|
| Flatwater and Coastal Paddling Committee |
These sessions are for anyone who wants to learn or practice the basics of kayaking, Eskimo rolling, bracing, self rescue or just keep the rust off their paddling skills. Everyone is welcome! We encourage you to join AMC but membership is not required
We are back at the Greenwich YWCA for 2007 on Sunday mornings at a slightly earlier time! Be there at 8:45 to sign the waiver form & pay. Door opens at 9 am, in-pool time is 9:00 am to 11:30 am. Pool deck must be cleared of boats & gear by noon.
Please contact Jean Trapani 203-221-7439 or 914-448-4112 (Mon-Fri. daytime) or at flatwater@ct-amc.org if you are interested in attending or for cancellation info due to inclement weather. We are limiting the number of boats in the pool to about 20. She needs your phone numbers in order to register you (in case of cancellation). She will give you a registration number. Registration for Jan. 14 begins on the previous Monday, Jan. 8, at 9:00 am. This holds for the other weeks as well - registration begins at 9 am on the Monday previous to the Sunday session. No money required in advance.
Cancellations accepted up to 6 pm evening before (ie, Sat.) a pool session. Persons who register & fail to show up or persons who do not tell Jean they are canceling may not get first preference in subsequent sessions.
If you were not included, you can still WATCH for free on the pool deck. Watching has always been free.
Feb. 4 - Demonstration of kayak skills, re-entries, & rescues by ACA certified instructor Michele Sorensen of Kayak Adventure & the Sound Kayakers club: http://www.kayak-adventure.net/ Michele Sorensen, an ACA Certified Coastal Kayak Instructor (1998, 2002, 2006), will do a step-by-step demonstration of basic wet exit and re-entry techniques in the deep end of the pool from 9-10 am, allowing time for observers to practice from 10-11. [leaving most of the pool free for those practicing on their own]. Michele's focus is on mastery of rescue routines that get you back in your boat quickly, in all conditions. Initial goal should be self-rescue within five minutes, working down to two minutes, then under one minute. Methods taught will be bow fancy flip with taco and cowboy re-entry, t-rescue, paddle float re-entry, and re-enter and roll with a paddle float. She'll do other methods on request.
Anyone may attend the demo at no charge. Those planning to get in the pool will pay the shared pool fee.
YWCA of Greenwich
259 E. Putnam Ave
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 203-869-6501 Extension 121 (Aquatics Director)
Driving Directions: Merritt Parkway South
Exit 31 North Street. Turn right onto North Street. Follow to the end, approximately
four miles and turn left. Go to traffic light and turn left onto Putnam Avenue,
also called US 1 or the Post Road. YWCA is 1/8 mile on the left just beyond
the Junior League building on the left side of the road and across from Christ
Church on the right.
Merritt Parkway North
Exit 31 North Street. Turn left onto North Street. Follow to the end, approximately
two miles and turn left. Go to traffic light and turn left onto Putnam Avenue,
also called US 1 or the Post Road, YWCA is 1/8 mile on the left just beyond
the Junior League building on the left side of the road and across from Christ
Church on the right.
I-95 North
Exit 4, Indian Field Road. Turn left onto Indian Field Road, cross over I-95
and at second light turn left onto Putnam Avenue, also called US 1 or the Post
Road. Go straight for three traffic lights, top of hill with Old Church Road
on right. Temple Sholom and Christ Church on left. YWCA is the first driveway
on your right.
I-95 South
Exit 4, Indian Field Road. Turn right onto Indian Field Road, and at first light
turn left onto Putnam Avenue, also called US 1 or the Post Road. Go straight
for three traffic lights, top of hill with Old Church Road on right. Temple
Sholom and Christ Church on left. YWCA is the first driveway on your right.
More options!
CT AMC Whitewater Pool Sessions – see Whitewater page for full description: http://www.ct-amc.org/paddle/pool.html . Short description is below.
Please be aware that the Whitewater Committee for CT AMC is holding pool sessions in Greenwich also at the Boys and Girls Club of Connecticut, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25.
Time: 10 am to 12 pm. Contact Bob Forster, 203-253-0469. Cost $10.00 per person, AMC members. $12.00 per person, non-AMC members.
Directions: From I-95 Southbound take Exit 3, Arch St. At end of ramp, go right onto Arch St., then take first left onto Horseneck Lane. From I-95 Northbound,
take Exit 3, Arch St. At end of ramp, go left onto Arch St., then take first left onto Horseneck Lane.
