Summary

Ocean Skills

Prices From	USD$ $139.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	Charles River Canoe/Weston Ski
Destination	Massachusetts
Duration	Full-Day Trip
Challenge	Intermediate
Avg Rating	Not Rated

During this full-day trip, we will travel to Cohasset Harbor to practice basic and more advanced skills in realistic ocean conditions. The clinic will cover a broad spectrum of skills including refining the forward stroke, practicing boat lean, bracing, ferrying, solo- and assisted re-entries, and introductory navigation.
The class will spend time in ocean waves (weather permitting) and in a tidal rip with moderate current, introducing you to conditions commonly encountered on the ocean. Our guides will help you test your limits while taking advantage of situations that are within your capabilities.
All Ocean Skills depart by van from our Newton Boathouse. PFD, spray skirt, wetsuit, and paddling jacket rentals are included in the price of the trip. Select the "with Boat Rental" option if you need a kayak and paddle. Bring a hearty lunch, and dress for the weather! Trips always run unless the weather is extreme; alternate plans will usually be arranged. 
This clinic is designed for those who have taken our Introduction to Kayaking class/trip or have the equivalent experience. Paddlers must be able to perform assisted rescues and paddle 6 miles over the course of the day.
The May 9 and October 31, 2010 Ocean Skills double as Cold Water Clinics, and each participant will enjoy complimentary use of a Kokatat drysuit, and will get 15% off a Kokatat drysuit or drytop purchase. Practice rescues, rolls, and other fun skills in the comfort and safety of a drysuit - you've got to wear one to believe it! Be sure to enter your height and weight for proper fitting.

Itinerary

Gear List

Releases All participants will be required to sign a waiver and release of liability before participating in the trip. A copy of the release can be downloaded from our web page. If you have problems downloading the release we would be happy to send you a copy. Please read it over carefully and give us a call or e-mail if you have any questions. Bring the completed release with you on the morning of your trip. Check In All Ocean Skills trips depart by van from our Newton Boathouse at the departure time listed. Directions to our boathouse can be found on our web page. Check in at the front desk when you arrive. You are welcome to drop off gear in the parking lot next to the boathouse first, but then please park your car in the parking lot across the river as described in the directions. Please plan to arrive 25-30 minutes before the trip is scheduled to depart so that we may outfit you in preparation. If everyone arrives promptly, we may be able to depart early and spend more time on the water. What to Bring with You Food Pack a hearty brown-bag lunch, power snacks, and plenty of water. It is easy to become dehydrated while kayaking, especially on hot days when you will experience a lot of exposure to the sun. Drink plenty of fluids the day before your trip, and bring at least 32 ounces of water the day of the trip. Clothing The purpose of our Ocean Skills trip is to practice skills, including rescues, in realistic conditions. Plan to get wet, and dress accordingly. Wear clothing that retains its insulative properties when wet. Clothing made of synthetic materials such as capilene, polypro, nylon, or fleece are ideal.  Avoid cotton (especially blue jeans) as it is uncomfortable and looses all insulating qualities when it gets wet. The goal is to adjust your clothing choice for the weather conditions of the day. Bring clothing in thin layers that you can add and remove throughout the day as conditions and your activity levels change. On very warm days you may want to wear a swimsuit. On cooler days, bring warm clothing for both your legs and torso and a lightweight nylon shell, and consider a Farmer John wetsuit described below. For rainy days, a hooded rain jacket and wide-brimmed, waterproof hat are recommended. All participants are also welcome to use our Farmer John wetsuits and waterproof paddling jackets at no charge. These are especially good for rainy days, colder days, practicing rescues, or if you do not own synthetic clothing. During early- or late-season kayak trips, wetsuits and paddling jackets may be required. We also have a limited selection of drysuits (the ultimate in cold-water or cold-weather comfort -- much nicer than a wetsuit) available for a fee, and you can reserve one during the reservation process. Our Cold-Water Clinics include rental of a Kokatat drysuit. If you plan to use a drysuit, wear insulating synthetic clothes under the drysuit, as the suit itself provides no insulation against cold-water immersion (it merely keeps you dry). On your feet, wear neoprene booties, aqua socks, water sports sandals (e.g. Tevas), or old sneakers. Booties are available for sale in our Paddling Store. On your head, wear a hat with a brim. If it's cold, bring a warm hat. We also have warm skullcaps designed for paddlesports available in our Paddling Store. If you wear glasses, a retaining strap is required. There's little shade on the water, so wear sunglasses with a retaining strap and sunscreen, even if it's cloudy. Be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes you can put on at the trip's end. What We Provide If you select "with Boat Rental," we provide a kayak and paddle. We provide all participants with a spray skirt, PFD (personal flotation device), Farmer John wet suit, paddling jacket and dry bag (for your lunch). Please feel free to bring any paddling equipment of your own. If you have a kayak preference, please include a note with your reservation or e-mail us. In most cases, we are able to accommodate personal boat choices. If your first choice is unavailable, we will try to provide a comparable alternative. Sea Sickness Sea kayaking, even in protected waters, can induce motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness, please address the problem before your trip. There are very effective over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine, Bonine, or Dramamine II/Non-Drowsy formula, that can prevent motion sickness and relieve the symptoms. Please consult your physician. Restrooms & Facilities There are no restrooms available from the time we paddle from the launch site until we return. Please plan accordingly. If there are no restroom facilities available at the launch site, we will stop for a bathroom break during the van ride to and from the launch. You will be able to change your clothes in the van if no facilities are available. Weather Kayaking can be done in almost any weather, so trips run rain or shine. On rare occasions, your guide may need to change the location of your trip due to wind, rain, or thunderstorms. Only in the case of extreme conditions would we cancel a trip. We will notify you by 8pm the night before should a cancellation occur. As mentioned above, we can provide you a wetsuit and paddling jacket at no charge, which will keep you much more comfortable in inclement weather. Cell Phones & Smoking Charles River Canoe & Kayak operates all of our classes and trips in a smoke-free environment. We also ask that all of our participants refrain from cell phone use during their class. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Travel Information

Activity Location

Newton Boathouse on Comm. Ave; Newton, MA
2401 Commonwealth Ave
Newton, MA 02466 USA