What we’re about
Welcome to Bourne to Kayak! We are not a beginners club. We recommend at least a 14 foot sea kayak with two bulkheads or surfski to safely be a member. Our dues are $10 per year. This charge is to cover the cost of Meetup, which is now around $400 per year. Dues can be paid online or by check to: Bourne to Kayak 172 Headwaters Dr. Harwich, MA 02645.
Kayak trips will be posted by volunteer hosts and are open to all experienced sea kayakers. Any criteria for participation, such as skill level or boat type, will be determined by trip host(s) and will be described in the trip posting. Those with sea kayaks/sit-in kayaks, surf skis are welcome to participate (sorry, no rec kayaks, SUPs or canoes).
In addition to trips, there will be occasional workshops to learn or refine one’s rescue skills, paddling techniques or rough water abilities. These might be free or a fee charged depending upon who is providing the training.
The posted trips will fall into one of the following five categories: However, conditions can change and therefore trips can end up longer than posted and seas can be rougher than anticipated. Therefore, everyone must gauge whether the trip and conditions are appropriate for his/her skill and fitness level.
LEVEL ONE: Trip Length of 4 to 6 miles
Speed: Two to Three MPH
Protected Paddling
All Sea Kayaks Welcome
LEVEL TWO: Trip Length of 6 to 8 miles
Speed: Three MPH
Some Open Water Paddling
Skirts Recommended or Surfski
Minimum Boat Length: 14 feet
LEVEL THREE: Trip Length of 8 to 10 miles
A Mix of Open Water Paddling
Speed: Three to Three and Half MPH
Skirts Required or Surfski
Rescue Training
Two Bulkheads or Surfski
Minimum Boat Length: 16 feet
LEVEL FOUR: Trip Length of 10 to 15 miles
A Large Amount of Open Water Paddling
Speed: Three to Four MPH
Seas: One to Two Feet
Skirts Required or Surfski
Rescue Training
Two Bulkheads or Sit on Top Kayak
Minimum Boat Length: 16 feet
LEVEL FIVE: Trip Length of 15 miles or more
Speed: Four+ MPH
A Large Amount of Open Water Paddling
Seas: Two to Four Foot
Skirts Required or Surfski
Rescue Training
Two Bulkheads or Sit on Top Kayak
Minimum Boat Length: 16 feet
The B to K group is not affiliated with any commercial vendors and thus cannot provide equipment. Some of the trips may launch at locations where rental kayaks are available, but otherwise participants must have their own equipment.
All participants will be required to wear PFDs at all times on the water. All participants in SFK group activities will be required to sign a waiver / release document. The waiver will acknowledge that participants assume full responsibility for their own health and safety. Trip hosts are not professional instructors and like all participants are solely responsible for their own safety.
We welcome you to join Bourne to Kayak and invite experienced kayakers to host paddles and share their knowledge.
