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Sea Kayaking |
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Sea kayaking allows one to explore the ocean’s coastline at a quiet pace, see wildlife, and travel to remote beaches. It also offers the excitement of playing in the waves or crossing to nearby islands. New England offers some of the best coastal sea kayaking in the country, and there are also beautiful lakes that can be explored by sea kayak.
The sea kayak chair aims to organize beginner and experienced paddle trips each season as well as teach basic skills. The types of trips depend on member experience. Trips are announced on the paddle mailing list.
MITOC owns a variety of sea kayaks that are for rental. These include several singles and two tandems. The club also has the related gear of spray skirts, life jackets and paddles. Any other gear must be supplied by the user.
Sea kayaks are restricted gear; before renting you will need to do the following:
- Be a MITOC member
- Have completed a boathouse training/work session annually
- E-mail the boathouse managers to check for boat availability and experience criterion
- File a float plan form and wait for approval
- Get boathouse key from the MITOC office during office hours
- After your trip, a brief report to the sea kayak chair would be appreciated about any issues with the boats as well as any comments of interest about your experience
For more detailed information about renting sea kayaks, see the boathouse rental page.
You should be able to swim and know the basics of paddling, wet exit, self rescue, and how to use and care for the boats. If the North Atlantic is the destination, be aware that the water is cold and conditions can change quickly, so be experienced and prepared.
Please make your arrangements with the sea kayak chair at least a day before you will check out the boathouse key, to be sure the chair can be contacted and the procedure can be completed. You will check out the boathouse key and leave the appropriate deposit during office hours.