LONG ISLAND PADDLERS WINTER EDITION 2015 JANUARY 19, 2015 Blazing Club Awards 2014 In the Newsletter:

Page 2: Message from the President

Page 3: Chasing Whales in Quebec’s Saguenay - St Lawrence

Page 5: Swan River Preserve

Page 5: Training & Safety

Page 8: Holiday Party

Page 9: Southaven Park

Page 10: Club Store

Each year, the president, with doing for the past six years. His input from the Council, selects trips are always well organized Page 11: Club Library three volunteers to be recognized and executed. Because of his for their outstanding service to careful planning, hundreds of Page 12: Paddler the club. The awards were club members have had the Connections announced at the Holiday Party opportunity to experience the and framed certificates were beautiful waters of the east end. handed out. and grilled burgers at our Fall Frank Posillico has served as the Picnic. He was always willing to Membership Coordinator for the help, whenever and wherever he The Silver Whistle Award, also was needed. Frank was awarded known as the Trip Leader of the past two years, one of the most important and time consuming the Silver Award for being Year, was given to the person the person who made the who provides the members of the jobs in the club. This year, he also volunteered as a Trip Leader greatest impact, overall, to the club the best experience on the club this year. water. This year, the Silver and Special Events Assistant Whistle Award went to Don Coordinator. He helped select the locations for our picnics and The Ken Fink Award, formerly Goryki for leading four excellent known as the Lifetime paddles, something he has been holiday party, shopped for food, Continued on Page 16

PAGE 1 LONG ISLAND PADDLERS WINTER EDITION 2015 JANUARY 19, 2015

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The Long Island Paddlers, Inc. is a club. While discuss the ins and outs of being a Trip Leader. Last it’s true, some of us paddle and some even use year, we decided to require all Trip Leaders to stand-up paddle boards (SUP) (although, for the life of demonstrate an assisted rescue at one of our pool me, I don’t know why), we are kayakers. We also like sessions. Several of the club’s cerfied instructors to eat and socialize, and then eat some more, but the were on-hand to demonstrate and teach several forms thing that brought all of us together in the first place of assisted rescue. In addion, this year, one of our was our interest in or love of . members will be teaching CPR to anyone interested in leading trips, at no cost to the individual. While this is Our meengs every month give us a chance to find out not a requirement, it’s a lifesaving skill that everyone what’s going on in our club world, learn something should learn. new about kayaking, socialize with our friends, and eat. These meengs also give us a chance to purchase Being a Trip Leader is not easy. You have to aend a items from our Club Store and to sign out a DVD or meeng, go to a pool session, set a day aside, organize book from our Club Library. All that’s great! the paddle, and then lead a group of people you may not even know to some of your favorite But kayaking with other people is why we joined this spots. It’s a lot of work. But the pay-off is huge. First, club. The Short Noce Form on the website allows us it just feels good to share beauful places with other to connect with fellow members for a paddle at the people. Second, I’ve met so many nice people on the last second. The Paddles and Events’ page on the trips I have led. And some of those same people are website allows us to plan a kayak oung weeks or now my best friends. months in advance which is helpful when the trip is off Long Island, out of state, or even out of the country. So, if you think you are up for a challenge, and you want to meet some great people while helping your There are approximately 300 people in our club. Last club fulfill its mission, consider aending one of our year, eleven Trip Leaders posted thirty-three paddling Trip Leaders’ Workshops. I guarantee you won’t trips. If every member joined just one trip, there regret it. would have been ten people on each of those 33 trips. If every member went on two trips, the number of people per trip would double to twenty, and so on. Most members of our club want to aend more than ~ Steve Berner, President one or two club trips, and this creates a problem. Groups of twenty-five, thirty, or forty people kayaking together is difficult to lead and can be dangerous.

The simple answer to this problem is more Trip Leaders. We on the Council recognize that not everyone is comfortable leading trips so five years ago we created the Trip Leaders’ Workshop. This is a night where experienced Trip Leaders sit down with each other and people interested in leading trips and

PAGE 2 LONG ISLAND PADDLERS WINTER EDITION 2015 JANUARY 19, 2015

CHASING WHALES IN QUEBEC’S SAGUENAY - ST. LAWRENCE

For those Long Island Paddlers last year not able to make this trip here is my quick recap….

After two days of driving from Long Island, I quickly discovered that the Quebec province has plenty of stunning natural scenery to offer.

