Open Water: a new, free online journal and forum for a diverse community of paddlers

Click here to explore Open Water!

In addition to our traditional coverage of kayak touring, Open Water relates unique aspects of all paddlesports, covering everything from kayak fishing to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Thye publishers of Sea Kayaker magazine selected the title Open Water for its roots in our history; Open Water was the working title for what became Sea Kayaker magazine back in 1984. We switched to Sea Kayaker, because we felt Open Water was too broad a title and didn’t tell our readers precisely who we were. Today we welcome the breadth Open Water gives us to incorporate a variety of paddlesports in our coverage as we continue our own evolution within the ever-evolving paddlesports industry. With an initial readership of 15,000 readers who are primarily sea kayakers, we will relate the new topics back to sea kayaking. As the readership diversifies, so will our coverage.

Open Water’s paddler-to-paddler structure provides an ideal venue for paddlers of all writing abilities to share their experiences and knowledge. We are looking for contributors, primarily from the paddlesports industry, so if you are an avid paddler looking for the opportunity to build your reputation, we would like to hear your ideas for stories that pertain to Open Water. We also invite manufacturers and Sea Kayaker readers to participate in a forum-format response to topics presented, giving everyone the opportunity to tell their story and earn feedback.

We hope you enjoy Open Water. Happy paddling.

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public comment sought on Draft Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan

Tompkins, Cayuga, and Seneca Counties, in partnership with the New York State Department of State and Alta Planning and Design, have completed work on the Draft Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan and are seeking public comment on the draft plan between now and Tuesday, November 12. (Read our story on the Blueway Trail proposal)

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes available at http://www.footprintpress.com

The National Water Trail System defines water trails as “recreational routes on waterways with a network of public access points supported by broad-based community partnerships”. They provide conservation, recreational, and tourism/economic development opportunities and are focused on boaters, especially paddlers (kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards, etc.). The Draft Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan identifies the existing conditions along the lakeshore for paddlers; assesses regional assets; identifies gaps in access areas, and proposes locations for short term and long-term improvements and launch sites. It also describes opportunities to market Cayuga Lake as a paddling destination and lays out a variety of possible paddling itineraries, destinations and experiences on the lake for all abilities and preferences, from day trips to multi-day overnight adventures.

Comments can be submitted through the plan’s website directly until November 12th. http://cayugablueway.weebly.com/. Comments may also be submitted via email to Tom Knipe in the Tompkins County Planning Department, tknipe@tompkins-co.org. All comments received by November 12th will be considered as the plan is completed. The Final Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan will be released before the end of the year, and it is expected that a coalition of partners from Cayuga, Seneca and Tompkins Counties will begin work on implementing the Plan in 2014.

source: Ithaca.com, link to original post

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Long Island’s South Shore Blueway Plan Unveiled

source: Massapequa Patch, link to original post

Plans were unveiled Monday for the South Shore Blueway Plan, which will establish a kayak trail through the mashes and bay’s of Long Island’s South Shore.

The Blueway stretches 18 miles from the western boarder of the Town of Hempstead to the Nassau/Suffolk County line.

The plan took share as part of the 2006 Environmental Bond Act. Planning began last year. In November of 2008, the Village of Freeport joined with Nassau County to obtain funds from a Local Waterfront Revitalization grant from New York State.

A water trail is designed for people to use small, non-motorized beachable boats like kayaks, canoes, day sailors or rowboats. There will be various launches, rest stops and shoreline facilities along the way, officials said.

A key element of the plan is sustainability, using green technologies for paths, ramps or any other item that needs to be built. The access plant will also be ADA compliant. The plan calls for interpretive and educational opportunities that will encourage understanding of the South Shore ecosystem and maritime heritage.

“The South Shore Blueway trail will shine a light on the precious wetlands of Nassau County and provide kayak access never before seen in this region,” County Executive Edward Mangano said at Wantagh Park Monday. “I am a proud partner with out local environmental organizations and municipalities to create a new jewel for Long Island.”

According to the project’s website, which you can access by clicking here, the Blueway includes two inlets, four bays, seven new access points and nine boat ramps. For a full list, click here.

