rfolster

I have thought that a radio class or training session might be a good idea. It could be a refresher for those with radios and a learning opportunity for those without radios. We could also compare models for those shopping for new or replacements. Does anyone know of a private entity or a contact at the CG that would be able to assist with such an endevor?

Cathy and I would like to join you as long as the Salem Sound Swim & Fin orientation meeting does not get rain-delayed into Sunday. We have only paddled from Lane's Cove once, so we are up for anything in the area.

I would like to start by thanking Leon for a “lesson learned” that he offered to share with us on a recent trip report. Luckily it ended up as a non-event, but I was inspired to evaluate the Common Adventure Model (CAM) and how it is approached by the NSPN membership. After toiling with what felt like a short novel for the last hour or so in an attempt to cover all the thoughts swimming in my skull, I decided to take another route and look at some key elements of the CAM system. In this installment, I wanted to discuss communication as a general topic, but even that was still too broad and would spiral in too many directions. Therefore, I will limit this discussion just to the usage of VHF radios, and will address other issues in separate posts. As a brand new owner of a VHF radio, let me say that I am not an expert or a know-it-all, but only want to bring the discussion into greater focus and determine, if possible, what is the most appropriate usage for this piece of equipment. I am not looking for a discussion about the different models of radios, or the USCG requirements for what type of boats are and are not required to utilize them, but merely to discuss whether or not NSPN members should be caring and using their radios. Many of us own them, but there is a wide variety of usage that ranges from constant to never. My observations lead me to think that some people may consider when they will want to use their radios, and not when they will need to use them? In light of some recent discussions of whether or not you should actually wear one or keep it in a hatch, I would like to compare it to a tow belt. I am curious to know if there anyone out there who owns a tow belt that does not wear it but keeps it in a hatch? Let's not get off topic with this one - tow belts can/will be another discussion thread. I personally consider radios to be a piece of safety equipment that needs to be ready in an emergency, which may not be your own. That bring me to the question of whether or not to keep the radio on, and I went back to my tow belt to find another correlation. I think that it equates to keeping the carabineer out and readily accessible, and not stored in the pouch where it is difficult to access in an emergency. Any takers on that analogy? (Even I have trouble staying on topic!) Anyway, even on lunch breaks, there might be someone near by sending out a distress call that we can help or at least assist until help arrives. What are the cons of wearing and using a radio? I know that they typically don’t like salt water and need a considerable amount of maintenance. They are big and clunky, and can get in the way of performing re-entries and eating lunch. The antenna stick up your nose or can poke your eye out. Do the rewards of wearing a radio out way the risks? Maybe. I think that anyone that has had to be rescued truly rescued (by the Coast Guard or other vessels) might think so. My basic point is this: if you own a VHF radio, why not turn it on and have it available when you are on the water? You not only use it to communicate with other member of your group (when not in voice range of course - that will be yet another topic), but to listen for other radio traffic that may concern you, or just for weather alerts. Most importantly, shouldn't you be listening for emergencies that you may be able to assist? I understand that if you are on a multi-day trip and need to conserve battery power, then you may need to consider your power usage. However, I would consider bringing a second battery rather than risking loss of power to the radio. I encourage all to post their thoughts and musings on this topic of whether or not to wear and use a VHF radio. I will be posting other CAM conversations over time, but if anyone sees the need to go off topic from this thread, feel free to start one up. My hope is that these postings will provide all of us with different insights that can help us all approach our activity with greater safety.

Leon, I thing that this is a lesson that everyone can learn from. I don't want to side track Ernie's post, so I am going to the General Message Board to continue this discussion.

I apologize for not having the whole story but I heard on the radio yesterday that a cruise ship had an "accidental" discharge somewhere (that's the part I didn't get). Apparently the sewage plumbing got connected to the bilge plumbing when they were too close to shore. I believe this is a common (and disgusting) practice when out at sea, but not when within a certain distance from shore. Any possibility this is related to your mystery slick?

David, have you tried the Sea To Summit eVent compression dry sacks? They are a newer design (replacing yours?) that are able to expel the air after being closed instead of the other way around. We use them for our sleeping bags, and I have seen several other people using them as well. They compress very well, and I had a sleeping bag packed for over a week (I know, I know - not good) and it did not loose compression. The the compression top can be a little tricky to get the straps to lay right, but I have found that you get used to it after a while.

Gary, Cathy, and myself remained on Jewell on Saturday to do some geocashing and exploring, possibly with a couple others for bird watching. I think the tree coverage is hiding a some boats, as well as the majority of the camp site.

What an amazing adventure, Gary, despite the postponed fire works and the wandering boat! Congrats on the night nav as well. I think that there are many excelent adventures taking place out there, and I thank you for sharing yours.

