So what's been up....

Have a great winter. Did three great ski trip with Zogsport. Meet interesting people, regrettably do not get to know them well enough to maintain relationship after we get back to NYC. Finally learn how to ski properly, enjoy it immensely. Wanted to plan other trips for the winter, but there were just not enough time.

Reason I don't have enough time is because I am taking up running seriously. I registered and ran a couple of race in March, all with New York Road Runner (NYRR). I have ran so far, one 6.2 miles run ( in Central Park), a 12.4 miles run (Coney Island/Prospect Park), and two 4 miles races. The 4 miles races are the worst. I have to work on keep a faster pace for these 4 miles race. I do enjoy it thought. I need to find a running partner(s). I wanted to do a couple of half marathons and cross country before the weather get bad again.

April 21 - So back to kayaking. My club season opener was last Saturday. The weather was perfect, in the mid 60's with clear sky. I arrived at 9AM with my egg rolls. This is the first time I ever cook something to the club pot luck party. Actually, this year we have a Chili cookout. It was billed as our first annual chili cookout so this would be a annual thing. As soon as I put my food down, I was pursued to go out kayaking. I was fully repair for a little on the water fun so not much persuasion was needed. There were five of us, 4 men and one woman. Since this was our first paddle in a couple of months we did not go far, out across to Canarsie Pol, and along to northeast coast to a egress nest at the tip and back. We get back by 1:30PM, ready to sample all the Chili that had been entered into the contest. I only manage to sample 3 different chilies. My pick did not win. But the day was not all bad, my egg rolls were a hit.

This weekend, April 28 and 29
Send an e-mail out Friday to let everyone in the club know that I am going out for a paddle on Saturday, and would love company. Did not get any reply, except for Stevie M to say that he can't make Saturday. So on Saturday I kayaked out along. The weather was overcast, and a in the low 60's, not much wind or wave. When I launched the tide is going out. I brought my Garmin Forerunner with me since today I plan to work my speed. When I get out under the break, the water is flat with a slight breeze. I paddled across the channel, and start to head toward Ruffle Bar. My plan was to do a quick paddle to Ruffle Bar and back since I was bored just paddling by myself. As I approached the channel separating Canarsie Pol from Ruffle Bar I start to get into my stroke so I decided to go around to the back of Ruffle Bar just because I have never been around Ruffle Bar before. Getting around Ruffle Bar was not difficult, like I say I was in my groove. When I clear the back of ruffle Bar, I send a long land mass in front of me. I don't know where Canarsie Pol end, and the vast expand of salt marsh islands that became visible in low tide. As you can see I make the first guess right, and the second guess wrong. I end up going around a marsh island before I get to Canarsie Pol, expending my trip by 3 miles. Even thought the trip is longer then I planned, I enjoy it. The only pain I feel afterward was a slight ache in both my elbows from fight the wind that pickup as I round the pol on the way back. I make very good speed, managing to keep between 4 and 5 miles per hours most of the way. I only reason I need to rush to shore was to use the facility. I don't want to beach and get out of my dry suit. I make it back to dock just in time.

As I was getting my stuff together to leave the club, I heard someone yelled , " Sebago", "Sebago." Since I was the only one at the club, I went outside to see who it was. I see someone standing on the other side of the fence separate our club from parking lot of the sport facility next to us. I do not recognized the guy standing on the other side. He introduce himself as a member of Yonkers Club named Lee Reiser and that he come down to paddle with us. The problem was he did not set up a kayak trip with anyone. He just drove down from Yonkers and find the gate lock. I was not sure what I should do. I was supposed to leave to meet my mother, at 1PM, and its now 2PM.

I felt really bad for the guy, driving 1 and a half hours down just to drive back up. I can't just let him in to launch because I need to lock the gate if I leave. As we take another club member drive in. He is a racer. I called the him over an explain to him that the guy from Yonkers guy want to go out kayaking but he need a member to be at the club to lock up. The club member say ok, but I don't think he care. So I let the Lee in but was sure that the racer have no idea what I am asking him to do because he just go and pick up his K-1 and launched.

Instead of leaving I stay around, getting Lee to sign in, and watch him repair his kayak. He seem to have the right gears and able to take care of himself on the water. I called my sister and find out that my mom and sister already went home from a little apartment shopping without me so I don't have to leave right away. I end up staying at the club, inventorying, and check all the paddles and spray skirts in preparation for the season. By that time Bonnie stop by to do some gardening and to work on her boat. We chatted a bit. She need to repair her kayak for her up coming coach 2 training. When Lee come back, Bonnie recognized him so they have a long chat. Since Bonnie is there to let Lee out and lock up I left the club.

Sunday - Get up at 6:25AM to get ready for my second 4 miles race in Central Park. I had a can of spaghetti, which taste sweet and disgusting. I did not finish the whole can. I get to Central Park at 8:10 and have to rush to the baggage area to leave my bag before rushing to the starting line. Instead of going the very start of the line with the 5 minutes miles people, I get to the front of the 6 minutes mile section. I try being the very first one out of the gate on last week race, and was death by the first mile. I feel great for this race. I actually do a couple of 4 miles practice run on this same course last week so I was ready, and my legs feel loose (probably from the run to the subway and from the subway to the starting line.) I maintain a good 7 and 6 minutes miles most of the time, with enough energy left over for a sprint for the finish line at 25.44 vs 27.22 last race on the same course, and I felt great afterward. I headed to the subway right after I crossed the finish line. I have a noon appointment at club for a bit of kayaking and a bit of work on the club fleet of kayaks.

