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Seamanship I with Tom Bergh: Swell
June 14, 2022 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Join MIKCo and Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network for Tom’s seamanship presentation, focusing on swell.
A swell is a series of waves generated by distant weather systems that propagate thousands of miles across oceans and seas. Swells are longer, faster, with much higher energy than local wind waves. In this talk, Tom will cover how swell period, height and direction affect us as paddlers, and how you can interpret the wave data from the Buoy Report.
The essence of smart, safe paddling is applied seamanship. Awareness of the often fast changing environment enables us to make safe, effective decisions while on the sea. Tom’s presentations will emphasize the importance of the judgmental variables of wind and waves, tides and currents, weather systems, the effects of landforms and the influences of these changing variables on route selection.
Paddle to Peaks from SMCC in South Portland – launch at 3:15. Or take the ferry that leaves Portland at 3:15. We’ll meet at 4 pm on the MIKCo Beach, which is about 200 feet north of the Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal on Peaks Island and just beyond the old boathouse with dark brown shingles.
If you plan to paddle over from SMCC:
– Trip level: Beginner (Level 1) and above
– Bring: sea-worthy kayak with attachable spray deck, kayak must float when swamped, PFD, immersion clothing appropriate for water temperatures.
– Be ready to paddle at 3:15 PM.
– Please check weather and tide conditions before arriving so that you can prepare appropriately.
If you have not already, please complete the SMSKN participant agreement online at https://www.smskn.net/club-documents/1116-2/
The Event organizer will really appreciate your token of proactivity.