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Every Tuesday night from April through October a group of kayakers gather to go for a paddle and then return to shore to eat. This website is where you will find out where we are paddling.
Comments
Beth is back!
Beth Morrissette is up in CT (from Florida) for another week or so. Come on out to the TNP paddles (10/7, 10/14) and paddle with Beth or come to the post paddle picnic and say hi. Thanks to the generosity of new mother Angela Ison, Beth is able to paddle an Explorer LV, like her own. Seems like old times!!
Norwalk Islands Kayaker Jamboree - August 1,2,3
Looks like this event might be fun. Long drive for some, but carpooling would make it a little easier. Haven't paddled the Norwalk Islands and there should be some familiar faces attending. I'm hoping to check it out. Anybody else?
Please see the following site for more information: http://kayaking.meetup.com/171/calendar/8369399/
Jamboree Parking
I have contacted the Director of Norwalk Parks and Recreation Division. It looks like I might be able to get free weekend passes into Calf Pasture Beach Park for those that will participate in the Island Clean Up. I will need a list of names to give him. After you RSVP for the Jamboree, please e-mail me your full name and which day you plan to paddle over to the Jamboree. I will pass the list to him. Hopefully he will be able to get us free access to parking in Calf Pasture Beach Park.
Norwalk Island Kayak Jamboree
I'm going over Friday night and staying for the clean up Sunday. Sounds like a good time and the clean up is definately a good cause.
ARK Paddle, Sat. June 21st, Bluff Point, Groton
5th Annual Animal Rescue Kayak (ARK) and bike event. Saturday, June 21st at 9:00am. Bluff Point State Park, Groton, CT. Hosted by Friends of Mystic Aquarium (FOMA)
This event benefits the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. Raise $200.00 or more and receive a free ticket towards a chartered seal watch (winter 2009) with the Sunbeam Fleet out of Waterford, CT. While pledges are appreciated, they are not required. Registration is $25.00 if not receiving pledges.
Choose one of four kayak routes ranging from a beginner course to an open water crossing (depending on conditions).
Or, bring your mountain bike and ride either a 3.7 or 9 mile course.
If you’ve seen seals while paddling, you know how much fun they can be. You also realize how vulnerable they can be. This event raises money necessary for the research and rehabilitation of sick or injured seals.
For more information or for registration and pledge forms, please see: www.MysticAquarium.org
Hope to see you at this fun event.
Thanks. Pete
ARK Paddle
This was my first ARK Event Paddle, I will be back next year. Such a Wonderful Cause and the paddle was great. Hope to see you again on the Seal Watch trip 2009.
Greg Paquin to Instruct at ARK Paddle
In addition to the previous post, Greg Paquin of Kayak Waveology (and his assistants) will be providing instruction for all paddlers on each route. All of the instructors will be giving instruction and tips throughout the entire paddle that will cover a wide range of skills.
Visit Greg’s website at: www.kayakwaveology.com
Also, to clarify – The registration fee is 25.00 for all paddlers.
Thanks and hope to see you on the 21st.
Pre Season Party
We're trying to organize a get-together at the Lyme Tavern (on Route 156, across from Rocky Neck State Park) to ring in the new paddling season. It'll be similar to the Christmas party we have each year (order off the menu, etc.). Videos, DVD's, photos and other kayak related information is welcome.
The best date (as of today) is Saturday, April 19th at 6:00pm. Please e-mail me if you plan on attending. I think we need around 20 paddlers to go through with it. If there is not enough interest, we'll see you on the 22nd at Esker Point.
2008 Schedule
This year's schedule is all set and has been posted for a few weeks. You've probably noticed that there are no paddles scheduled for the weekends. That was deliberate because of instances in the past where only one paddler showed up to the scheduled launch site, and either paddled alone or went home. Either way, it's disappointing and can be dangerous.
As most of you know, paddle plans for the weekends generally take place at the post paddle picnics on Tuesday nights. Sometimes the finalization of those plans ends up on the ConnYak site or at least in an e-mail between several like-minded paddlers.
Bottom line is that there are several options for paddling on most weekends. If you want to paddle, ask around and see what others are doing or come up with a plan of your own that others may be interested in.
It's all about safety, fun and friends. More is better!
Please respond with any thoughts regarding the schedule.
weekend paddles
Why not consider doing a "show and go" style posting like the folks a RICKA do? It allows folks to post potential paddles and get feedback that is updatable, can be monitored and commented on by all. This means things paddles can be planned spontaneously and multiple paddles could be in the works at the same time.
Gerry