JanetL

So now that it's all changing... how does one go about getting started? I had wanted to start working on the 3* program (but it seems like training for that are few and far between - and maybe I'm supposed to find a 2* first). Is it too late now?

Hi Dan. I'm interested (assuming I am done-ish unpacking by then).  I have to work in the late afternoon so getting back by 2pm is ideal.

Janet

I am interested and flexible except that I need to be out by 3pm at the very latest - working evening shift. Winthrop would be ok with me. 

I'm not sure if I'm officially allowed to post here? Someone tell me / delete if not, please!

It's too hot this week for my normal evening MTB rides so I'm going to paddle in Mystic Lakes after work Monday or Tuesday (company would persuade me on day!) . Will probably spend much time in the water. :)

I would start at 5:30/40- ish, from the boat launch off of Mystic Valley parkway.

Would anyone like to join me?

Janet

Hello

If I show up after work at 5:30, will everyone already be ready for pasta?

No early Wednesday escapes for me...

Janet

Weather looks nice. I'm planning to come. 

I am new and I would like to come. I don't have a neoprene cap or hood - does anyone have an extra I could borrow? (I have everything else). 

7 hours ago, josko said:

Matt, this brings us to the original point of the thread: what can a motivated and passionate person actually DO to help build the sport and the community.

Be welcoming to enthusiastic, cautious, new-ish but athletic paddlers and let them come on trips   (you DID do this for me on an AMC trip, Josko, a couple years ago - and it was much appreciated)

As a relatively novice paddler, it was/is VERY hard to find people to paddle with. I'm smart enough not to go out and get myself into trouble on my own but got a lot of "sorry we don't know  you / you need BCA level blah / send me a 10 page paddling resume" when I tried to join trips. Super discouraging. Soooo I spent an awful lot of $ on formal kayak training. Way more than I spent on my used kayak! I got a ton out of the instruction and don't regret any, but it would have been nice to be able to tag along with more of the group stuff I see posted.

Of course, just as I started getting some actual experience I had a non-kayaking shoulder injury and have missed this whole summer. Bummer. Hope I can try the tag-along thing again next year.

Thanks everyone! I actually saw yall at Walden this summer (I'm one of those people swimming across) which is how I found the group. Only just now got a boat of my own. Hope to meet for real soon!

Hello

I am a new NSPN member with a question that Google isn't answering to my satisfaction.

After a summer of renting, I bought my very own kayak (WS Zephyr 15.5).

I am also a renter of housing, and luckily have basement space to store it. But what I don't have is a hose that can reach the driveway/street! (spigot all the way around on the other side of the building -- I'd need a looong hose)

How important is it to rinse a plastic kayak after every (salty) use? Can i just go through a carwash? Or any other tips?

Seems like a silly thing, I know...!

Hope to meet some of you soon. Sadly I'm too beginner for your paddles I think, but I'm taking lessons!

JL