PFD's (life jackets) must be worn and zipped up on all CT AMC Flatwater/Coastal Paddling trips.

Completed trips

CT AMC Flatwater Pool Sessions 2009

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.

Two kinds of activity will be held in the pool at the same time. One activity is an informal group participation event where we share what we know with other paddlers. This has been our format for the last few years. A second activity, formal lessons with an ACA certified Sea Kayak instructor, is being offered through AMC and the fee structure is more. Michele Sorensen of Kayak-Adventure.net will be offering formal lessons at some sessions which must be arranged with her separately at 203-852-7295, kayak-adventure@earthlink.net ahead of time.

Sunday mornings Jan. 11, 18, 25 Feb. 1, 8, 22 (no pool session on the 15th) March 1, 8, 15, 22

Sunday mornings Jan. 11 (cancelled), 18, 25
Feb. 1, 8, 22 (no meeting on the 15th)
March 1, 8, 15, 22
YWCA of Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave.
Greenwich, CT
http://ywcagreenwich.org

Be there at 8:45 am to sign waiver form. Door opens at 9:00 am. In-water time is 9:00 - 11:30 am. Pool deck must be clear by noon of boats & gear. Use of facility includes showers & locker rooms. Per session fee of $20.00 per person for the group participation event charged to cover pool rental. Anyone arriving AFTER 9:00 am will be charged an additional $5.00.

Please contact Jean Trapani 203-221-7439 or 203-606-9459 or 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. First come, first served. You can still WATCH for free on the pool deck. Watching has always been free.

Please bring your own boat, PFD, paddle & gear Everything must be CLEAN! Use parking lot in back of the building.

Pool rules:
• Clean Stuff! All boats must be washed just before getting into the pool, so even if your boat was in the pool and no where else the previous week, you should rinse it off before each session. Bring a small bucket and a rag! The Y has a hose but we must use it sparingly, too much water on the grounds could hurt the landscaping.
• Cover your head! All paddlers must wear bathing caps. Swimmers do! Hair clogs the filters which makes us unwelcome. Neoprene hoods are also fine!
• Cover the sharp stuff! If your boat has a rudder, it must be covered with padding so the blade will not hurt someone else or the pool. The plastic "noodles" in sports stores cut to fit and lashed on to the rudder with string do nicely. Used, clean tennis balls are good for capping any very pointy bows or sterns.
• Be very careful with carbon paddles, do not let them hit the sides or bottom of pool. The Y staff has spent too many hours scrubbing black marks off the pool bottom & sides.
• Leave no trace of mud & grit on the pool deck, it's yucky. Take off your street shoes after you enter the building. Use the benches on the left.
YWCA of Greenwich

Driving Directions
From Merritt Parkway South bound
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.

From Merritt Parkway North bound
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.

From I-95 North bound
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 bound
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.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Menunketesuck River, Clinton/Westbrook line,Flatwater trip. This trip is in remembrance and honor of Lisa Spencer, who enjoyed this trip many times. This is spring migration time and there should be plenty of shorebirds and passerines to watch. This is Memorial Day weekend. Leader: Jean Trapani , 203-606-9459 (best time to call: before 9 pm) flatwater@ct-amc.org