The public is invited to share comments during a community forum on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at Freeport Village Hall’s conference room. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. During the 30-day comment period, questions and comments may be submitted to info@southshoreblueway.com.

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Introduction to Kayaking – Western NY – Oct 30

This class has been in such high demand we added an extra pool class before the season gets underway.
Join in the world’s fastest growing sport. Are you nervous or just plain scared about tipping over?

Take A Paddle – Western NY at footprintpress.com

Let us put your fears to rest in the warmth and safety of a pool with many instructors all around you. Learn that kayaks are much more stable than canoes. All equipment is provided. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides. This is a one night/evening class running from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Williamsville South High School Pool 5950 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221 (located on the North side of Main St between Youngs & Evans Roads)

Cost is $73.00. Please call Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 if you have any questions.

Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the Williamsville Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Williamsville to sign up. You can sign up on line at: Williamsville Community Education (direct link) or by phone at 716-626-8080.

Once you learn the basics, go explore the wonders of Western NY, using the guidebook “Take A Paddle – Western New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks,” available here as a pdf file e-book.

Paths Peaks & Paddles, Inc.
1000 Ellicott Creek Road
Tonawanda, New York 14150
Phone: 716-213-0350
Website: www.pathspeakspaddles.com
E-Mail: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com

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Adirondack lands around the Essex Chain of Lakes open to public recreation

By Brian Nearing, Times Union, link to original post

For the first time in more than a century, thousands of acres of Adirondack land around the Essex Chain of Lakes is open to the public for hiking, paddling, skiing, fishing and hunting.

Held for years by the Finch Pruyn timber company, the lands were opened for public access Monday under an interim plan by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

In August 2012, the state bought 69,000 acres of former Finch lands from The Nature Conservancy, which had bought it from the timber company. With the opening of the Essex portion, about 22,000 of these acres are open to public recreation, which permits day use, but not overnight camping.

Motor vehicle access to Essex lands is open on Cornell Road and on the Boots to Cornell Road. Cars and trucks are allowed to drive on Cornell Road from Woods Road to a gate on the Boots to Cornell Road. A parking area allows access to Deer Pond.

Paddlers may portage canoes and kayaks about a quarter mile to Deer Pond. From there, a half-mile portage reaches a put-in on Third Lake. Paddlers can travel by water to explore First, Second, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Lakes of the Essex Chain.

Members of private hunting camps that held leases with Finch retain rights that permit motorized access not available to the public, and also have one-acre exclusive-use envelopes around their camp buildings.

A map of the Essex Chain Lakes tract is available online at http://bit.ly/1fGv8Pf

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Temporary Sole Source for Common Man Guidebooks

Kayak Thousand Islands

The publisher of the Common Man outdoor trail & paddle guides for NY, FL and VT has had a major webpage meltdown. As a temporary sole source, the webpage at www.RogerFulton.com has become the backup and the only current online source for most of the Common Man trail guides. The only glitch is that this web page can’t take credit cards, but can accept cash, checks or money orders by mail.

Ski – Lake George

Common Man Books are a great source of trail information for Lake George, Saratoga Springs, the 1,000 Islands,and Adirondacks fire towers. Many of the links in this blog to Common Man books will be dead. Click here instead.

Bike Saratoga NY

Paddle Lake George NY

Roger Fulton
Phone; 386-956-6089
email: Roger@RogerFulton.com
Webpage: http://www.RogerFulton.com.

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NEW: Modular Kayaks in Solo and Tandem models

Point 65 Tequila! Modular Kayaks

Point 65 Tequila! Tandem Modular Kayak

A new level of innovation for recreational kayaks. Created by award-winning design engineer Magnus De Brito, Point 65 launches the Tequila! A fun, versatile and high-performance kayak that, due to its modularity, is exceptionally easy to carry, store, and haul. The revolutionary solo or tandem combination is the solution you were waiting for.
Click here to see models. Click on details for one & scroll down on the page to watch videos.

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Paddling Review: Fair Haven Beach State Park

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes available at http://www.footprintpress.com

Click here to watch a video & read “Fair Haven Beach State Park.”  Then pick up a copy of “Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes” and paddle Sterling Valley Creek and end at Sterling Pond in Fair Haven Beach State Park.

