Summary

Ocean Skills: Surf Launching & Landing

Prices From	USD$ $175.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	Charles River Canoe/Weston Ski
Destination	Massachusetts
Duration	Full-Day Trip
Challenge	Advanced
Avg Rating	Not Rated

Eventually, all sea kayakers will encounter waves and surf during an outing. Wouldn't it be nice to face these adverse conditions with confidence? A few simple techniques, along with a lot of practice in realistic conditions, will allow you to reliably launch and land in surf.
Ocean Skills: Surf Launching & Landing covers these techniques and provides for ample practice time under the watchful eye of an expert guide. Most importantly, the bracing skills you learn and practice in the surf zone will improve your stability and decrease your risk of capsize under whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at you.
In addition to sea kayakers, Ocean Skills: Surf Launching & Landing is a perfect introduction for those who focus on kayak surfing, as we cover surf etiquette and the proper outfitting of a kayak for surf work. Plus, you spend a wonderful day along the Massachusetts coast.
Ocean Skills: Surf Launching & Landing requires previous ocean paddling instruction (preferably our Ocean Skills), including knowledge of bracing, assisted-rescue techniques, and handling a kayak in current. The sand spit at the mouth of the North River in Scituate is our primary destination, but if conditions require we may travel to Rhode Island or New Hampshire to find good surf.
To ensure that each student receives highly personalized attention, this trip is limited to a student-to-instructor ratio of 4:1. Our price reflects this low ratio.
Ocean Skills: Surf Launching & Landing trips run from 8am to 5pm and depart from our Newton Boathouse. Kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt, wetsuit, and paddling jacket rentals are included in the price of the trip. Use the note field to request a kayak and paddle, if necessary. Bring a hearty lunch, and dress for the weather! Trips always run unless the weather is extreme; alternate plans will usually be arranged.

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: Surf Zone trips depart by van from our Newton Boathouse at 8:00am sharp unless otherwise notified by the guide. 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. We plan to return to the Newton Boathouse at approximately 5-6pm. 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 before 8am 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: Surf Zone trip is to practice skills, including rescues, in very challenging 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. 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 We provide all participants with a kayak and paddle, 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, including your own boat. 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