rfolster

There seems to be a good chance for snow on Friday, so this weekend might be a good chance to test out camp setups on snow-covered ground. I may test the bivy to see how it performs. If so, I'll post with some pics.

Has anyone winter camped with a 3-season tent? I understand that a 3S tent has weaker poles and/or overall structural design, as well as large mesh areas for air movement. The pole/structure is only an issue when it snows, however the mesh venting can be a severe issue. Our tent has a fly that reaches almost to the ground and mesh on the top 1/2 or 2/3 of the tent that has not seemed to have very good air flow on warmer nights when we wanted it. A very good observation to consider - I had never thought of that! That would make for a bad camping trip to pick up your tent and the floor stays frozen on the ground (I can almost hear the gut renching "rip" as the material fails). If your tent is frozen to the ground, can you remove it without damage? Even if you use a ground tarp, do you leave the tarp behind and hope to come back in the spring to retreive it? I realize that it will most certainly not be there - just musing. For those of us considering camping in March (or February? Really? Yikes!), I think that air temperatures and ground conditions will be just as important as water and wind conditions.

These are such a great opportunity to work on skills during the chilly days of winter. Cathy and I regret not signing up for more sessions. Unfortunately our weekends are filing up quickly with stuff that must get done before March when we hit the open ocean for yet another epic season of paddling, camping, and fun! For all those attending, keep up the good work and general goofiness... we will see you all on the water soon enough.

Scott, I recently aquired my own Little John and am looking forward to the chance to use it. Thanks for letting all of us know about such a useful item, and remember: "There is no modesty in kayaking, only decency." I tend to be more of a "chilly cheeks" kind of person myself, however I have a very important aspect to share with those who have not camped in colder weather. My lifetime of camping has taught me to never wear all of my insulating layers to sleep in. The mornings are usually the coldest point of the day, and when you get out of your cozy sleeping bag, you need layers to put on as you begin to move about camp. When you get out of your sleeping bag, you are actually sheding a significant insulation layer that will need to be replaced until you are able to move around enough to generate your own body warmth, or until that glorious sunrise breaks through the morning mist and gets things warming up! I find that the best method is to manage your sleeping bag(s) so that you need just one layer to sleep in. That will keep your outer and/or mid layer available in the chilly morning and help reduce the sting of putting on cold layers until you can build up your heat inside of them. A very inexpensive way to achieve this is with sleeping sacks or sleeping bag inserts. They are available in various temperature ratings and materials, do not take up much room at all so it is easy to bring multiple versions with you, and are much less expensive than buying multiple bags. These can be extremely helpful for longer trips where there can be as much as a 20+ degree difference from your first night out to your last.

Is anyone dehydrating their own foods (fruits, veggies, meats, etc.)? What process are you using and how successful is it compared to store-bought?

Can anyone help me locate some places to find localized conditions for practicing skills? I am looking for locations where a particular condition (surf, waves, current, etc.) can be found within a localized area that affords a "safety" area nearby. The type of skills I am looking to practice are self rescues, assisted rescues, boat handling and various paddling techniques. Some examples are as follows: WAVES: Last year's 1st on-water CAM session between Childrens Island and Commorant Rock had 2'-3' waves contained only in the space between the Island and Rock, while a calm area in the nearby cove at the bottom of Childrens provided a nice regrouping spot. Is this a predictable occurrence (for example: if you have a 10kt+ wind from the west and ocean swells of 2' or more from the west, you will get those waves in that spot) or was that just dumb luck? STANDING WAVES: Cathy and I encountered the tide race under the bridge at Hampton Harbor this past year and found it to be quite a unique experience. However, I don't know if it is a safe area to practice any skills in. Our thought is that if you get into trouble, you can let the tide flush you out where the water calms down and it is easier to get back into the boat. My big concerns there are boat traffic as well as the lack of landing sites due to the granite jetty and the swimming beach next to it. Are there any other areas that offer a better spot to play in standing waves? SURF: A recent trip to Milk Island in Rockport produced some small waves in the north point near the sand bar that were very useful to practice bracing against broadside pushing waves without having to deal with getting beached and paddling out against the incoming surf to get back into the action. While maybe not ideal for surfing, I would be looking for similar spots where you can surf without having to deal with beaching. If you can think of any other locations that would be good for practicing skills in conditions with the safety of nearby "calm" water would be very helpful.

