1. sports
2. canoeing and kayaking

Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
N OR TH AT LA NTI C CA NOE & K A Y AK, INC
N ACK
QUA RTERLY NEWS LETTER & J O URNA L
Executive Board,
Board of Directors
& Committee Chairs
Page 2
President’s
Message
Page 3
Skiing or
Kayaking ?
Page 4
Seals
!
Page 5
!
!
Twin Forks
Challenge
Pages 7 to 11
!
!
!
Pages 24 & 25
!
!
Pages 16 & 17
education in safe and responsible canoeing and kayaking
for paddlers of all skill levels on the rivers, lakes and
coastal waters of the northeastern United States. We
paddle safely, seek adventure and fellowship. We meet
monthly, have trips, and many learning and training
opportunities. Paddle our site at: www.get-the-
NACK.org.
Next meeting is April 11 - see inside
We Are Serious About Fun!
NACK Bucks &
NACK ACA
Instructor
Profile
Meetings
Page 30
!
Pages 26 to 28
!
Cold Water Can
Still KILL!
Page 29
!
Long Island, New York based Paddling Club.
We are an American Canoe Association (ACA)
Paddle America Club and a NYS not-for-profit
organization serving Long Island and Northeast
America. NACK was formed to promote ongoing
NACK
Guidelines for
NACK Trips
2015 - 2nd
Quarter Schedule
& PEER PRACTICE
North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, Inc. is a
!
!
Pages 12 thru 25
Eddy Lines
Page 6
Training & Trips
Page 20
WIND & WAVES
ARTICLES
!
KLASSIFIEDS
!
Page 31
WHAT WE DO
Back Page
The Canoe has been used at different times by hunters,
travelers, traders, campers and athletes. For centuries the
canoe and its sister craft the kayak, were the chief means of
transportation across much of the North American wilderness.
Native peoples fashioned their boats according to their
environment and purpose: dugouts for whale hunting off the
west coast; kayaks for walrus hunting on Hudson bay, umiaks
for transporting families and goods across the arctic and bark
canoes for fishing off the east coast and for negotiating the
rapids of the inland rivers on the Canadian Shield. !
!
The CANOE - A Living Tradition
by John Jennings, Firefly Books, Ltd., 2002
“If you ever find yourself in the water half way
between your paddle and your kayak, I recommend
you head for your kayak. If you are alone you will use
your spare paddle (hint, hint), which is on the deck of
your kayak to retrieve the one you abandoned. If you
are in a group someone else can go for the paddle. You
could also hand-paddle back to your paddle if you
foolishly neglected to have a spare with you (tsk, tsk,
tsk). Unattended paddles don't travel quickly in the
water, but unattended kayaks do.”
Wayne Horodowich — University of Sea Kayaking
!
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK - North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, Inc.
An ACA Paddle America Club & NYS Non-Profit Corporation
www.Get-The-NACK.org
P.O. Box 124
Wantagh, NY 11793
[email protected]
Executive Board
John W.. . . . . . . . . . . President.. . . . . . . . . . bluek[at]weickert.com. . . . . . 917-681-0749
Steve M.. . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . mcdonald[at]optonline.net
Bob H.. . . . . . . . . . . . Vice-President. . . . . . hawkmac[at]optonline.net
Julie M.. . . . . . . . . . . Secretary.. . . . . . . . . . hawkmac51[at]optonline.net
Board of Directors
Elizabeth O.. . . . . . . . Founding Director. . . changingtidespc[at]gmail.com...203-903-5705
Gordon D.. . . . . . . . . Founding Director. . . gdayton2[at]gmail.com
John W.. . . . . . . . . . . Board Chairman. . . . . bluek[at]weickert.com. . . . . . 917-681-0749
Steven M.. . . . . . . . . . Director. . . . . . . . . . . mcdonald[at]optonline.net
Roy B.. . . . . . . . . . . . Director. . . . . . . . . . . rbaillar[at]optonline.net
Ann K.. . . . . . . . . . . . Director. . . . . . . . . . . akaiser12[at]icloud.com.. . . . 516-445-5504
Debbie H.. . . . . . . . . . Director. . . . . . . . . . . Hikerdebb[at]aol.com. . . . . . 516-449-5521
Matt F.... . . . . . . . . . . Director-at-Large. . . . Mattyferrizz[at]hotmail.com
Buddy F... . . . . . . . . . Director. . . . . . . . . . . bfic[at]hotmail.com
Committee Chairpersons
Steve M.. . . . . . . . . . . Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . mcdonald[at]optonline.net
Ann K........ . . . . . . . . Training Coordinator. akaiser12[at]icloud.com.. . . . 516-445-5504
Debbie H... . . . . . . . . Trip Coordinator. . . . Hikerdebb[at]aol.com. . . . . . 516-449-5521
Steve M.. . . . . . . . . . . Webmaster. . . . . . . . . mcdonald[at]optonline.net
Greg W.... . . . . . . . . . Asst Webmaster. . . . . greg.weber[at]gpakc.com. . . 631-368-5606
Bob H... . . . . . . . . . . . Membership. . . . . . . . hawkmac[at]optonline.net
Ann K.. . . . . . . . . . . . Corresponding Sec.. . akaiser12[at]icloud.com.. . . . 516-445-5504
Matt F.. . . . . . . . . . . . Library/Greeter.. . . . . mattyferrizz[at]optonline.net
Harold M... . . . . . . . . Newsletter. . . . . . . . . halmcl[at]mac.com
Tom S.. . . . . . . . . . . . Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . tstraub[at]optonline.net. . . . . 631-204-9957
Mary Anne.. . . . . . . . Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . mar13004[at]aol.com. . . . . . . 631-942-3098
John W.. . . . . . . . . . . ACA Liaison. . . . . . . bluek[at]weickert.com. . . . . . 917-681-0749
Gordon D.. . . . . . . . . Advisor / Historian.. . gdayton2[at]gmail.com
Paul V.. . . . . . . . . . . . Outreach/Show.. . . . . villano[at]optonline.net
Roy B.. . . . . . . . . . . . Facebook. . . . . . . . . . rbaillar[at]optonline.net
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK - North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, Inc.