I was not expecting anyone to still be at the club when I get there. Stevie, and a couple of members are planning to go out this Sunday but I expect them to already be on the water then the time I get there at noon. The first person I meet as I drove up was Adele, Stevie's girlfriend. From her I was informed that Stevie have not left yet, along with Pete. Elizabeth is getting ready in the club, and Pete was changing in the locker room. Apparently they had been delay. Another group left earlier in the morning and have not get back yet. Since no one was there for my planned workday at noon, I decided to join them for a short trip. I get ready in a hurry and get my boat down on the dock in record time. The other group come back as we get ready to launch. One of the guy on their group capsized, and was retrieved without any incident. Elizabeth was borrowing another member's kayak so there was a bit of adjust before everyone get on the water. We headed out and head straight for Canarsie pol. Elizabeth paddle back and ford, trying get the feel of the boat. I was more then happy to just paddle around, backward, forward, bracing etc rather then a long trip anyway. We head toward Mill Basin, and then back to the club just to test how Elizabeth borrowed boat handle in cross wind. It was a nice and relaxing 4 mile trip. I get back, washed my kayak and equips and let them dry in the sun rather then returning them to the container. I planned to spend a couple of hours inspecting the club's boats and doing repair so may as well let everything air out.

I only manage to get around to 2 boats. One of the wooden boat have a problem with the seat. The left side of the backrest was missing a screw, so that was easy enough to fix. I hunted for a proper screw and tool in the club work container. Take me long to find the screw then to fix the problem. The boat is full of sand even thought all club equipment should be thoroughly clean before putting back. I open all the hatches, and give the boat a thorough wash down.

The second boat that need fixing is the pride of our kayak feet, a 17 feet Epic Expedition donated to us by a local kayak outfit. The seat is loose due to loose screw and on screw that is missing a nut. The woman that used the boat when the screw come loose safe the screw and plastic retainer so I get that, I just don't have the proper nut. I can't find any nut that fit the screw that this boat used. I tighten all the screws that is still in the seat and it look secure enough. I take the boat the the wash rack to wash out the send and pebbles in the boat. As I sponge out the inside that I find the metal nut from that screw that come out. So in goes that screw, and now the bat seat is solid as a rock. I finally called it quit when Stevie had to leave since I need someone to help move the boat.

From Water to Ice.

I will be away skiing this weekend. Going from heated pool to subzero temperature, recklessly down hill on two sticks.

Have to remember to open my eye....

Kayaking in Place

Hitched a ride with Stevie over to a High School pool in Long Island to do a little kayak skills practice. The pool is a bit crowded so bringing a 17 feet sea kayak was discourage so I decide to used the river kayaks that the event sponsor have for rent. It is a bit expensive, 25 dollar for the pool session and 10dollar for the boat. Stevie brought along a friend of his, Danny, a musician. Danny like exactly how I imaged a Rock star to look like, ear rings and british ascent.

We get to the pool at 5 minutes to 3 PM. We pulled in the school parking lot to see a woman standing next to a trailer full of very small kayaks. I was introduced to Elizabeth, the person in charge of today pool session. We were the first 3 persons to arrived. After getting our boats (Stevie brough is Romany and Skin on Frame kayak) and equipments in and fill out the disclaimer form we changed into boating cloths. I am wearing my dry suit. I was pointed to a small red kayak, about 7 feet long. I have a difficult time getting my spray skirt to fit the kayak, end up ripping a nail on my right hand. After 5 minutes trying to force my spray skirt onto the kayak, I try one of their.

Elizabeth have to get out of the pool to try an fit it. I end up sliding into the stray skirt after we finally get it to fit. It is strange to be paddling a 6foot boat after spending so much time paddling a 17 feet kayak. Don't take much to make a complete turn in place.

I have a bit of trouble rolling a river kayak the last time I try but this time it was not hard. I have to remember not to over do the hip flip. I like this pool, a lot less chlorine then the last week pool. I stend some time just hanging upside down and have a look around. Did not learn anything new but practive alot of rolling and bracing. I seem to lost my shotgun shoulder roll. I just can find the correct motion.

At the end of the pool session I have about a gallon of water in each legs.

We eat a tie place. A bit expensive.

Solo Circumnavigation

Make my first solo Canarsie Pol circumnavigation last saturday. The wind was in my favor most of the way so i do not feel tired at all afterward. The was stiff wind on the way back but not too difficult. I was not bother by the wind at all till I return Paeregat Bay. Make the trip in less then one and a half hour.


Went to Club board meeting on Tuesday night. Learn about a couple of item that I was not aware of but my participation was not required. Drive a guest speaker and his young son home afterward.

2007 Frostbite Regetta

Waked up to raining falling on my air condition unit on my window. I get up, turn my computer one to see if today Frostbite Regatta paddled been cancel. No such luck. Jerry and Anne did give me an out thought since they send a email saying they can't make it. I send an email out with the weather condition as an excuse not to goes out. Jerry and Anne were going to be at the club to set up for the meeting at 1o:30 so I decided to drive down at 1o AM to help them out. I brought 2 bottles of soda and two bags of chips for the potluck.

