Free Guided Kayak Tours on the Chemung River, May-Aug

A Chemung River paddle parade??

The Friends of the Chemung River Watershed (River Friends) is starting a river recreation program to show people how easy, fun and educational it is to paddle our waterways.
Our new River Rangers program will feature four guided kayak tours on the Chemung River in Steuben and Chemung counties this spring and summer, including two free paddles that will be open to the public. The two other paddles will be invitation-only for local elected officials and a Steuben County youth group.
The free paddles are June 29 and Aug. 22.
The River Rangers goals: Get more people of all ages and paddling experience to paddle with a group with experienced guides and to discover how easy it is to use and enjoy our waterways.
All the paddles are free to participants (paid for by River Friends) and include kayaks, equipment, transportation, supervision and experienced guides from Southern Tier Kayak Tours LLC. Each paddle will include educational information about the river’s history, plant and animal life, and the natural environment.

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes

“Our region is rich in rivers that are great for paddling, but unfortunately, more than 95 percent of residents don’t have kayaks or canoes and they are not likely to ever paddle the river,” said Jim Pfiffer, executive director of the River Friends. “The River Rangers program will make it easy for people to experience a river paddle and see how easy, safe and fun it is. Hopefully, they will return for other paddles or buy their own kayaks and paddle the rivers with their families and friends.”
The River Rangers program kicks off with a May 31 invitation-only paddle for our public officials that begins at the Toll Bridge Boat Launch in Wellsburg and ends at the White Wagon Boat Launch in the town of Chemung.
“We’ve invited our congressman, state assemblyman and senator county officials and elected officials in our towns and villages,” Pfiffer said. “It’s an opportunity for our elected officials to discover how important our waterways are in providing recreation and a connection with nature. A river paddle is the best way to remind our elected officials of the importance of protecting and promoting our rivers to benefit our communities.”

A traffic jam at Botchers Landing along the Chemung River.

The River Rangers program also includes an Aug. 3 invitation-only family paddle to encourage more children – our future river stewards – to learn more about protecting our waterways.  Children and their parents from the Corning YMCA are participating in this paddle.
All the paddles include instructions on river safety. Each paddle teaches basic paddle strokes, kayak use and safety tips in and around the water.
“We want people to realize that paddling on a river can be safe, easy and enjoyable; as long as you use common sense, wear a life vest and don’t overestimate your paddling abilities,” Pfiffer said. “We want to teach people to enjoy and respect our rivers, not fear them.”
Space is limited for the two paddles open to the public on June 29 and Aug. 22. No more than 20 kayaks will participate in each paddle. For more information and to register for the two public paddles, contact Southern Tier Kayak Tours at 607-220-3642 or mail@stktours.com.
The complete River Rangers paddle schedule:
·    May 31, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: (Not open to the public.) Elected officials paddle. Our elected state, county and local municipal leaders will paddle on the Chemung River from Toll Bridge Park in the town of Ashland to the White Wagon Boat Launch in the town of Chemung. Spectators are welcome
·    June 29, 1 to 3 p.m.:  Guided River Rangers kayak paddle from Bottcher’s Landing Boat Launch in Big Flats to Fitch’s Bridge Boat Launch in Big Flats. Arrive by 12:30 p.m. Transportation available between boat launches. You must register in advance.
·    Aug. 3, 1 to 4 p.m.: (Not open to the public.) Guided family paddle from Kinsella Park boat Launch in Painted Post to the Cohocton Street Boat Launch in Corning. Corning YMCA summer camp students and parents will participate in the paddle. Spectators are welcome.
·    Aug. 22, 6 to 9 p.m.: Guided 3-mile public kayak paddle from Fitch’s Bridge Boat Launch in Big Flats to the Grove Street Boat Launch in Elmira. Arrive by 5:30 p.m. Transportation available between boat launches. You must register in advance.

To paddle on your own, anytime, pick up a copy of the guidebook “Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes NY Quiet Water for Canoes and Kayaks.”

