A downstream paddle of the tidal section of the Merrimack River from the Pines Recreation Center in Groveland, MA to Cashman's Landing in Newburyport (11.5 miles). A calm a crisp late fall morning. We launched at 0930 which was 15 minutes before the Riverside Tidal Gauge, slightly upriver, predicted the high tide would be (0945). The current was already steady downstream and we made the trip in 2hr 15 minutes mostly due to steady paddling and the strong downstream flow. At one point we hit 6.1 MPH below Deer Island in Amesbury, MA. We only encountered one power boat travelling downstream. A super paddle and one that can be hard to coordinate with the tide and weather as a morning falling tide only happens for about 3-4 days per month. I would not do this during the power boating season as there are many marinas and large boats on the river and it might be tricky. At this time of year it was superb.
Safety Notes
nothing extraordinary but power boats in the warm months would be a definite hazard
Gear Notes
CD Vision 140 and Stellar '14
Conditions
Ideal! as described
Trip Details
Trip Dates:
10/24/2023
Sport/Activity:
Kayaking
Skill Level:
Beginner
Water Type:
Flat/Sheltered Water, River/Creek (Up to Class II)
