What we’re about
Hi Everyone, Welcome, Fellow River & Shore Kayaker's,
This is NOT a professional kayak tour group or kayak instruction group, it is just a group of friends sharing a hobby and other shared interests. ( Snowshoeing & XC Skiing is at Northwest Park , Bike Riding is with CASUAL BIKER's GROUP, Hiking is in a Social Paced & Features Exploring Nature by us. )
Kick the Kentucky Deep Fried Chicken Bucket into the trash, it is time to start getting in shape for the new 2023&4 paddling season and other associated activities.
I am planning on having a very productive season every year exploring some new paddling locations and returning to the favourites of the past few years also.
First Timers, Beginners to Advanced paddlers, and Recreational to Sea Rated Kayaks are welcome on all of my events and locations listed.
IMPORTANT: If you have a recreational Kayak you can still join us, however for everyone's safety it would be good to have flotation bags in the front and rear.
http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/s...
This Kayak group introduces paddling events in the cooler weather on the Flat Water Rivers generally in the Connecticut & Massachusetts area during the Spring and Fall season. Further away areas will be introduced when sufficient strength is acquired to handle a longer trip.
As soon as the the air and ocean water temp reaches a point where it is safe enough, we will start to explore the selected CLEANER WATER shore areas generally between GUILFORD CT to WAKEFIELD RI AREA'S put ins.
Coves, estuaries, tidal rivers and some open ocean paddling out to a few islands are part of the mix for all to join in on.
I have a few new areas of exploration and i plan to introduce them as the skills of the majority increases. This helps the new paddlers just joining us for the first time to explore with us and it enhances the feeling of security to them.
Please remember: "Don't buy junk kayaks or junk equipment" (I learned the hard way) but if you already have purchased your boats or can't afford the good equipment, join us anyway. The primary goal of this group is to enjoy paddling while helping each other to naturally gain skills. You will learn what kinds of kayaks and equipment is safer and how to use them without overspending.
One of the best things to learn is Self Rescue because you never know when you will go into the water especially when no one may be around to get to you easily or in a timely way.
Please watch the following video: Paddle Float Entry:
( In the Summer you will be able practice this with us in real OCEAN CONDITIONS @ the 4 Mile River Event or other lake river event prior to the ocean) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyoT0ylenvU
Heel Hook version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QGG03uMWCs
Should you learn Rolling ???
http://www.useakayak.org/reflections/reflec_rolling_5_02.html
To Interactively Learn some Kayak Principles a fantastic site:
http://kayakpaddling.net/
A good thing to practice is the "Assisted Rescue" Heel Hook re-Entry:
> The now swimmer floats parallel to their boat on back in water with head towards his/her stern resting until ready while you are holding the boat steady for them up against yours.
: have them raise their OUTSIDE leg and HOOK their leg under the fore deck of their boat.
: using that leg as a lever, their inside arm can be used to also steady against any life line (you can also help pull on the outside arm), then have them roll themselves toward you so they end up on to their boat with their stomachs down above the seat.
: From this point have them roll in either direction to an upright position while sliding down into the cockpit position until they are ready and comfortable enough to start to paddle again.
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All Events will be chosen to be in places where there are: NO boat launching FEES and adequate parking.
I plan the events based on river flow rates, ocean tides, water temp, wind speed, and other weather conditions to provide the best outcome for all.
With all events, there is the Traditional Pot Luck Barbie-q's, a fire pit and plenty of time to enjoy socializing into the evening so please plan to join us for the whole day.
I have a "Hopeful" course and destination when i post an event. There is usually an unknown exact paddle time on the water since things change as we go along, as a group some can cut the course short and meet us at the Barbie-Q spot The others can continue to the paddle destination as listed. It is always more of a group decision as to when its time to call it "Dinner Time" or when we have had enough for the day.
You have to carry a PFD *Required by Law* and if possible attach a whistle to it to alert others if you are in danger.
It is not always necessary, However, Please wear your PFD at all times (this makes it easier on everyone in the event you do capsize especially if you don't have the proper skills to get back in efficiently, are physically out of shape, or are injured in any way) the whistle alerts more people to your need). I wear mine at all times because i learned the hard way once and live to tell you to wear yours now, i don't want to tow a dead body with a drag rope all the way down the river or to the shore then have to answer legal questions on why you are dead.
If possible, and if you can afford it, get a small light or a headlamp which is ok (not really leagal, but better than nothing) for the very few evening paddles i may have or for finding your stuff in the dark, a paddle float for re-entry, http://www.outdooreyes.com/paddlefloatrescue.php3 ,a paddle leash and a hand water pump (or bailing sponge) are also nice to have available on your yak. Think of the items as your own Cheap Life Insurance.
