Boston Sea Kayak Club Message Board - Members Communication

Boston Globe - Shark Attack in Chatham (no replies)

pmclaughlin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:49:22 -0700

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff | August 20, 2009

Two kayakers reported that they saw what they believe was a great white shark attacking a seal off Chatham over the weekend, saying they observed a large black fin slicing through the water near a seal in distress.

The kayakers were paddling about a third of a mile off Chatham’s Lighthouse Beach on Saturday morning near a sandbar, where there is a colony of gray seals, when they had their close encounter, said Bruce Bean, 57, of Newton, who was with a friend, Rod MacKinnon of Brewster.

The men, experienced sea kayakers who have traveled the area many times, said they saw a seal about 20 to 30 feet away jumping out of bloody water and a black fin just 4 feet away from it. The fin extended about a foot above the water.

The seal jumped again, then swam toward the men and surfaced just 5 feet from their kayaks with “a big cloud of blood surrounding him,’’ said Bean.

“There was so much blood in the water when he surfaced that we couldn’t see past his head and shoulders’’ to determine what his injuries were, Bean said. The seal then headed in the direction of the sandbar.

Greg Skomal, a shark specialist with the state Division of Marine Fisheries, said the men apparently witnessed a great white shark hunting down its prey, adding that the report came from an area where similar sightings have been made in the past.

“We think it’s a great white shark,’’ Skomal said. “There’s not many species of sharks in New England that would attack a seal. . . . It’s certainly not a new phenomenon. It’s a natural event that’s been going on for a few years.’’

With only thin hulls separating them from the ocean, the men pulled their kayaks together so as to appear bigger to the shark, following advice one of them had once received from a shark expert. Then they continued on their trip, Bean said.

Bean said the incident happened fast and was not particularly frightening, perhaps because the men did not actually see the shark. But he said it gave him second thoughts about future kayak trips.

Skomal said it was the first great white sighting he is aware of this year.

In July 2008, the carcass of a young great white washed up on a beach in Nantucket not long after lifeguards on a Martha’s Vineyard beach had reported seeing one. In August 2007, experts said after examining the carcasses of two dead seals off Chatham that they had been attacked by a great white. In 2004, a 1,700-pound great white was trapped for two weeks in a lagoon on Naushon Island, off Cape Cod.

A giant, implacable great white shark was featured as the villain in the 1975 hit movie “Jaws,’’ making an indelible mark on popular culture and heightening many people’s fear of the animals. The last shark-related death in New England was in 1936.

Alaskan Wilderness NYT Article (no replies)

pmclaughlin — Sat, 30 May 2009 09:16:20 -0700

worth viewing if just for the picture
... submitted by member Ken Hunt, now in Virginia Beach

[travel.nytimes.com]

Get out Paddling - this weekend? (1 reply)

pmclaughlin — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:27:48 -0700

Hey - anyone up for an easy early-season paddle? Lets get together and try to get out on the water for an easy paddle and have a good time. Meet some new friends and some old ones, and celebrate the beginning of a new season.

I'm thinking this weekend - Slocums River in Dartmouth is a nice easy scenic spot. Anyways if this sounds good, or you have a different idea let me know

I'm the Trips Coordinator for BSKC for those of you who don't know

email me at pm7771ataoldotcom

Peter McLaughlin
Plymouth

Rescheduled May 16: 4th Annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop (no replies)

acoons — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:04:06 -0700

4th Annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop

Need advice on getting started? Looking for others to kayak with? Wondering which type of kayak is right for you?

Don't miss NSPN's annual New to Sea Kayaking Workshop! Learn what equipment you'll need! Learn about safety. Find out what a beginner's trip is like. Plan future adventures! Discover places that offer classes! Mingle with new and experienced fellow kayakers!

Where: The Gould Barn, Topsfield, MA
When: Saturday, May 16th, 2009, 9 am - 12 pm
Fee: Free & open to the public!
Register or send questions to: kayakclass@verizon.net (Al Coons)

Basic Overview: How to choose equipment: kayaks, paddles, clothing and additional equipment. Overview of skills, training and what to expect. Locating and experiencing initial on-water training. Open discussion and questions welcome! A great chance to meet new kayaking friends!

