C o n n e c t i c ut Sea Kaya k e r s September 2002 "Surf Challenge at Cahoon Hollow" Greg Stamer by John Dykman Greenland Rolling and t seems I always open the ConnYak ticipants seemed cold before getting wet. Champion - Sat and Sun. Sept 7 & 8 newsletter before any of the other The water temperature was about 60 as ⌘Demo, Lecture and Forum mail, though I’ve never had a story well, which is a few degrees warmer Ito contribute, since my own paddling than usual. There had been steady 10-20 reg Stamer who has competed experiences didn’t seem exciting knot east winds over the past two days for the second year in the enough..... until I had the opportunity to which resulted in some larger swells, but Greenland National Paddling try some surf in Wellfleet now all were relieved to see more mod- GChampionships will be visiting ConnYak (Cape Cod), MA. erate, but still surfable 2 to 4 footers … to run a clinic and demonstrate tech- On Saturday, July 27, the Goose perfect for a demo group. niques and rolling at an open forum at Hummock shop (Orleans, MA) held its Dick started with the prerequisite les- Bluff Point State Park on Sat. Sept. 7th. at first annual Surf Kayak demo day. A sons on gear and safety. Instruction was 10 am. The instructional clinic will be on dozen white water river "playboats" presented on the "wet exit". Then all 15 Sun. Sept 8th at Bluff Point for a fee of were provided by Wave Sport . participants were teamed up with in- $30. Check the bulletin board - as of this These small "toyboats" look like the off- structors based on their stated experi- mailing it may be full. spring of touring kayaks, somewhat re- ence level. All were required to perform The Greenland Clinic and demo at sembling a Dutch wooden Clog shoe, their "wetexit" successfully in the bone- Bluff Point is open to all wether you use with their upswept bow. With such low yard (crashing surf) before heading out. a Greenland or not. volume, they look like they won’t float. I used a helmet, which later saved me Saturday night, Greg will be giving a Thanks to Dick Hilmer of Goose from a good sand facial. slide/video show on his participation in Hummock and the guys at WaveSport; Paddling a kayak shorter than 7 feet, the 2001 and 2002 Greenland National for providing their time, talents and out through crashing surf was more dif- Kayaking Championships at the Essex equipment. Also instructing was Karen ficult than it looked from shore. And Town Hall. (Kaz) Armstrong, Women’s champion getting back on the beach would prove The show will be proceeded by a short Surf kayaker from New Zealand. A $20 to be even more difficult as I was soon to (VERY short) club meeting. A donation fee went for the $10 parking charge and find out. Jay Babina’s recent article on of $5 is asked at the door. Festivities be- a $10 coupon for food at the Beachcomber the technique of positioning yourself for gin at 7:00 PM at the Essex town hall. restaurant, which is on this spectacular entering surf proved very helpful; lean This year, Greg Stamer placed first in beach bluff overlooking the Atlantic forward in the roll setup position with individual rolling in his age class of 35 - some 70 feet below. the paddle straight forward and down 49, fourth in team rolling (team mem- Skies were dreary and gray, with a along the side of the boat. Otherwise a bers Harvey Golden and Svend Ulstrup), steady chill wind and a forecast high in natural reaction is to lean back to try to third in the long distance race (approx 17 the low 60’s…a typical cloudy day for avoid the wave, which raises the paddle kilometers), eighth in the short-distance the Lower Cape when the sun also takes blades out of the water, and exposes race and first overall in points for his age its’ vacation! Thankfully no rain to your entire body to the full impact of the group. dampen the mood as some of the par- wave - these boats have no long bow out For his age class , Greg placed first in

John Dykman resting on the beach. Greg Stamer at the Greenland Rolling Championships the force of your stroke along the water the end of the day I was sore and exhila- rolling, third in team rolling (team line and reduce twist. And there is no rated.. though if just for a day… I felt members Ray O'Brien -Scotland and keel to hold the force of the stroke, as the like a real surf dude. Svend Ulstrup - Denmark), ninth in the hull is completely flat - they don’t track short distance race and first overall in unless put on an edge. the International Class. Kaz quickly corrected my habit of high “Not sure how I placed overall in the bracing (with the paddle’s power face Greenlandic class, or my results for the down against the water), into a low long distance race (I think I placed brace using the back of the blade (power CONNYAK PICNIC fifth), or my