C o n n e c t i c ut Sea Kaya k e r s September 1998 Ar o u n d m a n h a t t a n i s l a n d in t e n h o u r s by Jim Mathews

Bob Efron with his son Jay Al Ysaguirre (Capt. Al) Jim Mathews

nce I had become aware of for several months with my ConnYak bravado was the primarily expressed the opportunity to circumnavigate friends thinking that there was a lot of emotion. The questions included: how Manhattan Island by , it interest and gaining in the belief that long would it take?, was it going to be becameO something that I knew I had to there would be a lot familiar faces for the rough water?, would the 20 mile an hour do. As a newly enrolled member of day’s event. As it turned out, there was wind make the afternoon 13 mile down- MASK, (Metropolitan Association of Sea only a small contingent of ConnYak river run from the George Washington Kayakers) I had received my first news- members, Bobby Curtis, a veteran of Bridge an eternity as it was last year?, letter and there to my delight, was the many previous trips, Bob Efron, his son will the ferry boats keep their distance? announcement of their annual circum- Jay, and me at the Liberty Island State Capt. Al said that the trickiest part of navigational event to be held on July 11. Park launch site at the appointed hour. the would occur right away with Immediately I began to experience a set Bob and I agreed that we would stay the two mile crossing of the harbor past of diverse emotions that would persist together throughout the day. Governors Island because the current, up until the trip and then throughout the I had traveled down to New York City winds and large boat wakes all work 33 miles and 10 hours of the paddle the night before and tented at a camp- against themselves and then reflect off itself. I was: thrilled with the opportuni- ground on the water’s edge right next to the rocky shallow shoreline of the island ty to cruise under my own power around Liberty Park, because there was to be an creating some very confusing water. the city that was my home for the first 21 8:30 launch and a long day of . “Stay away from the shoreline and you years of my life; scared to go through the The sun had just set, creating a brilliant should be all right”, he cautioned. “Any legendary wild waters of Hell’s Gate (the pallet of colors in the magnificent New other questions?”. “Okay, we have to get confluence of three rapidly moving bod- York City skyline across the harbor. The going in order to have the currents going ies of water), awed by the thought of wind was howling as it blew across the with us all the way.” We were off! passing beneath some of the tallest and Hudson River from the World Trade The water in the bay behind the Statue longest bridges in the world; worried Center making the setting up of a tent a of Liberty was like glass and as we made about my endurance to go such a dis- struggle which might have been a fore- our way out the channel towards the tance; and confident that I could do it. shadowing of what was to come the next Statue glowing in the morning’s golden I read the article describing last year’s day. sunshine, the surface began to take on a trip, called and spoke to many people At the appointed hour Captain Al few ripples. After taking a picture or who had completed the trip previously, Ysaguirre, the President of MASK, two it was out into the harbor where we and received different information from briefed the 23 souls who rallied around were no longer protected from the wind each. For some it was exhausting, for him in the warm early morning sunlight. that was getting stronger and where the others it was refreshing. For some it was Some had traveled from as much as sev- water was becoming more and more agi- scary, for others is was relaxing. For eral hundred miles away and each of us tated. As we headed into the center of some it was challenging, for others it was possessed some combination of excite- the Harbor, a blue New York City Police just a long day. I talked about the trip ment and anxiety although bravery and Boat appeared which would be our escort for the morning to protect us from famous Hell Gate where waters fre- set up large waves and impede our prog- the very large boat traffic that plied the quently collide creating a very unstable ress if it was blowing from the south as it busy shipping lanes. The further we platform of water just to be on let alone had the year before. As luck would have went, the wilder the water got, and then paddle. The large standing waves can it, there was compensation for our morn- the full fury hit and we were in the most easily catch your paddle instigating the