The ground at the club was soggy and water log. The usual crazies went out paddling. It was a beautify sight outside with a light drizzle coming down and fog just a couple of feet off. I take a couple of photo of the fog and close up of the water droplets on branches and leaves.








The meeting itself was uneventful. We wrapped up by 3PM. I took home lot of foods.

New Year Eve Paddle

I was determine to make it down to the club for a paddle on Sunday. My first attempt on Saturday was unsuccessful, just can't get myself out the door. I arrived at the club by 1o:40AM - plan was to get there at 9AM. Better late then never. I saw Pete's van at the side of the clubhouse, and his name on the log book but I can't find him.

Instead of wearing street clothes underneath my dry-suit, I changed into running pant, hydro under layer, and a neoprene fuzzy rubber upper. I did not wear the polyester Fleece sweater. The last time I wear it I was burning up inside.

Since I thought nobody was at the club, I used one of the dolly to drag my boat down to the dock. The dolly was not very efficients at moving my long boat. I drag the stern of the boat on the ground when I pick up the bow. When I get to the waterfront, I see sign of human activities, but no one around. I hollered Pete name, and sure enough he was on the bank, under the ramp going from the shore to our floating dock. Pete is running wire from the club house to the dock, via conduits under the ramps. The tied is low enough that there is a 15 feet drop between the shores and our dock.

The ramp to the dock is way down due to low tide. I end up going down the ramp backward, slowly lowering the boat on step at the time. When I get to the bottom of the ram, I end up with the stern hitting the dock. As I stand there trying to figure a way to get my boat the rest of the way onto the dock and not dragged my boat bow on the ramp, Pete called up from below - find a green rope. I was confuse as to what green line he meant. I went up to where he was underneath, no green line there. Pete then specified that is on the dock next to the ramp. Sure enough there is a green line come out of a conduit running underneaths ramp. Pete want me to carefully pulled the green line out (very slowly and carefully - he have been spending a good part of the morning fishing the green line up the conduit so that he can drag electrical wiring down by tying the line to the electrical wire) as he feed the wire into the conduit from the other end. This will take a bit of time. Since I need another person to left the boat from present position to get the rest of it on the dock I wasn't going anywhere anyway so there I was in full paddling gear, on my knees pulling a green wire out of a conduit. After 15 minutes, the electrical wire emerge on my end of the conduit, and we can both breath easy.

Pete wanted to go paddling, I can use the company so I waited for him finish, and get ready. Needless to say, It was 11:3o by the time we both get on the water. I brought down my two wooden paddles that I bought some years back at the Big Splash Fund riser. They are called Greenland paddles but the blade is way too wide for a proper Greenland paddles. I also brought my European paddle just in case I can used the wooden one. The only thing I noticed as I paddle out is the annoying squeaking nice as my neoprene gloves rubbed against the paddle. I keep on thinking there were a flock of geese flying above me.

I want a short, uncomplicated paddle so we headed under the bridge, and straight out to the red buoy on the Canarsie Pool southern tip. Pete offered Floyd Bennett Field and King Plaza as the alternative but I wasn't looking for anything that long. We headed from the buoy to Raffle Bar. Beside the boat Channel much of the water is no more then 2 to 4 feet deep. I end up having to switch over the the European paddle because I keep on hitting the bottom with the Greenland paddle(and the squeaking is annoying). We rounded the tip of Canarsie Pool and head for Raffle Bar. We were paddling over less then 3 feet of water till we get to the channel between the Canarsie and Raffle Pool. When we get close to Raffle Bar, I asked Pete to spot me while I try to do a skooling for support. I switch over to the Greenland paddle to do this. My first attempt was good, I try to do a second on with more extension and end up slipping out of my seat, ending up capsize. Did I mention there is only four feet of water? I try to used the paddle as a pole to get up. Since I was out of my seat, I can get enough hip motion to get back up again. I ended up having to tap my boat for a rescue from Pete.

This is the first time I get my face in cold water. I panic a bit when I find myself out of my seat and attempt to get up as soon as possible instead of staying calm. My ears were clamped shut and I can't will them to open. I try a couple of hip flip off Pete's bow. Was not smooth at all. I do need more practice in cold water.

After I have enough with trying to practice my cold water technique we headed to Raffle Bar. I have hot tea and cooks for lunch while we warmed up. We almost lost our kayaks as we stand next to them talking. The water come in as we talk and the boats floated away - about 20 feet away. Fortunately for us, the water is only 2 feet deep, and would be for a good 300 feet out so I ran out and drag them back. Pete get a picture.

We start back at 2:00 and end up back at the dock by 3:00. I was not at my best on this paddle. I was tire throughout much of the trip even though on the scale of 1 to 1o (10 being the most challenging) this trip would be a 2 and that is just for distance.

Breezy Point Redux

or alternatively " Where is the surf?"

Stevie send out an email trying to organize a paddle out to Breezy Point in the middle of last week. I did not reply to his email saying I would go. I like to hedge my option. Going out to Breezy is not a relaxing paddle. The water from Blum Beach to the sand bar at Breezy Point get very tricky in the best of time. The people of come out for these Breezy Point paddle tend to be more experiences and are looking for big waves to play in. I can deal with big waves when I have to but I don't go around looking for them. I was not sure I want to commit to going out.