It was now on to Saguenay-St. Lawrence for a few nights of tent camping, whale watching, kayaking and various other uniquely Quebecois activities. The small village of Tadoussac sits at the heart of the Marine Park, on the banks of the spectacular Saguenay Fjord after departing the ferry. Trivial Pursuit fans might be keen to learn the town’s namesake means udders or breasts. Although, according to other interpretations, it could also mean place of lobsters, place where the ice is broken (from the Montagnais shashuko), or among the rocks. So … who knows? That silly bit of trivia aside, it’s actually the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Quebec, and the oldest surviving French settlement in the Americas.

If I thought my trip to “Old” Quebec (the city, not the province) was a trip back in time, this sleepy seaside town is in a league of its own.

Nearing Tadoussac, signage marks the section of Route 138 as the “Whale Route”. And with good reason: it is the seasonal home to one of the densest whale populations on the planet.

Every building along the way is either a house or a business dedicated to the facilitation of whale watching in some fashion – cruise lines, ticket vendors, kayak rentals and the like. They take their whales seriously up here and I can’t say I blame them. More than once, I nearly careened into oncoming traffic while craning my neck in search of whales just beyond the steel highway barriers. Such is the allure of the world’s largest mammals.

Finally after reaching Cap-de-Bon-Desire, and about thirty seconds after setting foot on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river, a handful of minke whales emerged a mere 100 yards from shore. The gleeful giggle I unintentionally uttered…and “WOW”, a few tears. I’m loathe to carelessly toss out superlatives, but it’s hard not to in the wake of such majestic and massive creatures. The experience is, quite literally, awe- inspiring, jaw-dropping, breathtaking … what am I leaving out? Perhaps more than anything: it’s humbling.

Now to "Chasing the Whales"…the only way to get closer to them is via kayak or literally climbing into the water alongside them. While the whales were plentiful and the “watching” easy, out on the river, they

PAGE 3 LONG ISLAND PADDLERS WINTER EDITION 2015 JANUARY 19, 2015

proved a bit more elusive on the water. But, minutes later, they were surfacing on all sides of my kayak – minke whales, seals, oh my! It was as though someone flipped the, “Let’s Make the Kayakers Happy” switch.

And it worked. For the next hour or two or three, I watched as we were surrounded on all sides by these marine mammals. While the phrase “experience of a lifetime” is too often bandied about, I can say without an ounce of hyperbole that witnessing such beautiful animals as these from mere yards away is truly worthy of the description.

Let’s get this out of the way: if there’s a more beautiful, more breathtaking, more amazing campground in the whole of North America than Paridis Martin, I’m unaware of it. And if you know of one, please e-mail me.

At the end of an unassuming dirt road, this seaside campground features 30+ campsites with a spectacular view that overlooks the St. Lawrence River. The site is far enough from the road that you are guaranteed only to hear the crashing of the water below and the myriad birds that occupy the grounds. Every morning I woke to the sounds of whales breaching literally feet from the shoreline where my tent was located.

Part two of this trip was to kayak in search of the “white” Beluga whales. In the Saguenay Fjord, renowned as one of the world’s most awesome. A haven of peace surrounded by nature in its wildest, most mesmerizing forms. Photos Courtesy of Dennis Greiser About a twenty minute car ride from Paradis Marin campground to the kayak put in. This was the beginning of where dreams come true! Within a few minutes, the first of many “white” Beluga whale pods appeared…this was a breathless experience to end my adventure of “Chasing Whales in Quebec’s Saguenay-St. Lawrence 2014.

~ Dennis Greiser

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SWAN RIVER PRESERVE IN EAST PATCHOGUE

The recently completed 3.8 acre Swan River winter ducks as well. The walk from the parking lot Preserve in East Patchogue is located on Montauk is approximately 75 feet. Highway just west of the fork with South Country road. It replaces the former Nesenger Chevrolet ~ Liz Marcellus, Conservation car dealership. The land was purchased by Brookhaven town in an Open Space acquisition in October 2011. The land was cleared in July 2012 and recently opened to the public.

