Opinion: Public Lands (including waterways) are Under Siege

Katahdin Woods and Waterways

I have been reading an alarming number of stories recently regarding the efforts of the Trump administration to roll back Obama administration designations of new public lands - and frankly, to go farther back into previous administrations' additions to our parks and refuges.These efforts have been emboldened by the court victory of Cliven Bundy and his fellow defendants against charges related to their occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. Closer to home here in the Northeast, the recently designated Katahdin Woods and Waters national monument in Maine has come under scrutiny by the Trump administration, urged on by Maine Governor Paul LePage.  

I am sympathetic to arguments and opposing opinions regarding the proper use of land resources. I do not think the exploitation of natural resources (logging, hunting, etc) is necessarily a bad thing. The myth that native peoples lived in a wild, untamed Eden before Europeans arrived is just that - a myth. Evidence suggests native peoples burned forests to promote the growth of nut bearing trees, and of berry bearing bushes - and to clear the undergrowth to make movement through the forests and the hunting of game animals drawn to fresh, post-fire plant growth easier. However, I would argue these people had an understanding of the environment far more sophisticated than any arriving European, and certainly a much lighter hand as they worked with natural processes.

Here's something I don't understand, however: the land donated for the Katahdin Woods and Waterways national monument was purchased by Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of Burt's Bees, purveyor of "natural" products like their well known lip balm. As far as I am aware, no seller was unduly pressured to sell his or her land, and it was purchased with profits made by an American based business - profits earned in the free and open market in the face of competition. If an American citizen spends her own legally made U.S. dollars on tens of thousands of acres, then decides to gift those acres for a national monument, why is the allegedly small government/free market supporting governor of Maine against that? It seems inconsistent. One might even say hypocritical. A cynical mind might wonder for who's interests the governor is actually working. Certainly, the folks who oppose this national monument could have purchased the land themselves when it was for sale.They didn't. Roxanne Quimby did. Because of that, and her generous gift to our nation, every U.S. citizen can access those lands for purposes of recreation and enjoyment. The very same process of privately purchased lands donated to the nation (in this case via the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations) resulted in the development of Acadia National Park on Maine's seacoast. Today, Acadia is an economic engine, driven by tourist dollars, for Mt. Desert Island and surrounding areas - besides being an incredible jewel of natural wonder, offering myriad recreational opportunities, including kayaking (see my post Bar Harbor - Gateway to Outdoor Adventure).

In a recent Boston Globe piece discussing the threat to Kathadin Woods and Waterways, David Abel writes:

Environmental groups immediately questioned the president’s legal authority to reverse a previous president’s designation, but the Trump administration has suggested that some of the restrictions on mining, logging, and other commercial and recreational activities have gone too far.  

Note the reference to mining and logging restrictions, then ask yourself who is really behind these efforts - and how much money they might be funneling into Political Action Committees and other coffers.

If you believe in the idea of lands designated for the use of all citizens, and for the welfare of the animals and environment within them, then let your voice be heard. Because, I can assure you, those on the opposing side with money to spend will surely make sure theirs are heard.

- TB on the Water

Read the full Boston Globe article here:

Environmentalists vow to fight Trump on Maine monument

              

Paddle Trip: Pavilion Beach to Sandy Point

I thought I'd start featuring some specific trip descriptions - especially for anyone who might want to paddle a similar route. Here's my most recent...

For a short, local escape on a bright summer day, Tim (An Unexpected Adventure) and I departed from Pavilion Beach (map here) in Ipswich, MA around 1:00pm and headed east across the entrance to Plumb Island Sound toward Sandy Point State Reservation.This wouldn't be a long distance paddle, but the idea was for a few hours of relaxation started from a convenient launch spot. Pavilion Beach can get parked up pretty quickly in the summer, but this was a slow day, and we had no trouble finding a spot right at the edge of the beach. Low tide was a little after noon, so we'd have the incoming tide largely behind us as we made our way back. We had to carry the 'yaks 30 yards or so to get to the water's edge, but the footing was decent - not very muddy and largely sand. The water was smooth as glass at the shore, but a little wind chop picked up as we departed the beach. There are dozens of boats moored near Pavilion Beach and farther into the sound, and this is a popular passage to the mouth of the Ipswich River and the open ocean beyond for boats of all sorts, so we had to keep an eye out and cross the boat lanes carefully. The deep water channel curves closer to Pavilion than to Sandy Point on the other side, so boat traffic was an early concern. Fortunately, there were only a couple of power boats navigating the channel, so we crossed in short order, and got ourselves away from boat traffic.