Over this past year, I have seen a lot of CAM bashing by many people who (in my humble opinion) don't really know how CAM is supposed to work. Then an incident report will come out, and there is all this talk about "should have this" and "could have that", much of which falls into the parameters of the CAM system. One of the most important, and most overlooked, is the idea that every participant should be a leader at some point of the trip. Whether it be that each person takes a turn at navigating from one point to another along the journey, or some other means of being a leader of the group. If we encourage that more, and don't let people be "sheep" following the herd on club paddles, they will HAVE to be more vested in the nature of the trip. Chris, I like your idea of the "risk assessment" and "incident/risk management" clinics, but I believe that these topics ARE actually covered in the CAM clinics. Last year we all practiced planning our own trips, taking weather and location into account, and discussed what the variables are and what dangers could present themselves. They also include information on how to be a "leader" on any trip you participate on. I would like to see a large turnout this April when Scott holds the next CAM workshops. Maybe if we get some of the long-time NSPNers in there to be reminded of what CAM is all about and how we can make sure it is utilized on club paddles, then maybe we can put an end to those trips that "fall apart" when different interests pull at the group.

Bill, is paddling in white water different that ocean paddling as far as handling the cold water and air? I imagine that you are much more active, which would keep you warmer, but do you end up in the water more?

1) My most agressive goal to achieve will be BCU 4* Assessment by the end of the year 2) Perform at least one solo kayak camping trip of at least two nights 3) Participate on at least one expedition camping trip 4) Overcome my fears of the unknown and take advantages of the opportunities to learn when they are presented to me 5) Improve my boat handling and rescue skills in conditions 6) Look for a new boat that actually fits me properly

Ed, I think that when you have an instructor/student situation in a high-risk venue like tide race surfing, a 3:1 student/instructor ratio is probably too high. For the club paddles, we do not have instructor/student arrangements, even if "coaching" occurs. Most club paddles are also not taken into such high-risk venues. However, I think that there are many aspects of this incident that can be directly incorporated into the club. Both senior instructors and one of the two assistant instructors had never been to this location before. While this in itself is not a problem, there approach to the conditions was absolutely incorrect. Sean had tried to take the time to study the conditions from the shore, but was feeling rushed to gear up and get out there. There should have been a MANDETORY beach briefing where all 16 individuals stood and WATCHED the conditions and discussed where they would go, how they would stick together, and what they should do if there were any problems. At that point, they could have re-evaluated their intentions and changed the itinerary for the day. Actually, as I think more about it, how were they even providing instruction to the students in such conditions? It would seem to me that a better form of instruction would be to keep one class on the spit of land while the other class surfs. The instructors on land could discuss what is going on, and point out the correct and incorrect performances on the water. They could then switch groups to allow everyone time on the water practicing and time on land learning. Getting back to how this relates to our club paddles, Gene said "Maybe one of the things we need to do during beach discussions or planning before trips is to encourage the outliers and dissenters to speak up." I think that it is unfortunate to portray anyone as an "outlier" or "dissenter", when we should all just be "fellow paddlers", but it is too often true. Although I may have officially lost my status as a "newbie" this year, I know that I still have a vast amount to learn, and it can only be done by having DISCUSSIONS before, during, and after trips. Unlike popular belief, this does not mean that everyone has to agree all the time. We all need to recognize that we each have something to contribute to the conversation, and that compromises will ALWAYS have to be made. It is up to us as individuals to decided how much we are willing to compromise for the sake of the group, and whether or not those compromises are too much for us to participate. That is the basis for the CAM model that we operate under.

No apology necessary as I see the error of my ways - I was thinking of Carbon but said Kevlar. Thanks for the clarifications regarding these "exotic" materials. Marc, congrats on the "new" boat and have fun at the pools. We all look forward to seeing you on the water someday.

As life would have it, I came down with the flu yesterday and have been ordered to rest for the next five days. Due to the cold temps predicted for New Year's Day (only in the 20's), I don't think I should attempt this trip. Medications have me pretty loopy right now, so Is anyone else willing to step up and take over this trip?