The plantings used in the wetlands they created filter runoff water from the parking area and Montauk Highway. The clean water runs into the stream that flows under the railroad trestle and out to the river. This is the spot where canoes or can access the river. The few of times I stopped by to check it out the water level was unfortunately a little low, however it looks like a nice spot to try out. The last time I stopped by, a great blue heron startled me as it swooped in under the trestle. The little pond in the preserve has had some interesting Photo: Liz Marceus

TRAINING & SAFETY We are starting the year off with three pool water 80 degree pool. Learning these skills before sessions: February 22nd, March 22nd, and April accidents happen is the way to go. Other skills can 19th. All sessions will be from noon until 3pm with be practiced in the pool, but just remember there is each participant getting one hour in the pool. As not room in the pool to propel your boat much. always, if you need practice with wet exits, and re- entries this is the place to get in & out, in a warm We try to do a one-on-one approach at the sessions so if you need special help in skills other than the Photo: Chris Scalisi beginning skills just ask. Rolling, bracing, edging, and turning can be taught in the deep end of the pool.

We will be having some on-the- water skills sessions staring with the annual club picnic in June. Here is where one can learn those skills that require space like forward stokes, ruddering and turning on an edge. Near the beach is also a good place to learn rolling & bracing, as you may just be able to get yourself up off the bottom if you miss your roll or brace.

We are also arranging to give a class in CPR by Diana Price, a Long Island Paddlers member and a certified instructor for the Red Cross. We will have Continued on Page 15

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PADDLE BATTLE 2014 The second annual Paddle Battle LI was held on the Peconic River in Riverhead on Saturday July 26, 2014. A fair amount of Long Island Paddlers were on the river that day, either providing assistance and direction to the large crowd of kayakers and paddle boarders, or competing themselves. Pictured here are Mary Schafer, winner of the women's five mile race and Lynn Basileo, winner of the women's ten mile race. Club member Scott Robinson was the men's ten mile race winner.

Photo Courtesy of Mary Schafer

Kayaking in the News...

Freya Hoffmeister’s Circumnavigation Around

Freya Hoffmesiter began her journey paddling around South America on August 30th, 2011. She is paddling in a clockwise direction around the continent and plans to return to the Peurto Maderas Yaghtclub in Beunos Aires by May 10th, her birthday.

January 18th marked day 754 for her expedition. Blog, map and photos are available at her website www.freyahoffmeister.com or you can follow along on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Freya-Hoffmeister.

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THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

A big thank you to our volunteers: Tom Auer, Pat Burnside, Ray Clarkson, Oscar Garcia, Lori and Mickey Hollis, Fred Hosage, Ross Moore, Colin Mullen, Bruce Mulligan, and Chris Scalisi.

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HOLIDAY PARTY 2014

Well for those of you who missed it and those of Fred Astaire a.k.a Michele and Frank Posillico. you who would just like to reminisce, we had the They are probably still dancing. Long Island Paddlers Holiday Party on December 7th 2014 at Butterfield's at 661 Old Willets Path in We also had a raffle, thanks to Jim Dreeben of Hauppague,NY. There were 83 happy holiday Peconic Paddler fame, who was kind enough to paddlers in attendance. supply the Club with various items at his cost. Some of the winners were Dana Johnson (Kotakat PFD and Peconic Paddler sweatshirt), Frank Posillico (Werner paddle) and Clement Muniz (large assortment of kayaking books from our club store). Diana Price also won a Peconic Paddler sweatshirt.

The restaurant's atmosphere was very warm and inviting as was because of our SPECIAL THANKS need to given to Kristin Costa host and owner Jerry. The bar area was also quite and Michele Posillico for all the work they did nice with large screen TV's for the football minded menu planning, gift wrapping, decorating and paddlers. everything I am forgetting to mention. This Holiday Party would not have been such a success The dinner was buffet style consisting of steamed without them!!! mussels, salad, veggie pasta, sliced steak, eggplant rollatini and everything in between. The Thanks to all the Paddlers who were able to attend food was excellent and plentiful. Naturally there this year. YOU were the party...... Paul G. was coffee and cake for dessert.