An ACA Paddle America Club & NYS Non-Profit Corporation
www.Get-The-NACK.org
P.O. Box 124
Wantagh, NY 11793
[email protected]
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
It has arrived, Spring and all the snow that comes with it. Yes it is spring, but I still had
my doubts. That has ended with the NJ Paddlesports Show, which for me is the true start of the
paddling season. It was great to see all the new gear from a portable shower to fishing kayaks
with motors, and all those SUPS.
NACK is off and running with our April meeting at the Town of Babylon’s DEC on April
11th . This is on a Saturday which allows us plenty of time for the DEC presentation, business
meeting, an open discussion on boat maintenance (skeg repair), pizza, and anything else that may
come up. Part of the business meeting will be a discussion on how to chose a trip, how to get it
on our calendar, and how are our trips rated. Debbie is our trip coordinator and she will be there
to answer all your questions. I have already received some requests from members and I
encourage you all to send me what you would like at this meeting and future meetings.
There is a schedule in this newsletter and it will be updated as we add events. We are
trying something new this year with peer practice, which is starting May 4th It is still on Monday
evenings, however it will be at both Timber Point for those in the east and Jones Beach for those
westerners. We are hoping this will give more members the opportunity to attend. We are
requesting that you let me know when and where you are attending, since it is important that
there are competent paddlers at each location for safety.
For our club to remain successful we need trips, so please sign up for our trip leaders
course in May, when you pass the class you will earn an ACA certification for trip leading, and it
is a bargain for our members. Our first training classes will be on Sunday June 7th in Oyster Bay
the same time as Bay Day, there will be a morning and afternoon class. Assessments for Level
1&2 will be given at peer practices, in June. If you are ready for an assessment earlier let us
know. Ann K. is our training coordinator so please contact her for all your needs and wants.
Remember NACK is your club, not mine or anyone elses. It is you, the member, who
makes this club great. We have the distinction of being an ACA Paddle America Club, which
gives us our insurance and we have access to all their resources as well. We are also lucky to
have ACA instructors at all levels, and even an Instructor Trainer, as members or our club. So
let’s get all our gear in order, boats & bodies, and hit the water paddling.
See you on the water,
John Weickert, Jr.
NACK
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
AM I NORDIC SKIING OR AM I KAYAKING?
By Bob Horchler
!
Some of you may have read my story in the 2011 winter Newsletter, entitled Gliding through Summer
and Winter, and if so, you know of my love for both sports.
I have always felt a huge similarity between kayaking and cross-country skiing, but this winter while
skiing in various locations on different days, I became acutely aware of several more similarities:
In kayaking, one frequently edges the kayak, which changes the effective water length of the kayak.
In Nordic skiing when gliding through a curve on a track-set trail— which has two groves pressed
into the snow for skiing in a Classic style—you edge your skis to change the effective snow contact
length of the ski and enable the ski to stay in the track.
When pushing with both poles (double polling) on a flat or slight downhill section of the trail, you do
not use your arms to push, to help you gain momentum or speed. Rather you use your core trunk and
oblique muscles, just like in kayak paddling.
When encountering a bump on the trail, the ski poles are instinctively planted to assist in keeping a
skier up and over the skis, just as a paddle is instinctively used to perform a brace maneuver to keep a
paddler from tipping in kayaking.
Both sports generally require various layers of breathable clothing.
