Trip Leader Workshop and Real Rescue

Sunday, June 8 2008

Sebago Canoe Club had its annual Trip Leader Workshop at our Brooklyn Clubhouse on Sunday. It also coincides with the sailors’ first sail of the season. Bonnie who is one of the more experience paddlers and trip leader is also an aspiring sailor so she went sailing instead of the workshop. We poked fun at her a bit as she prepare her sailboat while we sit around listening to pass trip experiences. I envy her. I really want to learn how to sail. Take a class but never really get into sailing. Require way too much people interaction to get a sailboat in the water.

We spend way too much time on land discussing passed events and going over what we should do differently. I hated the legal aspect of the discussion but unfortunately we do live in a litigious society. We end up in a drawn out discussion about filing a “official” incident report vs. unofficial send the kayak chair a email of any incident worth reporting. I hate reports of any kind.

As usual I did not brought lunch so I end up getting some bread and peanut butter from John for lunch. We get on the water after lunch. It started out badly. I thought we were going to simulate an actual group paddle but the group that launched first started to wander down the channel before everyone else get on the water. So it very much a free for all as we paddle out to the bay. I gave up on any pretense of simulating an actual trip so I find the disorderliness of it very entertaining – which is for the best because what happen next throw off our entire workshop.

I was in the lead with Phil and another kayaker when I spotted a sail near buoy 13 that look weird. It was definitely no under control. I assumed that who ever it is just let go of the line so I wasn’t thinking much of it but I was watching it since it was on our course. Before I know it the sail disappear, the boat had gone over. It could be one of the sailors. But I have a sneaking suspicion whose boat it was.

Andy was setting up his sailing canoe on the dock while we were having the workshop at the Picnic area this morning. He told me that he is taking his two little kids out for a sail. The sail was definitely not a Sunfish or Laser’s so that leave us with only one possibility. Phil comment to me that if it’s one of the sailor that it no problem. I told him that it is definitely Andy’s sailing canoe. We race off toward the submerge canoe as fast as we can. I did not get all the way to the submerge canoe. Pete was calling us on the radio asking us what we were doing. I decided to let Phil and one other paddler get to Andy and see if anything need to be done while I waited for everyone else to catch up.

All told half of the group were needed to rescue Andy and his kids. Two kayakers paddled back to shore with the kids to get them out of the water and the wind. At least 4 kayakers were needed to tow the submerge canoe to shore to be dump it out. I end up with Jerry and the rest of the group. We decided to go over the rescue with the newbies while were waited. I demonstrated a couple of rescues, towing and have some volunteers be the rescuer and some being the victim. The canoe rescuers finally joined us almost 2 hours later. I do not envy them the task of towing a fully submerge canoe back at least a mile to shores. I did it once for only 200 feet and don’t want to repeat it. We did some more rescue then call it a day.

I convince Mary to give me a tow back to the bridge but I end up paddling faster then her tow so it was rather counter productive.

I talked to Andy after we get back to the club. He did not think it is too big a deal. He keep one asking me if his “simulation” was good. After he started saying that to a few people I told me to ask his children if his "simulated incident" was good or not. The whole incident could have end badly if we were not in the right place at the right time and fortunately with enough experience people to get him, his canoe and his kids back to shore. Andy, his canoe, and kids was drifting further and further into the motorboat channel and further from land when Phil and the rest of the rescuers get to him. I am very disturbed that the dangerous nature of the accident did not have a bigger impact on Andy.

First Saturday Paddle

At the clubhouse. No one has a WiFi connection I can piggy back on. No WiFi at all for that matter. Cheapo. All the guys with expensive motor boats and not WiFi. We should get a grant from the telephone company to have free WiFi.

Anyway, what am I doing at the clubhouse on a Tuesday you ask? Well there is several reasons. The main one would be because I lock my key in my kayak container again and have to stop by pick it up when John W. is here since he have the key to my container. John also asked me if I can wait for the water deliver, which should be here between 9AM and 4PM. John finally get them to narrow the time frame down to 1PM to 1:30PM. I could have drive home after picking up the key and helping John with a couple of errands but I decided since I brought everything I need why not stay and enjoy the sea breeze, and my alternate parking last till 11AM. Also it is hot as hell in my apartment. I should thing about getting my AC install.

Also, there is much less distraction here then at home to finish a couple of things; like updating all my blogs. I am still a bit out of date with the kayak blog. I am only half way through writing about my Monday Orhard Beach trip with Tony, I assisted a Saturday paddle this prevous weekend, and I have an interesting Trip Leading Workship on Sunday. I also need to work on my job search strategies. I need to get at least 4 interviews a week for the next 4 months in order to get a job, averaging the change of getting a job 1 in 40 interviews.

Saturday Paddle is at the same time as the Blessing of The Fleet. We get 11 walk-in guests before 9AM so it is going to be a busy summer. Everyone is between 25 and 30 mostly, along with several club members. Betty is probably the oldest person on the

paddle but she is a very good paddle. One of the woman was at open house, and she brought a couple of her friends. Nice looking group.