placement for the rope face up). As I caught my first wave, I im- SEPT. 22 gymnastics. (from an early August email) mediately hoped my roll would work if and swap meet / tag sale. “The ice near Ilulissat was extremely I got flipped…It was not a question of if, thick and it took considerable time to but how often! You go over very FAST!. pick our way through (including some After the foam subsided, I rolled up and PATACONK RESERVOIR - SUN. 22nd very heavy thumps to the hull). For a was thankful that my roll is bombproof!. few days it looked like the competition (FYI - touring noseplugs, those soft flex- CHESTER CT. 10 am - ? might be canceled as the ice was too ible rubber ones, with the comfortable This year our annual picnic which al- thick to allow kayaking but it cleared spring don’t stand a chance of staying in ways proves to be a great time for ev- the day before the events started and place when one is slammed into surf) again become choked with ice two days After a few rides, which seemed really eryone is being held at Pataconk lake after the competition ended. During the fast, I learned that ruddering with the which will offer us a nice paddling races it was necessary to weave around paddle on edge behind me was not and picnic location. The lake is large large and small blocks of ice, and one nearly as effective as a low brace on a enough to paddle and enjoy your kay- competitor in my age class required a flat paddle face, placed on the uphill ak and offers some nice beach areas. rescue in the long distance race when side of the wave. I was able to do some he struck ice and cut the skin on his angling, mostly to the right, but I tended We would like people to bring food kayak. The water was barely above to just try for a straight fast ride, while to share. The giant buffet that it pro- freezing, quite cold for rolling, and trying to keep in front of the wave until vides makes a great feast and social more than once powerboats had to it died, and I could spin off the top and center for everyone. ConnYak will also clear the ice during the rolling event, head back out to catch the next good set. supply Hot Dogs, Burgers, soda, chips both by dragging a line on the surface Though it can also be fun to ride the etc. and clean-up items as well. There or simply powering the bow up onto a breaking soup sideways like a cork. small berg and pushing it away... .”- It was on my first attempt to beach that will be a gas grill for cooking and you I found out how hard it is to land with- are welcome to bring along family Surf Challenge continued - out getting dumped. Lesson learned – members if you choose. wait for a larger swell that will put you We will have a area where you can in front to carve through the wave. high up the beach, time it right on the sell paddling items that are no longer back side of the wave, you may need to I paddled two boats: the "Big EZ" and used or taking up space in the garage. the "Z" (couldn’t bend my knees back- back paddle for a moment, beach - then wards enough to manage the regular pull the spray skirt, and get out quick! I Old , PFD’s, spray skirts, dry EZ). Later I learned from Wave Sport’s got dumped in a foot of water when the bags, ear plugs, broken skin boat product literature that both of these boat spun, the water poured in the (now coamings - anything that someone boats were too high in volume for my open) cockpit and I was upside down in else might use. Bring items you want a foot of water, helmet jammed in the weight. River kayakers desire to have to sell with a price tag and name on it the waterline near the "parting line" sand with a very loaded boat on top of so people can check them out in the (where the sidehull meets the deck) to me. I rolled after losing the paddle and properly balance river running and play pushing off the bottom. Then I looked morning. Or... you can donate items to ability, so they can perform vertical tricks up to see my thoroughly entertained our raffle which we will have after like endos, loops , and spin moves. family cheering on the sidelines! lunch time. This way you don’t have I have done some limited of 3 After a short rest I headed out for more. to lug it home unless you win it back We were all pretty much done after foot swells on Long Island Sound, but at next year’s picnic. this was an entirely different experience. lunch as the shore break became too se- I headed straight out to the outside vere even though there were still many break and met up with Kaz who gave good waves. But I was too beached (to- Directions - PATACONK RESERVOIR, CHESTER me instruction on catching my first tally stuffed) from lunch at the waves. Timing is critical, and you really "Beachcomber" anyway, and had enough have to paddle hard to get these small (punishment) for the day. boats moving