NACK Paddlers Kayak Around Manhattan Island
By · CommentsEight NACK Members and a couple of friends met up with the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club on Saturday 7/16/2011 for their Kayak Around Manhattan event. The Manhattan Island kayak circumnavigation began at Pier 40 (Houston Street) and launched from the Downtown Boathouse floating dock.
Circumnavigating Manhattan in a kayak is a tricky 30 mile trip that requires careful planning and timing to make the most of the strong currents and avoid getting caught paddling against the flow.
As we got underway the Manhattan skyline was stunning in the early morning sun. In short order the Statue of Liberty was visible on our right as we approached the Staten Island Ferry terminal. There’s plenty of big commercial boat traffic and pleasure craft in the area so it’s essential that the group stay well organized. Carefully coordinating the crossing of the Battery on VHF radios we made it to the Brooklyn side of the East River and the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge.
Perhaps the most critical part of the trip is passing thru the Hell Gate confluence of the East River, Harlem River and Long Island Sound. With the full moon the day before, currents in the vicinity were running up to six knots. Paddling up the East side of Roosevelt Island we were traveling at 10 MPH on the GPS and we sought shelter in Hallet’s Cove to await the slack at Hell Gate.
After about an hour layover we made a quick dash past Mill Rock and across Hell Gate to the Harlem river. There’s only a brief window of opportunity to get it done before the East River begins to flow south and the Harlem River flows north as water rushes in from Long Island Sound.
Our trip up the Harlem River took us past the old landmark Macombs Dam Bridge and Yankee Stadium.
The second scheduled stop was the Peter Jay Sharpe boathouse in Swindlers Cove on the Harlem River. It’s an absolutely beautiful location; hard to imagine that you’re in the heart of the city.
After a quick lunch we again headed north with the current on the Harlem River, past Columbia Rock to where the river meets the Hudson. This is another “interesting” location where the north flow of the Harlem River meets the south flow of the Hudson. However passing by the swing bridge at Spyten Dyvil was uneventful in spite of the somewhat confused water.
Heading down the Hudson, passing under the George Washington Bridge, we again took advantage of the strong current in mid river. The GPS read over 6 MPH most of the way while we paddled at a fairly leisurely pace. Approaching Grant’s Tomb however, the wind that had turned to the south and building began to work against the tidal flow of the Hudson. In a classic wind-against-tide situation swells quickly grew to 2 to 3 feet and were closely spaced.
By mid afternoon the NOAA Weather Station at Robbins Reef, directly to our south, was reporting wind SSW at 15 to 17 knots. Since it was blowing directly up river, there was almost 17 miles of open water for that wind to try to push water back up the Hudson. The river, flowing at about 3 knots, of course refused to be held back and treated us to a pretty good roller coaster ride. The group hung together and then took a brief rest at Pier 96 while a big cruise ship departed. Then, rested and refreshed, we continued three more miles back to Pier 40 where, at 5 PM, a tired group of paddlers congratulated one another on their accomplishment.
The kayak circumnavigation of Manhattan Island is certainly a trip that one will long remember. Many thanks to the YPRC, Steve Blumling, Jerry Blackstone and all the fellow paddlers for a safe and enjoyable day.
Trip Total 30.2 Miles Average speed 4.5 MPH. Paddlers: John Weickert, Debbie Horne, Colin Mullen, Dara Fee, Ron Herrman, Renee Levine, Steve Mcdonald, Buddy Ficarelli, Wayne Seroka, and Carl Thor
Lots more photos Click Here with special thanks to David Gottleib, Dara Fee, and John Weickert for their photos.
By popular request, our next regular Monday evening kayak skills session will be held at Heckscher State Park instead of the usual Timber Point. We will launch directly into Great South Bay from the beach at Field 7. Most members have become quite adept at kayak handling and rescues on the waters of the Connetquot River. Now it’s time to do some paddling in somewhat more challenging conditions.
The park is located at the very end of the Southern State Parkway (Heckscher Parkway). It is about 2 minutes away from Timber Point. And the good news is that the State does not collect a parking fee after 4 PM.