Spray Skirts are NOT Required in this group yet are encouraged after you have mastered a few wet exits and feel comfortable in their use.
Since UN-planned conditions vary greatly, i prefer novices to get out of their kayaks quickly and a spray skirt without many practice wet exits is more of a liability than help.
If you are using a spray skirt and you need to extricate your self quickly, please have a WHITE ball on the Grab Loop so you can find it easier while being upside down in darker water.
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DISCLAIMER: Water sports are inherently and obviously more dangerous than most activities found on Meetup, however its much safer if you know how to self rescue, have some safety equipment, and are willing to learn some new skills along with being in acceptable physical shape.
Your way of knowing if you are in shape is to try to any self re-entry procedure at least 3 times successfully in deeper water while we are with you to assist if you need it along with being able to paddle for a few hours.
As you join us from the beginning of the season you will gain enough strength to handle the ocean trips of apx 11 miles or so naturally.
As a group we will attempt to save you as best we can given our own limitations, you have to do your part by being prepared for emergencies too. Please don't hold me or the group responsible for your actions if they are beyond our help, control, or reasoning.
This is a group of paddlers that enjoy the group environment, we learn things from each other, attending some events that promote safety, ( DEP, Coast Guard..our own practice..etc).
This group is not a business, a dues paying club or professional tour group, and there no kayak instructors are involved.
It is just a group of paddlers sharing in an enjoyable activity while learning as we go along.
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My Useful Links:
Fishing Tournaments for us to avoid:
http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/fishing/gen...
Basic Weather Overview : http://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/mesoanalysis/new/viewsector.php?sector=16
River Flood Conditions:http://waterdata.usgs.gov/CT/nwis/current?type=flow
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/nerfc/
Measured sea temp: https://www.seatemperature.org/north-americ...
Average Water Temps: https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/natl.html
APR 1-15=47*, APR 16-30=51*, MAY 1-15=54*, MAY 16-31=59*, JUN 1-15=62*, JUN 16-30=66*, JUL 1-15=68*, JUL 16-31=72*
Ocean Weather: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/okx/
Aviation Weather: http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi?Submit=Go&sta=KHFD&state=CT
Farmington River Flow Rates: http://www.frwa.org/river_flows.html
Tides 1 CT: http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/connecticutsites.html
Tides 2 Ri: http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/r...
Winds: http://www.usairnet.com/weather/maps/current/connecticut/wind-speed/
Kayak info, safety and other: http://connyak.org/
www.Paddling.net
Wave Knowledge: http://www.seafriends.org.nz/oceano/waves.htm
OK see you all on the water soon..
al-r
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Delicious Cannibal BBQ FEAST & Other Activities @ Burlingame 2024-Burlingame State Campgrounds, Charlestown, RI
Hi Everyone:
The Dates are set for our 2024 year here, have your site picked out and reserved.
Most of the group will be in sites # 131 EM AREA and #'s UP from there.
Kayaking @ Road Eye Land on the good days. Other activities on the not so good days.
Bring your kayak & Wear Your Life Jacket, (some rain gear if it rains), big tent, little tent or carboard box for your sites at Burlingame Campground.
After a day of activities, We have Simplified potlucks ( similar to those we have on regular kayak events) and a nice camp fire in the evenings ), we go to the store daily for foods, other evening activities too as conditions allow. NO SET Times unless we go to a concert (or the early getting our parking spaces)..etc...
- You Reserve your own sites and coordinate with anyone sharing your site with you:
https://www.reserveamerica.com/
2a) "Everything Depends on the Weather, Wind, Water Conditions, and venue availability for any activity thus There is only a completely variable and sometimes a necessary random SCHEDULE of events planned because everything changes daily and occasionally the morning of the day even if best choices were planned the night before, because the weather prediction and actual condition(s) has changed"
- SOME Locations to visit as conditions allow :
-->Monday & WEDNESDAY 6:00 PM TUNES ON THE DUNES@ Westerly Town Beach
: 2024 schedule https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=652201193381200&set=a.395896885678300
365 Atlantic Ave Westerly Park at # 324
---> Local Entertainment: 2024
https://www.charlestownseafoodfestival.com/festival-information/
Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival 2024
Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4
Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln
Charlestown, RI
Band: Take it to the Bridge-- ? + pm maybe next band also ?
