2010 Trip Schedule
With each trip listing there is a notation for the type of water that is expected:
F=flat; Q=quick; and 1, 2, 3 = Class 1, 2, & 3 rapids
C = Camping
River Classification Guide
Trips are listed with the types of river conditions you can expect. The bold initial indicates the predominant class of water based on the International Scale of Difficulty as defined by the A.M.C.
Tidal (may be subject to open winds and currents may be strong)
|
P Portage |
F Flatwater |
Q Quick |
1=Class1 rapids |
2=Class2 rapids |
3=Class3 rapids |
4=class4 rapids |
Mar13 Weweantic River, Carver, MA (P, F, Q, 1, 2)
(Sat.)
This "ice breaker" will prepare you for the upcoming season. The river has two sections. The first (F,Q) is flat-water through classic bog country
and may require occasional bushwack. After a small portage around the Tremont Dam, the river is a quick-moving stream (F,Q, 1,2) that will
require you to have skills to execute a ferry, backpaddle, and eddy turn. You MUST have a
change of clothes in a waterproof bag due to the quick changes in temperature at this time of year.
Contact Walter Zaremba 781-544-3122
April 10 NSRWA Paddling Expo, Norwell, MA
(Sat.) Come join a celebration of paddling sports, sponsored by the North and South River Watershed Association. learn how to get started in the
sport, get information on upcoming events on
the South Shore, or take a chance in a raffle for a new kayak. Volunteers needed to assist at the Wampy booth to enlist new members. Held
at Marshfield High School.
Contact George Estano 781-248-9876
TBA Coonamessett Pond, Falmouth (F)
(Sun.) 10 a.m. start. Fresh water kettle pond surrounded with pine and oak forest. Stacked with trout if you want to bring fishing gear. Good trip for beginning paddlers to get in some paddling practice.
Contact Paul Stankus 508-385-3772 or polywaug@gmail.com
April 17 Salmon/Jeremy River, Colchester, CT (2)
(Sat.) This is a very pretty river valley lined with hemlocks. The Salmon/Jeremy river is a solid class 2 river. Compared to the West River, it has less volume of water, but much more rock
dodging/technical skills needed. Wetsuits or dry suits are strongly advised.
Shuttle will start at 10 a.m sharp at the take out. Directions: from Rt 2 in CT, take exit 16. This is Rt. 149. Follow it South to Rt. 16. Go right on Rt. 16 for 2 miles to Old Comstock Covered Bridge. The take out is on the right, just past the bridge.
Contact John Dasilva 401-739-4961
April 24 Willimantic River, Tolland, CT (Q)
(Sat.) A fun trip on one of CT's prettiest rivers: We will put in on Plains Road and take out on Merrow Road- about 9 miles. At high water levels this is a quickwater trip with tight turns and a few
play spots. At low water levels, it can be scratchy.
Directions to Put-in: Follow Route 101 West until it becomes Route 44. Continue on Route 44 West until the intersection with Route 74. Bear right on to Route 74. Continue on Route 74 until the intersection with Route 32. Take a right on to Route 32 and proceed for about 4 miles. Plains Road is on the left just after you enter Thompson. Put-in is around 100 yards down the road on the left.
(The Galleranes are making this a camping trip, to stay at Brialee Campground in Ashlford, CT. on Friday & Saturday nights. During April, all sites, including all hookups are only $15 a night.) Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967
April 25 Leader's choice- possible Nachaug River
TBA Wakeby Pond, Mashpee, MA (F)
Put in at 10 a.m. Clear fresh water kettle pond. Lunch and walk at Lowell Holly Reservation. Good fishing.
Contact Paul Stankus 508-385-3772 or polywaug@gmail.com
May 1 Weweantic River, Carver, MA
(P, F, Q, 1, 2)
The river has two sections. The first (F,Q) is flat-water through classic bog country and may require occasional bushwack. After a small portage around the Tremont Dam, the river is a quick- moving stream (F,Q, 1,2) that will require you to have skills to execute a ferry, backpaddle, and eddy turn. (camping at Bourne Scenic Park http://www.bournescenicpark.com/ )
Contact Howie Foster 508-308-1753
May 2 Upper Mill and Walkers Ponds, Brewster, MA (F)
(Sun.) Put in at 10 a.m. Clear fresh water kettle pond. A cape pond with no power boats, and pretty setting.
Contact Paul Stankus 508-385-3772 or polywaug@gmail.com
May 8 Upper Charles River, Millis/Medfield Line, to S. Natick, MA (F)
(Sat.) Put in off Bridge Street on the Millis/Medfield line.