Both sports require lots of hydration—and frequent snacking.
Both sports enable me to embrace nature, as they are both performed outdoors in the elements;
frequently in local parks. .
While skiing today in Baldwin Park, I gazed out into the beauty of the bay. In a similar fashion, while
kayaking, I frequently gaze out to embrace the beauty of the land.
While skiing in a local park yesterday, I looked for shelter to avoid the biting northeasterly wind. I
would have done the same thing while kayaking in those conditions.
Many say, “I’ll see you on the water.”
I say, “I’ll see you on the Nordic ski trail or I’ll see you on the water.”
Actually, I’m going ice skating now. Maybe “I’ll see you on the frozen water.”
NACK
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Seals!
Spring 2015
!
Vol. 8, Issue 2
!
I saw real seals. Not aquarium seals and not zoo seals, but wild seals in the water at seal level. This
may not be a big deal for some of you, but it was for me. This was not a NACK club paddle. I missed the last
organized NACK club cold weather paddle (winter 2015 newsletter) so, I decided to go on a cold water
paddle with Paul when the opportunity presented in March. Paul was leaving from parking lot 10 at Jones
beach at noon on a cold winter day in mid March and I decided to join him. Just the two of us and the seals.
I got there early because I was apprehensive and needed plenty of time to prepare. Preparation is the key to
success, right? By the time I got my dry suit on and the zippers closed I felt I needed a nap. You would think
that in this day and age they could design a dry suit that wasn’t so difficult to get on and off. I wasn't going
to the moon. By the time I got my boots on I did need a nap and I forgot to tighten the draw cords at the
top below the knees (water got in when I stepped in the water). The temperatures for water and air were
upper 30s and mid 40s. The wind out in the boat channel was out of the west at 11 to 16 knots (moderate
breeze - force 4), but less closer to shore (light breeze at 4 to 6 knots, force 2). At the put-in beach (protected
by the fishing pier and land) it seemed nice (force 1) in our dry suits, light air, and almost tropical.
We locked our cars and made the short walk back to the kayaks on the beach, secured our gear and
stepped in (when water flooded my boots). Paul held my bow. I had two wool hats on and special neoprene
cold water gloves. They didn't work well and my finger tips were cold during most of the paddle. Paul had
warm gloves under pogies. Paul had obviously read Thoughts on Cold Water Day at pages 22 and 23 in the
NACK winter 2014 newsletter (see our web site), and he knew better.
As we paddled out past the protection of land and piers naturally the wind picked up. Paul suggested
that we paddle directly into the wind so we would have the wind behind us on the way back. I was thinking
more about the protected bay just to the east but didn’t say anything. We paddled west a safe distance from
shore (level 2 requirement). Then, we saw the seals. Paul saw them first. Maybe he had a prearranged
meeting. Then I saw them. I have seen seals many times before, but never like this. I forgot how cold my
fingers were and watched the seals. There were 2 or 3 that I saw and they seemed to be moving in an
easterly direction. They were about 150 feet away and would not come closer to us. They had heard us and
although curious they wanted to avoid us. Their curiosity kept them popping up to see what we were doing
and what we looked like. They must have been Harbor Seals. You could see their large round seal eyes as
they looked at us and as we looked at them. We wanted to follow them but we knew better. Getting close to
wildlife saps their energy. Besides we couldn’t catch them anyway. It must have been difficult to hunt them.
I’m happy that I could be part of their world for a short time. They seemed to be warm and happy and I
definitely had the feeling that Paul and I were not the only mammals enjoying the water that day.
After a time they passed us heading east and went back fully to their cold seal world, and eating fish. I
wonder where they are now. Are they still in the bays, north, south? I won’t ever be satisfied with seeing seals
in an aquarium or zoo again. I will always see them as I saw them that day. One of the pleasures of paddling.
We didn’t want to fight wind and waves and headed back east. We passed the fishing piers and headed
south into that small bay I had thought about earlier. We circled around the bay and then back to the put-in.
In all we were out about an hour and and a half. Fisherman came over to us to ask us if we saw any seals. I
told them nonchalantly that we did, like I did this every day. Thanks Paul for helping me experience the seals,
the real seals. Thanks for a great day that I will remember. As I headed home driving over the Meadow Brook
Bridge, I thought how great it was to be alive and enjoy the water, like seals. — Hal McLaughlin
Go to http://seaworld.org/en/animal-info/animal-infobooks/harbor-seal/senses/
NACK
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
Once a month, I go to google a list
of kayak rescues to see what i can
use for our “ News & Notes”
feature.Culling out the obvious
whitewater accident (exciting, but
not germane to ACK’s subject)
might yield one or two for
consideration. This month,
however, a whole raft of disasters
fallout of the web from all over the
country, including one very close to
home. Several of these involved
situations in which people came
out of their boats and were unable
to re-enter for some reason.