On the NSPN Calendar at: [www.nspn.org]

Al Coons, BSKC & NSPN

Rescue Clinic 7/12 - Still room (no replies)

bgordon — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:55:16 -0700

There is still room in this Saturday's Rescue Clinic on beautiful Asnacomet (a.k.a. Comet) Pond. Please see the listing on the Events calendar and contact me to join in.

BSKC On Water Navigation Workshop (no replies)

bgordon — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:24:05 -0700

The BSKC On Water Navigation Workshop is just over a week away, and there are still three openings.

This is a full day workshop with classroom work in the morning, and paddling in the afternoon to practice navigation and piloting skills. See the full description on the Trips and Events page.

Winter 2008 Newsletter (no replies)

admin — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:26:25 -0700

New to Sea Kayaking Workshop (no replies)

acoons — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:18:59 -0700

New to Sea Kayaking Workshop! April 26th

Need advice on getting started? Looking for others to kayak with? Wondering which type of kayak is right for you? What equipment you really should have and what you can get later?

Basic Overview: How to choose equipment: kayaks, paddles, clothing and additional equipment. Overview of skills, training and what to expect. Locating and experiencing initial on-water training. Open discussion and questions welcome! A great chance to meet new kayaking friends!

Eat, Drink and mingle with fellow kayakers! Learn what safety equipment you'll need! Plan future adventures! Discover places that offer classes!

Where: at the Gould Barn, Topsfield, MA
When: April 26th, 2008, 9 am - 12 pm (optional local lunch follows at local restaurant).
(Kayak Camping workshop held same day, starts after lunch at 1:30!)
Sponsored by: NSPN (North Shore Paddlers Network)
Fee for workshop: Free & open to the public!

Advertising flyer at: [www.nspn.org]

Register and/or ask questions: kayakclass@verizon.net

Some Publicity (no replies)

mshell — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:52:04 -0700

A mention of BSKC on boston.com under 25 things to do in Boston for under $25 has brought a lot of folks to the BSKC website.

BSKC on boston.com

Kayak Expo Saturday March 29th (no replies)

pmclaughlin — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:14:45 -0700

Please pass this on to all your friends, co-workers, family...

Come to Southeast New England's biggest Kayak and Rowing Expo

Saturday, March 29th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Norwell Middle School, 328 Main Street (Route 123), Norwell, MA
Admission - $5 adults/$3 children age 12 and under

For complete information, go to www.nsrwakayakexpo.org

kayak expo

15,000 sq. ft. of displays - Kayaks and rowing crafts from high tech to classic
Knowledgeable experts and guides - Fascinating lectures - Newest gear - Paddling trips and Instruction

Check out www.nsrwakayakexpo.org

Favorite Trips (2 replies)

admin — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:08:08 -0700

Hi,

While it's still cold and we're all only dreaming about summer days on the water, some of us are busy planning this year's paddling events. Everyone that I speak with has a couple of favorite paddling spots that they return to year after year and one or two locations that they would love to try. To help plan this years calendar of events, we are inviting everyone to reply to this message with their favorite BSKC paddling trips and places they would love to try. We will make great efforts to work as many of these suggestions as possible into the 2008 BSKC events calendar.

thanks

Fall 2007 Newsletter (no replies)

admin — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:14:35 -0800

Summer 2007 Newsletter (no replies)

admin — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:38:35 -0800

EMS Club day Nov 9 & 10 !! (no replies)

pmclaughlin — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:31:46 -0800

EMS Club Day sale this weekend

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FYI... EMS has their Club Day sale this weekend, Nov 9 & 10, Fri & Sat only. It is 20% OFF THE ENTIRE STORE.

Next Year's BSKC Board (no replies)

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:31:50 -0700

As we approach the end of the year, the BSKC board of directors, as always is looking for club members interested in expanding their involvement with the club, All positions on the board are up for election in December, and some board members have indicated a desire to step aside, or change their responsibilities. In the near term we are looking for folks who would like to assist by joining a nominating committee to help identify candidates for the board.
Of course, any individuals who are interested in serving on next year's board should let us know.

