Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Start your paddles!! Nothing like a meditative paddle on the beautiful waterways of Cape Ann! 

Sun Setting on the Annisquam River

A sure sign of spring! Last Sunday I saw the first surf-ski on the Annisquam River. A stealth looking Epic V10 Sport, like the one in this photo from Gloucester’s Wings and Waves Photo Art –  https://www.flickr.com/photos/wingsandwaves/9348952657/in/album-72157634766231655/   Maybe they were practicing for one of the upcoming rowing races! A Fitness Challenge!

Andrew’s Point

Whether on the Essex River, Ipswich Bay, Manchester and Rockport Harbors, Gloucester’s inner and outer harbor, or one of the many quiet coves, there are plenty of beautiful waterways to choose from. And a boat or board for someone of all ages and skill levels to paddle around Cape Ann! Come out for the first race of the season on Cape Ann – the Essex River Race, May 16th. Get a jump-start training for July 16th Blackburn Challenge, a 20-mile rowing race in honor of Gloucester’s legendary figure, Howard Blackburn. Circumnavigating Cape Ann, The Blackburn Challenge draws an international field and has included Olympic Kayaker Greg Barton. Fun for spectators and racers!  For Details about these races, contact the Cape Ann Rowing Club – http://www.blackburnchallenge.com/essex.html. For more on Howard Blackburn – http://www.capeannmuseum.org/blackburn/ To see more of what the Blackburn Challenge is all about, here are some photos from the 2013 Blackburn Challenge from Gloucester photographer Michael Chamness, of Wings and Waves Photo Art – https://www.flickr.com/photos/wingsandwaves/sets/72157634766231655/ (High resolution photos and jpg files for sale upon request from Wings and Waves photo art. Email: wingsandwaves@comcast.net.) For information on types of paddling options, rentals and guided tours –

• International Dory Rowers – http://www.internationaldories.com

• Gig Rowers – http://www.gloucestergigrowers.com

• Cape Ann Sup – http://capeannsup.com

• Discovery Adventures Kayak and Snorkeling Tours- http://discoadventures.com

• ERBA (Essex River Basin Adventures) – http://www.erba.com

Safety First! Whatever style boat or board you choose to paddle, be safe on the water! Current water temperatures of 37 degrees Farenheit warrants a dry suit! No matter your level of expertise, you could end up in the water! Wear a Portable Flotation Device (PFD.) Whether going alone or with others, let someone know your paddling plans and estimated time of return. Storms can come up quickly. High winds, strong currents and changing tides can make for challenging paddling! Don’t get in over your head when out on the water! (pun intended!) Use a paddle and boat/board leash. Carry a dry bag with dry clothes and a water-proof cell phone or marine radio. Paddle within your level of expertise! Stay near shore when paddling alone and/or inexperienced. Take water and snacks for adequate hydration and energy. Know the marine waterways rules of boating and navigation. Check the tide chart and marine weather forecast before heading out!  Have Fun and Be Safe! Safe boaters are healthy boaters!  Resources for on the Water Safety Tips – 

• http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaking_basics/basic_safety_rules/

• http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=top_10

• http://www.discoverboating.com/beginner/safety/tips.aspx

 See you on the water!!       ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™  Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199   Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.