Little Neck and Great Neck (launch location) viewed from the sandbar 

As we paddled farther across the sound, I noticed the tide was low enough that a long shallow section pointing south from Sandy Point was visible, even from a distance. The lighter colored water was a giveaway. We angled southeast toward this area, and discussed the possibility of crossing the channel again at its narrow point and heading south to Crane Beach. I wasn't about to commit to that without laying eyes on the current in the narrow section of the channel before deciding. As we moved along the edge of the shallows, however, I began to notice that a sandbar in the distance appeared to be on our side of the channel - across the shallow section from us. Several boats had pulled up to it, and people were enjoying the temporary island while they could. We opted to head to this sandbar and investigate. The wind and the incoming tide were roughing up the conditions over the shallows, and as we progressed, wave chop grew. It was manageable, though, and actually fun to navigate. Having an opportunity to paddle in challenging (even mildly) conditions, when the water is shallow enough to walk in it, is fantastic. It's a great chance for a new or rusty paddler to work on skills without the risk of capsizing in deep water. In fact, if you run across a situation like that, it might be a good place to intentionally capsize, to practice your emergency skills. Just make sure it's deep enough if you intend to roll your boat - you don't want to knock your head on the bottom. 

Looking south toward the Crane Estate from the sandbar

We crossed the choppy shallows and pulled up to a pristine sandbar, that was still pretty expansive at this stage of the incoming tide. Folks were lounging, swimming...I saw a group playing bocce. It was a temporary oasis so long as the tide allowed it to remain. I took a swim while Tim caught some rays, and then walked out to a quickly disappearing strip of sand, off the larger bar, that pointed north toward Plumb Island. The water was rougher here, as crisscrossing waves collided with each other. A striped bass flashed past my my leg in the clear water. This was a beautiful spot, but it was evident that it wasn't going to last. By the time I got back to the kayaks, they were almost in water, and Tim had moved them once already.  

Looking north from the sand bar toward Plumb Island

We got back in the 'yaks and paddled north toward Sandy Point. The inbound tide had increased the previous chop to a small swell now, and we rode the face of the swell toward the point. As the water grew shallow again around the point, I started to notice occasional rounded shapes on the bottom. I realized they were horseshoe crabs, and doubled back to see if I could grab one. I managed to hunt one down and to pick it up without getting spiked by its pointed tale or pinched by its mini-pincers. I never lose my fascination with these creatures; they are so alien, so ancient looking. After some brief examination, I released the animal back into the water. I guessed that it was a male, because it was smaller in size than some of the others I saw - my understanding is that the males are smaller relative to the females. We continued north along the western edge of Plumb Island, and into a natural harbor formed by the mouths of a couple creeks that meander into the island marsh grass. Houseboats are moored in this area, and I mentioned to Tim my envy for these vessels - who knows, one day maybe I'll own one.   

I took a look at my watch, and saw it was close to 3:00, so it was a good time to head back. We still had to cross the sound, and then paddle for a stretch against the inbound tide to get back to Pavilion Beach. As we headed back across the sound toward Great Neck I noticed how much the tide had increased the water flow. The current flowing into the sound with the the tide was sufficient to drag us as we pushed to cross it. This can be a challenging scenario when you're among moored boats, as we were. You need to anticipate where your paddle rate and forward momentum will move you relative to the force of the current dragging you in a different direction. You'll end up drifting behind some boats that you initially thought you'd paddle in front of. That's OK though, so long as you're making general progress toward your goal - in this case, getting across the sound and the swifter channel. We eventually made it across, but now faced directly into the inbound tide and the wind as we proceeded along the coast of Great Neck, south toward Pavilion Beach. It was a challenge, and the hardest part of the trip, to make that final effort back to the beach, but I was glad for the exertion. I tried doing this same section once in a much smaller kayak, but couldn't beat the current and had to drag the kayak along as I walked the shore. My Sea Dart did fine,though, and we drifted onto the beach at Pavilion around 3:45pm.

A quick reminder about safety - even though I wasn't alone, and this was intended as an easy paddle, I made sure to text my wife before I departed with the details of our location, and again when we landed back at the beach to let her know we were out of the water.  

All in all, this was a great local paddle with some beautiful natural highlights. I'd recommend it to anybody - just watch the tide and conditions, and keep an eye out for boats.

- TB on the Water

           

Gear: Benefits and Weaknesses of SOT (Sit-On-Top) Kayaks

I briefly discussed some of the benefits of SOT kayaks in my previous post Safety is a Mindset, but I'd like to get into the subject in a bit more detail. 

The primary benefit, in my opinion, of an SOT kayak is safety. It is a kayak that can be climbed into without the restrictions of a closed hull cockpit, and water in the cockpit hull will self bail through a drain hole, or can easily be dumped out if the kayak is turned over - even in water. Draining a swamped closed hull cockpit is significantly harder to do. There is no self bailing drain hole, and the main idea is to keep water out of the cockpit in the first place. That is one of the reasons closed hull 'yaks are fitted with a spray skirt - to seal the kayaker into the cockpit and away from the water. This requires the kayaker to "roll" (video tutorial here) the kayak. Alternatively, the closed hull kayaker can pull the front loop on her spray skirt and wet exit the cockpit - which will then need to be bailed out, re-entered, and re-fitted with the spray skirt. In challenging conditions, this can be difficult, tiring, and add to the overall danger of the scenario. Now, picture an SOT kayaker rolling her boat over (video tutorial here) and climbing back on it - faster, easier, less tiring...less dangerous. Remember, a swamped kayak sits much lower in the water, which makes it much more likely it will continue to get swamped in rough conditions. It is also incredibly heavy if you try to drag it onto land. Several cubic feet of water is a huge weight, and very hard, or even impossible, for many people to move. I remember foolishly beach landing my previous closed hull kayak (a Perception touring model) without a spray skirt. It got swamped by waves, and dragging it onto the beach was incredibly difficult. Trying to punch back out through the waves without the spray skirt was also nearly impossible, as the cockpit took on water and made paddling the heavier, lower kayak much harder. Then, I had to bail out the cockpit, as well as I could, to continue on my journey - I thought "never again" on that trip. 