I have finally had some time to sit down and look at our options for this trip. My initial thought is a 10am - 2pm paddle to give everyone time to get there and allow plenty of time to get back before dark. We may adjust it slightly later or longer to take advantage of the tide, but this is just a starting point and can be adjusted as needed. We have significant interest at this time (somewhere around 16), so I would like to eliminate Boston Harbor as an option and look to the "North Shore" as has been suggested. I think that, with the size of the group, it might be difficult to park, getting through the locks, and finding a good lunch spot for that many people. There are some islands that would be worth visiting, but I don't think it is wise making the crossings in cold water/weather. However, I think that this would be an awesome in-season trip and we should consider taking a group out next year. High tide for Plum Island Sound is 1:51pm. I don't know at what point Joppa Flats floods over and if that changes anyone's opinion about that area. We also have the Merrimack river as an option, but I don't know the area well enough to know how the incoming tide works against the flow of the river. I don't think we will have any option to look out at the open ocean since we will have at least a 2k current coming in. I would like to offer Portsmouth as another option. Pierces Island ram is closed, but we can launch from Odiore Point and peek out to see if the ocean is calm enough for a trip down to Jenness Beach, or ride the current under the bridge into inner harbor and play around in there. With high tide at 1:38pm, we also have the option of a counter-clockwise circum nav of New Castle to ride the flood tide up into the harbor and then come back through inner harbor at slack. I would like to have a place picked out by Friday when the weather forceast is available, and I will announce the final go/no-go on Monday. Many of you already know that I am a strong CAM advocate and this will be a CAM trip. We will have a beach briefing to discuss the plans and conditions for the day. I will ask anyone that has radios to bring them incase we decide to split into two pods. Also, bring any hypothermia gear you may have - extra clothing, sleeping bags, tents or fly, even ground pads can help. Any extra hot food or beverages would be helpful, as well as extra cold weather paddling gear to share. Please email me at robertfolster at verizon dot net with the usual float plan info if you intend to go. I will keep all trip information posted here so that everyone can see what is going on.

Thank YOU Katherine for all of your hard work to get this event pulled together. This was my and Cathy's first year attending, and we had a great time. It was really nice being able to see familiar friendly faces and new ones alike in such a relaxed atmosphere and to have the chance to just talk! There were several new members there last night that just can't wait to get into the pool sessions for some practice and are looking forward to the pond & lake sessions to kick in again. Most conversations of the evening seemed either to be about next year's paddling season and what experiences might be sought out, or some cross-eyed looks at those of us who are still paddling and (hopefully) camping. I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the members of the Board, as well as a little bird out there that put a bug in their ears, who awarded me the Traverso Award for most improved through taking a "never quit" attitude. I am humbled by the thought of all the great paddlers that were awarded BCU accreditations of varying levels this year, many of whom helped me get to the point that I am. I could not have achieved nearly the amount of skills and confidence that I have without them, and the club as a whole, and a great thanks goes out to everyone involved. I am looking forward to another great year and meeting more wonderful people, paddling on more wonder trips, taking more wonderful pictures, and capping it all off with yet another great holiday party next season. Here's to everyone...cheers!

Duct tape?

At the last camping workshop, after discussing the low level of attendence, we discussed holding the workshop over the winter instead of during the paddling season when people would rather be on the water. There has been some conern regarding winter schedule conflicts (people doing all the stuff they were supposed to be doing when they were paddling during the summer) and we didn't get much farther from there. These workshops are also dependant upon those who are offering them, and they can also be tied up in their own off-season activities since they are so busy during the season. I know that alot of different aspects are covered in the CAM sessions each year, but I wonder if there is a benefit to splitting off some topics in order to concentrate on them. I too am interested in some winter learnin' and would like to add that, if anyone is willing to put on an advanced camping/expedition workshop to discuss topics like logistics (leave-no-trace comes to mind), I would be very interested. Also, if no one else is available, I would be willing to put on an Intro To Kayak Camping clinic (I am no expert, but can definitely go over the basics).

Read the title of Leon's post ("pipe up" - don't you get it?) AND the title of the video (they call it a canoe kayak). Rolling Instructions: 1) Find some waves 2) Roll off the stupid thing 3) Realize why they make those silly PFD things 4) If you are not dead, swim to shore 5) Don't be a cheapskate and buy a real boat 6) Go out and have some real fun!

There is not actually an attached skirt, but what people have referred to an "over-skirt" or some other terms. I don't know the offical name, but there is a part of some drysuits that will go over a spray skirt tunnel and provide additional protection from water infiltration into the boat. It sorta looks like a cumberbund.

Do I hear the beginnings of a trip next year??

Gene, I really want to thank you for bringing up such a good topic. I think that discussing the risks that we face is always good, and it should never get old. The key is not only to identify the risks, but to discuss how to avoid them if possible or how to deal with them. Ed, I agree that CAM alone would not solve the issues presented. This post has given me the kick in the but to start planning some trips next season that will specifically be designed to work on advanced level skills such as boat control, rolls, and assisted rescues in rough water and high wind. These trips will be CAM style, so group organization and maintenance on the water will also be stressed and practiced. The goals of these trips will be to locate a particular "risk" (rough water, wind, current, fog, etc.) that we can safely approach, engage, practice and assess multiple skills. These are not going to be leader-led events but true CAM trips where intermediate paddlers can improve there existing skills in other than flat water venues. I am currently recruiting advanced paddlers (BCU 4* / ACA Level 4 and above or equivalent skill level) to offer encouragement and assist incase we push ourselves too much. I will probably wait until the end of the winter to start serious planning, so stay tuned. Cathy just brought up a good point that another risk we all face is complacency. When we start to paddle with the same people and/or in the same areas, we can have a tendency to let our guard down. Trip planning becomes less thorough, beach briefings are skipped, and group dynamics become too loose.