Contact Joe Packard 508-478-8500
May 15 34th Annual Blackstone River Canoe & Kayak River Race -- Grafton to Uxbridge, MA (F,Q)
(Sat.) Paddlers can either run the race or help as Safety Sweeps or help at our Wampy Info Table. Nice river to paddle. Picnic and music fest at end at River Bend Farm, Uxbridge.
Registration at 9 a.m., paddle begins at 10 a.m.
Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967
May 21-23 Pemigewasset River, Waterville Valley, NH (F, Q, 1, Camping)
Contact Cheryl Choiniere 508-883-8928
May 28- 31 Memorial Day Weekend Campout and Paddle – Wareham, MA (F,C)
(Fri – Mon.) Camping at Wampy Member, Howie Foster’s home base – 18 acres with a pond, abutting a private 500 acre preserve. Paddle trips planned for Friday night, Sat., Sun, and Mon.
Contact Howie Foster 508-308-1753
June 5 Quinebaug River, CT (F, Q, Riffles)
(Sat.) It’s a real pretty river with a nice slow current. Possible weekend camping opportunity.
Contact Joe Packard (?)
June 12 Narrow River , Narragansett, RI Tidal River
(Sat.) Pretty flat water paddle from narrow river to pond to surf. Plenty of bird watching opportunities. A visit to the Gilbert Stewart Museum will be included- http://www.gilbertstuartmuseum.com/
Contact John Dasilva 401-739-4961
June 18-20 Battenkill River, Arlington, VT (F, Q, 1 Camping)
(Fri – Sun.) The Battenkill provides two days of beautiful paddling in southern Vermont plus lots to see in and do in the area. It
is a fast, rocky cold water stream. We'll start the first day directly from the campground in Arlington and canoe
down across the border into New York taking out at a covered bridge. Sunday we'll shuttle the cars down to
Rt. 22 and start back at the coverd bridge. We'll camp at "Camping on the Battenkill" in Arlington, VT
June 26 North River Marshfield, MA
(Sat.) Flat / quick water winding through hundreds of acres of beautiful tree lined marshland. Several historic sailing ship
building yard locations along the way. This is an 8+ mile paddle with a stop
for picnic at Couches Beach about 3 miles up stream. Enjoy the incoming tide current assist to the take-out at Indian Head River canoe launch
near Luddam's Ford Park, off Elm Street in
Hanover. Assemble & unload at 9:AM at the Marshfield Conservation park at the Union Street Bridge. Shuttle to take out before launch at
July 3 Blackstone River Uxbridge, MA- (Q) (Pool Party/BBQ at the Gallerane's )
(Sat.) Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967
July 24 Wood River, West Greenwich, RI (F) (Summer bash/Pool party @ the daSilva's)
(Sat.) Paddle and Pool party/ Cookout afterwards at Dasilvas’ in Warwick, RI
This clean river flows through thick brush and open valleys. The banks are lined with laurel, oaks, and pines as it flows through the Arcadia Management Area. A truly delightful run.
Contact John Dasilva 401-739-4961
July 31-Aug 1 Deerfield River Festival, Charlemont, MA (F,Q,1, Camping)
( Fri – Sun.) 2 sections of the river offered: Fife brook to Rt 2 (Q, 1, 2); and Rt. 2 to the tree farm (Q,1) . Also lots of activities at the River Festival Saturday night. If you wish to camp, reservations
are required at Country Air Campground 413-625-2996. Come out for the day (2 hrs from Boston) or camp all or part of the weekend.
Aug. 7 (to be confirmed) Lower Charles River Boston, Ma
Aug. 14 Housatonic River, Kent, CT Q,1 (camping possible)
(Sat.) We'll paddle the quickwater section from Swifts Bridge to Kent. This section provides some of the best sceenery of the
Housatonic as it winds its way through the
Litchfield hills. Overnight camping is available at Either Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent ((860) 868-0220). The area
has great hiking and cycling as well for Sunday. Call early for reservation.
Aug. 20-22 Contoocook River/ Jaffrey Fireworks Festival Greenfield, NH
Contact Joe Packard 508-478-8500
Aug. 27-29 Androscoggin River, Bethel, ME (F, with some ripples, Camping)
(Sat, Sun.) Mostly flatwater wth some ripples. Contact the campground directly at Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground, 121 Mayville Road, US Rte. 2,
Bethel, ME: 1-800-533-3607 or 207-824-4224. This is a nice trip to link with Cathedral Pines for a 10-day trip. Be sure to reserve in advance to insure camp site.
Contact trip leader, George Estano by phone 781-848-8686 if you are planning to attend
Sept 3-6 Dead River, Cathedral Pines, Eustis, ME (F)
(Fri.– Mon) Our traditional Labor Day weekend camping trip and paddle in beautiful northern Maine. One of the most beautiful campgrounds. Blueberry picking as well as paddling. Ride your bike around the campground. Call ASAP for camping reservations. Go early, stay late, or go just for the weekend.