fast enough to catch the I’m no longer afraid of seawater up the wave, and not be flipped. A nose (it only takes an hour or so for your seems to catch any wave over 2 foot, but sinuses to stop leaking seawater - eee- these river boats need a good 3 – 4 footer ww gross!) I was very thankful for a de- with a steeper face to ride. pendable roll, though many had to swim The lack of a long water line and keel to shore with boat and paddle in hand presented a challenge for steering. In a after getting rolled and wetexiting which longer boat you have lots of edge to hold definitely cut into their surfing time. At and more thanks for the Crossing the Sound for a Cause blessings of family and friends, espe- by Judy Hampel cially our two sons who were paddling behind us. The time went really quickly y husband, Bob, and I have and at 10:20 we stopped in an area of been kayaking for the last ten very calm water for drinks, power bars, Greg Stamer - Sat and Sun. Sept 7 & 8 and a quick swim for some of us. We years. We’re very fortunate as ⌘Demo, Lecture and Fourm weM live in Stratford with some really nice saw many boats off the horizon but we kayaking destinations - down the were still about 4 miles out from our fi- Club Picnic - Sun. Sept 22 - Chester Housatonic River, through the Stewart nal destination - Eaton 's Neck Coast B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge and along Guard Station. 2 inter-club paddles the Sound at Long Beach and Pleasure Stopping was probably not the smart- by North shore Paddlers - MA Beach. We have planned vacations est thing to do as getting our momentum September 14 around kayaking including such places back was difficult. And this is when we The North Shore Paddlers Network at Vancouver Island, British Columbia, hit some of the toughest water - very (NSPN) is proud to host an inter-club and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. confused with 2-3 foot swells hitting the trip for the New England sea kayak But I have always found kayaking beams of the boats as the tide came in. clubs. more than an social or sporting event. I We used our rudder and tried to zigzag The plan is for NSPN to coordinate 3 find being as close to nature as kayaking through the surf as best we could and trips of different distances and put-in permits - the wind, sun, water, and bird were able to get through this area of dif- locations to arrive at Misery Island @ calls - it is also a time for personal reflec- ficult water. But, then we hit the channel noon time and have lunch. The trip lev- tion and searching for inner peace. I and needed to be very alert for boaters els will be Level 2, Level 3, and a level have said goodbye to personal losses out not expecting 2 kayaks out on this area 4/5. Our website gives details on our on the water and experienced great joy of the Sound. We stayed together and rating system. Go to "Trip Ratings" on and have found it very comforting. made it safely across to shore in little our main page http://www.nspn.org/ Over the past year, my friend, Cathy, more than 3 hours of total paddling. The Level 2 trip will depart from the and I have experienced several losses of We were greeted by 2 members of the Manchester Harbor MA area. The Level family and friends due to cancer, as did Coast Guard -- it’s good to know there is 3 trip will depart from Devereaux beach many of our friends. We also both expe- good security everywhere! They told us in Marblehead MA. The Level 4/5 trip rienced great joy in the birth of 4 grand- we could stay in the area we landed for would depart from Gloucester MA. 2 childrenand and wanted to do or give a swim and some food on this beautiful trips lead by ConnYak. Details - http:// something that could help others in the beach but to stay with the boats since the www.nspn.org/ or on the board. future. location was a nesting area for birds and We work for St. Vincent Hospital and they could not be disturbed. are well aware of the charitable work Our friend in his power boat arrived Paddles Strategy Working done for Cancer research by the "Swim and took us and our kayaks back to It’s been dissapointing for many Across the Sound". So, we decided to Compo Beach in Westport shortly after ConnYak members who wanted a week- kayak across the Sound and ask friends that. The trip was a real accomplishment ly club paddle, however our intentional and family to donate to the cancer re- for me personally, and hopefully result- efforts to list multi-paddles on less week- search organization of their choice in ed in many donations to cancer chari- ends has worked. Slowly but surely, in- support of our effort. ties. dividuals are becoming less shy about On the glorious Saturday morning of posting their paddling intentions on the July 13, Cathy, myself and our two sons, bulletin