So, a spray skirt and the commitment to learn how to roll a closed hull kayak are essential to its safe operation - especially if you plan to venture into cold ocean waters. The beauty of that design is its efficient rolling capability. Closed hull kayaks are built to roll. That's part of the overall strategy to keep water out of the kayak in the first place. Think about it - the native peoples who invented the kayak had absolutely NO interest in a wet exit. The water and air temperatures they operated in meant almost certain death if they got wet. And they weren't operating their kayaks for recreation. They were hunting. So, the death of a hunter could mean starvation for his family. That was NOT what anyone wanted. They designed a craft, therefore, that, in concert with the acquired skill of rolling it, could keep them dry in the event of a capsize. That is either a benefit or a weakness of the closed hull design - depending on the acquisition of the rolling skill. 

SOT kayaks take acquiring the rolling skill out of the "necessary" category, and move it into the "nice to have" category. This can also be seen as both a benefit and a weakness, because SOT kayaks are not designed to easily roll. They are wider, sharper edged at the chines (the side transition between the lower hull and upper deck), and the paddler is not "locked in" to them unless she affixes thigh straps. However, it can be done. This kayaker shows how - note he has thigh straps deployed...  .

                  
SOTs put the paddler in much more direct contact with the elements. This requires proper clothing. If you roll your SOT, you will get much wetter than by rolling a closed hull 'yak. So, full body clothing protection is required. This may mean a dry suit - which can be expensive (see my post 8 Tips for Dressing Right for Your Kayaking Adventure). 

SOTs are heavier than closed hull 'yaks, therefore they are harder to put on your vehicle, harder to carry, and are slower to get going on the water. Finding a touring or expedition style SOT is difficult, and they are not without their construction issues. You should do extensive research on what SOT is right for you (see my post 10 Tips for Which Kayak You Should Buy ) and check them out in person before buying. Try a couple models at least for a test paddle to see how you like them. If you don't want to shell out for a new one, find a current model that has great reviews, then see if you can locate the same model from a previous year used, or a similar model from the same manufacturer (sometimes changes in model year are small, and even model name changes aren't hugely significant) that has been phased out - you can often get these at a discount. 

SOTs can often be more expensive than comparable closed hull kayaks. This makes opting for one a decision that requires careful consideration. In my estimation, however, that consideration is well worth it if you can locate an SOT you are happy with. For me, it comes back to the safety issue. How much effort is it worth to locate the right SOT if it saves your life one day? I think it's worth every second of time, energy, and expense.

A few years back, I tried surfing a closed hull kayak in waves (see my post What's That Thing Called? ). My experience being upside down in a closed hull, without a solid roll convinced me to switch to a sit-on-top waveski. After seeing how well that set up worked in waves, it was a no-brainer to apply that knowledge to my touring kayak. So, I ditched my closed hull 'yak, and found a used Heritage Sea Dart SOT (unfortunately, no longer manufactured), and I haven't looked back.

My safety is my greatest priority when heading into the water. Not all risks can be foreseen or avoided, but they can perhaps be mitigated (see my post Please, Stop the Kayaking Deaths! (proper risk management)). It's something to think about if you're looking into an SOT option.

Plan for the worst, then enjoy the best.

- TB on the Water 

                
                

Travel: Newcastle, New Hampshire - a Kayaker's Dream

Happy 4th of July!

I can't think of a better seacoast area to explore by kayak over the 4th of July holiday than Newcastle, New Hampshire. Newcastle is essentially an island that sits due east of Portsmouth, NH, adjacent to the mouth of the Piscataqua (locals pronounce it pis-CAT-a-kwa, but I've heard pis-ca-TAK-wa is more correct) River. Newcastle proper defines the eastern border of a protected body of water that is considered part of the river, but doesn't have any current, save for the flow under 2 bridges that, along with their respective causeways, mark the northern and southern edges of this expanse. These causeways are part of the looping Rt.1B that shoots off coastal Rt.1A just before Sagamore Creek in the south and reconnects to Portsmouth Ave./Newcastle Ave. and downtown Portsmouth in the north. South of the Rt.1B loop is another protected body of water that is defined by the mainland to the west, Odiorne Point to the south, 2 breakwaters opposite each other to the east, and the Newcastle coastline and Rt.1B to the north. 2 protected water expanses, plus access to Sagamore Creek, the ocean beyond the breakwaters, and the impressive Piscataqua River is quite an array of paddling opportunities in a relatively confined area. That said, the area is not without its challenges, and even dangers.