No kayaker should be out of
the bathtub until he has spent a fair
amount of time practicing self,
paired, and group rescues. Ideally
this should be in a variety of
conditions. It should also include
paddlers of sit-upons. And the
practice should continue until it is
automatic. It is unlikely that a
kayaker will come out of her boat in
a flat calm. That self-rescue that you
think is all set becomes extremely
difficult when the waves are kicking
up, trying to broach your boat, and
flip it again, slopping the
water you’ve pumped out
back in again,with the
suddenly rising winds
blowing you out to sea,
separating you from the
boat and paddle and bits
of floating gear, and the
water (how can it feel so
cold in August, I mean 65
degrees is nice in spring)
is sapping your core heat
and making every move
slow, clumsy, and
increasingly ineffective.
you have done some rescue
practices recently? Many of you are
long-time paddlers who have not
had to roll or have been in real
difficulty for years. This is not just
the scenario that you have in mind
as you paddle serenely along.
But we all know that the ocean
is a dangerous mistress and that we
must be well prepared. Even so,
depending on what we are doing,
the most well-prepared paddler
can come up against odds that are
essentially insurmountable. This
month you will read about two
expeditions that required rescue
when either their systems failed or
the weather proved too difficult.
Fortunately, their signaling devices
had not failed, and they were both
rescued. The other stories are of
poor preparation and/or
incompetence meeting
unexpected trouble. No rescue
technique, no signaling devices,
poor weather awareness, a failure
to take the effect of heavy rains on
river current in a popular urban
paddling area are the primary
factors in the stories I found. Any
one of them could have ended in
lost lives and tragedy.
All of the accounts of disaster I
found this month ended happily, as
a matter of fact. These rescues were
effected due to the efforts of
dozens of police, fire, park, Coast
Guard, and other personnel, as well
as civilian volunteers, a variety of
boats, including Coast Guard
cutters, helicopters, and even a
Royal Canadian Air Force Hercules
C-130. All of this cost and effort to
save seven people from the
consequences of their
misunderstanding of the natural
forces they were confronting.
Our sport has changed. When I
was starting out, 40 years ago,
anyone who paddled looked for
mentors, trainers, books, rolling
instruction, any source of
information about what to do when
things went badly. Now, that
inexpensive boats are available in
discount stores, and rental
companies think their responsibility
ends with the signing of a release
form, we can expect more disasters
and fatalities, and
perhaps even that bets
noir of the free paddlers:
Coast Guard registration
of kayaks.
This article is a re-print,
with permission, of
Eddy Lines by David
Eden from the
September 2014
Atlantic Coastal
Kayaker. The photo is
of David Eden, the
Editor catching some
weed.
I know I am probably
preaching to the choir,
but really, how many of
NACK
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
Twin Forks Inner Bays Paddling Challenge
At the beginning of the 2014-paddling season I came up with the idea for a paddling challenge as a way of
encouraging NACK’s members to dust off their kayaks and get out on the water. It was a simple idea; NACK
members would paddle a selected course that covered one or more of Long Island’s bays as club trips.
After going over numerous maps and charts of Long Island, the twin forks began to look like the logical place
for my purposed challenge for a number of reasons. After safety and boat traffic, my first consideration was locating
launch sites where all NACK’s members would have access to the water. After combining the number of launch sites
located among the east end’s towns, with Suffolk County and NY State parks offering water access, I found the inner
bays of the twin forks met the water access requirement. The numerous launch sites along the forks would allow
paddlers to decide if they wanted to launch and return to the same location or launch from one location and take-out
at another. Another consideration was locating a body of water where both ACA level two and three kayakers’ could
participate. Once again, the twin forks met the challenges needs. ACA level two kayakers could participate in the
challenge by paddling close to the safety of the shoreline or as NACK Members in Training and level three kayakers
could test their skills by venturing out from shore. Additionally kayakers would be safer from motorboat traffic
paddling on the lager bays of the twin forks than the smaller south shore bays where motorboat traffic is more
congested, alleviating my motorboat safety concern.
I also wanted a scenic location for the challenge. A location where paddlers would enjoy paddling, a location
they would desire to return to and continue paddling from where they left off. The inner bays of Long Island’s twin
forks meet all these qualifications and more. The influx of clean ocean water from the Atlantic Ocean helps clean the
water between the forks. This circulation of ocean water into the twin fork’s bays deters the muck and grim of red or
brown tides that chokes the life out of many of Long Islands other bays from developing. When kayaking the twin
forks, paddlers may see schools of baitfish breaking the surface when bluefish, striped bass, or other large fish are
near. A paddler may see whitetail deer and wild turkeys walking along the shoreline of the forks most often on
Jessup’s Neck. On both the forks, osprey’s nests dot the large expanses of empty pristine beaches. They are often
seen flying overhead returning to their nest with the fresh catch of the day. More trees than houses are visible along
the shoreline and there are no large unsightly multi story buildings or bridges along the route. All these features and
more make paddling the twin forks bays a visually pleasant and exciting experience and one that made these waters a
wise choice for my purposed challenge. Thus after weeks of planning and consideration the 2014-Twin Forks Inner
Bay Paddling Challenge was born.
