Welcome to new and prospective members!

[Uruguayan]

hello to all,
I was born in Uruguay, small country sandwiched between two South American titans: Argentina & Brazil.
It was there that I did a lot of canoeing, bobbing around the widest river in the world, the River Plate.
Best memory I have (largest nonsensical feat in history according to my mom) was the crossing Montevideo, Uruguay - Buenos Aires, Argentina done in a 14 footer, homemade canoe that another crazy dude & I built together.
Common sense & the love for kayaks came right after we crashed said contraption against a rock formation, 150 yards from the Argentinean shore; "look, mother! no lungs!!. ♫♪.
I mean, anyone can cross such wide river in 42 or 44 hours like we two fools did but how we landed was what made it real epic, sadly, no Facebook or Tweeter back then

Fast forward, I moved to the States in 2001, (New York fever for a while), presently living in Exeter, RI (where nothing seems to ever happen kayaking wise) getting ready to move up north to the big land of Massachusetts, wife's beloved State which is quite natural for a woman born in Honduras, ha, ha.
Honestly, I just love this site; friendly people, awesome info, great pictures, why not joining in, right?
Anyhow, I already talked too much, just wanted to say hi y'all and star learning from everyone here.

P.S. My English is kinda unusual since I am a self taught 54 years old dude so sorry for the grammar mistakes if plenty.
P.S. 1 - I just burnt a lot of brain cells coming up with an username so be kind

Enrique
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[norm]

Welcome Enrique! We like story-tellers, so don't feel bad about being long-winded. You didn't tell us what kind of kayak you have though?

[kayakerjnj]

Welcome aboard!

Hope to see you at one of our paddles and skills sessions this year.

[Uruguayan]

thank you for the warm welcome.

my CLC 18' was stolen 3 weeks ago, she was only 8 seasons old, lots of love and good memories gone with that lady.
funny, they didn't bother to take away a blemished Necky Vector 14 which I rigged for a friend of mine that thought kayak fishing was THE thing to do.
lots of rod holders, fishfinder, night light and all that to rapidly find fishing from a kayak wasn't his cup of tea.
he asked me to keep the rig since I "seem to be more adventurous than him";
the kayak does OK for a 14' sit on top but I'd swap it for anything sit inside like a Tsunami 140 or larger in a heart bit. sit on top kayaks annoy me.

I think I'll rent a lot of different kayaks this summer before I shell out the money I don't have buying my next ride.
building one is also an option, the Pygmy Coho sounds really interesting but a thou+ up front is too much for my blood these days.

other kayaks I have paddled in the last 7 years: Pungo 140, Tsunami 145, Tempest 170, Chatham 16 & 18, Valley Skerray RM , CLC Cape Charles Necky Arluk 3 was it? an 18' Eddyline I believe, some Skin on Frame a girl built ......
I can do a decent Eskimo roll which comes always handy, my cowboy rescue isn't that bad either.
However, I am fat, I am old and I have lots of respect for the sea so I watch very well what I do out there.
you can have lots of fun in the drink if you are cautious and think your plan thoroughly. .

[SDS]

Hi,
Think I am in the right spot to chime in. New member here looking forward to meeting and learning from the group.Most of my experience is flat water in a solo canoe. Last fall I down loaded plans and built a Yost " Sea Rider" My wife will not let me use it unless I find experienced help to insure my survival.
Looking at the 17'x19.5" boat she is most likely correct. Has anyone here tried one? and if so were you born this century or last?
Thanks SDS

[noseykate]

Hi SDS, I was born halfway into the last century. The boat design you built is a beauty. It may also be a challenging beginner kayak. Best to have some company around while you are learning, as your wife suggested. Perhaps the Thursday night skill sessions at the pond (which will start up in warmer weather) will serve. I've spent only the briefest time in a SOF but they are wonderful boats and they roll like no other.

Welcome to the Turkeys!

noseykate

[Laurelloo]

Hi everyone! I am new to this site..just sort of stumbled across it while trying to find places to camp and kayak fairly locally..being somewhat of a newbie to kayaking ( have had my current designs kayak for a little over a year now), I foolishly thought that I could make reservations in June for July on Washburn island. Ha! Not a spot to be had the whole summer! Any one have any suggestions on other places to camp and kayak? Much appreciated!
Thanks, Laurel

[cgr]

The boston harbor islands have camping on multiple islands. Also, it's not uncommon for people to make reservations for camping and never show up - the cancellation fee is high enough that it isn't worth it much of the time. So you may be able to show up and claim a spot.

[Chip]

We have been told by many rangers that if you show up they will make a space for you. As long as you don't get the Island Nazi you should be ok, especially on a weekday. Bumpkin, Grape and Lovells islands have camping as well. They are close enough together that you can probably bounce around until one of them let you stay.

[pat]

Hi Laurello,

Yeah, you have to book reservations exactly six months in advance for Washburn. We booked our June trip back in December.

However...

I won't go into all the mechanics of how the reservation system works, but it's very common for people to book an entire week's worth in order to secure the following weekend. So the campsite remains vacant. When we talked to a ranger a few years ago, he said that it can be worth the trip to just paddle to the island during the week and talk to the rangers to see if there's an empty site.

Of course, you'd have to do this knowing that you might not get a site and it'll turn into a day trip. If you can pack lightly, this will work, but if much depends on actually getting the site, it's kind of a gamble.

Edit: Chip beat me to the punch on that one.