View of Sagamore Creek

As one might imagine, kayaks are not the only craft making use of this area. Boats of all types are present, and jet skis appear from time to time. Fortunately, they are relegated to deeper sections, and much of this area is relatively shallow. Kayaks truly have an advantage here. Currents are not a major factor in most of the area, but they can be profound with tidal flow under the causeway bridges and around points and the breakwaters. I've never been turned back by a current here, but I could see it happening, depending on the tide. I think the biggest danger in this area is complacency. It is so ideal, that a kayaker might get a little too comfortable and not fully focused. Pinch points like bridges should be navigated with respect for their dangers. Also the Piscataqua is a substantial river - one of the bigger rivers in the area. It moves a tremendous amount of water. No one but experienced kayakers should venture beyond Newcastle Ave. and into the main river - and, forget about paddling against the current unless the inbound tide is pushing you. It is a seriously dangerous area and should not be taken lightly. The ocean beyond the breakwaters can also be dangerous, so the same advice applies. If you decide to paddle beyond them, watch for the lines of fishermen who cast off the end of the south breakwater.

Parking is available at Odiorne Point State Park for a fee, but gates may be closed in off hours. The parking lot can also fill up fast in the summer. There is limited parking on the other side of the short wooden bridge adjacent to the lot entrance, but it is a steep slope and the tide can rise and swamp your vehicle, so be careful to park above the high tide line. I have parked here many times, but it can be challenging, and the bottom is quite muddy at low tide. There are several spots on the Portsmouth Ave. section of Rt.1B in Newcastle, with a gravel boat launch suitable for kayaks, but I am unaware of any required fees or permits to park there. I have parked on the roadside in the past, and have not received a citation or had any issues. There is significant parking and a boat launch on Pierce Island, just off the Strawberry Bank section of Portsmouth. However, this is north of Newcastle Ave., and is in the main river. The water is protected on the south side of Pierce Island, but if you want to access the Newcastle protected waters, you will have to pass under a bridge that could have a significant current on an outbound tide.   

Paddling options are plentiful here. You can wander through the many islands in the section encompassed by Rt.1B. You can paddle upstream on Sagamore Creek, which stretches west and expands into a wider, less developed section . You can raft onto the beach at Odiorne Point and go for a swim (expect cold water, though). For the experienced and adventurous, you can paddle into the Piscataqua, and travel downstream to circumnavigate Newcastle, then re-enter past the breakwaters on the south side. This area is also a decent location for kayak fishing, although I never hooked a striped bass here in the 'yak. One unusual option for the adults is to pull up onto the small beach to the left of BG's BoatHouse on Sagamore Creek and enjoy a couple of libations and maybe a lobster roll, before you head back out to the water (just make sure it's not more than a couple libations - operating a kayak while inebriated is dangerous, and possibly illegal). 

Newcastle is also home to the historic Wentworth By The Sea Hotel, which was the location for the signing of the treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese war. Odiorne Point to the south was once home to huge defensive battleship sized guns, designed to attack possible invading German Navy ships during the 2nd World War. Many of the installations, although decommissioned and in disrepair, are still present - as well as secretly accessible (though officially off limits) underground tunnels and chambers. 

With mostly calm waters, multiple paddling options for all skill levels, and amazing scenery like the Wentworth By The Sea, you would be hard pressed to find a better kayaking location than Newcastle, NH. You could even rent a kayak or two, if you don't own one, at Portsmouth Kayak Adventures located right on Rt.1B (called Wentworth Ave in this stretch). Oh, and I haven't yet mentioned the many attractions in nearby Portsmouth - one of this country's oldest cities and home to great shopping, food, and near to my heart, beer at places like Earth Eagle Brewings.

So, show your patriotic pride and travel to a historic area that played an important role in fighting the Revolutionary War, ending the Russo-Japanese War, and protecting our coast during the 2nd World War, in addition to building and repairing all manner of U.S. Navy ships at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard - and enjoy it from the perspective of a fantastic paddle adventure on its welcoming waters.

- TB on the Water 
            

  

     

   

Opinion: Why New Hampshire Summer Surfing Sucks (and it has nothing to do with the waves)

I'm back after a brief hiatus...and with a topic near and dear to my heart:

So, New Hampshire (and northern New England in general) is not known for consistently great waves. Autumn into winter has been prime time in these parts as long as I've been surfing my waveski, and the frigid winter waters can offer some opportunities - especially for the more discerning among us (48℉ water can make anybody more discerning 😜).Spring storms can drive some decent swells. Summer tends to get a little flat. That being said, occasionally summer waves are OK - even a few feet on the face from time to time. The luxury of surfing without a full wetsuit is a summertime blessing. So, waves are available if you're patient. But, like the title to this post says - New Hampshire sucking has nothing to do with the waves.

I'm going to focus on New Hampshire, but my criticisms can apply more broadly to other New England states. New Hampshire, in my experience, is one of the more egregious states in its flat out discrimination toward surfers. Let's start with the parking.