NACK
(see also the NACK 2014 spring newsletter for more info — Editor)
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
This would be a simple challenge; NACK’s members would paddle the inner bays of Long Island’s north fork
and the majority of the south fork’s inner bays. On the north fork, kayaker’s would paddle the inner bays between Orient
Point State Park and Indian Island Suffolk County Park in Riverhead. On the south fork, the inner bays would include
the bays between Indian Island County Park and Northwest Landing Road in North West Harbor. Unfortunately,
vehicle-parking restrictions from East Hampton to Montauk Point prevented this area of the south fork from being
included in the inner bays challenge.
Over the course of the kayaking season, eleven NACK members have reported paddling sections of the Twin
Forks Inner Bays Paddling Challenge but none completing the entire course until the end of September, when Dara and
Robin paddled their last section of the twin forks inner bays. By breaking the challenge into seven legs, Dara and Robin
paddled over sixty miles in their quest to complete the challenge. They paddled their last 11.8 miles from Orient Point
State Park to Cedar Point Suffolk County Park in Southold on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. The next NACK member on track
to complete the challenge is Alex. He has paddled over 44 miles of the twin forks inner bays in five legs covering parts
of both the north and south forks.
Dara and Robin started the twin fork challenge on April 6 when they paddled east from Indian Island to Red
Creek Pond on the south fork with Paul V. Also participating in the challenge that day were Debbie, Lynne, Matt, Alex
and Colin who paddled to within a half mile west of the Shinnecock Canal from Indian Island.
Dara and Robin’s second section on April 19 included Ron and Colin; they paddled west along the south fork
from Sebonic Inlet to Red Creek. For their third section on April 27, Ron, Alex, Colin, Matt, Marty and Pete joined Dara
and Robin paddling east. This section again took place on the south fork, from Noyack to Northwest Harbor covering a
distance of 9.25 miles under perfect paddling conditions.
On May 18, Alex, Ron and Colin joined Dara and Robin in completing their fourth leg of the challenge. Paddling
into winds of twenty miles per hour and alternating oncoming and beam waves would make this short 7.8-mile paddle
from Cedar Beach Suffolk County Park in Southold west to New Suffolk the most difficult section of the challenge that
any paddlers has faced so far. Six paddlers started out from Cedar Beach on May 18 paddling on a magnetic compass
bearing of 230 degrees across Hog Neck Bay to Nassau Point on Little Hog Neck peninsular. However, high winds out
of the west/northwest would force them to change their direction.
NACK
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
The conditions of the wind and waves forced one of the six paddlers to abandoned the paddle and return to the
Cedar Beach launch site within the first fifteen minutes. Once the kayaker who was returning to shore landed safely,
the remaining five paddlers changed their heading to 280 degrees and paddled directly across Hog Neck Bay. This
change in direction would shorten their crossing of the bay but lengthen their paddle. Once across the bay, the
paddlers then changed direction again and paddled south along the shoreline of Hog Neck peninsular to Nassau Point
in hopes that the peninsular would afford them some protection from the wind. Unfortunately, it afforded the
kayakers minimal protection from the elements.
After taking a short break on Little Hog Neck peninsular the paddlers launched back into the waves and wind
on the peninsulas west side. Due to the amount of water that entered their kayaks upon launching, the paddlers
needed to raft up and pump the water out of their kayaks before attempting to cross this section of Little Peconic
Bay. The exhausting less than two-mile paddle to New Suffolk from Little Hog Neck would require the five kayakers
to paddle directly into both the wind and waves to reach their chosen take out point. As each approaching wave
passed under their kayaks, their bows would rise up out of the water almost to their cockpits as the kayaks climbed
up over the waves face. Upon reaching a wave’s crest, each kayak appeared as if suspended on the wave, the kayaks
bow momentarily reaching for the sky just before gravity pulled their bows down into the trough in front of the next
oncoming wave, submerging it. This seesaw process of airborne then submerged bows continued from Little Hog
Neck peninsula to the take out at New Suffolk. Amazingly, no one capsized under those adverse paddling conditions.
After almost three and a half hours of paddling in high winds, in over three foot waves this leg of the Twin Forks
Inner Bays Paddling Challenge concluded when Dara, Robin, Alex, Colin, and Ron, each cold, tired and soaked
landed at New Suffolk.