ing thrill ride and we would have a fast turbulent waters I had ever tried to nego- possibility of an undesired roll into paced and smooth three hour trip down tiate. Remembering the words of Capt. waters which had some evidence of the 13 miles of Hudson River, which Al’s caution, I pried myself further away sewage floating. Fortunately, Capt. Al went under the George Washington from the southern tip of Governors had the timing just right and the area Bridge, past Riverside Church, Grants Island and then I heard the loudest was calm and our first of two stopping Tomb, The Javitts Center, Chelsea Piers drawing of one’s breath I could imagine, spots was just ahead. We stopped at and finally Ellis Island. The group was as veteran Bobby Curtis pumped up his Mill Rock, an island in the middle of now well spread out and as we got to adrenaline. Well, if Bobby was con- the river that the New York City Parks within touching distance of the Statue of cerned, can you imagine what went Department claims as one of its proper- Liberty for the second time that day, through my mind? Then right in front of ties. Henry Espinoza, who rides point Capt. Al who stayed at the end of the my eyes, I saw the first of three paddlers for the trip, was directing us into a group throughout the journey suggested who would capsize, then a second, and cove where we took the boats out of to the few that were still with him that then the third. Picking our way through the water for a short while. The Island we turn around and see a view of the the waves that came from every which is barren and had just enough room for skyline of New York that was superb. way, Bob Efron asked me if I should help us to gather, making us wonder how it He was most certainly correct. the overturned man who was closest to was possible for them to have had 59 Then we were back again at the foot of us or should he. I would have had to paddlers there last year. the great green lady still standing majes- turn around to get back to him and Bob Once refreshed we were off again, tically now in the warm late afternoon was just coming up along side of him so heading into the Harlem River where some ten hours later. It was just a short I said: “do it!” Once we were clear of the we then had to share the river with 22 paddle back up the channel to the launch island and in the protection of a wharf, swimmers engaged in the annual site where donuts and Gatorade awaited we all took time to catch our breath and Manhattan Swim Marathon. Each of the courageous and invigorated band of quietly exchange those looks that only the red hatted swimmers had a motor paddlers. survivors know. Bob had joined us after boat and kayak escort, making the river Capt. Al looked proud of his flock and the rescue. Capt. Al had rescued the sec- seem quite crowded, especially when his flock looked proud of themselves. ond and the Police had plucked the third other large boats squeezed through the out and taken him back to the launch site now narrowed channel. Passing under saying that he had had enough. eleven more bridges brought us to The next part of the Harbor was much Spuyten Duyvil where Columbia calmer or maybe it just looked so, rela- University has its boathouse, an old tive to what we had just been through. A haunt of mine from my days of being beautiful view of the lower end of on the college crew team. The water Manhattan offered views of the World had become choppy again at the very Trade Center, the Staten Island Ferry northern tip of the Island where we slips and the Battery. Once we were were soon to enter and cross the safely into the East River, we all joined Hudson River. up again, and proceeded on past the It was like deja vu with the return of South Street Pier and under the three the wild waters we had met that morn- long bridges that span the river over to ing. Capt. Al said “set a ferry angle Brooklyn. Looking up high from just upstream so that we don’t land down- two feet off the water, you can distinctly stream of the park at Englewood, New see the underside of each structure and Jersey” which was just about directly can hear rattling of the cars, trucks, and across the two mile wide river and subways busily hurrying from one side would be our second and final rest to the other. The current was now speed- stop. Veterans of the wild stuff that we ing us along at probably six knots, which were, we landed exactly on the beach made for a super ride except for the just in front of the porta potty that was wakes of the tugs with their barges, large a welcome sight and the soft sand that powerboats and the sightseeing liners, all made for an easy landing