I wake up at 9:00AM. I need to get to the club at 9:30 to pickup my kayak if I want to do the Breezy Point trip. It is doable if I don't have to to stop by and pickup grocery for my sister. I picked up the grocery and stop by my parent's place to drop it off by which time its was 9:40AM. I continued to the club anyway, hoping I can do some solo kayaking, and working on my kayak. When I get to the club, I was surprise to see Stevie's car with his kayak. I learned from Stevie that he have to push the launch time till 10:30. Stevie asked me if I want to go, of course I say yes. I put my kayak on Stevie's car instead of taking my car.

I meet Marcus and Jeff at Plum Beach. I have not paddle with them before. Marcus and Jeff apparently are very famous in the kayaking cycle. They have been waiting for quite a while so we hurry up and get our boats down and change in paddling clothing. I just wear my dry-suit over my street cloths so change was not a hassle. Marcus and Jeff were already in the water and waiting for us by the time we get out stuff together. I have to drag my boat out 50 feet to find enough water to launch. I have to get out of my kayak after paddle a couple of foot because I end up on a send bar so drag it over the send bar into a couple of extra inches of water. I was tire by the time I find enough water to paddle.

Marcus is a fast paddle. I find it hard to keep up with him. I manage to keep with the rest of the group. I was using Stevie's spare gloves because I did not remember to bring mine. It fit nicely but slippery. I can't get any gripe to control the paddle. I end up having to gripe the drip rings to have enough control so that the paddle do not rotate the wrong was as I pulled the blade through the water. I was surprise that I was able to keep up without too much problem. We get Breezy Point in good order. I handle the waves much better then the first time.

We scanned the horizon ahead of us for surfs that for off the underwater sandbar at Breezy Point. We did not see anything that stand out. There are a lot of whitecap, but no traveling breaker that kayak surfers looked for. Stevie need to land on the beach to recover from a bit of sea sickness, and I just need a rest so I went with him to be beach. Marcus and Jeff went to look for good surf. We were on the beach for no more then 15 minutes when Marcus and Jeff joined us. No surfable breaker. We decided to go around the point in search for surf-able breaker.

I get to learn to launch from beach with more grace and less water in my kayak. I end up with more then 3 inches of water in my kayak when a wave hit my boat as I try to launch. The paddle around Breezy was hair rising. I followed Marcus out to the buoy that mark the point then turn north to round the point. I ride up and down 4 feet waves, smashing my boat bottom into the water as i crested the wave and come down on the other end. It was amazing that I did not capsize. Capsizing is just one wrong move always as I round the jetty and see for the first time the ocean facing shores of the Rockaway.

There were good size waves hitting the shore every which way. I paddled as far away from the jetty as I can before turning to shore. This will be my first surf landing. I mean real surf landing not just 1 foot waves. I decided to paddle as far in as I can and hope that when I finally capsize, it would be close enough to shores to walk my way in. I was doing find running perpendicular to the shores till the wave I was ridning break and the one behind me overtake my kayak. Before I know what happen I was upside down with wave rushing over the boat. I did not thought to even rolling back upright, pop the sprayskirt as soon as I realize I was underwater. I straighten out and find my feet touching bottom. My boat is full of water as I drag it onto the beach. I dumped half of it out before I was able to drag it beyond the waterline.

We had a quick lunch. Actually just a snap for me and just seat around listening the guys talk about how unpredictable the surf condition around the NY coast is. The lack of big waves condition for surfing was a disappointment to some of the guys. As for me, I have just about enough wave for a while.

Launching from the beach in surf condition as not as bad as I fear. I actually get in, manage to get my sprayskirt on and paddle out without any mishap. It was fun to break through the first wave and slammed the bow down the other side. It was a long none spot paddle back to Blum Beach. Luckily for me Stevie was as tire as I am so I have company on the way back as Marcus and Jeff race ahead.

I was glad to be back to the car and out of my drysuit.

Suit and Ready for Liftoff

Wake up early on Saturday and drove down to Jersey Paddler to pick up my dry-suit. I make the same mistake I made when I drive down two week ago. Loved my GPS get me back on track in no time. I end up special ordering a XL youth size SuperNova dry suit two weeks ago, it finally come in.

I order the SuperNova Kid dry suit in mango color. My only concern about the suit is the neck "gasket", it not a gasket so much as APT collar with vecro. It would not be 100% waterproof. I try to get home early enough to go out on Saturday but end up taking my mother out shopping.

Finally try out my new dry suit on Sunday. I was hoping that there would be a group going out but there wasn't so I went out by myself. My plan was to go to Raffle Bar and back but I only made it to the tip of Canarsie Pool before the wind force me to cut the trip short.

Stick around for the archival project meeting. Don't think we have much of a historical information to save.

Equipments and other Stuff

I stopped by Jersey Paddler on Saturday. I wanted to see if they have dry suit I can try on. They don't have anything in my size. I end up putting down a deposit for a special order on a youth size Extra large Kokatat Dry suit. They will let me know when it come it. It will cost $339 total if I get it. Here hoping that it will fit. I also get two skullcap for cold water kayaking and a high tech top. Get a manager special discount on that.

It is very frustrating shopping for my size. I am 5 feet 4, 105 lbs so most often I end up having the used kids size or woman size. The problem with using woman cut clothing is the crotch area is always too tights and the waist tend to be too big on me.