After you turn onto Horseneck Lane, the Boys and Girls Club is 1st building on the right, brick with green shutters. Make a right into first driveway immediately after the white buses.
Pull up to the door to unload boats, then pull forward to the parking lot. Parking is onsite & across the street in the train station parking lot.
Yet more options!! Start up your own pool sessions!
If you want to start up pool sessions in your area, I’ll be glad to tell you all I know about doing it through AMC (because that’s the only way I’ve organized pool sessions).
So don’t get closed out – get busy! It takes some work & commitment, but then you ALWAYS get to be in the pool! Contact me at flatwater@ct-amc.org Jean
Lake Waramaug, Blue Jewel of the Highlands "Connecticut's Alpine Lake" Set in the northwest hill towns of Warren, Kent and Washington and surrounded by B&B's and vineyards, it's like going on vacation in your own backyard. We'll have a guest speaker on lake restoration efforts in this important Highlands area. Take US Rte 202 to New Preston, onto Rte 45 north. Left on North Shore Rd & follow signs to the park. Parking fee: $7 in, $10 out/state. Meet 9 am in State Park parking lot. Canoes or kayaks welcome. Lifejacket and paddle float required. Kids must have parent/guardian. Heavy rain, thunder or winds above 15 knots cancel. If in doubt call leader the night before. Leader: Jean Trapani 203-221-7439. flatwater@ct-amc.org. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Saugatuck River. Level I CT AMC Sea Kayaking Meet at public boat launch ramp under I-95. We will paddle the Saugatuck River out to the coast and explore some marshy areas. Total length of 5-6 miles. Cold weather gear may be required. We will offer a pre-launch safety drill. Anyone who has not paddled in a CT-AMC sea kayak trip must attend the safety drill and do a wet exit. Please review skill level and required equipment at http://www.ct-amc.org/flatwater/SeaKayakGuidelines.htm#A. Pre-registration required. If you have participated in a prior CT-AMC sea kayak trip, you may email the leader to register at flatwater@ct-amc.org. If this is your first trip, contact the leader for directions, launch time, questions. See the chapter web site for Sea Kayak Guidelines. Leader: Jean Trapani 203-221-7439. flatwater@ct-amc.org. Co-Leader: Barry Gorfain Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Paddle Hopeville Pond State Pk Paddle the Pachaug River with short portage to Pauchaug Pond. Meet 9:30am at commuter parking lot in Griswold, I-395 Exit 86 (Rt.201 Hopeville Rd). Lifejacket, whistle, paddlefloat required. Heavy rain, lightning, thunder, winds 15+ mph cancels. No dogs. Paddlers under 18 only w/ parent or guardian. Bring sunscreen, snacks, water. If in doubt call the leader the night before. Leader: Bruce Ross. 203-378-9780. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
CT River Creeks, Hadlyme, CT Paddle CT River to Whalebone & Seldon Creeks. Rain cancels. Open water experience necessary. Meet at ferry landing on EAST side of river. Contact Leader for launch time. Open water experience required. Leader: Barry Gorfain 860-739-6622 Co-Leader: Jean Trapani 203-221-7439. flatwater@ct-amc.org. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Paddle Wintergreen Lake Peaceful paddle on quiet lake that is perfect for beginners. You need to have your own boat, no rentals available. Meet 10am at Lake Wintergreen. From Rt.15, Exit 60, head south on Rt 10. Right at next light to Benham St. Left at T-intersection to Main St. Right into parking lot at curve in road. Use 95 Main St, Hamden as an approximate address for mapping software. Leader: Tom Ebersold 203-874-7839 (best time to call: before 9 pm). bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Paddle Farmington River Paddle the flatwater section from Avon to Simsbury. Meet at 9:30am at Alsop Park behind Nassau's Furniture. Park entrance is on the right just south of the corner of Rt.10 (Waterville Rd) and Rt.44 (Avon Mt Rd). Car spotting at Curtiss Park. Pre-reg required. Lifejacket, whistle, paddlefloat required. No dogs. Heavy rain, lightning, thunder, winds 20+ mph cancels. Paddlers under 18 only with parent or guardian. Bring sunscreen, snacks, water. If in doubt call the leader the night before. Leader: Bruce Ross. 203-378-9780. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Paddle Charles E Wheeler Wildlife Area Peaceful 3-hr paddle through quiet salt marsh away from the buzz of boats on Housatonic River. Registration required by Wed. June 27. Trip size limited. Some paddling experience required. Leader will e-mail all trip details, including starting time & place. RSVP sooner rather than later. RSVP does not obligate you to come if your plans change. Leader: Tom Ebersold. bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Paddle Lieutenant River Beautiful tidal river, salt marsh. Rain cancels. Meet at boat launch ramp at Rt 156. Contact leader for launch time. Leader: Barry Gorfain. 860-739-6622. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Paddle Burr Pond State Park Peaceful paddle on quiet lake that is perfect for beginners. We will start the trip by practicing wet exits, a fun experience. You can stay dry if you like. Meet 10 am at Burr Pond boat launch. Rt 8 to Exit 46. From Rt 8 N, left on Pinewoods Rd. From Rte 8 S, right on Pinewoods Rd. Then left on Winsted Rd at first stop sign. Go 1 mile. Right at blinking yellow light. Go 1 mile to boat launch (1/2 mile past park entrance). Leader: Tom Ebersold. 203-874-7839 (best time to call: Before 9 pm). bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Mystic River, Sea Kayak Trip Level II We will paddle the Mystic River out to Mason Island. Total length of 5-6 miles. We will offer a pre-launch safety drill. Anyone who has not paddled in a CT-AMC sea kayak trip must attend the safety drill and do a wet exit. Please review skill level and required equipment at http://www.ct-amc.org/flatwater/SeaKayakGuidelines.htm#A. Leader: Barry Gorfain. 860-739-6622 . Co-Leader: Jean Trapani. 203-221-7439. flatwater@ct-amc.org. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Salmon River Paddle Peaceful paddle on lazy river up to dam with trips to side creeks on the way back. 8 miles total. Rain cancels. Meet at 9:30 am at CT River boat launch. Rt. 9 Exit 7 to Rt. 82 North/East. Left on Rte. 149 N for 1.5 miles. Launch on left. Leader: Tom Ebersold. 203-874-7839 (best time to call: Before 9 pm). bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Great Island, Sea Kayak Level II
Depending on the weather, we could paddle out along the coast or up the Connecticut River. Total length of 4-6 miles.
We will offer a pre-launch safety drill. Anyone who has not paddled in a CT AMC sea kayak trip must attend the safety drill and do a wet exit.
Please review skill level and required equipment on the web site. If you have paddled in a CT AMC sea kayak trip you may e-mail the leader to register. Call leader if this is your first trip.
Leader: Robert White.
203-453-3727.
robertswhite@comcast.net.
Co-Leader: Barry Gorfain,
Co-Leader: Jean Trapani.
203-221-7439.
flatwater@ct-amc.org.
Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Fun
with Canoes! Join us at beautiful Powers Lake! You'll enjoy this workshop
with ACA-certified Canoe Instructor Barry Gorfain! Instruction 10 am-2 pm wth
lunch break. Paddle around lake 2 pm. Barry will cover water safety, canoe transport,
paddling in wind & waves, river reading, strokes (review of forward, back, draw,
pry, cross draw, sweep, bracing, & j strokes), rescues, and games. Exit 74 off
I-95, north on Rt 161 for 0.5 mile, turn left (south) onto Rt 1(Post Rd). Go
0.5 mile, turn right onto Lower Pattagansett Rd, which becomes Upper Pattagansett
Rd. Go 2.7 miles, turn right onto Whistletown Rd by the entrance to the Yale
Univ Outdoor Education Ctr. Go 0.6 mile, turn right onto the marked access road.
This lake is also described on pages 273-275 of AMC Quiet Water Guide to Mass.,
CT., and Rhode Island, 2004 ed. Bring your own boat, paddle, lifejacket, drinks,
lunch, & change of clothes. Wear a swimsuit because you will get wet! Leader:
Barry Gorfain. 860-739-6622. Registration is required for this trip.
See contact above.