New Hampshire has to maximize its revenue from its small coastline, so parking spots are metered at places like The Wall in North Hampton. At least these meters accept a credit card, and allow for a few hours of paid parking. As long as you have a watch, you can safely park for the fee - currently $2/hr. I cannot say the same for farther up the coast. Rye posts signs threatening a $100 fine and the possibility of towing if you park parallel to the loose stone levy along Sawyer's Beach. The signs go up for Memorial Day, and do not come down until after Labor Day. The 30-40 spots are for town permit holders only, and I am unaware of any opportunity to obtain one if you are not a town resident. The number of times I have driven past this stretch and eyeballed dozens of unused parking spots is too many to count. The small lot at Jenness Beach is paid parking, and fills up fast. There are some free spots farther north on Rt. 1A, and on a side street with beach access - but you better make damn sure your tires do not cross the white line on the roadside, or you will be fined by traffic enforcement patrolling on scooters. Look, I understand property tax paying residents (NH has no sales or income tax, and relies on high property taxes) want to exercise their rights to access their beaches in the summer. What I don't understand is why they would want to waste unused parking spaces that could be occupied by out of towners who, you know, might drop a little coin at their local businesses - businesses that are also local tax payers. The parking restrictions are based on arbitrary dates, and not on actual usage by residents. That lays out a big "UNwelcome" mat to visitors.

The lifeguards - oh, the lifeguards. New Hampshire beaches invariably hire summer lifeguards who are apparently college age young people. I think that's great. One thing that's lacking, however, in these young people, is any capacity for judgment and a non-arbitrary application of the rules. Two summers ago, I was flagged down by a lifeguard as I surfed, who informed me of a complaint from a parent that I was surfing too close to her children. When I asked the young lady if she had informed the mother that I was not allowed to surf in the no-surf, bather only, flag marked section roughly fifteen feet to our left, and that her children could safely avail themselves of that area to their heart's content, she replied "yes, she thought that was the surfing area, you're not doing anything wrong". You'll recognize the obvious question - "then why am I having this conversation"? I didn't even bother to ask. The point was a mother, whether right or wrong (wrong in this case) had complained, and the young lifeguard felt it necessary to, sort of, reprimand me for what I was not doing wrong. I continued as I was, where I was - but not without.a feeling of having been unduly singled out.

This past weekend, I attempted to surf at The Wall in North Hampton. I paid for a few hours of parking at the meter, proceeded into the water where there were almost no bathers (maybe one or two scattered - the water is still cold for bare skin), and tried to catch what small waves I could. Within 30 minutes, I was hailed by a lifeguard. When I got near the young man, I asked him what the issue was. He stated "you can still do that, but you have to move down the beach to where the other surfers are". (Earlier, I saw a bunched up group of surfers in an area with little apparent wave action, and wondered why they were there). I immediately scanned the beach to look for flags marking a no-surf area, or even guard towers with signage. There were none. So, I asked the young lifeguard "where are the flags?". He looked around and shrugged "someone just took them down". Again - why am I having this conversation? So, I am to move to an undefined area "somewhere" down the beach, to join a group of sardine packed surfers (that's not dangerous 😒) so that almost no bathers (who haven't complained as far as I know) have this section to themselves? Absolutely ludicrous. Nevertheless, I complied.

As I moved south down the beach, catching what lefts I could to speed the process, I was hailed again. I couldn't believe it. Was this the same lifeguard who pushed me out of my previous spot? No, as it turned out. It was another young man telling me I would need to move farther to some undefined area. I had enough at this point, and as I exited the water past the young lifeguard, I asked him who I could contact to get a refund on my parking fee. He just shrugged his shoulders. I told him no flags marking a no-surf zone were posted, and he just stared at me blankly. You'll understand my consternation when, 20 minutes later, as I was peeling off my wetsuit and stowing my gear, I saw the very same lifeguard walk past me on the sidewalk, carrying two flags - the very ones that were not deployed when he harassed me out of the water. I have since contacted the NH State Department of Parks & Recreation, which manages Hampton Beach. Meredith Collins from that department returned my call promptly, listened attentively, and promised to look into the incident. Hopefully, that bodes well for the future - she seems to be quite competent.

That said, these are not the only two ridiculous interactions I've had with New Hampshire summer lifeguards. I wish I could say otherwise.

The bathers - It is a very peculiar psychology indeed that drives the first bather of the day (when you have risen at the crack of dawn to hit the waves early, and have been surfing a spot for a couple of hours) wades into the ocean directly in front of you - and then stands frozen in panic as the next wave you catch pushes you toward him. The angry scowl that replaces the panic, once he realizes the wave will carry you past him, betrays his complete ignorance. His inability to recognize the fifty yards of unoccupied water to the left and to the right is only matched by his incapacity to appreciate that you were there first - you know, at the crack of dawn, unlike his lazy ass that just rolled out of bed and probably hasn't showered yet. The recognition of surf culture that exists in Hawaii and California (hell, even Florida) is not present in New Hampshire. People are just plain stupid around surfers. Throw in the surf casting fishermen who throw lines out in front of surfers, the yahoos who float out on discount club kayaks or inflated inner tubes, and boogie boarders who haven't figured out you need swim fins to surf waves with those things (how exactly are you going to paddle with both hands holding the board?), and it turns into a circus pretty fast. 