Photos: Helen Vloyianitis The music was provided by DJ and dance teacher Louis del Prete who played a diverse mix of both old and new selections. He also kept the music low during dinner so you could have a conversation with your table mates without having to shout. I guess I never realized just how many accomplished dancers we have in the Club. The WHOLE bloody place was up and rocking out. Honorable Mention, in my opinion,on the dance floor has to go to our own Ginger Rodgers and

PAGE 8 LONG ISLAND PADDLERS WINTER EDITION 2015 JANUARY 19, 2015 TAKE-OUT AT SOUTHAVEN PARK 2014 Calendar Suffolk County Parks recently beach use, , kayaking, completed a long awaited take- hiking, jogging and bicycling. January 20, 2015 out spot for canoes and kayaks Monthly Meeting: Bayshore Brightwaters Library, 7pm at Southaven Park. A gravel It has been very interesting to Program: Looking platform was created along with learn about these various Back - LIP”s Kayak a handrail and rails to drag your interests. Progress in the area of Trips 2014 boat up the hill. You can find it a canoeing and kayaking has been little past the rowboat rental slow, but it is progressing February 17, 2015 floating docks which is about nonetheless. We secured a grant even with the end of the parking for $125,000 a couple of years Monthly Meeting: Bayshore Brightwaters Library, 7pm area. This should make it much ago that we are hoping to get Program: Kayaking easier to get you and your boat soon. The Southaven Park take- East Coast of out of the lake. out platform is one step forward. Greenland - Doug Work is also being done at the Hardy The project was completed with put-in there to replace the March 17, 2015 the help of Nick Gibbons who is boardwalk and create parking Monthly Meeting: Bayshore Brightwaters the Suffolk County Parks liaison within the fenced area. Library, 7pm for the Sporting Advisory Council Program: Cold Weather Paddling to which I belong. A few other projects that have been completed: Please let me know of you have I was originally asked to join the Last year, Birch Creek Road was any concerns or questions Sporting Advisory Council in regraded after we let them know regarding canoeing and kayaking December 2006. The Council it was getting too rutted. in Suffolk County parks that you consists of a single Improvements to Timber Point. would like me to bring up at the representative of each of the Stump Pond in Blydenburg Park next meeting various recreational and sporting is now available for canoeing and groups on Long Island. The kayaking at the north end of the ~ Liz Marcellus, Conservation groups include: L.I Greenbelt lake. Trail Conference, Trout Unlimited, Photo: Liz Marceus Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen (SASI), Montauk Surfcasters, South Shore Waterfowlers, LIBBA (Long Island Beach Buggy Association), NY Archers and South Shore Audubon as well as members of NYSDEC - Bureau of Fisheries, NYSDEC - Law Enforcement, and of course, Long Island Paddlers.

We meet once every two months. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Suffolk County Dept of Parks on all segments of sporting activities, including(but not limited to) hunting, fishing, outer

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CLUB STORE When you’re looking to buy the following items or that money is just burning a hole in your wallet……there’s no need to make an extra trip or go traveling anywhere other than to our monthly meetings.

If there’s time, these items will be on sale before the start of our General meetings, otherwise you can start shopping as soon as the meeting program is over.

For your shopping pleasure, our store is stocked with:

303 Cleaner ($10) Works great on more than just your kayak Croakies ($5) You won’t lose another pair of glasses Hats ($12) Great for keeping the sun off your shiny head or just as good on bad hair days (with club logo) Visors ($9) Great if you’re not worried about that shiny head and just want to keep the sun out of your eyes (with club logo) Horns ($23) Don’t leave shore without one…works great Lights (25) A must have for night kayaking Shirts ($22) Long sleeved with logo..keeps you warm or keeps you cool T-Shirts (Men) ($8) You can’t beat this price for great t-shirts. Comes in several colors and sizes with club logo. T-Shirts (Ladies) ($8) Special colors and v-neck shirts with club logo for the ladies. Decals ($1) Club logo decals – looks great on your kayak and great advertising for the club

AND, for your reading pleasure we have the following BOOKS Canoeing the Peconic ($1) Exploring East End Waters by Mike Bottini ($12) Paddling LI by Kevin Stiegelmaier ($10) Fearless by Freya Hoffmeister ($12) Canoeing & Kayaking NY by Kevin Stiegelmaier ($10)

We also have a limited supply of FREE Coast Guard ID stickers for your kayak.

We should mention that the club does not make a profit on any of the items sold. We keep your cost at our cost. No hidden fees.

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THE LIBRARY CORNER This will be a continuing series highlighting the excellent DVD’s and books available for loan from the Club Library.

Sea Kayak with Gordon Brown

Gordon Brown is one of the world's top coaches, author of the Sea Kayak Manual, and owner of Skyak Adventures on the Isle of Skye. His series of three DVD’s on sea kayaking have won numerous international awards.