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Make 2014 a Year of Happiness – Take an Adventure You’ll never Forget

Pack, Paddle, Ski wants to make 2014 a year of happiness.  In order to do that they’ve filled up next year’s schedule with trips from their staff’s bucket lists. Click here to view a selection of awesome world-wide adventures. If you find a trip that is on your bucket list, sign up before the end of 2013 and they will give you $50 off the trip. Just mention the code word HAPPINESS. So, go on, pull out your bucket list and see what you can cross off this year!

But you don’t have to wait until 2014 to let your happiness begin. Join them this year for one of their happiness retreats, spend a some time in the outdoors and find out where real happiness comes from.  Find out more at
http://www.packpaddleski.com/index.php?page=adventures&cat=North+American+Multi-Day&course=330622

I have been on Pack,Paddle, Ski trips to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and hike to visit tribes in Africa, paddling in Glacier Bay Alaska, and many others. They get you off the beaten path to experience real cultural adventures. They make a difference in the world. Take a trip with them in 2014 and change your life.

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Paddling Progressive Dinner June 14, 2013 starts at Tuscarora State Park

Tired of the same old thing for DINNER?
Tired of the same old PADDLING SPOTS?
Come on out and join Paths Peaks & Paddles for our THIRD ANNUAL “PADDLING PROGRESSIVE DINNER”. Your evening adventure starts at 6:30 pm out at Wilson Tuscarora State Park (Route 18 in Wilson NY). A donation of $65.00 per couple is requested.

Not sure what a Paddling Progressive Dinner is?
• You will paddle along the creek and end out on the lake.
• Your first stop will be where the staff will be making mouthwatering appetizers for you.
• Your second paddling stop will be at the Soup & Salad stop with fresh baked breads and rolls.
• After paddling a bit more you will come to your entrée stop where you get to choose your entrée for the evening of, Beef, Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan. (The Eggplant Parmesan has been a hit every year!)
• With a little more paddling, you are off to the last stop for some Sinfully Decadent Desserts and beverages to top off your dinner while watching the sunset over the Toronto skyline 38 miles away.

Participation is limited so don’t delay in signing up and Reservations are a must.
If you have questions regarding this event please contact us at 716-213-0350. To register online click “The Candy Store for Outdoor People” (direct link)

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Paddle sports taking hold in Rochester NY

Written by Caurie Putnam, Democrat & Chronicle, link to original post

Two years ago Carol Colton, 42, of Le Roy, was invited to go kayaking in Black Creek with friends. She had never been kayaking and didn’t have her own kayak, but it was no matter her friends told her, they had one she could borrow.

Take A Paddle – Western NY

“It took me about 10 minutes to fall in love with it and decide I would get my own kayak,” Colton, said. Now, she has five kayaks.

Kayaking has become an important part of Colton’s life and a way she spends quality time with her husband Brian and four children Natalie, 8, Sara, 10, Emily,11, and Sam, 13.

“The kids are growing up so fast; this is a way to slow things down,” said Colton, whose family usually kayaks in Oatka or Black Creeks, but have also kayaked in the Adirondacks. “There’s a sense of peacefulness and calm when you’re kayaking that’s hard to find in day to day life.”

All over the Rochester region individuals and families like the Coltons are discovering the benefits of kayaking and taking advantage of the plethora of waterways that run through the area. “We’ve seen a huge growth in kayaking over the past few years,” said Peter Abele, president of the Erie Canal Boat Company Inc., located in the village of Fairport.

In 2006, Abele’s company — which rents recreational kayak and canoes designed for those with little or no paddling experience — put 1,500 paddlers in the Erie Canal. In 2012, that number swelled to 4,000.

“It’s becoming more popular with families because it’s something all ages can do together,” said Abele, who last year saw kayakers ranging from ages 8 to late 80s in his boats.

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes

Abele also believes that handicapped accessibility has played a part in the growth of kayaking. He has a Hoyer Lift on his docks that allows him to place wheel chair bound individuals into a kayak.

Abele considers the canal to be an excellent place for beginners to learn to kayak. “The nice thing about the canal is that there are virtually no waves,” Abele said. “In Fairport we have 16 miles of almost no currents, which makes it great for beginners.”