Thanks
Martin Shell
webmaster@bskc.org

Summer Newsletter (no replies)

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:13:48 -0700

Hi,

All members should have received an email with a link to the BSKC summer newsletter, now available online. A few members have had difficulty displaying the newsletter. It is an Adobe Acrobat "pdf" document. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free application available at:
Download Acrobat Reader
If you do not have this application, or have a very old version (earier than 6.0), download and install Acrobat Reader from this link.

An alternative is to view the html version (a bit clunky and not as easy to read) at:
BSKC Summer 07 Newsletter, html version

webmaster
webmaster@bskc.org

Night On The Water (3 replies)

jgamel — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:22:12 -0700

Thanks to Peter Logan's planning, a large group of BSKC paddlers had a great night on the water last night. We launched from Hingham Harbor beach, paddled under a rising full moon over to Bumkin Island. Toured the island with headlamps on, then paddled back to Hingham with the full moon high in a cloudless night sky. It was a great trip with a wonderful group of people (including BSKC Prexy Dick Rotnem). Kudos Peter!

JG

Rescue Clinic 7/14 - Still room (no replies)

bgordon — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:48:38 -0700

There is still some room in the Rescue Clinic on Saturday, July 14th at Asnacomet Pond in Hubbardston, MA. We will work on wet exits, self rescues, group rescues and towing. This spring fed pond is some of the cleanest water in Mass., classified as drinking water by the state.

You will need to contact me to register. All skill levels are welcome. See details on the Events page.

4th of July Camping/Paddling in MaineB) (no replies)

cpotvin — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:44:34 -0700

Looking for something to do over the 4th of July? We have booked a waterfront group campsite for 3 fun nights at Warren Island State Park on Penobscot Bay. Access is only by boat, either from the mainland in Lincolnville (near Camden) and the crossing is about 2 1/2 miles OR another option is to take the ferry over to Isleboro and then it is a 1/4 mile protected crossing in your kayak to Warren Island. Kayaks not on a vehicle are not allowed on the ferry- they must be transported on your vehicle. There is drinking water on the island and restrooms are available. No showers, but you can bathe in the bay if you dare. Everyone reponsible for their own meals. Dates are: checking in July 1 and checking out July 4th. Contact either Carol or Bob to reserve your spot. Space is limited. Lots of islands to explore, great paddling with fun people, experienced kayakers, but this is a show and go and everyone is responsible for their own safety.
Bob Keizer kayaker66@comcast.net 978.681.8476
Carol Potvin crpotvin@comcast.net 978.681.8476

[www.maine.gov]

Waypoints -- New Website Feature (no replies)

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:31:33 -0700

I've added a new feature to the BSKC website, a "library" of GPS waypoints, seeded with a few off of my personal GPS. To view existing waypoints, go to: [bskc.org]
Clicking on the "Map This" link will open a new web page with a google map of the waypoint.

BSKC members can enter new waypoints, or edit/delete ones that they entered at:

[bskc.org]

The three options on this page are 2 entry options:

Degrees and Decimal Entry (43.876 -69.2345)
Degrees, Minutes, Seconds (43 23 42, -69 14 44)

Please note that latitudes in the northern hemisphere are positive, longitudes in the western hemisphere are negative. (I forgot the negative sign once and ended up in Kazakhstan!)

Or an option to edit/delete existing waypoints.

In order to enter, edit or delete waypoints you must provide your BSKC member number and the last name of the primary member. In editing waypoints, only those that you entered will be accessible.

Tides & Currents Workshop (no replies)

bgordon — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:09:05 -0800

One of the basics of navigation is to be able to predict the ebb and flow of tidal waters. In this workshop we will learn how to read the tide and current tables, calculate the height and time of the tides, and determine the speed and time of slack and maximum current. We will also look at how this affects us as paddlers.

There is still plenty of room in this workshop. Please see the BSKC Events Calendar for more information and to register.