Volume 1: Sea Kayak Handling is a multi-award winning eighty minute film which builds the foundations of good sea kayaking, from forward paddling to advanced techniques. World-class coaching is mixed with a beautiful journey along the remote west coast of the Isle of Skye. He begins with the foundations of good kayaking - posture, connectivity, power transfer and feel, plus edging and leaning. He then moves onto forward paddling, turning, navigating tidal races, steering, and rock hopping.

Volume 2 - Rescues, Towing & Staying Safe contains over two hours of exciting and practical instruction with groups taught in calm water and rough. The coaching is mixed with a superb adventure exploring St. Kilda, a remote cluster of islands in the North Atlantic. The following are included: assisted rescues, self- rescues, technical landings, contact tows, distance tows, rescue scenarios, as well as anticipating and reacting in rough water to help avoid having to be rescued.

Volume 3: Four Films in One is literally four films on one DVD. The first is about handling emergency situations. Lifeboat and Coastguard rescue professionals advise on essential safety equipment, how to attract attention when help is needed, and how to help yourself in an emergency. It is 46 minutes long. The second film is about sea kayak navigation. From tidal basics to advanced course shaping, this coaching session emphasizes practical navigation techniques and is co-presented by Franco Ferrero, author of the definitive manual on sea kayak navigation. It is 47 minutes long. The third film is a unique interactive rolling clinic in which Gordon demonstrates the most common mistakes and then shows how to fix them. You diagnose your own faults and teach yourself to roll. Forty-one minutes in length. The final film is on first aid kits. Rowland Woollven of the Wilderness Emergency Medical Services Institute advises on first aid kits for kayakers and dealing with medical emergencies. It is twenty minutes long.

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LONG ISLAND PADDLERS CONNECTIONS In honor of Valentine’s Day coming up on February 14th, I thought it would be fun to highlight a few couples that met through the Long Island Paddlers. ~ Kristin Costa

FRANK & LAURIE JACKSON YEAR MET: 2007

THEIR STORY: “Ed Luke cancelled a trip due to high winds and I decided to paddled anyhow with a small group of paddlers. It was July 2nd, Frank's 52nd birthday and he decided he was going to enjoy a morning paddle before celebrating later with his sons. Frank and another club member arrived after we departed, and soon caught up to us. Frank greeted me with a friendly "Well, hello there" and we instantly hit it off. So busy chatting, we suddenly realized the other club member had turned around and was heading back alone. Frank, being Frank, went after him, which he knew was the right thing to do, but later shared that he was kicking himself at having to leave me since we were really enjoying each other's company. I told him I was very impressed at the fact that he put the safety of others first! Several paddles, picnics and phone calls later & we were dating by the end of summer! We married on May 15, 2010 on the white sandy beach of Treasure Island, Florida!” ~Laurie Jackson

ED LUKE & GERRY HUMMEL YEAR MET: 2008

THEIR STORY: “Ed and I first met when we chatted briefly after the May 2004 meeting. I needed an "expert's" advice regarding the purchase of my first kayak. Our next meeting was the summer picnic paddle at Tobay Beach, the following month. Ed taught me the technique of ranges and their utilization in kayak navigation. The following month we did a night paddle and I was hooked on kayaking and Ed, of course!!” ~Gerry Hummel JOHN GUIFFRE & VI QUINTERO

YEAR MET: 1999, VALENTINE’S DAY

THEIR STORY: “I have been in the kayak club for 20+ years. John and I met at The Rinx while ice skating. Going there the first time was suggested by a girlfriend, who accompanied me just once! But I went every week, loved the skating, and meeting new people (i.e. the opposite sex) was part of the fun. John was introduced to me through a friend of my son's who skated there every Thursday, which was an 'Adults only' skate (no porn or pun intended). John would invariably be already skating when I got there and would come off the ice to talk to me while I put my skates on. One thing led to another as they say, which included his statement: "I'd like to try kayaking some day." He liked it and me, and joined the club. Funny how people always think it was John who got ME into kayaking!” ~Vi Quintero

JOHN SCOTTO & BETTY POULOS YEAR MET: 2007

THEIR STORY: “We first met on a paddle at the Connetquot River in the summer of 2007. Helping her load her kayak onto the car was a great excuse to start a conversation. We talked and we paddled and talked a lot more. Our love of the water and the outdoors brought us together in a love we hope will last through time. It’s nice to know it’s never too late to live happily ever after.” ~John Scotto

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STEVE BERNER & KRISTIN COSTA YEAR MET: 2007 / 2008:

THEIR STORY: “Paul G. invited me to paddle with his friends at Stony Brook Harbor. That day, Steve paddled his double kayak with a friend, and I paddled his single boat. After lunch, Steve offered to paddle the double with me since it was my first time kayaking and I was getting a bit tired. We talked and laughed the rest of the paddle back. Fast forward one year later, I told Steve I had a “crazy crush” on him, and we planned our first official date the next week. I moved in three months later, and we were married two years after that!” ~Kristin Costa

LIZ MARCELLUS & DOUG HANSEN YEAR MET: 2013

THEIR STORY: After many months of absence, I came to a club meeting to announce the Fall Cleanup and was introduced to Doug by Ray Clarkson. Unbeknownst to me, Ray had been playing Cupid and convincing Doug he should join my Cleanup paddle. I was immediately impressed by Doug's home-made garbage pickup tool….and his enthusiasm for picking up garbage. Ray instigated a little friendly challenge of who could pick up the most garbage…and I’m still not sure who won that bet, but I know I won a lot more than that. After a couple of weeks of friendly banter via emails, Doug asked me on a date. I was a little hesitant to go “out”, but agreed to a nice hike. We went to Cupsogue Beach on a snowy, cold day with our camera gear and had the great luck to spot not one, but two snowy owls. We immediately discovered many shared interests. We got to combine our favorite ones this fall in a camping trip to the Adirondacks at peak foliage that Doug planned. We are looking forward to many more! Thanks Ray!! ~Liz Marcellus

BOB HANSEN & JOANNE PAOLINO YEAR MET: 2013

THEIR STORY: “Bob and I first met at a house concert in 2013 where I asked if he were a member of the Long Island Paddler’s Club. He responded, “Yup.” We crossed each other’s paths for about a year and a half, attending the same concerts, movies; kayaking the same waters and hiking the same trails. It wasn’t until Bob rested his head on mine after a group hike, that it seemed like a nice idea to get to know more about each other. The rest is history!” ~ JoAnne Paolino

FRAN CASSIDY & PAUL ALEDORT YEAR MET: 1994 / 2008

THEIR STORY: “Paul and I met at MONY Life Insurance Company in November 1994. We did not become friends for quite a while...in fact, I didn't even like him! Years later, we enjoyed sharing ideas and he helped me study for my insurance/investment certifications. I began to respect his knowledge and intelligence and understood his sense of humor. Paul had previously kayaked but I spoke about it so often that it peaked his interest & he purchased one & joined the LI Paddlers. We began dating July 2008 and have enjoyed our outdoor adventures including kayaking and hiking, travels in and out of the United States, including visits to 7 different northeast cities for First Night in celebration of another New Year together! We are looking forward to sharing our life together.” ~ Fran Cassidy

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Have you seen this???

Industrial engineer Federico Blanc had a dream to float down Argentina’s gorgeous Parana River on a recycled kayak, and his vision recently came to fruition! Blanc collected dozens of plastic soda bottles and glued them together to create his fantastic blue kayak. Simple, strong and eco- friendly, this boat can carry up to 2 people plus a cooler for when the rafters get hungry.

You can find more information about Fererico Blanco on facebook/Ambiente Villa Elisa

Article by Ana Lisa for www.inhabitat.com from April 6, 2014

Photos om Ambiente Via Elisa

Kayaking in the News... London to London Via the World

British adventurer Sarah Outen is three quarters of the way through a grueling global expedition from London2London:Via the World in which she is attempting to loop the planet using human power. She started in a kayak under Tower Bridge on April 1st 2011 and since then has kayaked, cycled, rowed and kayaked again east across land and oceans to Alaska. She is now cycling across North America to the East Coast from where she will row home across the North Atlantic in the spring and summer of 2015, aiming to reach Tower Bridge once more in the autumn of 2015. Sarah is fundraising for charities along the way as well as sharing stories and visiting schools to inspire others to take on their own challenges.

You can get updates from www.sarahouten.com or @SarahOuten on Twitter or https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Outens-London-2-London-via-the-World-Expedition.

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Catch up with Dave and Amy Freeman.....

Early in 2013, The Long Island Paddlers were lucky enough to meet Dave and Amy Freeman during their 11,700 mile journey across North America via canoe, kayak and dog sled. On April 4th, 2013 Amy and Dave Freeman, completed their 3 year journey, paddling into Key West, Florida.