in contrast to acting as if we didn’t exist. Soon we were the rocky Mill Rock stop of several over the midtown tunnel, past the hours earlier. Empire State Building, the UN and then Bobby Curtis checked his weather under the 59th Street Bridge and along- radio to assess the afternoon winds side the massive building project on which could have given us a fast ride Roosevelt Island. Just after this is the home if it was going in our direction or Bobby Curtis checking the weather on the VHF Trips with no leaders? a tour guide service. The decisions are democratic based on who shows up, Most clubs run the same trips every weather conditions and everyone’s year organized by the same people at mood. As Kayakers and human beings, Barn Island - Stonington we all share in the responsibility of the same time of year. Somewhere Saturday, Sept 19 along the line, during the formation of helping each other all of the time, weth- the clubs, those who came forward to er we’re in our boats or not. Paddle to Stonington Harbor for lunch do something remained the permanent In the future we will list the paddles and explore surrounding inlets. Pack founder of that activity for life. It seems as such and not as “trips”. They can be lunch. with most clubs, the majority is run by as little as three hours or whatever you the few. Once this agenda is accepted, want to do. Actual trips will be Directions - most members assume that this is the described in more detail. I-95 to exit 91 in Stonnington. Right at the end of the way it’s supposed to be and will go I feel the club needs to list a group of ramp - proceed to Stop sign. Take a Rt. and first left along with that agenda until they are paddle locations and dates for the year heading toward downtown Stonington. At first junc- too old to paddle any more. with no designated leader whatsoever. tion go left on Rt 1. Approx 2 miles is a light with the I have always been an advocate of The paddlers who show up for these sign for the Barn Island Launch. Take a right and running less demanding “social” pad- get-togethers will make (obvious) deci- another immediate right to the launch ramp. In the water by 10:30 a.m. dles that would bring the silent majori- sions to meet their desires. The route of ty out of hibernation. With a club of the paddle will be listed so those wish- over 200 members, I for one would like ing to paddle know what to expect, but to meet these members some day and changeable based on conditions. This Great Island - old Lyme maybe even paddle with them. I ran an way we can fill an itinerary with pad- Explore Back River - Inland waterways ad last issue, offering members to join dles and those who want to list them- and Shore Line. Pack lunch. in with me on weekends with a selves as the organizer can still go Directions - response of two women and one man. ahead and do that; or list their own trip. If you read the listing “Recreational The assumption with these paddles is Paddlers” you will probably agree, that that you bring lunch, paddle the morn- we really don’t know our own club. ing, stop for lunch and work your way One thing for sure, we are very diversi- back. If part of the group wants to pad- fied. dle longer, they can do so as long as Dean Bertoldi made a suggesition everyone has company and can get which makes a lot of sense. “Why not back safely. have the members write in a few sen- This way all kinds of locations could Note: All paddlers on ConnYak trips tences about what kind of boat they be entered without the feeling that must wear the appropriate CG paddle and the type of paddling they you’re suddenly responsible or that you approved Personal Flotation Device like to do”. ...kind of introducing our- can’t get out of it if something in your and wear a spray skirt. The boat and selves to each other. We will do this in schedule prevents you from arriving. equipment must meet CG require- an issue to come. We could spread this The membership wants more listed ments, including an appropriate signal- information out along various issues if paddles and trips. We could easily re- ing device. All paddlers are responsi- it becomes too large. vitalize the club itinerary with this sim- ble for their own safety, including ple move. Besides, I really don’t think dressing for immersion. Beginners For many years I have always listed must have taken a basic course and be paddling get-togethers need a guide ... paddles (not trips) to keep things going proficient in performing a wet exit. out of a sense of commitment - not the same way you don’t need a guide (always carry extra dry clothes) because I felt like being a guide. I have when you