The ocean is for everyone, and I have no issue with rules to accommodate multiple uses, but the rules should apply to bathers and others as equally as they apply to surfers. In New Hampshire, they don't. And towns should recognize that every visitor disgruntled by their policies is much less likely to spend a nickel at local businesses - including surf shops like Summer Sessions and Cinnamon Rainbows  who, I'm sure, have no issue accepting out of town money.   

Give me the colder autumn water, the clearer air, plenty of parking, and better waves. I'm hanging up my surf gear until the fall. It's time to get in some long paddles on the touring 'yak. At least the open water won't have any bathers. Now, I just have to watch out for the jet skis 😉.

- TB on the Water      

           

                

Adventure: Aleksander Doba, the Polish Kayaker Who Crossed the Atlantic (three times!)

I love stories of (some would say) crazy adventurers who take on, and often accomplish, goals so daunting it makes my longest paddles seem like a walk in the park. They harken back to days when famous explorers took on life threatening conditions because they didn't really have any other way to gain fame and fortune. We live in a modern world that has many advantages of comfort and relative safety, but sometimes I wonder if we've lost some of our vital spirit along the way. Fortunately, there are a few individuals who remind us by their epic adventures that the marrow of life is still available for those willing to risk and suffer to get at it.

Aleksander Doba appears to be one such individual. I read a post on Men's Journal from 2014 that recounts Doba's paddle across the Atlantic from Portugal to Florida. This was his second crossing, and he estimates that, due to his drift in currents, he paddled some 7,000 miles - this from a 67 year old man sporting a long, grey beard.

Now, I have no intention of embarking on anything vaguely close to the challenges Doba takes on (for example, he's the first person to paddle the length of the Amazon). However, he does inspire me to push my boundaries, and not to use the passing years as an excuse to grow ever more tentative. It reminds me of a great Anthony Hopkins movie, The Edge , where he tries to build Alec Baldwin's confidence for a looming battle with a predatory grizzly bear by repeating "What one man can do, another can do". Certainly not without preparation and training, but theoretically, yes - what what man can do, another can do.

Take a look at the Men's Journal post here:

Men's Journal - A Record-Breaking Atlantic Crossing by Kayak  

**UPDATE** He has now crossed the Atlantic solo THREE times - now at the age of 70. Read the story here Canoe & Kayak: 70-YEAR-OLD KAYAKER CROSSES ATLANTIC, KEEPS GOING   

Aleksander Doba -  Nicola Muirhead/@nicolaanne_photo 

Keep your spirit of adventure alive, and push your boundaries - no matter how close to home they may be.

- TB on the Water

  

        

Advice: The "Kmart Kayaker" - Why More People Are Dying from Paddle Sports

In my previous posts Safety is a Mindset and 10 Tips for Which Kayak You Should Buy, I mention the dangers of buying a "toy" kayak - by which I mean a cheap, poorly designed model sold at discount retailers. I recently ran across a post on GrindTV  that describes the buyers of these cheap models as "Kmart Kayakers". This term was used by Jim Emmons of the non-profit Water Sports Foundation, and I think it's an apt one. Jim describes a proliferation of discount retailer sold kayaks, and the access they afford to the water by untrained, poorly outfitted, and sometimes naive paddlers. WSF is working with the Coast Guard to address this issue, and I think that's a fantastic effort. Education of new kayakers and paddleboarders is key to saving lives.

“In the industry we call it the ‘Kmart kayaker,'” Emmons told GrindTV. “As kayak manufacturing processes were developed to make them less expensive, kayak brands found mass merchant places to sell them over the years.”

Take some time to read the full Grind TV post here: Why are deaths in paddle sports increasing?


As always, respect the water, and be safe. You will be rewarded 😁  


 - TB on the Water    

Adventure: Rock Gardening (it has nothing to do with dirt)

I have peripherally been paying attention to a kayaking activity called "rock gardening", which, like most things in the water, is much more advanced on the west coast then it is here in the east. However, I have run across some indications that could change. The general idea of rock gardening, as a kayaking sport, is to paddle on, over, around, between, and through rock formations on the coast or in open water. As you might imagine, this is probably not a good idea for the beginner, and could be highly dangerous if you didn't know what you were doing. That being said, the folks who do know what they're doing sure make it look like fun. 

I have noodled around rock formations a little bit, in a very conservative fashion - mostly because I've been by myself. This sport is something you would want to attempt only with like minded and experienced paddlers. A helmet is a must, and a solid roll will likely be required. My go to video on the subject is a group of rock gardening, and otherwise adventurous California kayakers who call themselves Neptune's Rangers. These folks look like they have a blast - and frankly, they have some serious backbone to play in the environments where they paddle. They also appear to have a ton of specific knowledge and great camaraderie - and (inspirational to me, anyway), they're not kids. Some of the folks on video appear to be well into middle age. I can only hope to maintain their sense of adventure and playfulness as I see the north side of 50.   

Here's a fantastic video of them doing their thing...

            

As you can see, they make rough water paddling look like it's second nature - they're completely at home in gnarly California coastal conditions. Kudos also to their video editor Roger Smith. He does a great job emphasizing the excitement. You can check out their website for fantastic advice on equipment and technique. 