On May 25 Lynne, Alex, Pete, Colin and Ron returned to the challenge’s April 6 starting point, Indian Island
County Park and joined Dara and Robin for their fifth leg. The seven kayakers then paddled east along the north fork
to New Suffolk for a distance of 10 miles.
The 11.5 miles of Dara and Robin’s sixth leg on August 9, went easterly along the south fork from Sebonic
Inlet around Jessup Neck to Noyac with Debbie, Alex, Matt, Colin and Marty also participating in this section of the
challenge.
!
NACK
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 AM, Colin joined Dara and Robin for their seventh and final section of the twin
forks challenge. On that beautiful, warm, sunny day, we launched our kayaks into the calm, flat water of Hallock
Bay from Orient Point State Park. The water’s surface remained calm and flat protected from the wind and waves by
Long Beach Point. This calm windless paddle only lasted to the end of Long Beach Bay’s peninsular; for once past
this land mass, the incoming current from Gardiners Bay caused a confusing influx of waves along the north side of
Shelter Island. At times, we would be paddling on a relative calm flat surface and minutes later, we would be
paddling through waves of varying heights that approached us from different directions simultaneously. The wakes
from the numerous powerboats passing us from every angle along this narrow channel on the north side of Shelter
Island added to the confusing wave conditions. Once we were around Shelter Island’s Jennings Point, the island
shielded us from the wind and waves for the remainder of our paddle. As we rounded Paradise Point on Great Hog
Neck peninsula, we paddled through a large whirlpool with some smaller whirlpools within it. Paddling through this
unique water feature with Dara and Robin as they became the first NACK members to complete the 2014-Twin Fork
Inner Bay Challenge added a pleasant feature to their accomplishment.
For the other paddlers who started the challenge this year and have not finished, Dara and Robin’s
accomplishment should encourage you to complete your journey along the inner bays of the twin forks, for the
paddling season on Long Island is far from over.
My intention behind creating a paddling challenge was never for it to be a race to see who would finish first,
nor did I anticipate that everyone who started the challenge would finish the entire course. My intention in creating a
paddling challenge was a way of encouraging NACK’s members to get out on the water together as club members. I
intended for each member participating in the challenge to have a safe, enjoyable paddling experience while
introducing NACK members to each other through paddling. The twin fork challenge turned out to be more of a
success than I had anticipated with eleven members taking part, twelve if you count the paddler who turned back on
May 18. Of the eleven members who participated, all but one paddled multiple sections. In addition, everyone who
paddled in the challenge did so while in the company of their fellow NACK members. I for one feel closer to a
number of NACK’s members having spent hours and numerous miles paddling alongside them while paddling the
bays of the twin forks.
If you did not participate in the Twin Forks Inner Bays Paddling Challenge this season or if you did not
complete it, make padding it alongside your fellow NACK member’s one of your goals for next season. There is no
reason paddling the twin forks inner bays cannot be a yearly NACK challenge. NACK’s members should also
design similar challenges throughout Long Island as a way of encouraging NACK members to paddle together as
members of a paddling club, for club paddles should be the goal of a kayaking club. — Colin M
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
10
Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
11
Spring 21015
!
Vol. 8, Issue 2
WIND & WAVES
New Member — Welcome
I find myself still a newcomer to paddling, although
driven to develop skills and get more time on the
water. I first tried sea kayaking in the summer of
2012 while the family rented a house in Wading
River and found myself surprised at how much fun
I had--and how little it aggravated my lower back!!
!
I wasn't still convinced it was for me, but in
September I bought what I considered a try-it-out
boat: a 10' Pungo 100, along witha paddle, skirt,
and PFD. I quickly found myself getting out on the
water every weekend, usually launching from
Goldstar Battalian Beach. !
!
By spring it was clear I was hooked, and well
aware that the Pungo wasn't the right boat. I spent
a full 5 hours at least at the Dinghy Shop's demo
day that spring, and tested out as many boats as I
fit into and came away with a plastic Tempest 170
to spend the next few years growing into.!
!
hullivator to get that 60 lb. beast on to the car :) I
still have tons of learning to do and very much look
forward to continuing that education with NACK.
To me, easily half of the fun of paddling is the
learning, testing and applying of skills. !
!
I'm now thinking about another boat. I really have
liked the Zegul Greenland and Greenland T, when
I've had the chance to play with them, and am
thinking something narrower than my Tempest,
and a lower rear deck as well as a drop in weight.
The fiberglass & carbon boats are out of my price
range for now, but I'm toying with the idea of
building a wood stitch and glue Petrel (one of Nick
Schade's designs) and do most of it in a 5-day
workshop with Nick himself, which would be superfun to do and still come out less expensive. I'll be
heading to the wooden boat rendezvous in Groton,
CT this May to meet him and play around in some
different boats.!