I will Pass on the Big Wave, Thank You

Sunday, Nov 26

Arrived at the Club by 9:30AM. I was the first one there. I wanted to get there early and do some work on the club boat but realized that I don't have the key to the club workshop. Instead I get my roof rack set up for our short trip to Plum Beach for my first open water paddle. I have never actually sea kayak in my 6 years of paddling. I been on a lake, Long Island Sound (in a bay), in the Hudson River, and on Jamaica Bay but never in open ocean. The plan was to car-top my kayak to Plum Beach, meet up with some other paddlers, launch from there and head to Breezy Point to surf the waves off the underwater sandbar. The usual crews are going on this trip plus three others. Mike Miles, who I have never meet, an experiences Rockaway kayak surfer will be our guide for this trip. Lorry(Glory?) who I met before at the lake, and Bonnie's friend, whom name slipped my mind, were the other two paddlers that I don't often paddle with. Jerry, Stevie, Bonnie, Pete and myself make 8 in total on this little trip.

It take a bit of time before everyone is ready to start off when we get to Blum beach. The paddle to Breezy Point was not too difficult. A couple of 2 to 3 feet waves, nothing I have not see before, just require a bit more concentration and attention then flat water but more fun. We we get close to Breezy Point I see for the first time the waves that form off Breezing Point from the underwater sandbar. Never seen anything like it before, curtain of water 5 feet tall, a quarter of a mile wide running for about half a mile then dieing down as it clear the sandbar. I have enough problem just trying to hold my position outside the surf zone. I was terrified that I may unintentional end up inside the surf. A couple of other paddles were more adventurous and try to ride the wave. Bonnies has a blast, she probable spend the most time in the surf. Her friend capsized and had to swim his boat out of the surf zone before he can be rescue. The sound of the wave crashing onto the water was deafening.

After everyone have their fun, we head along the surf zone, and headed to the Brighton Beach. It was a tricky paddle because water is still effected by the surf from the sand bar. It seem like it take us forever to reach the beach. It was 1:30PM when we landed on Brighton Beach for lunch. I did not bring any food again, and have no money to get pizza. I ate two old energy bars, and a couple of crackers I get from Stevie.

We left the beach at 2PM. I never like launching from a beach. I always end up getting water in the boat, and getting my spray skirt on. I backed out as fast as I can to clear the wave and almost ran into Mike. I did not notice he was out there. Oop.

Pete needed to be back by 3PM for a meeting so we are on a deadline. Jerry have difficulties so Mike and the rest of the group wait for him. Stevie, Pete and I started the paddle back to Blum Beach. We hugged the shores, passing Manhattan Beach, round Kingboro College, cross the mouth of Sheepshead Bay and onto Plum beach by 3PM exactly. The rest of the groups arrived about 5 minutes after we landed.

We get the kayak pack and say good bye to our out of town visitors. I did not change out of my wet clothing till I get back to the club.

It was an exciting day of paddling, see the surfing that everyone is talking about. Maybe next summer I may actually try to ride it.

It was a short trip, about 7.4miles, but the challenging conditions make it feel like a lot more. I have to do more of these kind of trip instead of sticking to the same old same old boring trips.

Back post - Sunday 11/19/2006

I don't like writing. I don't like talking neither. I need to practice both as conscientiously as I practice safety skills for Kayaking.

A planned workday turned into a kayaking adventure on Sunday. Jerry and I planned to have a look at all the club's boats to determine their conditions and repair needs. Email get passed back and fore, by Saturday night a sizable group of people want to do a paddle before the workday.

I get to the Club by 9:30AM. The sky was sunny and a very slight breeze. There were fifth of us going out to Gerrison Greek, Stevie, Charles, Bonnie, Elizabeth, Pete and myself, all experience paddler. Jerry have a family emergency and was not able to make the paddle. Because everyone is experienced there was not need for a formal trip leader. Everyone keep together in a tight group naturally as we conversed.

J. Bay was very quiet, not much waves or boats. We reached Marine Parkway GI Hodges Bridge by 11:45AM. We landed on the beach right before the bridge for a rest. It was nice to have a chance to land and get out of the boat to cool down. It is amazing how hot it get in my wet suit and dry-top. We headed under the bridge and toward Dead Horse Bay after 20 minutes rest. There is a slight breeze as we entered Rockaway Inlet. Just enough to cool us down, not enough to have to struggle with. Instead of going into the Marina at Dead Horse Bay, we paddled a bit pass it, and into Gerrisen Bay. I was going to go right through the middle channel, not realizing that there is a peninsular, and an island, the water take the formed of the letter CD, thinking that there are two islands. The rest of the group the channel furthest to the right so I have to hassle back to join them. We landed a the tip of the island for a break and lunch. I did not bring any food. I get some boil eggs from Steven and candle bars from Stevie to hold me over.

We paddled around the Island and down the middle channels back out toward Dead Horse Bay. I was a bit bored by that time and decided that I would see if I can paddled without stopping to Marine Parkway GI Hodges Bridges. I ended up with a sizable lead from the rest of the group when we all meet up again on the other side of the Bridge. We ended up with two group, Pete, Charles and I were the lead group, and Stevie, Bonnie and Elizabeth were in the second group as we make our way around Floyd Bennett Field to Bergen Beach. Stevie, Bonnie and Elizabeth land on Bergen Beach for a nature break. I decided to wait for them while Charles and Pete head back to the club. I waited till everyone is on the water then continue my way back to the club. I get the the dock 5 minutes before the rest of the group.