For our next on-the -water meeting on Thursday, July 21st, we will paddle the Carmans River. The event is open to all members and non-members who have kayaks. Sorry, but there is no longer a kayak rental on site. The launch site will be the old Glacier Bay Sports store on Montauk Hwy (County Road 80) in Brookhaven. The street address is 2979 Montauk Hwy.
We will meet at 5:30 and be on the water by 6:15 PM
From WikipediA:
The Carmans River is one of the four largest rivers on Long Island and is similar to other Long Island rivers in that is totally groundwater generated (e.g., no lakes). Almost all of the river is specifically protected by the Central Long Island Pine Barrens. All of it is designated by New York State as either a “Scenic River” or a “Recreational River.” Adjoining the river is the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge.
Alison Sigethy has confirmed that she will again be on Long Island for NACK Kayak Training Classes for kayak rolling, Greenland strokes and ACA rough water skills. Kayak Rolling classes will be held on Sunday morning along with a second session of Greenland Paddling skills (or more rolling classes). On Monday plans are for a full day of American Canoe Association (ACA Level 4) equivalent Rough Water kayak skills training. You don’t need to be rated at ACA Level 4 to participate as this class is intended to prepare individuals for ACA skills assessment at that level. Be prepared to get wet and helmets will be required.
Alison, who resides just outside Arlington, VA, was the first international woman to compete in all nine events at the 2006 Greenland National Kayak Championship and she medaled in eight of them. Anyone who attended the NACK sessions with Alison last year would agree that she is a great instructor. Class locations and costs will be determined shortly. Space is limited so start making plans now.
NACK Summer Newsletter 2011
By · CommentsThe latest North Atlantic Canoe and Kayak Newsletter is now available on-line. It includes trip and training reports, message board info and the Summer Schedule of events.
Kayak Accident Prompts Navigation Law Change
By · CommentsBack in April we posted details of a court case resulting from a fatal kayak accident on Lake George N.Y. last summer. It all stems from an incident where a power boat was involved in a collision with a kayak resulting in the death of the kayaker.
From news reports , we noted that Town Justice Robert McNally ruled that the kayak was not considered a vessel under state law, so the operator of the power boat was not required to yield the right of way.
Bonnie over at Frogma has posted a response on her blog from the Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy who prosecuted the case. His comments in part read:
“I too am a kayaker and was stunned to read the judge’s decision and the court’s incredibly strict and narrow interpretation of the Navigation Law. We have decided to pursue a statutory change to affect all New Yorkers by amending the Navigation Law in next year’s legislative session.”
You can check out her posting and the full comments from the DA over at the frogma blog The DA will be looking for support from all interested parties to lobby for the changes in the Navigation Law.
For discussion of the case, and what it means, visit the NACK Long Island Sea Kayak Message Board
NACK On-the-Water Meeting Thursday 6/16/2011
By · CommentsGeneral Meeting: Captain Kayak 23 River Rd Sayville NY 6/16/2011
6:00 On-the-water meeting. All are wecome. Kayaks available for nominal rental fee if you need one but please call ahead to reserve. We will paddle the calm waters of the Browns River north of the shop in Sayville. Meet by 6PM for a 6:30 Launch.The trip will last about an hour and we will meet back at the launch site for complimentary refreshments. Email John bluek@weickert.com if you intend to be there.
7:30-8:00 (Approximate) complimentary refreshments. (Pizza and Soda)
Captain Kayak Map
Bay Day in Oyster Bay June 5, 2011
By · CommentsNACK will be participating in the Bay Day festivities this Sunday from 11 to 5 at The WaterFront Center in Oyster Bay. It’s a free community event that strengthens the connection to Oyster Bay and the marine environment by providing exciting, water related activities. NACK members will be on hand to answer questions and do some on-the-water kayak demonstrations.
The The WaterFront Center specifically will provide activities including: Anything That Floats Race (ATFR), Harbor Tours aboard the Christeen, free sails aboard their Sonars, free use of their kayaks, and touch tanks of local marine life.
For more information check out Bay Day at the Oyster Bay Waterfront Center