paddle with your friends. always enjoyed every one of them, You just make paddling decisions based Last chance! e-mail directory especially the new faces that arrive. For on the desires of your group and watch - oct. printing out for each other. me, the destination is secondary. If you JB want to do a full blown trip with camp- Our e-mail and members list is being ing gear etc. or a challenging paddle, mailed out in Oct. - printing. Contact you’re going to have to qualify your [email protected] and give partners for ability as well as compati- Recreational Paddlers your name and e-mail address so we bility. can put it in our data base. Include (Otter, Keowee, Pongo & the like) If I think there are many reasons mem- the e-mail address below your name interested in joining others for 2-6 hr. bers don’t list a “paddle”. I believe so we get the simplified version with many feel they’re not qualified (a super paddles, weekends or evenings contact Susan Cross 860-664-3550 no extra coding that occurs in the guide) or feel they are setting them- address area. selves up for a sense of responsibility they really don’t want. There’s also a Our future ConnYak (sign up) form fear of being legally responsible, fear of connyak t-shirts will ask for an e-mail address. commitment, and the pressure of feel- Cost to members is $6. ea. - our cost. They ing they have to provide a great experi- will be at the meetings and at various Trip Cancellations - In doubt due to ence for everyone. All of these are false. paddles etc. weather? call 203-481-1881 - a message We list a paddle so we can share the will be on answer machine. event. This is why we’re a club and not Kayak skills & Rolling Classified Thule rack system, complete with 2-58” bars, 4 saddles without straps, 4 gutter feet with locks. Urban Eskimo - Mike Falconeri Feathercraft K1 Expedition Single (foldable $150. Call 860-613-0622 Skills Workshops and Eskimo Rolling kayak) 15’ 11”x 25”, sea sock, spray skirt, Perception Piroutte S (whitewater) - only used On-going lessons and trips by appoint- color teal, 1996 costs $ 3850.00 sacrifice for surfing, includes bow & stern airbags, ment. Call Mike at 203-284-9212. $3500.00. Never in the water. 203-772-3174. drain-plug, foam backrest. $425.00 new cond. 2 Woman's Kokatat drysuits, med & small - Bib 860-529-4612 - email [email protected] to join Connyak... style, boots incl. New $275. 860-693-9625 Necky Arluk 1.8 18’ x 22”, white, glass, Women’s feet heaters, size 5 -$15. Women’s wet includes spray skirt $1100. 860-747-1223 ConnYak is a non profit club that is open suit, sm. farmer John & Jacket $100. 203-481-1912 1996 Necky Narpa,Granite color, expedition to all paddlers interested in sea kayaking Greenland paddle (cricket) $150. Palm spray model, Bulkheads, rudder, thigh braces, back- from any location. ConnYak annual mem- band. $800 (860) 727-6927 days and (860) 875- skirt $35. Pump & $35. Thule sad- bership fee is $15. Members can join the dles $55. Thule bar $35 all new cond. 0642 evenings or e-mail [email protected] ACA with a club discount for $15 which 401-596-4482 Betsie Bay Manitou - fiberglass 22” x 18’, excel- entitles you to full insurance coverage on Necky Looksha IV. l6’ like new, used lent cond. $1400. 203-269-0569 trips as well as a full subscription to one season. White and Turquoise. $l800.00 860- Wilderness System Sealution. Glass - all Gray 228-0105 w/ red deck lines, rudderless, VCP hatches, PADDLER Magazine. (a $15 subscription) Wood Strip built, Laughing Loon “Panache” 18‘ Suunto Compass, Spray skirt, very good condi- Send inquiries to: Stan Kegeles x 21” totally glassed. $2300. 203-481-3221 tion. $1100 (860) 521-9054 P.O. Box 2006, Branford, CT 06405 Wanted, used double Kayak Call 203-426-2414 12 ft Pirogue ( flat bottom ) Stitch and e-mail [email protected] glue construction in marine grade plywood. Wilderness Systems 3yr old Sealution—Kevlar Epoxy/glass.Good for quiet lakes/ swamps Website: mindspring.com/~connyak w/rudder, blue/white. Includes Werner 2-piece etc. Used twice. $250 (860) 521-9054 Camano paddle, Spray Skirt, Bilge pump, Paddle float, Yakima saddles. $1500. Reiver - Derek Hutchinson design, 17’ 1 1/2” x Send newsletter articles or classifieds to: 860-485-9173 22” - fiberglass, Day hatch, spray skirt. ex. Jay Babina e-mail [email protected] cond. $1600.00 (203) 457-0149. Wanted, Romany Explorer. - email JHotch2@ 7 Jeffrey Lane, N. Branford, CT 06471 203-481-3221 Fax 203-481-1136 aol.com or 203-656-0521 Please contact the Newsletter when items are sold. Wanted - P & H Sirius - low volume or Romany 16’ 860-278-7440

c/o Stan Kegeles P.O. Box 2006 Branford, CT 06405