It was just a bit after four when we get back, and the sun was already setting.

And as I expected, no work was actually done.

Good Time In Queen

Saturday Sept 30
I have a fun time on Saturday. A bit of work and fun at the same time. My club is participating in National Estuary Day in Queen as a membership and educational drive. We will have a table at the Alley Pond Pk Environmental center and sign up people who want to Kayak.

We need to talk 10 or so kayaks to a launch site away from the Center - did not know where that would be when I get up in the morning. My plan was to meet up with the rest of the group, help load up the boats onto the trailer and follow everyone over. I though the meet up time was 9 AM, so I get up at 7AM, deep fried my spring rolled and finally left at 8:45. The spring rolls are for the BBQ after. I did not get there till 9:15. Everyone is already there and loaded up. I was late apparently. I rushed to set up my car roof-rack. Everone was leaving. I was generally sure of the direction to the Center but not the actual place launching area itself so I was hoping to catch up with the rest of the group. Get my kayak tied up and all my equipment in my car in record time. It turned out that Steve and Peter were waiting for me. Good to have friend that remembered.

We get up to Queen in less then 30minutes. We end up in a Marina off the Cross Island Highway, on Little Neck Bay. We were not sure that it the place. It turn out to be the place where we would set up our kayak - the only problem is finding a launchable area. We finally set up in a little "beach" on the righ side of a concrete boatramp. There large boulders between the ramp and the little beach so we have to have two people on the beach and two person on the ramp passing the boats down.

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We get all set up by 11AM, and the first group(if any) is schedule to be at 11:45 We take a short paddle. Pete and I went for a longer paddle then the rest of the group. We paddled out pass Fort Totten, far enough to see City Island, and Throgs Neck Bridge. There were little winds or wave so we hardly notice how far we paddle till it was time to turn back. Half way back the wind started to pick up and we started to notice the waves. Much more fun then on the way out but a bit tiring. I would really like to paddle across the Sound to Orchard Beach.

There is was only 1 person who want a kayak ride. John and Mary take him out. The went south toward the pass of the bay. Tony brough some food for us. We have two additional guests but they stay around the beach area. Jerry and Phil showed them rolling and braces. The first group did not come by by 1:45 so we were getting a bit worry. Pete and I decided to go back and look for them. We meet them where they were on their way back. Peter and I decided to continue to the base of the bay and follow the creek. The tide was coming in so that counteract the wind a bit. We went under 2 bridges till we went out of water therefore have to turn back.

By the time we get back to our staging area, it was time to start packing up. In all we take 5 guests out on the water. There was a lot of people stopping by to ask questions so as a publicity event it was successful.

After the event there is a BBQ at a home of one of our member. I hate driving in Queen. We finally find our way to her house. Lot of foods and drinks was have by all. The party breakup by 7PM.

More time at the Lake

Spend last weekend I was at the lake again. I get up Campmore by 8:45. I knew that the rest of the gang would not be up that early for a paddle so I stop by Campmore. Unfornately Campmore is not open till 9:30. I drive down two parking lots to a McDonald for breakfast. I forget how disgusting McDonald breakfast is. After breakfast I drive up to a the nearest U turn on route 17 to get to Kmart and Stop&Shop. I get some foods and desert. I did not bring any food up from the city (don't have any.) Drive down Route 17 to another U turn to get back to Campmore again. Pickup a tow rope and spend sometime looking at tents. Did not get a tent.

Get to the cabin at 10:30 to find nobody around. Stop by to say hi to Beth and her kids, stop by Steve's cabin. Hang round the cabin, take a nap till Bob from Yonker show up. Then Steve and Adele arrived at 11:30 something. We did not get in the water till at least 1PM. I was not as aggressive as I was last week at the lake. Just don't feel adventurous. I did not use Anne's skin&frame kayak, no sprayskirt. It was much more tiring to roll my 17feet,50 lb kayak then the 17' 35lb skin&frame iceland kayak. I find myself have difficulties with roll that I don't even have to think about on the lighter boat. We get back by 4PM. Hang around the fire talking till 10PM.

I get the Sebago Cabin all to myself. A far cry from the usual kids yelling of most of the summer weekend. I have a vey peaceful sleep. I get up at 8AM, get ready for breakfast. We drive to breakfast at 9AM and did not get back till 10:30. After getting everything in order we get on the water at 11:30. Which is not bad considering we always end up wasting the whole morning on previous sunday. More rolling, but spend most of the time fighing the wind. It was very windy and overcast on Sunday. I was not doing as well as last week. I end up wet exiting my kayak a couple couple of times when I fail my new roll, and can't stay calm to set up for my main roll. I was not holding my breath as long as I know I could. I was a bit panicky for some reason. We get back and have lunch at 2PM.

We return to the water at 4PM. The wind die down a bit, and the sun finally comeout even if only momentarily. I don't spend too much time rolling. Just a lot of bracing exercises. We get back at 6:30 righ before the sun started to set. It was almost 8:30 when I get my boat tie up on the car, clothing all backup and moved my bedding to Steve's cabin. I will be driving home @ 4AM on Monday.