Pete P. is leading the trip so I don’t have to do much since he take charge of everything. Stevie M. is also assisting so I just stay out of the way. We get everyone ready and launch by 10:30. The weather is perfect for a beginner paddle. We have to wait a bit as a large group of motor boats set out for the blessing of the fleet. It was impressive to follow a light of 5 big boats down the channel. We have to make way for one boat that have to return to it slip due to shortage of gas. With Peter orchastrating everyone from the back we have no problem keeping clear of the boat.

I take point and lead everyone toward the bridge. We rafted up before the bridge to assess how everyone is doing. No one lagged behind or mauranding all over the place so we have good group of stronger beginners. I lead everyone under the bridge, and along Bergen Beach. I was supprised not to see any motor boats on Jamaica Bay. Apparently they all line up on the other side of Chesea Pier. I set a slow study pace so we have the group nice and thight together. We get to the Salt Marsh in no time at all, 11:10. I two Eskimo rolls while we waited for everyone to catch up and take a rest. I was not at all confortable with neither roll. One the second one I did not do a clean roll, instead I did a sculing roll up when I was not able to get up doing a C to C roll.

We did not have to be back till 12PM so it was decided after we raft up in front of the Marsh that we should go in and have a look around. High Tide have not peak yet there is still a chance that there may no be enough water for the heaver paddlers so I scouted the way head, looking for the deepest way to get into the Marchs. Water is still flowing into the Marsh so it is not quite full up yet. We have about 1 and a half feet of water to paddle in, everyone managed to get through to the Marsh. Everyone is impress as how quiet and isolated the feel of the March is compare to the noice of the highway just on the other side. We looking around for a couple of minutes, till 11:30 then decided to start heading back.

We get to the bridge right as the Sebago continuents of the Blessing of the Fleet came back. The war canoe lead the way back, and behind it is about half a dozen kayakers. They crossed under the bridge before us so they have first dip at the dock. We rafted at the cove before the marina and waited. I did a couple of roll while we were waiting. It was getting hot in the dry suit. While were were waiting the motor boats from the Blessing of the Fleet start comeing in. After the first batch of motor boats come throught we decided that it is time to proceed back to the dock. When we get to the right side coming into the inlet, and right at the first marina, there is a confusion as to what the motor boat intention were. Several of them were caming right down the channel, but one is sitting right in the middle with the bow pointed toward were we were. I thought that the boat was going to back up into a slip on the opposite marina but it turn out they want to come into the slip in which were are blocking. We were waiting for him to back up but he was waiting for us to transit so he can dock. One of the fella on the slip told us to move so we move down the channel and clear the area so the boat can dock.

We wrapped up the paddle by noon. Everyone was very helpful with the washing of the boats and equipments and putting everything way. I enjoyed the open paddle. Great chance to meet new people.

Orchard Beach

Somehow or other the subject of paddling on Monday come up during our sunday paddle. I learned that Tony, JohnW and Walter is planning a Monday paddle up at Orchard Beach. Since I don't have anything better to do on Monday I asked them if I can tag alone. The only problem I see is getting my dry suit dry over night.

I arrived at the club at 7:30AM. I was hoping that John come early also so we can start out early for Tony house where we are meeting Tony and Walter. The plan was to meet up at Tony's at 9AM so John and I plan to be at the club at 8:30 to pick up our boats. Probably cut the timing a bit tight. I get there early just in case John come early and we can start heading out before 8:30. John come at 8AM and we get everything ready by 8:30. The drive up to Tony did take longer due to traffic on the Van Wyck. It turned out Walter was late getting to Tony also so we did not feel bad about being late. We get there at about 9:15AM. Spend a couple of minutes talking to Walter, planning our trip up to Orchard Beach. Walter forget to closed the back gate of his SUV as we drove away. He did not goes far thought before he stopped and get out to close it. Close call, cooler with the wind was right on the edge of the back of the trunk.

Get up to Ochard Beach without any delay. There wasn't many car on the parking lot, so parked as close to the boat ramp as we can. We still have to carry our kayak a good distance to the ramp. We get on the water at 11AM. Just about were I thought we would . The day was perfect for a relaxing paddle. We launch at a good time, right at high tide. We paddled out out into Long Island Sound and head North East toward some group of Islands.


Kayaks at the boat ramp.



John and Walter getting ready to Launch.


These two mating horseshoe craps was right on the side of the launch ramp. They come to that position when we arrived, and 20 minutes later when we get ready to launch they were still there. They finally find more quiet place to do they thing.


Walter and John as we start our paddle.


Get a very good view of the Brog Neck Bridge on our way into the Long Island Sound. We head away from the bridge and toward a couple of island to the east of City Island.




I believed this is at 1PM so this is after lunch .

Sunday Surprise

Get an email from Tony on Saturday evening about a short relaxing paddle he want to do on Sunday. Tony is a fun guy and paddle with him are always pleasant, even if unpredictable. We usually did not have a set plan when we set out as to where we are going. I was planning to go out on a paddle on Sunday morning anyway so I jump on the opportunity to paddle. I would never have actually get up at 7AM to go paddling by myself. I did not know how many other people respond to Tony Email so I don't know who is coming or their skills level. Tony did not specify how long the trip is going to be so I did not pack any lunch - I should have know better from previous paddle with Tony.

