AMC offers COVID conscious opportunities to enjoy the outdoors locally, visit many of our lodges and campgrounds, and join virtual events and activities. Participants of all in-person events should bring and wear face coverings, expect social distancing, and changes to our usual practices. To support contact tracing and hands-free signing of the AMC liability waiver, online registration is required for all in person AMC events.
Join us for some advanced Woods Hole current and wave play. Mid-day near-spring ebb should give us some significant hydraulics and tiderace conditions. This is a level 3 trip. Please respond IF (only if) you have significant experience in 6+kt current and tideraces. Also note that water temperatures are mid-40s, so dry suit and cold water gear are required. Early departure (~0900) will give us some warmup time before current kicks in.
This is a 19 n-mi (23 mi) tour around Cape Ann out of Gloucester. Participants will need to have a worthy boat (>16') and capable of maintaining a 2.3kt (2.75 mph) pace for hours between breaks. The pace and distance make this a level 3 or strenuous trip, not for the casual paddler. The open side (east) of Cape Ann is exposed to open water, so we hope for calm water and gentle breezes. If conditions are poor, we shall consider an alternative objective in the area.
A mid-week paddle in Boston Harbor to one or more islands for lunch. The harbor is quiet during the week and this will be a casual tour (12-15nmi) at a moderate pace. You must have a suitable boat (>15') and experience with wet exits and assisted rescues. You must be capable of maintaining a moderate pace for the distance mentioned.
Mid-week paddle in Boston Harbor is quiet and relaxing. We'll paddle out to Rainsford, Georges, or other islands depending on conditions and group desire. Requirements are a kayak >15' and ability to paddle a moderate pace in level 2 conditions (<15kt wind, <3' seas, 8-12 n-mi). Weather and conditions might move this day +/- one day.
Join us for an easy paddle on the Westport river through protected marshes and wetlands. We paddle about 4.5 mi with a tidal push to an island for lunch, then back to our launch (9mi RT). The hazards are cold water (wet or dry suits recommended) and wind, which is common this time of year. Participants need a kayak >15' and experience doing wet exits and rescues.
Saturday, May 29, 2021 10:00 AM to Sunday, June 6, 2021 3:00 PM
This three-day clinic will focus on familiarization in tidal current. We'll start with an overview of bracing strokes in calm water, progress to a controlled-current location, and the last day exposure to current features typically found in coastal high-current areas. While not a substitute for professional coaching, this clinic will help paddlers deal with tidal currents and a foundation for paddling in more demanding environments.
First day is 5/29 on lake Cochituate, second is 5/30 in Woods Hole, and third will be picked later (likely 6/6).
Visit Hadley's Harbor and Elizabeth islands from Woods Hole. The ~12 mile trip will cross Woods Hole channel at slack tide to Lackey's bay, then meander through Hadley's Harbor in time for lunch on one of the Elizabeth islands. In the afternoon, we'll paddle downcurrent through Woods Hole passage back to the launch.
This trip will encounter strong tidal currents and possibly 15-20 knot tailwinds in the afternoon. We will cross Woods Hole passage twice. Paddlers should be experienced with assisted rescues and paddling in level 2 conditions.
An early-season opportunity to observe a cormorant rookery on a Buzzards Bay island. This trip will leave from Woods Hole, MA, for an ~8 mile round trip to Weepecket island, where we hope to observe double-crested cormorants in their early season mating displays. The trip may encounter early-season weather issues and current in Woods Hole passage, making it a Level 3 trip. Dry suits and gear suitable for 40F water are required.
The trip is scheduled for March 27; however, because weather is unpredictable, trip might postponement a day or a week.
Join us on a paddling exploration of Salem and Marblehead Harbors and vicinity. Our launch point and base of operations in Salem will be given to qualified participants after they have been screened by the leader. We will meet in Salem at 8:30 AM and plan to be on the water at 9:00. We hope to paddle 6-8 nautical miles (7-9 statute miles). Expect a leisurely pace of ~2.0 mph. This trip is more about the sights and not distance and speed. You will need to paddle through some chop and boat traffic. There will be one channel crossing.
Friday, September 18, 2020 12:00 AM to Sunday, September 20, 2020 12:00 AM
Paddle and island camping in Casco bay, Maine for two nights, three days. You must have some experience packing your kayak, camping, and paddling in at least level 2+ (Moderate - Difficult) conditions). Multi-day trips carry more risks from changing weather, so you must be capable of paddling in 15kt winds and 2ft seas as well as camping in rain. We cannot share food, so you must prepare your own meals. To reduce risk of Covid spread:
1- Group size is limited to 5-6 persons total.