I get rearend as I exit the George Washington Bridge to get on the FDR. It was a slow rearend accident so I was sure that not much demage was done. I looked back to see if the drive that rearended my stop. He/She did not so I just drive along. I did not notice that my coke bottle was no longer in the cup holder till later when I smell it. I don't bother to look around for it till I get to brooklyn and get to the first red light. I was on my middle consel. 90percent of it was gone. I finally get a chance to inspect the car when I get to the club. Not visible damage. The dealer plateframe was destroy but I should have remove that along time ago anyway. The car the rear end me was a sedan with sloping front so it slid under my bumper instead of heading it so not much damage there. The gap between the reardoor and the bumper was sighly less on the passenger side where the rear end occur then on the driver side, but it did not interfere with the closing of the door. Not bad really.

Misc Items

Friday, Sept 8 2006
Night kayaking with 26 people. Last full moon paddle and tiki party of the season. Actual may not be the last, last full moon paddle. It was my first time nigh paddling with a large group. It was still lighted when we get in the water. But the sun was setting when we get to the bridge. I leaded the group to the bridge but as the sun set, my light was not unobstruct enough to be seen by the other kayakers so Pete take over as lead. By the time we went under the bridge and start our crossing it was dark and the moon have not rise yet. With just a bit of confusion we get across the boat channel and to the the west side of Canarsie Pol. The original plan was to break up the group into those that want to go around the island and those who want to cut the trip short.

We stop to rest as we round the southern top of the island. The waves were pushing us toward the shoreline. I was on the shore side of the group to keep a lookout. When I get too close to shore i have to get the group going again to get away from the shore wave. We did not have the time to make the decision as to who would go back and who will continue on. Pete thought that it was decided that everyone will continue on so he proceed to lead the group further around the island. We end up with one group just staying back in confusion and a smaller group following Pete. I have to get Pete to stop, and go back to Tony to see if it was decided when we will break the group up. We finally short that out, and a good portion of the group decide to cut the trip short. Only about 16 of us wanted to continue around the island. The rest of the trip when smoothly. The moon rise as we make our way along the eastern coast of the island. The reflection of the moonligh on the water give it an erry glow.

We get back to the clubhouse at 9PM for the Tiki Party. I end up being late for that because I have to set up my roofrack and tie down my boat for the trip to the Cabin upstate. All in all it was a nice nigh out in the moonligh.

Summer Kayak Wrap Up

Sunday was our year end General meeting at my boating club. I get there a bit late for the kayak committee meeting but was not late enough to miss it altogher so was not able to avoid being peer pressure into take the position of Fleet Captain who is in charge of club boats and equipments.

Generally meeting is uneventful. Members attendant were heavy comparing to last
year. We don't even have to do a head count for forum. All old officiers get reelected, 5 open spots on the board and 5 nominees so there is no contested election. All done before the sunset.

So it time to write up a wrap on my kayaking activities.

I did not do any long distance regional kayak, except for the two early in the season. Spend lot of time at the lake upstate, hanging out with a small group of kayakers and learning new skills. I get a lot more comfortable handling my kayak by learning how for I can push the boat over and still be able to get back up right. I learned a couple of skills that I never though possible, like side skulling for support and rolling my kayaks even without my paddle!!! I was so stuck on that last summer, trying and trying to roll but always fighting myself. I have the help of two enthusiatics kayakers; Jerry and Stevie, who are happy to teach me and offer support when I fail. It was great hanging out with them (also Anne and Adele) in front of the campfire afterward and reharsh our time in the water. I think I am ready for Star 3 assessment finally.

Driving home with Stevie at 4AM in the morning is an experience in itself.

I am ready for some winter kayak know that I can eskimo roll with some confidence.

August 19 and 20 Wrapup

Assist on our club's Saturday Public Open Paddle. There were at least 3 other experient tripleader so I was not really needed but it was fun. The boats were already out and the guests all seem to be set for fun in the water. There were a couple of cuties in the group. I end up taking point, leading the group out and keeping everyone together. It was a leisurely paddle. I paddle backward on the way out just to slow myself down and see who everyone was doing. No slacker and do capside. I did not have a chance to chat up any of the hottie thought, that the problem with taking point in a kayak group, you never get a chance to chat the pretty girl up. All in all it was a good day.

I found out durring the trip that Stevie and Jerry were going to be at the Lake so I have to change my plan for Sunday. I need Stevie and Jerry to help me with my bracing and rolling skills. My original plan for sunday was to help with the swimmer in the morning, goes out to Breezy Point to kayak surf in the wave and get home in time for a day at the beach. I really need to practice thought on my bracing and rolling skill for Star 3, and the opportunity to practice with Stevie and Jerry is too good to let pass. I decided to cancel the after noon paddle, pack up my kayak and drive up the the lake. I was a last minute thing so I have to run home and get my overnigh stuffs. The trip out of the city was uneventful. Not big traffic jams. I get to Campmore by 3PM. End up getting a new watershoe and cockpit cover for my kayak. I get to the cabin at 5:30PM.

I meet Joyce and her friend Adam at the cabin. I found out that Stevie and Jerry is already out on the water practicing. By the time I get my boat down and into my gears they were coming back so we decide to have dinner. I did not get to go back into the water on Saturday.