board and are finding that all it Marc and Scott, left Compo Beach in takes is the desire to share a paddling Westport in two tandem kayaks at 7:45 event. The entire notion of having to be in the morning for the 14 mile trek. The a brave and highly qualified leader is tide was low, the winds were southerly suddenly not as important as getting to- at 10 knots and the sky was overcast but gether with some paddling friends and promising. We arranged for a friend using common sense in the decision with a power boat to keep a lookout for making. Our club is larger and the pad- us as we crossed the Sound in case of dles are less crowded. The free week- sudden wind or fog since the Sound can ends have given many paddlers a chance be such an unpredictable place. to explore many areas that they didn’t As, we circled Cockenoe Island in paddle before, since our club paddles Norwalk the water was choppy with 1-2 restricted us to large parking lots. foot swells particularly around the We also owe a lot to the other paddling breakwaters. But once out by the 4 mile organizations like the Tues. Night marker the water calmed with only oc- Paddlers and RIKA who help us indi- casional waves over the bow of the kay- rectly by offering allternative paddling ak giving the two women in the front of opportnities. The overcrowding problem the kayaks many mouthfuls of salt wa- that seemed almost unsolvable only a ter. But the water was cool and refresh- year ago is now easily manageable. Now ing and a fun part of the experience. We if we could only stop feeling guilty said more goodbyes to lost loved ones ConnYak President Wayne Smith tries Pete Strand’s flattering Tulieg at the “Meet at the Beach” in June. about not having paddles. Sorry! -JB Two Werner paddles for sale; one left hand control San Juan and one CLASSIFIED right hand control Camano . Both in Fiberglass . $175.00 each . Call to join Connyak... 203 226 9674 days or 203 454 2278 eves . Derek Hutchinson Toksook paddle new 230 Kevlar . New $330 now ConnYak is a non profit club that is open to all $225 or best offer. 860-561-4415 work 860-635-1979 email: Wilderness Systems Shenai, Red over white,Kevlar. Very light, fast paddlers interested in sea kayaking from any lo- [email protected] boat. $1400.00. Phone 203-270-9134 cation. ConnYak annual membership fee is $15. Perception Pirouette White Water kayak: Float bags, $450 B/O. 860- Membership includes monthly newsletter, Dry-tops. Stohlquist. One new, one used.$100 & $65. Both mens paddles, functions, etc. medium. Tom 413-593-6167. 613-0622 or [email protected] Send inquiries to: Old Town Castine Kayak 14’ beginners kayak. red, 2 hatches, paddle Yakima Hully Rollers, set of 4: $70.-860.460.4983 ConnYak, P.O. Box 197, Ellington, CT 06029 and skirt. $600. 860-985-6893 Thule, racks and cradle for auto w/ gutters. $35. e-mail: [email protected] Valley Skerray, Fiberglass, Blue over White, with skeg and Chimp jbabina@snet 203-481-3221 Website / Bulletin Board: www.connyak.org Pump. Great condition! $1700 203-854-9713 brianenichols@aol. Stearns Self Bailing inflatable kayak; life jacket, pump, paddle and com storage bag. Used one season, great shape. Lists new for $479. Valley Skerray XL, Fiberglass, Turquoise over white, with skeg, two Asking $300. Elizabeth 203-878-8336, [email protected]. T-shirts for Articles hatches, chimp pump, and compass. $1795. Contact (203) 840- CD Caribou S -Kevlar -yel/wht,deck compas, skeg 1 seson. new $3195 0156. - now $2000 Phil 860-436-450 Authors of articles for the newsletter get Aquaterra Double - Gemini, poly, tandem,wide beam, great for the a free T-shirt. If you have written an ar- kids or lake. Asking $600.00 or best offer. Call 860-388-2464 ticle and haven’t recieved you T-shirt, Sharon. please speak up at one of the paddles. The weekend of Aug 17-18, Old Town Nantucket - 1 year old - $500.00 yellow poly, rudder, The club officiers usually have them at 32 paddlers paddled with ConnYak. thigh braces, adjustable hip pads Pete 860-749-0471 the paddles. Three paddles of 12, 11 and 9 - Barn Impex Montauk, Fiberglass,$1800 includes Skirt and compass. Call Island, Norwalk Islands and 4 Mile River. T-shirts will be at the picnic Bill - 860-535-4473 Two of the trips were posted on the bulletin board. NORDKAPP HM good condition.Day hatch,rear oval hatch,canvas Send newsletter articles or classifieds to: storage bag, compass. Orang / white $1600 860-633 7254. Check the bulletin board fo impromptu Jay Babina e-mail: [email protected] trips listed by members - www.connyak. 7 Jeffrey Lane, Branford, CT 06405 org 203-481-3221 Fax 203-481-1136 Paddles listed by members help avoid overcrowding launch sites with large ConnYak paddles. Please contact the Newsletter when items are sold.

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