Contact Dick McMullen 781-659-7067
Sept. 12 Waquoit Bay – Washburn Island, Falmouth, MA (F)
(Sun) 10 a.m. A full day of activities: paddle, swim, fish for stripers.
Contact Paul Stankus 508-385-3772 or polywaug@gmail.com
Sept. 18 Deerfield River Release (Q,2) Camping opportunity
(Sat.) Contact John Seelinbinder 203-247-9556
Sept. 24-25 West River, Jamaica, VT (Q, 1, 2, 3, Camping)
(Sat. and Sun.) This is the fall river release. Advance reservations needed. Paddle or come and enjoy the fine scenery.
Contact Walter Zaremba 781-544-3122
Oct. 1-4 Green River Reservoir Morrisville, VT (F, Camping)
(Fri-Sun.) Contact John Dasilva 401-739-4961
Oct. 8-11 Connecticut River – Wilgus State Park, VT (F, Q, Camping)
(Sat - Mon.) Classic fall camping trip. Great fall colors on a peaceful section of the Connecticut. Also enjoy the yard sales and annual church dinner. End the season with a campout with friends. Potluck breakfast on Sunday. Call early for reservations.
Contact George Estano by phone 781-848-8686 if you are planning to attend
Oct. 30 Ipswich River, Costume Paddle (F)
(Sat.) Wear your costume for the paddle. Prizes and surprises.
Contact Dave Beck - maaogis@yahoo.com
Nov. 11 Sudbury River, Concord, MA (?)
(Thurs.) Mid-week holiday paddle.
Contact George Estano 781-848-8686
Nov. 20 Yankee Swap & Potluck Dinner (Fun and Dry- no water)
(Sat.) Bellingham Community Center, Bellingham, MA
Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967
Jan. 8th, 2011 Annual Potluck Dinner Meeting
(Sat.) Bellingham Community Center, Bellingham, MA
Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967
TBA Shepaug River, Washington, CT (Q, 1, 2)
The Shepaug is one of the most beautiful rivers in New England. This fast, rocky river flows through over 5 miles of protected nature preserve. One of the steepest rivers in Connecticut, the Shepaug’s steep, tree lined slopes tower over the river providing one of the best spring runs in the state. Call to ensure sufficient water. Proper cold weather paddling gear is required. Contact John Seelenbinder 203-247-9556
May to September
Introductory Moving Water Canoeing or Kayaking
Howard Foster 508-308-1753
Learn the basic whitewater paddling skills with an experienced paddler. Howard paddles several times a week every week and is willing to show new paddlers introductory skills such as eddy turns, peel outs and ferrying on a variety of small rivers and tidal rips in southern Massachusetts. Contact Howard and learn some new moving water skills.
Weweantic River, Nemasket River Contact Howard Foster 508-308-1753
Join us on one of these two beautiful southern Massachusetts rivers. The leader, Howard Foster, paddles these and other Southern MA rivers every week. If you feel like exploring these two great quickwater rivers, contact Howard and pick a time when the water is up, for an impromptu trip.
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Camping Trips
Each year, the Wampanoag Paddlers have several weekend trips which involve camping. Most of these trips involve car camping at a scenic site on or near a paddling destination. In most cases, these trips require advanced reservations. Please contact the trip leaders early in order to get your name in. Give the leaders a call; they’ll be happy to tell you all about the trip and let you know what the final dates for reservations are.
Feel like coming along?
To join us on any trips – paddling and/or camping, please contact the leader by mid-week for a day trip or ASAP for a weekend trip requiring reservations. The leader will give you directions for the trip and any other pertinent information. Day trips usually begin at 10:00 A.M. and include breaks and a lunch stop, so be sure to pack your own food and drinks.
Safety
You must have life jackets for all canoe and kayak occupants. By law they must be worn from September to May and at all times by children. All canoes need a spare paddle and a rope tied to both bow and stern; good idea to do the same for your kayak.
We encourage you to bring a change of clothes in a waterproof container in spring, fall or inclement weather. In early Spring and late fall, wetsuits or dry suits are strongly recommended to prevent hypothermia. You are responsible for providing your own camping and paddling equipment.
Contacts
If you need more information or cannot reach the trip leader, please contact any of the officers.
Presidential Couple: Rob and Jenney Gallerane
Rob:508- 478-5837, 508-340-7967 (cell) rgallerane@yahoo.com
Jenney (cell) 508-450-5919 jenneypgallerane@yahoo.com
Vice President: John Dasilva 401-829-0753 papagoy38@verizon.net
Secretary/WebMaster: Pat Colcord 508-612-6832 patcolcord@gmail.com
Treasurer: Margaret Estano memeestano@beld.net