[Dor]

I have been paddling lakes and want to get out into Hingham Harbor but I am afraid to do it alone. I have completed the Charles River beginner's course (highly recommend). I have a Hurricane Santee 116. Would any paddlers be willing to meet me at Hingham Harbor next Sunday 8/19 for an excursion?
Thanks.

[AcushnetDeb]

Hi I just joined today. Looking forward to a great summer!

Debbie

[kayakerjnj]

Welcome to the flock

If you would like to meet some of the regulars please feel free to attend the Skills Session that is planned to start this Thursday.

Look for details under the Skills and Training Tab on the forum

Cheers!

[TraceyJ]

Awesome!

Someone from my neck of the woods.
Or am I wrong to assume that you live in Acushnet.

Tracey

[AcushnetDeb]

Hi Tracey I do live in Acushnet! Looking forward to meeting new friends and having a great summer!

[TraceyJ]

Hi Deb,

Welcome to the group.
I live in the north end of New Bedford.
Acushnet is a great town. I used to live there. Miss it.

Hope to see/meet you soon on the water.

Tracey

[ValleyCat]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the group and really looking forward to getting out there with the kayak. I just bought my kayak last summer and have taken it out a handful of times. Why not more often? I don't have many friends who are enthusiastic about kayaking as I am. Plus, it's hard to get the kayak up onto my car by myself. What's a girl to do? Join a group of like-minded folks who know a thing or two about paddling!

I just went to a six-hour course with REI yesterday over at World's End in Hingham. It was a blast and I learned a lot. I look forward to getting out on the water again, maybe with some folks from the Wild Turkey Paddlers.

Hope to get to meet some of you soon,

Val

[kayakerjnj]

Welcome Val,

Please feel to continue your fun and learning at our skills sessions this season. Its a great way to meet some of the regulars and get some practice in too.

Our next one is this coming Thursday, June 27th in Hanson. Take a look under skills and training for details and the pond location.

Safe paddling!

[sarah]

Hi everybody,

I joined the site this spring as I was looking for a group to kayak with. I grew up canoeing as a member of AMC (a LONG time ago) and have kayaked a little bit in the past few years. My uncle gave me a kayak last summer so I am ready to start again. I also convinced a couple of friends to buy kayaks and join as well so 2 of us are planning to attend Hanson on Thursday. Definitely not ready to roll but would like to get more basic skills. Look forward to meeting on Thursday but not sure if we can get there before 6pm.

[kayakerjnj]

Get there when you can, usually we're in the water until 7-7:30 or later on some evenings.

[bcough]

Hey,

My name is Brendan and i joined today. Found your website while i was looking for places to put in for a trip to Georges and Thompson's islands. I got into the sport from Charles River Canoe and Kayak lessons and than i rented a bunch of different boats last summer from EMS and Cape Cod Kayaking. So i could play around in at Buzzards Bay at the Cape and the Neponset River in Boston. Beginning of this summer i just got a Dagger Alchemy 14L and been using it when i am not busy with work or school.

[lv2canoenme]

Hello All, My name is Greg and my main canoe and kayak partner is my wife Ann. She's been kayaking flat water for years but I just recently got into it after being a mainly into canoes all my life.
We have two canoes one is a 17' We-No-Na Spirit 2 and the other [our beater] is a 16' Sportspal. Our two kayaks are my Pungo 14' and her 13'6" Hurricane Aqua Sports Tampico.
I used to have a Necky Looksha HV 17' but couldn't get in and out of it after my hip surgery so had to opt for the larger cockpit of the Pungo.
We just heard about your club yesterday from a friend who went on one of your harbor paddles. Wish we found out earlier because some of your trips sound interesting.
Too bad about the EEE and WNV scare in Hanson cancelling your Thursday night sessions. Would love to meet more fellow paddlers and maybe find someone to venture out on the water with some weekend.
Maybe next year ? Greg & Ann

[pat]

Hi Greg & Ann,

The Hanson scare turned out to be something of an overreaction by us. Hanson has sprayed, and we had a session there last week. Weather permitting, we'll have at least one (or more) before the season ends. Next one will be a week from this Thursday (Sep 19). But otherwise, definitely see you next year!

[Bexter84]

Hi, my name is Becky and I just joined the group. I have done kayaking intermittently over the last few years but don't have anyone to go with so have never pursued it as a serious hobby. Hoping to meet some new people to go kayaking with. I also am looking to buy a kayak, so hoping I can get some advice about which one.

[pat]

Hi Becky,

This thursday evening, we'll be having a skills session in Hanson. This is a great way to meet some of us, and we could probably advise you on your kayak purchase.

[Bexter84]

Hi Pat,
Thursday sounds great, I shall try to make it. If not this week is it something you guys do every week?
Where abouts and what time do you meet?
Thanks

[kayakerjnj]

Hi Becky,

Our Skills Sessions are every other Thursday at Camp Kiwanee in Hanson. Take a peek in our skills section tab on the site.

There's a map there.

Some of us early birds get there around 4:30 and play till we're water logged

Welcome to the flock

[billw]

incredibly new to this and typing... tio include apelling...
waiting for my skimmer 116 to arrive and my paddling dreaams will begin... typing school isnt til the fall so i havfe the entie=re summer to [play on the water...

bill w

[Petronicus]

Hello all:

Although I've done a fair amount of kayaking on Lake Superior, I now have a kayak in Cambridge and want to get more time/experience on the ocean. I look forward to outings in the area!


Regards,

Pete

[kayakerjnj]

Welcome Pete!

Hope to see you on the water soon.