaking, this is a great opportunity. At the workshop, we will discuss what sea kayaking is about, look at various boats, paddles, other gear, clothing, safety equipment, and more. It is free and open to the general public - membership is not required, but for those who want to join the club, cost is $15 for 12 months. Workshop details: Date = April 9th, 2022 Start Time = 10:00am promptly and will go for about 4-5 hours (lunch will be available) Location = Gould Barn - 1 Howlett St, Topsfield, MA Parking = Please observe designated parking spaces in parking lot (limited) or park on nearby streets Registration and Questions = Email NTSKW@NSPN.ORG with your name, and up to three questions you would like answered or topics you would like discussed Current club members who wish to help out with this event, either presenting, loaning equipment (boats!!), or just helping to set up/take down, please Message me and we will discuss.

Don, there will absolutely be more opportunities. Stay tuned.

We have a couple of forms that are useful for doing gasket repairs. Gaskets and glue not included. More details to be posted soon.

Thanks Doug!

Thanks, Dan. To clarify, the program I am introducing will be interactive, utilizing remote, in-person, and on-water sessions. The Zoom session is merely an introduction for members to get an idea of what it is about, and decide if it is something they wish to pursue.

Over the years, a hardy group of NSPN members have gotten together for what first started out as a cold water practice session on Easter morning. While it was short, they had great fun and promised to get together the following years and make it an annual event. Thus began the Annual Easter Plunge. This will be a combination discussion/paddle/cold water practice event tailored to the wants and needs of the group. You’ll have the opportunity to review tips and techniques for dealing with cold weather and water, test out your gear while we do some cold water rescues, or just have a paddle! LOTS of hypo kits and chocolate will be on hand and careful attention will be paid to all paddlers’ condition and well-being. Come join us for this CAM (Chocolate Adventure Model) event.You must have the following:- Food and a hot beverage- Drysuit with proper footwear and appropriate under layers (if you don't have a drysuit, inquire about borrowing or renting)- Neoprene cap or hood- Neoprene gloves or poggies- Wool or fleece hat- Wool or fleece gloves or mittens- Down or synthetic insulated jacket that fits over your PFDIf you have the following, you should also bring them:- Storm cag- Warm outer pant layer (worn at launch to unload and pack boat)- Spare under-layers (in case your primary set gets wet)- Padding to sit on (camp chair, carpet square, piece of foam, etc)- Hypo kit (various items to help deal with hypothermia for yourself and/or others)- Group shelterWe recommend that everyone put together some form of hypothermia kit – see this post if you want more information on what to include: http://www.nspn.org/forum/topic/9825-hypo-kit/. Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the gear. The start of a good hypo kit is a thermos of hot tea/chocolate/soup/water and a warm jacket/blanket/tarp. Do you have any hand or feet warmers from skiing? An old yoga mat is a great ground pad. A tent fly would work as a wind shelter. Don’t worry about packability if it’s just a day paddle – you have plenty of room in your boat. Put together what you can and we will compare different ideas. If you would like to attend but don’t have a particular piece of kit, just let us know. We should have plenty of extra stuff on hand to care for everyone. So bring your bunny ears (really!) and join us for some cold water fun! We will even have extra ears on hand for those who don't have them.Location and details to be determined, but will most likely be in MA north of Boston. For questions, please post here or send me a Private Message. Post to this thread if you plan to attend.