Archive for Paddling Gear
Kayak Demo Days
Posted by: | CommentsA couple of local shops have announced on-the-water demo days in the near future. Demo days always generate lots of interest. If you’re new to the sport demo days are a great opportunity to actually try a kayak on the water.
The Dinghy Shop in Amityville will be doing demos on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Empire Kayaks in Island Park will be doing demos on Sunday, May 22, 2011.
Unless you have the experience, and a really good idea of what kayak you like, it’s important you try it before you buy it. And, if you’re an experienced kayaker there’s always the need to try the latest high performance boat. Here’s your chance to check them out.
It’s also a good idea to contact the shop beforehand to make a reservation to make sure the kayaks you would like to try are available.
Hudson River Greenland Festival 2011
Posted by: | CommentsRegistration is now open for the Hudson River Greenland Kayak Festival. The event will be held at Croton Point Park right on the Hudson River and runs from June 24 thru June 26. Several NACK paddlers attended the event last year so here’s a posting from that event.
New to the HRGF this year is a Greenland Paddle making class taught by Chris Raab of Tuktu Paddles. Chris is a talented craftsman and a great instructor. Having previously taught a paddle making class for NACK on Long Island, we can attest to his teaching skills. With a few simple tools anyone can make a greenland paddle. Class space is limited so act quickly.
NACK Greenland Paddle Building Class in LI Press
Posted by: | CommentsWe’re happy to report the NACK greenland paddle making class last Sunday was filled to capacity and there are now 10 new greenland paddles soon to be in the water. A video of the event is even featured on the Long Island Press website.
Chris Raab on the left of Tuktu Paddles made the trek from south Jersey to the Captain Kayak shop in Sayville for the big event. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh cedar and the floors covered in deep piles of cedar shavings as two by fours turned into authentic looking Inuit paddles. Chris supplied the wood, help us determine the correct measurements and brought a collection of block planes, spoke shaves and chisels for all to use. With some expert guidance it was amazing what the participants were able to turn out in just a few hours.
A big thanks to Chris for his patience, humor and expertise and to NACK Director Ann Kaiser for setting up the class. Chris not only builds some of the most beautiful paddles you’ll ever see but he’s also a great instructor.
Thanks to Captain Jerry Collins (Captain Kayak himself) and the staff who were kind enough to let us use the shop. We made quite a mess but managed to get it all cleaned up by quittin’ time. 
And a special thanks to the Long Island Press for covering the event.
Additional photos posted in the photo gallery.
GREENLAND PADDLE MAKING 6/6/10
Posted by: | CommentsGREENLAND PADDLE MAKING 6/6/10
Come join us for a creative adventure and carve your own Greenland paddle. This paddle will be made to your measurement and therefore will be the perfect size for you. Chris Raab of Tuktu Paddles will be presenting an all day workshop on June 6. He will supply all the necessary wood blanks and tools to complete your paddle. The cost is $125 for members, $140 for non-members. The location will be Captain Kayak in Sayville NY . If you wish to take advantage of this great opportunity contact Ann at 631-286-8782. Don’t wait, class size is limited.
Kayak Show and Kayak Demo Days at the Dinghy Shop
Posted by: | CommentsSaturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, the Dinghy Shop in Amityville, New York, will have all their kayaks available for on water paddling. This is your chance to get down there and try the boats. Demos will run from 10AM until 5 PM each day. The shop is located at 334 South Bayview Ave in Amityville and the shop number is 631.264.0005.
What to Wear?
Posted by: | CommentsIt seems that whenever paddlers head out on the water the most frequent topic of conversation is the seemingly age-old question of ”what to wear”. Of course the first consideration is to dress for possible immersion, but when it gets cold will it be a wet suit, dry suit or something else. For todays Paddle Out Hunger event (see post below) we had 38 degree air temperature, water temp of about 50, moderate wind and bright sun. I chose to use the, new for 2009, Kokatat Tempest Tropos Dry Pants and OS Systems Dry Top with light weight polypropylene underneath. These pants have built-in dry socks just like a drysuit. Plenty warm enough without overheating or the restrictive environment of my full dry suit. The Kokatat pants are light and breathable offering a good, dry, warmer weather solution. With sufficient layering and the right top they make a great combo for three season paddling attire. No wonder why Jerry at Captain Kayak says they’re flying off the shelves.
Steve