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Lake Lillinonah, Newtown, and the Shepaug River, Bridgewater, Flatwater trip. Moderately paced 4 hour paddle in the quieter end of Lake Lillinonah with an excursion up the Shepaug River to Roxbury Falls. Drysuit or wetsuit required, and life jacket. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Contact Leader for launch time and directions. Rain cancels, so contact the leader if the weather looks threatening. Leader: Jean Trapani , 203-606-9459 (best time to call: before 9 pm) flatwater@ct-amc.org. Co-leader: Dale Geslien dalegeslien@sbcglobal.net. Registration is required for this trip.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Charles E. Wheeler State Wildlife Area, Milford. Peaceful 4-hour paddle through quiet, calm salt marsh. Registration required by Thurs. June 4. Trip size limited. Some paddling experience required. Leader will e-mail all trip details, including starting time and meeting place. RSVP sooner, rather than later. RSVPing does not obligate you to come if your plans change, but if you cannot make it, let the leader know, so he can open the trip to someone else. Leader: Tom Ebersold, bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net. Note: This trip is full as of right now. Please do not RSVP. And there is no waiting list, sorry to say.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Thames River, Norwich. Paddle approximately 6 miles from Howard Brown Park in Norwich to Erickson Park in Ledyard along the eastern shore of the Thames River. Group size is limited. Paddlers less than 18 years old must be with parent or legal guardian. Some paddling experience required. Must have own boat and equipment including life jacket worn at all times on the water. Bring lunch and drinks. Part of The Last Green Valley's Source to Sea & CFPA's Trails Day activities. For more information or to register, Leader Jean Trapani, home 203-221-7439, cell 203-606-9459, or flatwater@ct-amc.org. Co-leader Barry Gorfain. 860-739-6622. Registration is required for this trip.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Thames River, Montville. Paddle along the western shore of the Thames River from Montville to New London. Group size is limited. Paddlers less than 18 years old must be with parent or legal guardian. Must have own boat and equipment including life jacket worn at all times on the water. Bring lunch and drinks. Part of The Last Green Valley's Source to Sea program. For more information or to register, Leader Jean Trapani, home 203-221-7439, cell 203-606-9459, or flatwater@ct-amc.org. Co-leader Barry Gorfain. 860-739-6622. Registration is required for this trip.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Thames River, New London. Paddlers will tackle the final segment of the Thames River by crossing from Fort Trumbull in New London to Avery Point in Groton. Group size is limited. Some paddling experience required. Paddlers less than 18 years old must be with parent or legal guardian. Must have own boat and equipment including life jacket worn at all times on the water. Part of The Last Green Valley's Source to Sea program. For more information or to register, Leader Jean Trapani, home 203-221-7439, cell 203-606-9459, or flatwater@ct-amc.org. Co-leader Barry Gorfain. 860-739-6622. Registration is required for this trip.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Housatonic River, Milford to Shelton. Mellow 5-hour paddle exploring a less traveled section of the Housatonic River between I-95 and Shelton. Expect about 10-12 total miles of paddling. Registration required by Thurs. June. 14. Trip size limited. Some paddling experience required. Come prepared to paddle the entire distance. Leader will e-mail all trip details, including starting time (morning) and meeting place (Milford). RSVP sooner, rather than later. RSVPing does not obligate you to come if your plans change, but if you cannot make it, let the leader know, so he can open the trip to someone else. High winds cancels. Leader: Tom Ebersold, bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net

Monday, July 6, 2009

Novice flatwater trip Saugatuck River. We were rained out on June 30 so we'll try again! Join me for a novice flatwater trip on the Saugatuck River. Meet at 11:00 am, be on the water at 11:15 am, off the water by 1:15 am. High tide is about 11:41 am so we'll have lots of water to explore the mini-coves along the way. You don't have to pre-register. Heavy rain, thunderstorms cancel. Call me if you have questions.

Boat ramp is under the I-95 bridge on the Saugatuck River in Westport. Construction has finally stopped so we can now go on Elaine Road instead of Underhill Parkway to get to the boat ramp.

Directions - From the North: I-95 South to Exit 18. Stay right on ramp. Turn left at second light, Greens Farms Road. Go through two stop signs. Turn left at first light, Rte 136. Go under thruway and take first right. Boat ramp is past the sewage treatment plant. Directions - From the South: I-95 North to Exit 17. Straight at end of ramp. Through two stop lights. Turn left at stop light. Turn right at first light - Bridge St. Turn right at next light - Rte 136. Go under thruway and take first right. Boat ramp is past the sewage treatment plant.

Leader: Jean Trapani 203-606-9459 (best time to call: after 9 am & before 9 pm) flatwater@ct-amc.org. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.