Photo taken by Howard Tunick
Mansfield Hollow Lake! Meet at 10 am for mellow 4-hour paddle on peaceful lake. Excellent for beginners. You must provide your own boat, no loaners available and leader has no info on where to rent. Lifejacket required. Bring food and water. Paddlers under 18 must be with parent/guardian. Contact leader for more info. Directions: I-84 Exit 68 to Rte. 195 South for 11 miles. Go 0.5 miles past Rte. 89, left on Bassett Bridge Rd. Go 1.4 miles to boat launch on the left. Leader: Tom Ebersold bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Thimble Islands, Sea Kayak Level II, Branford, CT We will paddle into the Thimble Islands and explore some of the coves. Total length 6-8 miles. We will offer a pre-launch safety drill. Anyone who has not paddled in a CT AMC sea kayak trip must attend the safety drill & do a wet exit. Please review skill level and required equipment on the web site. If you have participated in a CT AMC sea kayak trip, you may e-mail the leader to register. Call leader if this is your first trip. Leader: Robert White. 203-453-3727. robertswhite@comcast.net. Co-Leader: Barry Gorfain, Co-Leader: Jean Trapani. 203-221-7439. flatwater@ct-amc.org. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Lake Lillinonah, Newtown, and the Shepaug River, Bridgewater. Meet at 10 a.m. at Pond Brook Boat Launch Ramp, 160 Hanover Rd, Newtown, for an expected launch by 10:20 a.m. Relaxed 3 to 4 hour paddle in the quieter end of Lake Lillinonah with an excursion up the Shepaug River. Good trip for beginners.PFD (lifejacket) required. You must provide your own boat. The leader does not have any loaners, nor does he have any information on rentals. Contact a shop that sells kayaks to see if they rent them. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Paddlers under 18 must be with parent/guardian. Contact leader before Sunday with questions or if weather is a possible problem. Directions: I-84 Exit 10 to Route 6 West for 0.6 miles. Right onto The Boulevard (becomes Hanover Rd.) and travel for 3.4 miles. The launch is on the right. Use 160 Hanover Rd., Newtown, as your destination if you are trying to map your directions. Leader: Tom Ebersold bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net
Wilderness Canoe Camping - Ontario, Canada, an interchapter trip. Four-day canoe camping in Algonquin Park, Ontario over Labor Day weekend. Algonquin Provincial Park is located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in central Ontario, Canada. It is the oldest park in Ontario, covering about 7,725 square kilometres. Over 2400 lakes and 1200 kilometres of streams and rivers are located within the park. There are 29 access points to interior camping and 2000 kilometers of canoe trails. This is a vast network of lakes, rivers and portages. The portages range from 2 meters to 2 kilometers, averaging 500 meters. Each day will feature canoeing from lake to lake, moderate pace with short portages. We are planning a trip in the south-central region of the park, featuring larger lakes and shorter portages. The longest portage will be 680 meters. The trip will be limited to 8 persons, the capacity of one campsite. Participants should have some previous canoeing skills and camping experience. There will be plenty of time to relax in camp, swim, look for loons and ravens. The leader has an interest in birds and other wildlife. Moose are common. Black bears and wolves live in the park but are rarely seen. We plan to offer gourmet camp meals. Rental canoes and equipment available. Shared cost will include food and supplies, camping fees. Rentals will be extra. Plan to celebrate the end of the trip with a meal at a wilderness lodge. Call or email leader for detailed information. Leader: Robert S. White. 203-453-3727. robertswhite@comcast.net. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.
Powers Lake. Meet at 10 am for peaceful 3-hour paddle on secluded lake. Excellent for beginners. You must provide your own boat, no loaners available. Leader has no info on where to rent. Lifejacket required. Bring food and water. Paddlers under 18 must be with parent/guardian. Directions: I-95 to Exit 74 to Rte. 161 North. Left on Rte. 1, South for 0.5 miles. Right on Lower Pattagansett Rd. (becomes upper Pattangansett Rd.) for 2.7 miles. Right on Whistletown Rd for 0.6 miles to access road. Leader: Tom Ebersold. bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.
Fisher’s Island Sound, Sea Kayak Level III Depending on the weather, we will paddle from Groton Long Point across Fisher’s Island Sound to the harbor on Fisher’s Island and return. Total length of 6-8 miles. This will cross a major channel and can be complicated by waves and wind. You must have previously paddled on an AMC sea kayak trip or be personally known by the leaders and meet level III requirements. If the conditions are poor, we will explore the coast of Noank and the outer islands of the Mystic River. Please review skill level and required equipment at http://www.ct-amc.org/flatwater/SeaKayakGuidelines.htm#A. Call leader to register. Leader: Barry Gorfain, 860-739-6622 Co-Leader: Robert White. 203-453-3727. robertswhite@comcast.net. Registration is required for this trip. See contact above.