We hit that area this summer, but not at max. I planned to cross close to slack but we hit about an hour after flood started. WOW it gets crazy in there, even when not at max!

Let's back up for a second. I thought the discussions all along was regarding burining calories (input power) and not the speed of the boat (output power).

Hmmmm.... so, anyone interested in the next CAM sessions? Seems like there are more people out there that could benefit from the training than are willing to admit. Doug's description of the situation, and a previous post of Gene's, makes me want to add another risk that I would not have previously considered - illness! No matter how skilled you are, if you get ill (seasick or viral-type sickness), that can not only pose risks to yourself but also those that you are paddling with.

Leon, I have three issues with your thought process: If your equation of power = force * speed is correct, then a car revving it's engine to hold its position on a steep hill is not using any power? Are you certain you applied your MAXIMUM EFFORT in each instance? I think that there may be a human-error mental trick at play. When paddling with the wind, we can all agree that there is a reduced effort to move the boat, so we can concentrate on paddling with a strong cadence, which provides not only a high aerobic workout, but a positive emotional reward of distance-to-effort ratio. When paddling against a strong head wind, there is a very strong negative emotion regarding the lack of distance-to-effort ratio, and can tend to reduce your cadence in order to "just push the boat along". Now Leon, please do not take this as any type of insult to your paddling abilities since I know for a fact that you can paddle circles around me, backwards, with your eyes closed, using one hand, and...well, you get the point. I would like to offer everyone a challenging, and I must point out - DANGEROUS - (please bring plenty of spotters with you) exercise if you dare. Find yourself a strong headwind, and paddle for the purpose of paddling EFFORT alone, and not distance or control. The point is to put your absolute maximum effort into it. The reason I say that this is dangerous is that, if you do this correctly, you will not be paying as much attention to your stability or direction into the wind and you should have several spotters to help you if you get into trouble. I think if you do this, you will find yourself huffing and puffing much sooner than if you were paddling with the wind. My final point is the misconception that this is solely a difference of upwind horsepower verses downwind cadence. If you want to discuss pure calorie burn, you must use BOTH repetition and resistance for a maximum calorie burn. There has been a recent explosion in resistance-type gym equipment that is designed to provide this exact type of workout because they have found that merely getting your heart rate up is not enough to burn the maximum amount of calories. Maybe this analogy will help: Paddling downwind = running on a treadmill Paddling upwind (low cadence) = lifting weights Paddling upwind (MAX cadence) = running on an incline-trainer type of equipment I originally thought that, paddling at MAXIMUM EFFORT should be equal for both upwind and downwind (based on your typical physics equations that maximum should be equal across the board), but I think that you can never truly reach your maximum effort paddling downwind since you have a low-resistance situation. Let's really max out the example and paddle with a 100 knot wind (scientific example only with no wind-wave results). I don't know exactly how fast you would get pushed, but let's just say you get pushed 30 knots. Can anyone in this club paddle at a 30 knot cadence? Once you put the paddle into the water, your boat will just be "pushed" past it faster than you can pull through the stroke. In conclusion, my answer is to get BOTH horsepower and cadence, I would choose to paddle into the wind.

Many in the club have glass "beater" boats and are proud of their scratch and patches. The glass boats are more resilant than you would think. I would say that the more serious you are about the sport (read: more usage), the more this supports the argument for getting a higher-end boat, with the qualification that higher cost does not mean a better boat for you. I don't know about the Kevlar boats but I think that they may be more fragile overall than the glass boats. The real advantage is less weight. I may be wrong about this, so I will let any Kevlar owners chime in. If you have the personal and financial patience to wait, go to one of the pool sessions first and see some of the t-rescuses actually performed. If someone has a boat that you fit into, you may even be invited to try one yourself. You will then be able to decide for yourself how much contact your "new" boat will actually be subject to. Finally, consider all that our boats go through other than t-rescues. Landings and launches tend to be on gravel or rock (there are never enough beautiful sandy beaches!), deck gear (short tows, spare paddles, etc.), and various self rescues tend to beat on the boats more than t-rescues, and the glass seems to hold up well enough.