Looking forward to meeting, learning and exploring
with everyone this year!!
Chris King
Since then I've certainly improved all kinds of skills
from strokes, to rolling, to caving in and getting a !
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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Spring 21015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK HELP WANTED AD
NACK requests that all members donate 10 hours
annually to the club.
This can be done in several ways including but not
limited to:
• Helping out at the club booth at NACK
outreach events like:
o Oyster Bay Day
o The Captree Seafood Festival in the
fall.
o The Belmont Lake State Park
Pumpkin Tow in the fall.
!
Compensated at the actual number of hours
helped out at the event.
NACK Hours annually earned, you earn a
NACK Buck, which can be used as $25.00
discounts on training classes and swimming
pool sessions. By helping out at a
Chairperson Position, you would both fulfill
your 10 hour annual obligation to NACK,
and earn a NACK Buck. By the way,
NACK Buck’s don’t expire.
There are frequently openings on these and other
positions, that we all need the members help with.
Please paddle over and help out.
If you are willing to accept one of these positions,
or would like additional information, or would like
to do something else, please email Bob Horchler at
[email protected], and cc John Weickert Jr.
at [email protected] .
Thank you and NACK hopes to hear from you
soon.
• Helping out in one of the Committee
Chairpersons.
• Positions currently or soon to be vacant and
currently require a Chairperson:
o Social: Organize Winter Holiday/
Awards Dinner, as well as the end of
summer BBQ and other Special
events. Compensated at 2 hours per
month (24 Hours a year).
o Work: Maintain NACK Work Credit
Accounting Database. Compensated
at 2 hours per month (24 Hours a
year). A current knowledge in the use
of Excel will be most helpful in this
position.
In addition to helping out the club, NACK Hours
earned can turn into NACK BUCKS, which may be
like money in the bank explained as follows:
• First you donate 10 hours annually to
NACK, and then for every additional 10
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
13
Spring 21015
!!
!
Vol. 8, Issue 2
News of Upcoming Events
PaddleSports in New Jersey this past weekend was a success. Many NACK
paddlers manned the NACK booth and gave information to the public!
!
Meeting on Saturday April 11 at 9 AM!
•
Location is 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon!
•
Presentation by Richard Groh Chief Environmental Analyst, Town of
Babylon!
•
After the presentation we will have a short business meeting. Then we
will demonstrate how to repair you skeg and customize your kayak. We
will also have information on trip planning with the tides and currents.!
•
Possible other discussions on knots, gear, etc.!
•
Let me know what other ideas you would like.!
•
We will be ordering pizza for lunch.!
•
We can remaining in the facility till 2 PM so there is plenty of time.!
•
We have Paul V. To thank for setting this up.!
•
In order to adequately plan for food we need to know who is coming.!
!
Peer Practice!
•
Starting on Mondays May 4, we are trying something new.!
•
These will be held at two locations every week, at Timber Point and at
Jones Beach. The starting time is usually 6 PM, however as long as there
are a few members you can start to practice earlier.!
•
Since we need members at each location please let me know when you are
coming and to what venue. This is practice with your peers not necessary
an instructor.!
!
Trip Leader Training ACA Certification!
•
Saturday May 16 & May 30, TBD!
•
It will promptly start at 9 AM and end around 5 PM.!
•
The cost is $150. After you lead 3 trips for NACK you can request a $75
refund.!
•
The only qualification is that you have level 2 skills even if you are not
assessed yet.!
•
Please register for this class ASAP. It takes a lot of planning by the
instructors to make it the best it can be.
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
14
Spring 21015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
Training & Outreach!
•
June 7th Bay Day Oyster Bay!
•
Two Half Day training cost $65 each or $100 for both. One NACK buck
can be used for the full day.!
•
Morning will be paddling skills and the afternoon will be rescue skills as
of now. Details are still in the works. Let us know what you want.!
!
Assessments!
•
Level 1&2 will be done on Mondays at Peer Practice.!
•
Level 3 will be on a Saturday.!
!
Final Note!
•
This is your club and we need your input for paddles and events.!
•
Please complete the questionnaire that was sent with your renewal!
•
!
At the April meeting we will have a discussion on the upcoming paddling season.!
!
See you on the water,!
!
John Weickert, Jr.!
North Atlantic Canoe and Kayak, Inc.!
President!
Board Chair!
www.Get-The-NACK.org!
ACA Level 3!
Coastal Kayak Instructor!
b. 718-706-0707 ext 511 preferred!
c. 917-681-0749!
[email protected]!
P.O. Box 124!
Wantagh, NY 11793
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
15
Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK - North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak, Inc.