Another popular Rochester waterway to learn to kayak is Irondequoit Bay, which is home to several paddling companies, including BayCreek Paddling Center, founded in 1996

“Kayaking is a really easy sport for people of all ages to get into,” said Dave Hulburt, manager and head sea kayak coach at BayCreek. “And having the resource of Irondequoit Bay and Irondequoit Creek right here, 10 minutes from downtown Rochester is a huge advantage.”

Hulburt says BayCreek’s business has grown “leaps and bounds” over the years as Rochesterians discover the “secret wilderness” of the waterways around it. “We have five miles of wetlands in Irondequoit Creek and it almost feels like you’re in the Adirondacks,” Hulburt said. “On the bay there’s tons of wildlife and you see things you wouldn’t expect to see just 10 minutes from downtown Rochester.”

BayCreek offers sales, rentals, classes, overnight kayak camping excursions, and a kayak summer camp for kids ages 7 to 13.

Elena Vandebroek, 24, was one of the first campers to go through BayCreek’s camp. She was eight and fell in love with kayaking immediately. “I like being on the water,” Vandebroek, a Penfield native, said in an interview from her current home in San Francisco, Calif. “It’s like being on top of a mountain, but you’re looking out instead of down. ”

When Vandebroek aged-out of the camp, she was still too young to be an instructor, so she volunteered to wash boats at BayCreek just to be around the kayaking scene.

She later became a counselor and then an instructor of a kayaking class at Cornell University, where she attended college. Currently, she is a coastal engineer and sea kayaks in the San Francisco Bay and Santa Barbara area.

Before moving to California Vandebroek achieved a goal of kayaking in each of the eleven Finger Lakes — her favorites were Canadice and Cayuga. “It was really fun because each of the lakes is really different,” Vandebroek said. “Some have wetlands and secret waterfalls. Each lake has its own history and paddling experience.”

Vandebroek meticulously and beautifully chronicled each of her Finger Lakes kayaking explorations in a kayaking blog she still maintains called http://www.nakedkayaker.com/ “I’m really glad I grew up in Rochester,” Vandebroek said. “It was such a great place to learn how to paddle.”

Learning how to paddle is a key component of one of Rochester’s most important resources for kayaking: the Genesee Waterways Center (GWC). Founded in 1996, the GWC is an independent, not-for-profit organization, promoting affordable human-powered paddling, rowing, and related outdoor activities in the Genesee region.

Instructors at the GWC have taught students from around the world and with varying degrees of experience at their two facilities in Rochester: the GWC Boathouse on the Genesee River at Genesee Valley Park on Elmwood Ave. and The Lock 32 Whitewater Park, which opened in 2000.

“Lock 32 is unique and extremely fascinating,” said Cindy M. Stachowski, executive director of the GWC. “We took a spillway used for flood control and adjusting water levels and created a 700 yard whitewater kayaking course. There is no other such place in New York state like it.”

Lock 32, which opened in 2000, provides a controlled environment in which students can learn and a challenging area for experienced paddlers to practice. The course features a set of squirt lines, two wave and two holes and a constant source of water every day.

At the Genesee River facility, flat water kayak rentals and classes are offered for all individuals and groups of all levels. “You can paddle 26 miles to the Mount Morris Dam or north one and a half miles for a spectacular view of the city skyline,” Stachowski said.

Stachowski took over the helm of the GWC in 2009 and has seen tremendous growth. A Groupon promotion last May offering a ½ day of canoe or kayak rental at the GWC for $15 sold a staggering 3,000 coupons. “When I first started working here it was a hidden treasure and I said ‘We don’t want to be a hidden treasure,’ ” Stachowski said.

She believes the growing popularity of kayaking in Rochester is due to a greater awareness of our natural and water resources. “I’ve traveled the whole of the U.S., but the water resources here in Rochester are phenomenal,” Stachowski said. “We have the Genesee River, Erie Canal, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, Letchworth, creeks, Irondequoit Bay… We’re very lucky.”

Two guidebooks offer detailed maps and information on paddling options in the greater Rochester NY area:
Take A Paddle – Western New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks
Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks

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Introduction to Kayaking June 2, 2013 on Ellicott Creek

Join in the world’s fastest growing sport.
It’s the beginning of warm weather and kayaking has been on your “bucket list” of things to try. But you don’t know where to begin and how to put the adventure into motion. Or you may have put this adventure off because of concerns such as:
“I am afraid of tipping over!” “I don’t know how to get in or out of a kayak.” Or “It looks like a lot of work and I don’t have strong arms”.