As for us laggards here in the east, I did at least run across a very nice blog post on a first time rock gardening trip near Buzzards Bay in northern Rhode Island. This was written by Johna Till Johnson who describes her rock gardening adventure with Osprey Sea Kayak.

Here's a link to her full post - Where the Wild Rocks Are: Rock Gardening in Rhode Island   

So, if you're an experienced paddler and have a friend or two with similar inclinations, maybe rock gardening is a kayaking adventure you can try. Just be as safe as you can, do your research, learn some technique, and then, have an adventure. Who knows, maybe I'll see you there 😏.

- TB on the Water    

Environment: 2 Views of Human Impact on the Water

This post will be a short one. 

Recently, I was at the mouth of the Merrimack River in Newburyport, MA and I ran across two views of human activity that displayed our impact on waterways, and on the environment in general. Washed up on the riverbank (and very close to the open ocean) was trash of all sorts - but mainly bottles (mostly plastic, some glass). These had been lost, or more likely, discarded into the water or left on the beach for a high tide to wash away. As this is the mouth of a substantial river, some of the detritus could have floated downstream from several upstream communities.

Washed up trash at the mouth of the Merrimack River

This trash ran on for 50 yards at least, with clusters of items every few feet. When I saw this, I thought of every instance of thoughtlessness each item represented. I was disgusted. 

Very close nearby, I noticed some sections of the dunes that had been roped off, and within these areas, grasses had been planted as part of a dune restoration effort. These efforts have become common along coastlines, and especially on barrier islands, which Plum Island is. The driving force behind these efforts is often as much about saving property (beach houses in this case) from the ever encroaching ocean and increasingly severe storms, as it is about improving the environment. Nevertheless, it is an example of humans working with nature to recreate natural environments that will benefit many species, including our own.

Dune restoration grass plantings adjacent to the Merrimack River

Now, consider these two images of areas literally feet from each other. Then, think about the different motivations (or lack of motivations) that led to each result. It isn't hard to see which actions led to which conditions.

I'm confident the trash on the riverbank will be cleaned up before beach going season is in full swing in these parts. This particular area is popular with families and fisherman - who surf cast for striped bass. What I have no confidence in, however, is that the trash will be cleaned up by the same people who left it - or that more won't follow.  

Please, don't pollute. Don't make someone else, or something else, suffer the consequences of your actions. It's often easier to tear something down or apart than it is to build it. So, do the hard thing, do the right thing. Be part of the solution, not a source of the problem.

And, for all of you who are doing the right thing - thanks!

- TB on the Water
            

Gear: 8 Tips for Dressing Right for Your Kayaking Adventure

One question that comes up frequently when folks ask me about kayaking is "what clothing should I wear?". The answers have always seemed a bit obvious to me (and perhaps to experienced kayakers), but then, maybe they're not - and a discussion of the topic certainly can't hurt. I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on high end gear, but the materials certainly matter. When it comes to extreme scenarios like very cold water, investing in a quality piece of clothing is essential to your safety. The most important concept to remember is that you are dressing for the water (even though you have no intention of swimming) as much as for the air. It can sometimes be challenging to be comfortable in the dry conditions, and yet still be prepared for an untimely wet immersion. So, here's some pointers on how to find the right balance:


1.The most important piece of clothing is your PFD. I know, your life jacket (personal flotation device) is not exactly a piece of clothing, but it is something you wear, and it is the single most important adornment you need for your safety. This is one of those items that is worth researching and spending some money on. Find one that is designed for the type of kayaking you will be doing, that fits snugly and can be tightened easily (LIKE THIS), and that remains comfortable when tightened while affording a full range of motion. Check the U.S. Coast Guard's guide to PFD selection. Find one that you like and wear it properly - always.  

2. Wear materials that dry quickly. The best way to keep warm is to keep dry. If you're wearing a cotton t-shirt and cotton shorts (or worse - jeans), you will not dry quickly and will be wet, and most likely cold (see my post "Florida Day" - Our Florida Paddle Adventure). Synthetic materials that are designed to wick away moisture work well in wet conditions. Make no mistake - drying off will make you colder. It's like sweating times ten, especially if it's windy. Getting dry quickly, however, will stop the evaporative cooling process and allow your body to regain its' proper operating temperature. A faster way, still, is to have a dry set of clothing safely stowed in a dry bag. A quick change is the fastest way to dry off and get your body heat back. You can dry your wet synthetic clothing under the deck rigging, then they can be your backup. I save money on this gear by sourcing it at discount retailers. Synthetic, wicking fabrics seem to be everywhere these days.            

3. Carefully consider your footwear. If you stay in your boat, and the most work your footwear has to do is rest on some pegs or push rudder pedals, then you can get away with a pair of water proof sandals (and no, I don't mean flip flops). How likely is that going to be the case? You might need to get out and walk on rocks or gravel, cross mussel beds or barnacles, drag your 'yak across tough marsh grass, or slog through ankle deep mud. Mud can suck the shoes right off you - so those water slippers you bought at ____mart will not cut it. I like to wear zip up wetsuit boots (LIKE THESE). The material stays relatively warm on my feet even when they're wet, and the snug fit keeps them on in the mud. I have a pair that also feature a rugged sole that can handle sharp edges like shells and barnacles. 