Sunday, I get up at 9AM. Have breakfast at a local dinner with Stevie, Jerry, Ann and David. We finally get on the water at 10:30AM. I asked Stevie to help me with the side skulling for support....

Flash forward.

It had been a couple of weekends since I first started to side skooling(I believed this is the correct spelling.) On my good side I am completely confident that I lay my whole back in the water, with my boat on it side and not capside. On my offside less confident but I am sure I can do it. Since my first tentative attempt at side skooling, I finally learn how to do an Eskimo roll. Still have moment where I have to wet exit but not often. I also learn 3 differents kind of roll. I will post movie when I get them. I will try to get more details later.

Quicky Summary

Do my first Wednesday afternoon paddle last week. I was late. The paddle was very nice. I was hoping to go out again for the full moon paddle but there was not enough interested people so we cancel it.

Spend a long weekend at the lake, but do not do as much practicing as I hope. Everyone else was busy. I took more tour of the lake then I ever did. Good for my long distance endurance. I need more excercise. I am not ready for the 3 star assessment.

Baby Steps

Spend a great weekend outdoor. I assisted on a Public Paddle on Saturday. End up spending much of the trip teaching one of our elderly member basis of kayaking. Rose is in her 80's, so the fact that she is paddling is amazing. She is a bit slow due to inefficience paddle stroke which cause her kayak to turned instead of going straight so we end up lagging behind the rest of the group. I radioed ahead to the trip leader tell her that Rose and I will be practicing stroke where we were instead of continuing further ahead. I went over the basic forward stroke, and sweep stroke to steer the boat in the direct she want it to go. She was getting better at at by the time the rest of the group come back. I will need to work with her on it more. Still need a bit more body rotation.

Sunday was spend up at the lake. I get up to the cabin at 15 after 9AM. No traffic at all on the way up. When I get there there were already three person on the dock getting read to go out so I change into my paddling cloth and catch up with them. I find them the old Sebago Beach practicing rescue. I paddled around, watching them and offering suggestion on how to do it better. That get boring real fast since they were doing the same thing over and over. It was a good time to practice my edging sweep as any. I was doing well till I get over confident and capsize. I try to do an Eskimo roll. Still no dice. Spend much of half and hour practicing self rescue. I am not very good with paddle float self rescue, I wend up with ton of water in my kayak.

By eleven a large groups from Sebago finally arrive. Jerry, who just get his 3 star certification is a very enthusiastic paddle and teacher. He offered to teach/coach all the skills needed for Star 3 certification. I tried to worm my way out of it by saying I want to paddle rest of the group for warm up, but then Jerry started showing me how to do supporting stroke on my back the challenge was too much to pass up. I capsized the first 3 times I try it. I just was not laying on my back enough, and using my knee to keep the boat from capsizing. So Jerry start from the beginning, just the paddle float to give support while I practice with laying on my back while keep the boat on it side. It was not as hard as I thought. I finished up with just a bit of air in my paddle float but do not have the courage to take the "training wheel" off yet. I think can do it.... My shoulder's muscle is killing me today.

Sunday July 2 and July 4

Take my sister with me to the cabin. This will be the first time I invited her up to the cabin in the 5 years I am with the club. Just never thought she would like it. Good to have a driver. My sister drive when she in the car so I don't have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel. We get there at 9AM and no one was up yet. Find Anne and Berry, we sent to breakfast to meet up with Steve and Adele at a local dinner. Steve and Adele left after breakfast to pick up their daughters, Emily and Toni. Emily brough her boyfriend. Both girls are nice looking.

We took the kayaks for a trip to Sebago Beach. It was hard to find a kayak small enough for my sister. This will be her first real kayaking. She is doing find short distance but on the long trip to the beach have a bit of problem keeping straight. I end up her most the the trip out to the beach. She is enjoying it dispict the difficulties thought. On the way back I switch to skin and fram kayak so Jerry and Ann look after her on the way back.

It was weird kayaking a skin and frame kayak for the first time. There is no foot brace for instince, and you have to price you knee upward instead of to the side. I get adjust to it real fast. I was inform after I was in the skin/frame kayak for 15 minutes that I need to know how to wet exit the boat because it is completely difference then regular kayak. We went to old Sebago Beach to take a breather so that is where we see if i can wet exit or not. It was easy, I did it like a pro.

The weather was getting overcase so we end out trip short. We get back the cabin and hang around. Stevie get a fire going in the back of his cabin and we have lunch, lot of sausages and hotdog. Adele asked me to drive the two girls, and the boyfriend home since we were coming home in the afternoon anyway.

I have to drive home on Sunday because my sister have to work on Sunday. I did not decide yet at this point if I would come in to work for a half a day or not. Turn out I did not come to work on sunday. I would really like to stay the look weekend at the Cabin and come home on July 4th.

Club Open House

We finallyhave good weather for our club openhouse. The original date was June 3 but we were rain out on that date.

I arrived early, 10AM and find that nothing is set up yet for the open house. Help Linda set up and just clean up the clubhouse. There were already a couple of college kids there, sunning on the dock as they wait for us to get the party started. I did not lead the first kayak trip out. There was one capside before they even leave the dock area. I assisted with two trips in the afternoon. The trips were two short to get the real feel of the water. The party wrap up at 4pm. All, in all a success.