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However, during the off-season these restrictions should be relaxed. For example, the upper lot at the Falmouth Foreside ramp in Maine has only two non-resident parking spots, but most of the resident spots remain empty after Labor Day. Increased parking fees for non-residents during the high season are another potential solution.
Beaches
Beaches can be a wonderful place to launch, but use by kayaks conflicts with, and potentially endangers, swimmers. Monument Beach, in Ipswich, Massachusetts, allows launching and landing on the north edge of the beach, clearly separating paddlers and beachgoers and allowing safe use by all.
In Gloucester, according to Tourism Coordinator Suzanne Silveira, paddlers can launch from and land on any non-lifeguarded town beach.
Cressy's Beach, in Stage Fort Park, is therefore open year-round, and most others are open during the offseason or late in the day. Moreover, the non-lifeguarded section at the southeast end of Wingaersheek Beach (photo at right) is always open to kayaks.
Other cities and towns should follow this model, which keeps kayaks and swimmers apart and allows everyone to enjoy public beaches. While planning your trips, look into the public beach regulations in the towns you'll visit to see whether the beaches are accessible or off-limits.
Floats
Public landings in town are often large docks with floats allowing boats to land and tie up. With proper technique, paddlers can easily use these floats as long as they are not too high (more than 8" or so). Paddlers will often find public parking around these landings, whether it be metered, on-street parking or spots right at the dock.
No matter what type of launch site you are using, exercise common sense and avoid getting in others' way. No one, especially commercial fishermen working for a living, should have to wait because your boat or car is blocking the ramp.
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Either quickly unload boats and gear off to the side of the ramp, or do it at your car and carry in when you are ready. On the beach, land so you avoid swimmers, and always stay out of the buoyed "swim areas." If paddlers want continued access, we must be a part of the community by respecting others.
Access for All
To ensure our continued access to the sea and the preservation of our untouched oceanfront areas, encourage your city or town to maintain their waterfront parks, landings, and rights of way, and limit private oceanfront development. Residents and tourists alike would prefer to walk along an undeveloped coast than be stopped by "private property" signs at the gates of a new oceanfront house.
Support and become involved with private conservation organizations such as Massachusetts' Trustees of Reservations, or more local organizations like the Kennebunk Land Trust in Maine.
In addition, support conservation/recreation organizations like the Maine Island Trail Association, discussed in this issue of NESK. The MITA model is particularly intriguing because it brings together private landowners who open their property to members and conservation-minded citizens who pledge to uphold Leave-No-Trace Outdoor Ethics.
Finally, go down to the sea as much as possible. You'll be glad you did.
The author is the editor of NESK, and works as an instructor and guide at Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Newton, Mass.
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