For their latest adventure, Amy and Dave Freeman paddled and sailed 2,000 miles from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota to Washington DC. The purpose of their journey was threefold: celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, learn about the waterways and forests they explore and look for ways they can help protect the planet. The Freemans paddled a signature canoe that they will deliver to Washington DC to help protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from sulfide mining pollution. They reached Washington D.C on December 8, 2014.

For more updates and news on Dave and Amy’s latest expeditions, go to http://www.wildernessclassroom.com. Photos om www.wildrenessclassroom.com

Training & Safety Continued from Page 5 space for ten participants, but may increase it to more or add another night if necessary depending on interest. Active trip leaders will be given priority on the sign-up list. If you see a waiting list, sign on anyhow as we still don’t know how many we may be able to accommodate.

Until Spring, stay warm & if you are brave enough to be on the water, be extra careful. Keep an eye on the website as Trips & Events for 2015 are being posted already.

~ Chris Scalisi, Safety & Training

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Awards: Continued from Page 1 Achievement Award, is not presented every Big Buddy Program eight years ago and the year. It is reserved for that person who has Volunteer Reward Points program three years been an important contributing member of the ago. In honor of his many years of service, Alan club for not just one year but for many, many, Mindlin was presented the Ken Fink Award. many years. It carries with it a lifetime membership to the club. This year, the award went to a person who has been a very important member of the club for the past twelve years. As soon as he joined the club, he volunteered to be the Club Librarian, revamping the way the library was run. Every year since we began posting trips on the website, he has been a Trip Leader; most years, leading more trips than anyone else in the club. He has been a member of the elected Executive Committee five years, three as Vice-President and two as Member-at- Large. He also served as the Trip Coordinator one year, and single handedly started the club’s

Kayaking in the News...

Kayak 4 Earth

Steve Posselt, a 62 year old Australian, is kayaking from Canberra Australia to Paris, France in the name of Climate Change with his support team. Hurricane Katrina, Super Storm Sandy, the melting arctic, Canberra firestorms, UK flooding, and French droughts have lead him to make this journey, hoping to gain exposure in the media for his cause.

He left Canberra, Australia on the 15th of January 2015, arrive Sydney Opera House on the 31st of January. Fly to the States: Paddle The Gulf of Mexico to Hudson Bay via the Mississippi and Great Lakes. Fly to the UK: paddle through London, the English Channel and the up the Seine to Paris for the Climate Talks in November 2015. By the end of his journey, he will paddle 4,995 miles.

You can get updates at http://kayak4earth.com/ or on facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/kayak4earth

PAGE 16 LONG ISLAND PADDLERS WINTER EDITION 2015 JANUARY 19, 2015

MEETINGS Next Long Island Paddlers Publication Date:

Members and nonmembers are always April 15, 2015 welcome at our monthly meetings. We meet the third Tuesday of each month. Deadlines for submission are two weeks prior to publication date. Members are encouraged to For the latest updates, or for driving submit articles, pictures, letters to the editor, directions, please see our website. newsworthy notes, recipes, trip reports or future trip information etc. to the editor. Editor reserves We meet from 7 to 9 PM at: the right to editorial privileges. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the Brightwaters Public Library authors and do not represent official position 1 South Country Road statements of Long Island Paddlers Club, Inc. Brightwaters, NY 11718 Please submit all newsletter articles, pictures, letters and advertising by deadline, to the editor at: [email protected]

Mailing Address: DISCLAIMER:

Long Island Paddlers, Inc. The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly P.O. Box 115 those of their respective authors. Information offered on any topic should not be assumed to be authoritative West Sayville, NY 11796 or complete. On all paddling issues it’s important to base one’s practices on multiple sources of information.

The Long Island Paddling Blues by Ron Posnack and Frank Posillico:

There are 20 kayakers in the water People keep on paddling - Will they ever get to shore? lookin' at each other to psychoanalyze Berner's got us up the creek without a paddle But paddling into the sun is your chance to Everyone's thinking of lunch at the store fantasize

Joanne and Bob are puffin' along If you think about kayaking trailing all behind us Don't get stuck in the mud We're all going crazy Completing a four hour paddle Those two want to know why all the fuss Makes you brothers and sisters in blood

This little ditty was performed as an impromptu song at Grounds and Sounds Cafe in Stony Brook on December 12th with a group of 12 paddlers in the audience.

To learn and see more of what the Long Island Paddlers are about see our website:

www.lipaddlers.org