Site Information
By · CommentsWelcome to the latest addition to the web presence of North Atlantic Canoe and Kayak. This site is organized as a Web Log or “blog” for short. It enables us to post information as soon as it becomes available and allows you to interact by posting comments. You can even subscribe by email to keep up with the latest posts and comments. And if you’re looking for something specific the postings and other materials are now fully searchable in several ways. Check out the Site Information link for details. Enjoy your visit.
The members’ only area requires a password to enter. If you are a current NACK member and need a password please contact the webmaster@get-the-nack.org
Empire Kayaks Grand Reopening Sunday 4/28/13
By · CommentsAlso representatives of the South Shore Blueway Trail will be present to hand out information about the new kayak watertrail and gather more paddler feedback. Call to reserve 516 889 8300
Kayak Test Drive weekend at the Dinghy Shop
By · CommentsThis weekend April 27 & 28 2013, the Dinghy Shop will hold its annual “Kayak Test Drive” demo days at the shop in Amityville. Everyone is welcome to try a wide assortment of kayaks and paddles. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day and the shop is located at 334 South Bayview Avenue. For further information visit the Dinghy Shop Website or give them a call at (631) 264-0005.
NACK Newsletter Spring 2013
By · Comments
The NACK Spring Newsletter is now online including the Presidents Message, Spring Schedule, Wind & Waves, Build a Greenland Kayak, The Heel Hook Self Rescue Technique and more.
Kayak Camping at the Connetquot Library 4/16/2013
By · CommentsSpring is almost here so kayak camping will be the main topic at the next regular meeting. We will go over gear selection and packing it into dry bags. Then we’ll pack it all into an a typical sea kayak. Along the way we’ll recount the highlights of the previous NACK camping trip to the Adirondack’s Saranac Islands. The meeting will be held at the Connetquot Public Library 760 Ocean Ave., Bohemia. As usual, we’ll have a pre-meeting at 6, the business meeting at 7, followed by Kayak Camping at 730 PM. Guests are welcome.
- Yes, it all fits…and it still floats!!
The Jersey Paddler’s Paddlesport Show is this Weekend!
By · CommentsThis weekend, the largest canoe, kayak and standup paddling show on the East Coast is taking place in Somerset, NJ. The show features manufacturers of kayaks, canoes, accessories, sportswear, paddling clubs professional instruction and expeditions, as well as lectures and video and slide shows of paddling trips, expeditions and paddling techniques. Paddlesport hosts over 100 exhibitors, including the top names in canoes, kayaks and SUPs, such as Hobie, Ocean Kayak, Epic Kayaks, Perception, Wilderness Systems, Wave Sport, Mad River Canoe, Old Town, Surftech and much more! North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak and the American Canoe Association will both be at the Paddlesport Show all weekend so be sure to stop by and visit. You can talk with NACK members to get first hand information on our club and programs, and see Sarah Kadis, ACA Safety, Education and Instruction Coordinator, to grab some ACA materials or to hear about what’s new with the ACA!
“New” Old Inlet on Fire Island in Bellport Bay
By · CommentsSuper storm Sandy certainly left it’s mark on Long Island. Perhaps one of the most significant changes was the re-opening of the “Old Inlet” area of Fire Island. The ocean now flows freely into and out of Bellport Bay with each tide cycle. Last fall, a short time after the storm, a couple of NACK kayakers visited the area to get a first hand look at the inlet. It’s just a short 2 mile paddle from the boat launch at Smith Point Park. The force of nature was clearly apparent where the ocean had reclaimed it’s access to Great South Bay.
Photo: Great South Bay Project Stony Brook University
The inlet is located about a mile west of the Smith Point Bridge. Historically there have been many inlets on the south shore of the island. Some have opened and closed by natural processes while others have altered by outside elements. While two other breaches of Fire Island in built-up areas were quickly closed this inlet, in the wilderness area of Fire Island National Seashore, remains open.
Controversy surrounds the inlet with many calling for it to be closed to protect South Shore Bay communities from rising tides. Scientists at the Stony Brook University’s “The Great South Bay Project”, who are closely monitoring the bay, have countered these arguments with scientific evidence that this is not the case. In fact they have observed significant water quality improvements in the bay. You can check out their report on the Impact on Great South Bay of the Breach at Old Inlet. Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Bay has started an online petition to stop the closing of the Fire Island breach at Old Inlet.
Our recent kayak rolling class with Cheri Perry and Turner Wilson demonstrated a strong interest in Greenland style kayak rolling among NACK members. While there are many exotic Greenland rolls, the Standard Greenland Roll is probably the easiest roll to master and can be done just as well using the familiar “Euro” paddle.
Anyone who has tried to learn how to roll their kayak is certainly familiar with the frustration involved in mastering this skill. Fortunately there is a wealth of information on how to do it. Now Christopher Crowhurst, the creator of the Rolling with Sticks® Guidebook and Video, has decided to make both the book and video available for a free download. Heres the story as Chris puts it.
Rolling with Sticks® started as a fun project to document the progress I was making as I learned the different Greenland style kayak rolls. This work evolved into the water proof guidebook that is available for sale in the webstore. After completing the book I realized that during the time I learned the rolls I had recorded enough video to assemble a video guide of all the rolls. I used video extensively to critique my rolls and sent them to many great rollers for their feedback. For the past two years I have provided the book and a DVD of the video for sale, and I will continue to do that. Both projects have now paid for themselves and rather than continue to make money from these projects I have decided to release both and make them freely available for download. You can continue to buy printed copies of the book on waterproof paper, as well as copies of the DVD if you want a physical copy, they are both available from my webstore
Help shape the future South Shore Blueway Trail
By · CommentsThe South Shore Blueway Trail will provide a variety of opportunities and experiences for paddle users to explore the coastline and rich estuarine environment of the Hempstead Bays and South Oyster Bay. The South Shore Blueway Trail planning team will host a public Stakeholders’ Meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 6:00 pm in the Village of Freeport Recreation Center. All paddlers are invited to attend and help shape development of the trail project. Additional public meetings will be scheduled to review the Draft Plan as the project moves forward. If you’re interested in paddling this is a unique opportunity to have your voice heard.
More information can be found on the American Canoe Association website.
The Freeport Recreation Center is located at 130 Merrick Road, Freeport, NY. Please register for the meeting or sign up to keep posted on the progress of the trail.
Stakeholder Meeting Flyer Please feel free to pass this along. Everyone is welcome!!