A merry group
Explore North Coast’s Holiday Potluck on Sunday, Dec. 4, was full of cheer with generous attendance. For those who were able to attend, thank you so much for your lovely company and creating such a joyful event.
 Held at the Mad River Grange in Blue Lake from 2 to 5 p.m., people arrived bringing a wide array of delicious main dishes, salads, and desserts. A slideshow was up and rotating through photos from this year’s club paddles as people ate and sampled different dishes.
In an adjoining room a table displayed gear for sale that people brought. Another table held woodworking block planes available for those interested along with handouts on making your own Greenland Paddle. A third table had a colorfully wrapped gifts for the white elephant gift exchange. During the gift exchange, a wide array of treasures were revealed — a nose flute, books on the outdoors, potpourri, a jigsaw puzzle, a beaded clutch purse, a can of haggis, a bucket with tools for crabbing, and more.
This has been ENC’s first year of regular paddles and having a holiday get-together since the pandemic. We are hopeful for more to come — including planning for next year's paddles. Have a paddle you'd like to see on our calendar? Please send us your ideas!
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Top, Enjoying food at the Mad River Grange; Phil chooses a gift from the table. Below clockwise, Janet and Chris demonstrate how to play a nose flute, Caroline looks at Kathleen's newly-acquired gift, Georgianna receives a bountiful bevy of books; Betsy receives a warm hat and can of haggis. More photos will be posted on our Flickr album.
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Upcoming Events
Please check our calendar for more details about location, arrival time, launch time, if there are facilities, what to wear, etc. Each description will have the paddle host contact information in case you have questions.
December 17 • Greenland Paddle Clinic
Stone Lagoon • Launch at 10 am
 Ever see someone paddling with a skinny little stick and wondered what’s the deal with that? Why are people using them and how do they work? This is your chance to learn about the Greenland paddle and try one out! Or if you are already a convert, perhaps you could use a little theory and instruction to improve your stroke and get more from your blade. This is your chance to give this unique paddle a whirl. Paddles will be available to borrow if you don't have one already. We'll start with a little on land instruction and then move to the water. To attend please fill out the RSVP link.
December 24 • King Tide at Humboldt Bay
Samoa Bridge Boat Ramp, Eureka • 9:30 am
 What better way to enjoy Christmas Eve than with a paddle around Humboldt Bay on a King Tide? Water levels this high open up areas normally inaccessible from a boat. We should be able to paddle over and explore the islands all around Samoa Bridge. We will probably stop for a lunch/snack break at the south end of Indian Island. This paddle should be suitable for all types of watercraft (weather permitting) including kayaks, sit-on-tops, paddle boards, and canoes. Please arrive NO LATER than 9:30 am and be ON THE WATER at 10:00 am for the launch. To attend, fill out the form through the RSVP link.
Depending on your membership or non-membership status, there will either be a $0, $10, or $15 fee for paddling events that goes towards insurance. ENC-only members and non-members will need to sign an ACA event waiver. If you are uncertain about filling out the form, contact the paddlehost on the calendar listing before the deadline to register.
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Learning about surf in Crescent City
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Last month on Sunday, Nov. 13, several paddlers showed up for the Surfing the Bunny Slopes paddle in Crescent City. Michael Morris hosted, helping participants who were just beginning to learn about swells and breaking surf. The coastal forecast for swell was smaller than hoped for but still set up nice waves inside the harbor to play. Gentle waves would break and kayakers could experiment with how their boats responded to the them. Some of the other more experienced paddlers felt comfortable enough to play in a different location along South Beach where the waves were more active and larger. This was a great venue for all the participants.
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