4. Wear a hat. On a sunny day you will be at the mercy of the sun's rays for extended periods. Your head (especially if you're getting a little thin on top like me 😉) will bear the brunt of the exposure. There are lots of styles available, but make sure the one you choose is made of quick drying materials, has a brim or visor of some kind, and has some method to stay on in windy conditions (like a drawstring chinstrap for instance). There are models available with flaps on the back to protect your neck, with bug netting attached, with a brim that can fold up to lessen wind drag...you name it. This is another item to consider carefully, and maybe to have a back up, in case yours blows away.  

5. Wear eye protection. The sun, the wind, salt water spray...all of it, can affect your eyes adversely. Water reflects the sunshine, and it can interfere with your vision - if a fast moving boat or jetski is moving toward you, that could be a safety issue. You don't have to shell out for expensive shades. Just get something that's UV rated, and get some kind of attachment (like croakies) that loops them on your head. I have mini-floats on mine in case I lose them - theoretically they prevent my shades from sinking, and I'll be able to locate the floats in the water by their bright yellow color. 

Foam floats looped onto sunglasses

Buy cheap models so you can bring a backup pair.

6. Consider a drysuit. Ok, this is not an inexpensive proposition. A dry suit, when it works correctly, is designed to do just what it is named for - to keep you dry if you end up in the water. Why might you need one? If the water is cold enough, it can kill you - that's why (see my post Safety is a Mindset ). I wrote "when it works correctly" because the weak spot on a dry suit is the gaskets at the wrists, the neck, and the ankles (if booties are not attached). If any of these fail, water enters the suit - and you are not dry. These gaskets need to be maintained. Also, you'll want one with a front zipper if you're a guy. That way, you won't have to take it all the way off to do your business, if necessary. These cost at least several hundred dollars, so consider carefully what water temperatures you'll be paddling over before you decide to buy one. But remember - even moderate water temp's can send you into hypothermia if you don't get out of the water fast, and get dry fast. If you're planning springtime paddling, especially if you're going alone, you may want to purchase one. It could save your life. Do your research, and get a good model.

7. Consider wet suit separates. What do I mean by separates? Well, wetsuits come in full suits (all one piece - legs and arms covered), which I wear when I surf my waveski (see my post What's That Thing Called?). They also come in two piece arrangements, versions with short bottoms, sleeveless versions, and "farmer john" over-all type designs. You won't want a full wetsuit in case you need to answer the call of nature. Two piece bottoms can easily be removed, and "farmer johns" can be peeled down. You'll also want to pay attention to the thickness, which is measured in millimeters. 2mm is a relatively thin layer, 3mm and 4mm are thicker, and 5mm is for very cold water. If there are two thicknesses (usually thicker in the body, thinner on the limbs), there will be two numbers - like a 3|2 or 4|3 for example. Remember, wetsuits are named as such because you will get wet if you fall in the water. They are designed to keep you warmer while you are submerged, by trapping a layer of water against your body. The thicker the material, the warmer it will keep you. However, this does not mean you will be impervious to the cold water - it just buys you some more time. Once you're out of the water, you'll want to get the wetsuit garments off, and get dry asap. Recently, I went on a paddle where the air temperature was close to 80F, and the ocean temperature was around 48F. The water where I was paddling was a little warmer (outbound tide), so I'll estimate it at 58F. If I had been in a full wetsuit, I would have been baking in the sun. So, I wore a pair of drysuit pants and a 2mm wetsuit vest over a synthetic top. This way, I was not too hot in the sun, but I had a little insurance should I go for an unexpected dip. I had to wade through some water at one point, and the dry pant ankle gaskets failed - a good lesson to learn in a non-emergency situation. I'll have to revisit those pants to see if they're sufficient for future trips.

8. Wear gloves. Neoprene gloves can help keep your hands warm - very cold hands cannot properly grip a paddle. The main reason you'll want gloves in all weather, though, is to avoid blisters. A blister can make every paddle stroke torture, and can ruin your day. I recommend a couple pair - one for cold water, and an open/half fingers model for when it gets warmer (bring the cold water pair as a back up in case you need them).  

One additional item you might want to consider, although not a garment, that could increase your comfort level, is a seat pad. If you paddle for hours, and your backside has gotten a little bony with age like mine has, a seat pad can make a world of difference. I have a thin gel pad that I use. Just that half inch of gel between me and the kayak seat quite literally saves my ass 😅. 

Dressing appropriately for your paddle adventure is simply another act of preparation - like planning your trip (see my post Where Should I Paddle?) and maintaining your gear (see my post Kayak Repairs That Last). If you do it right, you'll be comfortable, confident, and prepared for the unexpected. Don't forget to wear a bathing suit underneath on a hot summer paddle - just in case your own private sandbar beach invites you for a swim. Just keep an eye on the 'yaks, or it will be a longer swim then you planned 😉.

- TB on the Water