I get there just as Tony pull up to the clubhouse gate. There were already several car there. I was not expecting so many cars at the club on a Sunday. Turn out a group of Boy Scout camp out on the club's ground and are preparing to go out canoing to practive for an upcoming trip.

We launch at 9AM after the Boy Scouts launched, and went head short east toward Mill Basin. We did not decide at that moment where were were going yet. It was decided as we went down the shore that we should paddle to Floyd Bennett Field. It take must just under one hour to get there. There wasn't much wind so there wasn't any big wave coming off the sea wall. As we were approaching the the seaplane ramp, we saw another paddling in the opposition direction. Tony asked if anyone have a Sebago booklet. I told him mine are all in my car, and paddle pass the newcomer. I pretend I did not see him. Tony, being a more social fella paddle up to the newcomer and introduce himself. I don't know what transpired but the newcomer decided to have a paddle with us.

After resting for a couple of minutes while the group talk with the newcomer - I did not remember his name, Tony told me to lead everyone to a beach before Gil Hodges Bridge. The new guy is a fast paddler so he was in front with me most of the trip. The Washing Machine was off today. We have very good current going out and the wind was light so there is not much wave action. Instead of landing at the beach we decided to continue under the bridge since it was only 11:30 something when we get there. I was feeling good so did not mind just going a bit further. We still do not have a definite turn around destination at this point. Just see how far we can go till we have to get back. At Dead Horse Bay we have a mini conference as to where were want to go. The choices were Gerrison Beach or Sheepshead Bay. I think Sheepshead Bay would be too far. I was not expecting a four hours trip. I suggested Gerrison Bay for lunch since there is good beach there. Lunch - I meant rest because I did not expect us to come back after lunch time I did not bring anything to eat.

There is a lot of boat traffic on Rockaway Inlet when we get there, and most of them boats were running at full speed into Gerrison Beach. We managed to get under the bridge just as a big motor come through. We did not goes far into the Inlet, just at the mouth there were a good beach, and away from the ATV ridding family on the other side. While everyone landed, I stay out and do a couple of rolls. The water was still cold not I need the cool down after 3 hours of paddling in my dry suit.

I joined the rest of the group after my cool down roll. They were seating aways from the boat, on the other side of the sand dune that formed the beach where we can't see out boats which is something I usually want to avoid. Not at all happy with the prospect of coming back and find our boats floating away. Tony offered me some dry fruits so I have a couple of dry banana for lunch.

We make our way back at at 1nish something. The wind was starting to pick up, and the current was still coming out so the paddle back was bit shower. The waves are more interesting at the Washing Machine our morning trip through it. We are get around Floyd Bennett Field without any problem. We landed at the second Seaplane ramps to say good by to our guest. I wandered off to find the facility. It was all the way across from the old air field - now parking lot. It is a open pit design so it was not something I would have normally use, but since I walk a good 10 minutes to find it I might as well use it. I held me breath as long as I can.

I came back just in time to say good bye our new friend.

We get a bit of wind and wave by the time we get back to the club. Everyone was asking if we see the Boy Scout canoeists on the way back. I looked out for the canoes that went out in the morning before us, I assumed that they came back when I did not see on our way back. I did not know how long their trip was plan for but I did no expect anything longer then our trip. It was 2:45 when we get back so it had been 7 hours since they left the dock. That is a very long canoe trip. Everyone was worry if the kids can handle the canoe in the strengthening wind. Jim and Andy tried a couple of time to raise them on the marine radio but not luck (we learned later that they take a club radio - which did not work).

Holly come back in the Sunfish to tell us that she talk the Boy Scouts group and tell us where they are. It was suggested that someone paddle out and escorted them into the inlet. My boat and equipments was already washed so I wasn't thinking of going out again but after thinking it over I decided to goes out to see where they are. I wasn't going to be able to drive home anyway till they come back so I might as well be doing something.

Jim was getting the safety boat prep but was not sure about launching because there was much gas in the tank. When I get to the bridge two canoes were coming in so I radioed back to Jimmy that the canoeists arrived at the inlet so he don't have to risk taking the safety canoe out. Jim wanted to launch any just in case it was need. I paddle out to the bay and see the four remaining canoes and a kayaker spread out a bit but doing fine. I radioed in. I meet up with the kayaker and we paddle back to the bridge. The Boy Scouts paddling the last canoe was having problem keeping it going straight so the going was slow. Jim come out with the safety boat as we get the buoy before the bridge. He was having problem keeping the motor running. He have to start it several time and go very slowly to be able to make it back to the dock. I was paddling faster then him as I follow him just in case I have to tow him home. I would not enjoy that. Fortunately he make it back with just the fume in the engine.

All the canoeist went through the motor boat channel under the bridge. I was not able to get them to go to the side. Oop. I did keep a watchful eye out for boat as they went under the bridge so there weren't any real danger. I radioed a general warning just in case. Everyone get home ok so all is well that end well.