TRIPS & EVENTS

BSKC TRIP SCHEDULE

During all BSKC sponsored trips participants must wear a PFD and sprayskirt, and must carry a pump and paddle float. During the off-season months of October through May all participants must wear a wetsuit or drysuit. While responsibility for safety resides with the participants and not with BSKC, the club takes safety seriously and will do whatever it can to assure a secure and well managed trip.

Participants wishing to join a trip must speak to the trip leader who will inquire about experience and equipment in order to form a group having similar skills, and will also ask for information useful in case of difficulties during the trip. Non-members of BSKC are welcome as space permits, but must also follow the procedure outlined here.

Participants desiring to join a trip should respond by email to the trip leader, requesting to join, giving their name and phone number. If responding without email service then telephone the leader whose phone number is listed in the newsletter or roster. A definition of our skill ratings is below:

Novice: Limited experience in flatwater conditions. Experience in wet exits, little or no experience in rescues, or paddling strokes. Paddling must be limited to very protected ponds, lakes, and rivers. Paddle less than 5 miles distance and less then 3 hours duration. Appropriate for recreational kayaks.

Beginner: Some experience in wind and wave conditions. Able to perform a wet exit. Able to perform forward stroke, sweep stroke, and reverse stroke. Trips should be limited to protected lakes, rivers, bays, and estuaries. Winds less than 10 knots and distances 8 miles or less. Appropriate for recreational kayaks and light touring kayaks. 

Experienced Beginner: Experience in limited exposure to moderate wind and waves. Able to easily wet exit and perform a paddle float rescue. Able to perform an assisted rescue on another paddler. Winds less than 10 knots and distances less than 10 miles. Touring boats with bow and stern flotation required.

Intermediate: Able to easily perform self and assisted rescues. Very good bracing ability. Experience in open water paddling. Limited to 15 knots of wind and 20 miles. Touring boats with bow and stern flotation required. 

Advanced: Experience in open water paddling. Solid bracing skills. Able to perform self and assisted rescues proficiently in rough water. Wind conditions not to exceed Small Craft Advisory. Distance 20+ miles. Knowledge of VHF radio communications and basic navigation. Advanced boats required. 

Boston Sea Kayak Club Trip And Event Schedule