Kayaking

BroadHopper · 03-24-2010, 08:33 PM

in Alton Bay will be a great start!

LIforrelaxin · 03-24-2010, 08:58 PM

The possibilities are endless.... all depends on the type of paddling you are looking for. When you want to be on the water etc. There are places I would recommend for weekend paddling, and then there are those I would recommend for weekday paddling. From there it further gets defined by are you looking for stream / River / small ponds, or are you looking for larger lake adventures... as I say the possibilities are endless..

The there is the other question how far away from Gilford do you want to travel to go paddling....

Oh yes most importantly what do you have for Kayaks....

bigdog · 03-24-2010, 11:13 PM

I too am a new Gilford property owner who also kayaks... Would be very interested in knowing some locations....

Around Saunders Bay would seem nice on weekdays, not weekends however because of Marina traffic in that area.

Smith cove is nice if you want to putz around, and can put-in at Glendale docks. Also around Elacoya seems like it would be nice and easy, close to shore.

Honestly, I'd stay away from the big open water locations....

BD

jmen24 · 03-25-2010, 09:57 AM

I second the recommendation for the Merrymeeting River, the put in is on the right of Route 11 just before the bridge that crosses the river. I have not paddled the upper part so I have not much to say on that section, but below Route 11, the river meanders through a marsh area and is nice flat quiet water with lots of potential for wildlife (depending on what you are looking for) and can easily be paddled back up stream if you are looking to avoid having two vehicles in the mix.

This is a great night paddle as well, pick a full moon night and enjoy the area, not a ton of trees around the marsh area and you can paddle to one end and back in a few hours.

McDudes small lake recommendations are also very good, nice quite water (no really large boats and lots of shoreline to explore)

Off 140 in Gilmanton, just below the Iron Works, turn onto Crystal Lake Road (big sign), Crystal lake is first and Manning is second, both on the right side of the road.

South of Silver Lake in Tilton down the Winnipesaukee River is also a nice paddle, take out is at the train station in Tilton.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/co...mary_state_NH_ This is the list of all the rivers in NH that have a little bit of movement to them, class I and II can be handled with intermediate paddling ability, Knowledge of reading a river should be a skill that you have before attempting any class of whitewater. (Tongues and V's, know what they mean when you see them) If you do not know, then find out and practice. Plenty of books on the subject, and start slow with a small group and you will open yourself up to a far greater list of possible paddles in the area. Most small rivers in this area have some form of whitewater, but they only last a very short distance, so you get to enjoy the scenery on the rest of the paddle and have a little excitement mixed in from time to time, plus you can always portage if you are not comfy with the rip. Scout first until you can read from the boat and always scout a horizon line, even if you have run it before.

03-24-2010, 08:33 PM	#1
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,668 Thanks: 3,282 Thanked 1,132 Times in 814 Posts	MerryMeeting River in Alton Bay will be a great start! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

03-24-2010, 08:58 PM	#2
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,970 Thanks: 1,064 Thanked 912 Times in 539 Posts	The possibilities are endless.... all depends on the type of paddling you are looking for. When you want to be on the water etc. There are places I would recommend for weekend paddling, and then there are those I would recommend for weekday paddling. From there it further gets defined by are you looking for stream / River / small ponds, or are you looking for larger lake adventures... as I say the possibilities are endless.. The there is the other question how far away from Gilford do you want to travel to go paddling.... Oh yes most importantly what do you have for Kayaks.... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

03-24-2010, 11:13 PM	#3
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,459 Thanks: 357 Thanked 126 Times in 100 Posts	Kayaking I too am a new Gilford property owner who also kayaks... Would be very interested in knowing some locations.... Around Saunders Bay would seem nice on weekdays, not weekends however because of Marina traffic in that area. Smith cove is nice if you want to putz around, and can put-in at Glendale docks. Also around Elacoya seems like it would be nice and easy, close to shore. Honestly, I'd stay away from the big open water locations.... BD

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03-25-2010, 09:57 AM	#4
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	I second the recommendation for the Merrymeeting River, the put in is on the right of Route 11 just before the bridge that crosses the river. I have not paddled the upper part so I have not much to say on that section, but below Route 11, the river meanders through a marsh area and is nice flat quiet water with lots of potential for wildlife (depending on what you are looking for) and can easily be paddled back up stream if you are looking to avoid having two vehicles in the mix. This is a great night paddle as well, pick a full moon night and enjoy the area, not a ton of trees around the marsh area and you can paddle to one end and back in a few hours. McDudes small lake recommendations are also very good, nice quite water (no really large boats and lots of shoreline to explore) Off 140 in Gilmanton, just below the Iron Works, turn onto Crystal Lake Road (big sign), Crystal lake is first and Manning is second, both on the right side of the road. South of Silver Lake in Tilton down the Winnipesaukee River is also a nice paddle, take out is at the train station in Tilton. http://www.americanwhitewater.org/co...mary_state_NH_ This is the list of all the rivers in NH that have a little bit of movement to them, class I and II can be handled with intermediate paddling ability, Knowledge of reading a river should be a skill that you have before attempting any class of whitewater. (Tongues and V's, know what they mean when you see them) If you do not know, then find out and practice. Plenty of books on the subject, and start slow with a small group and you will open yourself up to a far greater list of possible paddles in the area. Most small rivers in this area have some form of whitewater, but they only last a very short distance, so you get to enjoy the scenery on the rest of the paddle and have a little excitement mixed in from time to time, plus you can always portage if you are not comfy with the rip. Scout first until you can read from the boat and always scout a horizon line, even if you have run it before.