Let us put your fears to rest. Come out and spend a morning with us learning how to get in and out of your kayak and different paddling strokes. Once you are comfortable with your kayak and paddling strokes we will go for a group paddle for approximately 30 minutes.

Your class will be conducted on Ellicott Creek across from our facility. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides. Class will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday June 2, 2013.
Paths, Peaks and Paddles is located at 1000 Ellicott Creek Road Tonawanda, NY 14150.

All equipment is provided. Bring water and a positive mental attitude. We will have you excited about your new found skills in no time!

Cost is $55.00. Please call Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 if you have any questions or christine@pathspeakspaddles.com
To register online click “The Candy Store for Outdoor People” (direct link)

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Adirondack Region Paddling Festivals Offer Thrilling Adventure This Summer in Northern New York

This summer, the Adirondack Region of Northern New York’s scenic waterways dominate the summer calendar from the Black River to Lake Champlain with annual paddling festivals, as well as the inaugural Adirondack Challenge.

In celebration and recognition of the Adirondack Region’s 3,000 lakes, rivers and streams, the Adirondack Challenge, scheduled for July 21 in Indian Lake, will feature an invitational whitewater race, a well as an internationally competitive flatwater race. Enjoy a full day of festivities, live music, local food and children’s activities. To learn more, visit: iloveny.com/adkchallenge.

Additional Adirondack paddling festivals and events include:

The Madrid Mile Canoe Regatta on June 8 features a three mile recreation race open to solo paddlers and teams, a C-1 Pro Race and an amateur marathon race, both spanning nine miles with a quarter-mile portage. Organized and hosted by the St. Lawrence Valley Paddlers, find more information and register online at slvpaddlers.org.

Adirondacks-Tug Hill Region’s Annual Black River Challenge on June 30 offers an adventurous canoe and kayak race for amateur competitors and avid sportsmen. The race starts in Glenfield and continues for 23 miles along twisting, sometimes fast-moving waters. Register for the event with the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce by calling (315) 376-2213.

The 36 Mayor’s Cup Regatta & Festival July 11-14 is one of the Adirondack Coast’s most celebrated traditions. This four-day celebration on Lake Champlain features the much-anticipated regatta, a boat parade of lights, children’s activities, vendors, post race entertainment, fireworks and more.

The Adirondack Canoe Classic, known as the “90-Niler,” is one of the Adirondack Region’s most celebrated paddling events. The three-day race starts on September 6 in Old Forge and winds for 90 miles through the heart of the six-million-acre park to the finish line in Saranac Lake. The competition is open to individuals and teams, and is one of the most challenging paddling events in the northeast.

Get out and explore the lakes of the Adirondacks, from the furthest reaches of the Saranac Lake Chain, to the vastness of the St. Regis Canoe Area, New York’s only designated wilderness canoe area. For more information about visiting the Adirondacks or to start planning your trip, log onto visitadirondacks.com.

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Four Reservoirs in the Catskills to allow canoe, kayak rentals

The agency that regulates New York City’s upstate water supplies says boat rental companies can now store canoes and kayaks along four reservoirs in the Catskills. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection says that’s a first and should help promote tourism in the area.

It says about a dozen businesses are apparently interested in setting up shop on the Cannonsville, Pepacton, Neversink and Schoharie reservoirs. The DEP has already arranged for 30 racks, each of which would hold four boats, and will be taking proposals from businesses.

Another benefit is that the boats won’t have to be steam-cleaned to prevent the spread of invasive species since they won’t be used elsewhere. Personal boats brought to the reservoirs must be cleaned. All boaters must get DEP permits before hitting the water.

source: The Leader.com

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FREE Outdoor Expo June 8, Mendon Ponds Park in Rochester NY

Try a kayak at ADK Outdoor Expo.

Have you ever wanted to just try a canoe or kayak but didn’t know where to go? Have you ever wondered if there was a club with your outdoor interests? Here’s your chance!

The Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club is hosting the 16th Annual Outdoor Expo on Saturday June 8th from 9:00 – 4:00 on the beach at Mendon Ponds Park.

Take A Hike – Rochester 3rd edition

The Genesee Valley Chapter has organized this event with YOU in mind! Just come see what you can do in the Rochester area! Demonstrations, discussions and activities will be offered all day on a wide variety of outdoor related topics. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with people that share the same interests as you all in one location! The annual Expo attracts hundreds of people who attend more than 70 workshops on various aspects of outdoor activities. Attendees also view and inspect outdoor gear and try out canoes and kayaks on the

Take Your Bike – Rochester

Hundred Acre Pond. ADK, other local outdoor clubs, and local outdoor retailers present all of the events. Click here for all the details.

Rochester area guidebooks available at Footprint Press.

Take A Paddle – Western NY

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Hudson River Paddle – June 8

6/8/2013
Halfmoon Lighthouse Park, 597 Hudson River Road, Halfmoon
The Town of Halfmoon and the City of Mechanicville with hold an inaugural Hudson River Paddle starting at the Mechanicville City Dock and ending with a festival at Lighthouse Park in the Town of Halfmoon. A great introduction to paddling along the Champlain Canal/Hudson River!
www.townofhalfmoon.org

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Free Paddle Sunday Afternoons on Sugar Creek in Branchport NY

source: Finger Lakes Times

In early March, The Finger Lakes Museum received a grant from the Outdoor Foundation to provide canoeing and kayaking opportunities for local youth and families. The program is free. There will be 20 boats available for use at the Sugar Creek bridge and boat launch in Branchport from 3 to 6 p.m. on 10 consecutive Sunday afternoons beginning April 21. Paddles and life jackets will be available. Participants are also welcome to bring fishing rods (and licenses), nets, and picnic meals. Instruction is available upon request.

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes

Sugar Creek is a pristine tributary of Keuka Lake that showcases wetlands, a bird sanctuary and an array of aquatic wildlife. This 2013 program is part of a new local outreach initiative in Yates County as well as a wider educational campaign for the entire Finger Lakes area. It is being carried out with the assistance of museum volunteers and in collaboration with Doug Reagan’s Canoe and Kayak Livery. Those interested in learning more can contact Museum Education Director Mike Sullivan at 694-6922 or msullivan@fingerlakesmuseum.org.

This grant opportunity supports pioneering projects like this and initiatives aiming to connect young Americans with their waterways through recreational paddling. The Finger Lakes Museum was one of 25 organizations selected by Outdoor Nation and the Outdoor Industry Association Paddle Advisory Council from a pool of 150 applicants based on its likelihood to increasing paddling participation.

The Paddle Nation Project grants were made possible by support and funding from the Outdoor Industry Association Paddle Advisory Council, a coalition of top paddlesport manufacturers, retailers and stakeholders; a $30,000 contribution from Nielsen Expositions’ Outdoor Retailer, the outdoor industry tradeshow held twice each year; and many individuals, manufacturers and retailers in the paddlesport community.

“Recreational paddling is one of the most accessible and impactful ways to introduce young Americans to the outdoors,” said Lili Colby, sales and marketing director for MTI Adventurewear and chair of the Paddle Council. “Though so many of the applications were inspiring, we believe the winning projects will creatively and effectively involve young people in all types of paddling, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and rafting.”

“We’re deeply committed to connecting more individuals with the natural world,” says Mike Sullivan, Educator Director at The Finger Lakes Museum and writer of the winning grant. “Here in the Finger Lakes, and specifically right here on Keuka Lake, we’re blessed with stunning beauty in our own backyards as well as incredible opportunities like this to simply be out in it.”

“Small grant programs like this one activate a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, the organization that runs Outdoor Nation. “By providing equipment, training, mentoring and educational resources, these projects will make paddlesports accessible to many youth who may not have the opportunity otherwise to get on the water.”

Outdoor Nation is committed to increasing and expanding youth participation in outdoor recreation through education, engagement and action in order to cultivate a healthier, more active generation. In 2012, Outdoor Nation awarded more than $250,000 to young adults for projects that reconnect young people to the outdoors. For more information on Outdoor Nation grants programs, visit outdoornation .org/grants.

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks

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