Basic Navigation for GPS Users (no replies)

bgordon — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:11:59 -0800

There are still plenty of slots open in this workshop. It is only a week away. Please contact me at brucefg@verizon.net or 508-393-1377 to register.

Basic Navigation for GPS Users - A GPS can be very useful tool on a kayaking trip. This workshop will will build off of basic navigation techniques. It will concentrate on the features of modern GPS and useful tips to make it even more useful. If you are thinking about buying a GPS or already have one and want to make better use of it, this is the workshop for you.

Location: REI/Framingham

Monomoy Passage Closed (no replies)

mbrokenshire — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 04:52:00 -0800

According to yesterday's Cape Cod Times a Thanksgiving storm has closed the channel between South Beach and South Monomoy. Looks like the end of seal watching trips.
[www.capecodonline.com]

BSKC Board of Directors (no replies)

dlothrop — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 13:16:01 -0700

Any club members who would like to give back to the club and improve it by participating on the board of directors, let us know. There are jobs to be done and positions to be filled.

If you are interested contact me at david at lothrop dot org. (its spelled out so I dont' get more spam.)

Sad Seals in Monomoy (no replies)

lsantullo — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:24:04 -0700

I have been watching the weather all week.

On Monday, I wrote my usual email telling you what to bring and where to go. On Tuesday, the forecast was sunny high 50s with a little wind - so I held off pressing "send." Last night, "little wind" was 15 to 18 (manageable though)

Today weather.com calls it simply windy. The forecast is for 22 knots sustained with gusts to 25 out of the Northwest.

What this means in the little, shallow area of monomoy is that it will take us about 10 minutes to cruise from the MI harbor area to South monomoy in surf conditions (4 miles) - all white caps.

It will take us 4 hours to paddle back without stopping (cause if we stop paddling we will go backwards - quickly)

This isn't the email I wanted to send - and unfortunately it seems like I have sent more of these this year than I have the fun ones that remind you to bring extra chocolate for the trip leaders - but at the end of the day - with small craft warnings expected - I am going to cancel this trip - now.

If it was a North Shore trip - I would wait till Friday - but the put in is 2+ hours away - and cancelling it now - gives people the opportunity to make other plans for the weekend.

I am sorry - I've always weighed safety over disappointment - and this is the case for the weekend.

I can assure you - nobody is more disappointed than me. I will plan on running this trip in 2007 - maybe earlier in the year.

I hope you all have great weekends.

Casco Bay - Cancelled (no replies)

lsantullo — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:21:23 -0700

Hi Folks,

Due to the Thunderstorm Forecast for Portland on Sunday - this trip has been cancelled.

Lisa

Casco Bay Transportation (no replies)

gcosloy — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 06:59:50 -0700

If anyone in MA going on this trip is interested in sharing transportation for the day let me know via cosloy@comcast.net I live in Wayland, MA and could pick you up if you are further north.
Cheers,
Gene

Casco Bay 8-20 (no replies)

lsantullo — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:41:05 -0700

Hello,

We still have a few spaces open on next Sunday's (the 20th) Casco Bay trip. Please email me if you are interested in joining us.

Lisa

kayaklisa at yahoo

New little "member" (no replies)

pmclaughlin — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 09:03:28 -0700

finally our paddle friend Ellen Ferguson & her husband Jay have brought a future paddler into the world yesterday at 2:18am - And it's a boy! Harold Bruce Ferguson was born on Ellen and Jay's 6th anniversary. He's 20" long and weighed in at 7 lbs, 11 oz. Mom and baby are doing fine.

What a nice anniversary present(ation) !

Peter McLaughlin

Snorkeling/Kayaking around Rockport on Fridays or Weekends (no replies)

mdick — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 15:22:42 -0700

Hi,

I would be interested to find a snorkeling partner(s) to explore in/around Rockport, MA. I went last Tuesday and saw plenty of striper, flounder, crabs, & cool rocks at Folly Cove. You would definitely need a wetsuit, snorkel, mask & fins. Combining kayaking & snorkeling in this area would be ideal. I will be going on various weekends and some Fridays. Please send me an email if you would like to arrange an informal trip.

Matt Dick North Andover, MA email: mattdick@yahoo.com