BLUE SHUTTERS BEACH for some SUNSET evenings: 469 EAST BEACH RD, CHARLESTOWN:
https://www.southcountyri.com/listing/blue-shutters-town-beach/175/
Kayaking ACCESS: 36 POLLOCK AVE, WAKEFIELD
Kayaking 1A ACCESS: 315 BOSTON NECK RD, NARRAGANSETT
Music Events: 489 A OLD COACH RD, CHARLESTOWN
http://www.thecharlestownrathskeller.com/calendar
Hiking-TRUSTOM POND HIKE: 839 MATUNUCK SCHOOL RD, CHARLESTOWN
Hiking--BLACK POINT: 655 OCEAN ROAD, NARRAGANSETT
EARLY MORNING ALTERNATE NINNYGRIT KAYAKING ACCESS: 572 CHARRLESTOWN BEACH ROAD, CHARLESTOWN RI
NINNYGRIT PARK WATER ACESS : 4908 OLD POST RD, CHARLESTOWN
Early Morning -QUONNIE POND ACCESS: 850 WEST BEACH RD, CHARLESTOWN
NORTH KINGSTON RIVER & Bay ACCESS: 96 INTREPID DR, NORTH KINGSTON
Alternate Parking: Park in Boat Lot only @ at 170 Main St North Kingston, Follow small path by restaurant to small beach area.
PAWCATUCK RIVER ACCESS: 494 BRADFORD RD, BRADFORD
Bike Ride- Charlestown Stop & Shop, South then along Beaches to Watch Hill area.
BIKE LOOP- Stop & Shop, to East then South along the shore with multi points of interest to PT Judith Beach, then rte 108 Return .
Bike down and back: O'NEIL BIKE PATH: 1 RAILROAD AVE, SOUTH KINGSTON,
FANTASTIC UMBRELLA FACTORY: 4820 Old Post Rd, Charlestown:
https://www.fantasticumbrellafactory.com/
Charlestown Police Station. Watch prizoneers wiggel & dance in the SPECIAL DANCE CAGES.
Liability Waiver: By clicking on "Yes" for this event you and guests agree, warrant, and agree to the covenant as follows:
In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, for myself, my heirs, my executors, and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Kayaking CT MA RI kayaking Meetup Group for and related to the above-listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above-listed event and adhere to common safety practices also.
See ya all there,
- Gathering Information about visiting ACADIA PARK Sometime September/October 2024Needs location
Hi Everyone,
Crowding times:
https://parksexpert.com/best-time-to-visit-acadia-national-park/Camp Info:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/camping-in-acadia.htmBike Route:
https://www.acadiaebikeadventure.com/carriage-roadsThere are some campgrounds right in the park and some outside the park at a fairly decent deal if spaces are available.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2554Camping --- $30 per day camping is a good deal without any worries of stuffing to many in a small rental or overpriced rental, or with limited parking, activity gear storage, etc. Remember if you are already in the park ready to start your adventure at any time without entry parking hassles etc, it may make for a better Happy Days experience ?
Admission to the park is covered if you have an annual Federal Park Pass, lifetime ACCESS disabled geezer pass or other form of these passes ( Saves 30 per day entry) Camping is about 25-30 per day if staying in the park in addition to the park entry / parking of 30 if you do not have the pass. If over 62 just get the lifetime federal park pass 80 (or annual 20 ) if you plan to go to other federal sites in the future.
Federal Park Passes if interested :
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htmAcadia Camp Reservations are on a 2 month in advance roiling basis.
aL-r
- 2025---Sun- April 20---7 day cruize @ NJ-->Port Canaveral-->CocoCay--> Bahamas-Cape Liberty Cruise Port, Bayonne, NJ
Hi Everyone, Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas
2025-----Sunday April 20-----7 day cruizeHere is a cruise for us to enjoy.
I used Peter as my travel agent:
https://pdecoteau.dreamvacations.com/travel/HomePage.html
If enough of you are interested we can get a group discount if we use 1 agent, HOWEVER, You use whatever you like or are familiar with travel agent or other services.Video Tour of ship:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W99Kz0pr4u4Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas @ NJ-->Port Canaveral-->CocoCay--> Bahamas-
Sunday April 20 - 2025- Park at Cape Liberty New Jersey,
Monday- at sea
Tuesday- Port Cameral Florida
Wednesday- CocoCay Bahamas
Thursday- Nassau Bahamas
Friday- Keep Swimming to New Jersey
Saturday- Keep Swimming New Jersey
Sunday- Dry Off & Drive home-----------------------------------------------
For $850 i have the inside Bunkroom by the #2 engine room exhaust stack access port - sub-floor 2
aL