I am interested in people's opinions regarding different types of spray skirts. I have a Nylon spray skirt that works fine to keep paddle drips and ocean spray out, but now that I am working on rolls and aggressive edging and bracing techniques, water like to seep (and flood) in. I have seen most NSPNers wearing Neoprene. My initial assumption is that they are more water tight (I am avoiding the term "waterproof") than the Nylon, particularly since the rand (part that grips the cockpit coaming - I had to look it up) on the Nylon is gathered, not stretched like the Neoprene. Also, the tunnel is typically higher and tighter to the body for a better water seal. This is what I am leaning to for my next skirt, but I want to know if anyone experiencing Neoprene skirts that appear to be loosing there water tightness over time? The Nylon are supposed to be better at ventilation on hot days than the Neoprene. Apparently, there are also Nylon/Neoprene combination skirts. Anyone using one, and what your impressions. They are supposed to be the best of both worlds, but that usually just means that they are the worst of both. I would rather be spending money on equipment that I don't already have, but I am getting concerned about the effectiveness of my skirt. I actually had it come loose during a recent roll. I was able to tighten the rand cord to provide a better fit, but I worry about making it so tight as to not be able to release it for a wet exit. That would not be good! So, let the comments fly and we will see how far off topic we can get this thread...

I did look at the calculator quickly and I calculated that, for a six hour paddle (common for many NSPN trips), you would need to add almost 2.5 liters of fluid to your daily intake. I don't know about all the different hydration systems out there, but the Kokatat holds about 1.5 liters. Is anyone bringing a second bladder with them and finishing both by the end of their paddle? I remember talking to my doctor once about hydration. He repeated the same ol' rule of "drink plenty of clear liquids". I don't understand his exacerbation over my suggestion of vodka! Anyway, his recommendation on how much to drink was this: "Keep your pee as clear as possible." That's it, and it's true. Three different people who weigh the same amount and have the same activity level will require three different amounts of hydration each day simply because they have different diets, metabolisms, and genders. While I recognize that if you always wait to pee to see if you need a glass of water is not a good idea, it is a good barometer of how well you are drinking. My general understanding is that no one drinks enough anyway, so if you are unsure if you have drank enough, have some more.

We have a radio, so I can help on the water.

Cathy and I will be whimping out tonight as well. Due to work schedules, we needed to decide last night to load the boats or not and we chose not. Hopefully we will catch up with everyone next week. FYI - lots of power outages and flooding in Woburn and Wilmington.

I would like to join if there is still room. Cathy has to work that Friday, so I will be solo. If anyone would like to carpool, PM me or email: robertfolster at verizon dot net.

Some of the photos don't even look real - the water looks amazing!! Once again an incredible opportunity missed. There seem to be more and more of those passing by. Maybe next time......

Sounds like a nice paddle to me. Cathy and I poked around up there some time ago and it would be nice to get back there.

I would like to jump in here since I just recently learned about the hanging draw and am confused (still so much to learn!!). We were learning and practicing bow rudders where you edge away from the blade which allows the boat to turn easier. I was then told to move from the bow rudder to a hanging draw with no mention of dropping off edge. Now learning here that the purpose of a hanging draw is to move the boat sideways and not to turn, it does not seem to make sense to transition from a bow rudder to a hanging draw. Is this new revelation of mine correct or am I missing something else? Also, if edging the boat turns it, and the hanging draw is to move sideways, wouldn't it make sense to remain neutral as Warren posted so as to not contradict the intent of the stroke? I can't wait to get on the water and work on the different rolling....er, edging methods.

FYI - Piscataqua water temps at New Castle are fluctuating with the tide roughly between 61 and 53 degrees, and may actually drop lower each day. Air temp will be in the 80's on Friday.

It has been brought to my attention that some number of paddlers are already planning on a day paddle from Lanes Cove, and a few will be involved in a Friday session as well. There is a HIGH probability that I (and some others) may not have the energy to make this trip. Therefore, don't hold any plans on us.

The Pink Paddler and I will be there.

Turns out I got may ride (and my wife) back for tomorrow - yeah!! We are keeping an eye on the weather and may go so far as to make our decision at the launch. Lets hope for a good evening.....

Definitely interested.

The Portsmouth Brewery tends to be good and their menu is on their website at www.portsmouthbrewery.com

I have never done a moonlight paddle and would love to go but have some questions. But first - there was some discussion when the new calendar was posted that some trips got moved by a day. Was this originally scheduled for Saturday? How late would the group stay out? Is Sunday the only option on the table right now or is Saturday night open for discussion? If not, I can look for a future paddle. (How did I do with my punctuation?)

For those who have been asking about the bankrupt manufacturer of my Epsilon boat, Boreal Desings has been purchased by the parent company of Riot Kayaks of Canada. It will be interesting to see the effects, if any, over the coming years. The parent company, simply named Kayak Distribution, does not have a usable website, and Riot does not mention the acquisition. You can see the article I found here: http://www.paddlinginstructor.com/industry-stuff/4502-boreal-designs-purchased-by-riot-kayaks.html

It is very likely that I will be without boat transportation next Wednesday for the Walden Pond weekly skills session. I will still have a vehicle to drive, so if anyone has a spare boat that they are willing to bring to the pond, I would appreciate the opportunity to try a different boat then what I have been using. Please post here or PM me directly.