Saturday July 11, 2009

Kayak/Canoe Skills Day, Lake Wintergreen, Hamden. Brush up on old skills, learn new ones. Have fun and get wet! Beginners welcome! 10 am. Rain cancels. Exit 60 off Route 15, south on Route 10, west on Benham Street, left onto Main Street, access on the right. Water is 100 feet from parking area. Use of internal combustion engines is prohibited. Leader: Barry Gorfain 860-739-6622 (best time to call: before 9 pm) Co-Leader: Jean Trapani 203-606-9459 (best time to call: after 9 am & before 9 pm) flatwater@ct-amc.org. Registration is not required for this trip. However, you may wish to contact us if you have any questions.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Norwalk River with the Norwalk River Watershed Association, Urban Discovery tour! Kayak the Norwalk River. Commentary about local shellfish industry and biodiversity. Bring your own kayak or rent from the Small Boat Shop, 144 Water Street, South Norwalk. Call 203-221-7439 or 203-606-9459 to pre-register. Novice trip. Leader: Jean Trapani 203-221-7439 (best time to call is before 9 pm) flatwater@ct-amc.org.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Lake Lillinonah, Newtown, and Shepaug River, Bridgewater Moderately paced 4 hour paddle in the quieter end of Lake Lillinonah with an excursion up the Shepaug River to Roxbury Falls. Life jacket required. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Some paddling experience required. Contact Leader for launch time and directions. Rain cancels, so contact the leader if the weather looks threatening. Intermediate trip. Registration with leader is required for this trip. Leader: Dale Geslien 203-778-3651 dalegeslien@sbcglobal.net

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Great Island, Lyme. 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. Registration is required for this trip.

August 3-7, 2009

Rangeley Pack and Paddle, A2B, Rangeley , ME 2 challenging climbs including 4116' Saddleback and a Rangeley Lake flatwater paddle. Stay 4 nights at Rangeley Lake St. Pk. w/hot showers. Approx. cost of $100 includes tent site, kayak rental and food. Contact leader for details. Leader: Dale Geslien, dalegeslien@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Kayak CT River Creeks. Sea Kayak Level II. Paddle pleasant stretch of CT River and explore Selden and Whalebone Creeks. Launch from Hadlyme Ferry Landing on EAST side of river. Boat wakes are common on the Connecticut River section of trip. Approx. 6 miles/4 hours. Preregister with Leader by 9 pm Wed. Aug. 5. Limit 10 boats. Hazardous weather cancels. Leader: Barry Gorfain, 860-739-6622. Co-leader: Robert White. 203-453-3727. robertswhite@comcast.net.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Farmington River, Avon – Cancelled

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge: Great Meadows Unit, Stratford. Moderately paced 4-hour and 8-mile paddle in peaceful salt marsh with lunch at Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport. Some exploration of small channels in the salt marsh with lots of paddling in open, yet protected waters. Registration required by Thursday, Sept. 10. Trip size limited. Leader will e-mail all trip details, including starting time (midmorning) and meeting place. RSVP sooner, rather than later. RSVPing does not obligate you to come if your plans change, but if you cannot make it, let the leader know, so he can open the trip to someone else. Leader: Tom Ebersold, bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net

Saturday, September 19, 2009.

Fisher’s Island. Sea Kayak Level III. Paddle from Groton Town Boat Launch at Esker Point to West Harbor, Fisher’s Island, and back. Approx. 9 miles/4 hours. There is a long open channel passage in each direction. 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 at http://www.ct-amc.org/flatwater/SeaKayakGuidelines.htm#A. 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. Preregister with Leader by 9 pm, Wed., Sept. 23. Limit 10 boats. Hazardous weather cancels. Leader: Barry Gorfain, 860-739-6622. Co-leader: Robert White. 203-453-3727. robertswhite@comcast.net.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Note: change in date

Thimble Islands, Branford. Sea Kayak Level II, Branford, CT. We will paddle into the Thimble Islands and explore some of the coves. Total length 8-10 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 at http://www.ct-amc.org/flatwater/SeaKayakGuidelines.htm#A. 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. Registration is required for this trip.

Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009

Coves in Essex, Intermediate Level Flatwater trip Cancelled