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Hit the water at these places to paddle in Western New York

source: TheBuffaloNews.com, link to original post

Learn first

The following online sites can teach you more about the WNY paddling scene:

• bnriverkeeper.org: Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper gives beginner kayak lessons and offers free tours on the Buffalo River, Scajaquada Creek, Black Rock Canal and Cayuga Creek in Niagara Falls. Sign up online. The nonprofit has 30 kayaks available for those who don’t have one – courtesy of the M&T and Community foundations – but they tend to go fast. They do take donations.

Take A Paddle – Western NY at footprintpress.com

• Smartstart: This Thursday evening beginner class at Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island is for kayak owners who want to learn the basics. To register, call 282-5154.

• WeKaNu.com: Certified instructors Jeff and Laura Liebel teach other paddling instructors in the region but also offer classes to enthusiasts of all abilities. Their website also has a “Places to Paddle” section.

• ehow.com: Includes tips and videos on how to be safe on the water; search “paddling.”

Get out

• Businesses that rent kayaks and canoes in the region include Blue Water Marina (bluewatermarinagi.com) on Grand Island; BFLO Harbor Kayak (bfloharborkayak.com, cityoflightfitness.com, a related standup paddleboard company) at Canalside on the Buffalo waterfront; Buffalo River Canoe and Kayak Outfitters (paddlebuffalo.com) in West Seneca; Canoe and Kayak Rentals (ucanyak.com) in Wilson; Eastern Mountain Sports in the Town of Tonawanda; and Paths, Peaks and Paddles (pathspeakspaddles.com) along Ellicott Creek in the Town of Tonawanda.

Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes available at http://www.footprintpress.com

• paddling.net/launches has a good list of launch sites in the region.

Go with others

• Buffalo Paddles: This Facebook page, captained by Bob Van Hise of the Adirondack Mountain Club Niagara Frontier Chapter, is loaded with information and photos from paddling excursions from throughout the region. The site includes a list of launch sites.

• kayakbuffalo.com: This website and its Facebook page keep people up to date on outings and has links to several paddle-related and outdoor websites across Western New York and Southern Ontario.

• Meetup.com: The popular social networking site buzzes with group trip prospects on regional waterways. See more at kayaking.meetup.com/cities/us/ny/buffalo.

• Clubs: The Scajaquada Canoe Club has a Facebook page and the Zoar Valley Paddling Club (zoarvalleypaddlingclub.org), a website that includes announcements on upcoming events.

Explore

These top regional paddlers have enjoyed their sport across the country – and all love the Adirondacks – but recommend heading onto the following waters in the region:

Bob Van Hise: Oak Orchard River, north of Medina. This is moving water, so it’s a one-way trip and you have to go with friends and “spot” a car at the endpoint, then drive back to the starting point. He also loves the Niagara River but recommends making your first voyages here with an experienced paddler.

Vanessa Nazny: Alabama Swamps, south of Medina. “If you put in on Sour Springs Road, the stream is Oak Orchard Creek, but it’s flat, and it’s part of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge,” Nazny says. “You can go as far as you want to, upstream or downstream, and turn around and come back. Just don’t go during hunting season.” She also likes the Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trail on the Cassadaga and Conewango creeks, which snakes through several communities in Chautauqua County.

Jeff and Laura Liebel: Black Creek in Churchville, western Monroe County. “It meanders,” says Laura, “and in the springtime, when the water’s higher, you can travel in among the trees, which is just a blast.” No need to spot your car here. “We also go out on the canal a lot,” she says. “We put in at Veterans Canal Park (off Tonawanda Creek Road in Amherst). We’ve seen mink and green heron, blue heron. It’s not very wide, there’s a little bit of current, but you can travel. We also put in at Widewaters in Lockport and you can get ice cream there.” You can also go through the locks.

Go on your own guidebooks

Footprint Press offers Take A Paddle guidebooks for Western NY & the Finger Lakes Region.

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Kesselheim shares wilderness paddling insight: “The Wilderness Paddler’s Handbook”

Kesselheim shares wilderness paddling insight: “The Wilderness Paddler’s Handbook”

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