An ACA Paddle America Club & NYS Non-Profit Corporation
www.GetTheNACK.org
P.O. Box 124
Wantagh, NY 11793
[email protected]
Spring 2015 - 2nd Quarter
L
April 4th Saturday Paddle / Forward Stroke Clinic(S)(L2)
˝
John J Burns Park
˝
Buddy is the L-3 Instructor
˝
Contact Debbie [email protected]
L
April 11th Saturday Business Meeting(S)
˝
We will start at 9 AM and end by 2 PM
˝
We will have pizza for lunch
˝
Location is 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon
˝
Contact John W. [email protected]
L
Peer Practice Mondays (S)(NR)
˝
May 4, 11, 18 June 1,8,15,22, &29 6 PM start
˝
Timber Point and Jones Beach
˝
L1 & L2 assessments will be given during peer practice
˝
Contact Ann K. [email protected] for assessments
˝
Contact John W. [email protected] for peer practice
˝
You must let me know by the Friday before where you will be attending
L
Trip Leader Training (S)((NR)
˝
Saturday May 16 & May 30 location TBD
˝
Registration is a must
˝
Contact Ann K. [email protected]
L
June 7th Sunday (S)(NR)
˝
Oyster Bay, Bay Day
˝
Outreach Event
˝
Training morning and afternoon
˝
Contact Ann K. for training [email protected]
˝
Contact John W. for outreach [email protected]
(S) ACA Sanctioned Activity
(NS) NACK Non-Sanctioned Activity
(FW) Flat-water (ACA L1)
(AFW) Adv. Flat-water (ACA L2)
NACK
(IC) Inner Coastal (ACA L3)
(OW) Open Water (ACA L4)
(AOW) Advanced Open Water (ACA L5)
(NR) Non-Rated Skill Level
Highlighted are new events added
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
16
Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
Expeditions Anyone?
Read about Doba and related articles and click
on the site below from Rapid Media’s
ADVENTURE KAYAK.
DOBA VOTED ADVENTURER OF THE YEAR
Also you might want to read about another
expedition that took place last summer. A
group of kayakers set out on an adventure only
they could have dreamed up. The journey takes
them across Baffin Island's Penny Ice Cap on
skis, on a first descent of the Class V Weasel
River and finally--by way of traditional kayaks
they hand-built themselves--over age-old Inuit
hunting routes across the southern portion of
the island all the way to sea. Enjoy the film by
Expedition Q at: https://vimeo.com/120601482
Read about some recent NACK expeditions in
this newsletter at pages 7 thru 11.
!
2015 PEER PRACTICE
Go on your own expedition on Mondays early
May through August. There will be two Peer
practices every Monday. The starting time is
usually 6 PM, however as long as there are a
few members you can start to practice earlier.
One will be at TIMBER POINT and one will be
at JONES BEACH parking lot 10. You can go to
one or the other. Don’t let the words “peer” or
“practice” put you off. There is no peer
pressure and it’s a good time for NACK
paddlers to paddle. It’s like winter pool except
there is no chlorine, it’s free and there is
plenty of room to try edging, etc. It’s a great
place to go for new paddlers and level 1 thru
level 4 paddlers. Occasionally, when the moment
is right, one or two of the more experienced
paddlers might give pointers to the less
experienced. It’s one of the benefits of NACK.
Your skills will improve exponentially and you
will be happier. You can give up the therapist.
Peer practice is therapy. Or, you can go home,
NACK
sit on a couch and watch the evening news. Peer
practice is like going on a short vacation every
Monday May through August. Don’t miss out.
Let John, Jr. know when you are coming and to
what venue at: [email protected]
!
!
Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:
'And what do you think is the best thing
About being 104?' the reporter asked.
She simply replied,
'No peer pressure.'
!
NACK & Facebook
Roy B has set up a NACK’s Facebook Page. It’s
not yet a year old. You’ll be amazed. Copy the
link below to your computers. It’s inspiring and
informative. Roy up-dates it often with
interesting paddling stuff.
This is a way that North Atlantic Canoe &
Kayak, Inc a/k/a NACK can connect with others
interested in Kayaking and Paddling.
Please contact Roy to add items and info. Most
people use Facebook. The more people
interested in paddling = more good paddlers on
the water. All members who help out with the
page can get service hours.
Facebook is a pubic medium so please do not
post anyone’s personal information (such as
emails, etc.).
!
Below is a link to the NACK Community on
Facebook. Double click on it. Please look it over
and give Roy your comments. If anyone has
suggestions on content please let Roy B know @
[email protected].
!
Link to NACK’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NorthAtlantic-Canoe-and-Kayak/
500584333333692!
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
17
Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
TIPS by Steve M
In the past I was never too concerned with
what I ate while paddling. Then I discovered
two of my favorites, peanut butter & jelly and
greek yogurt were causing problems. Nothing
like eating that stuff for lunch right before
practicing my rolling. Tums definitely helped
but, since it's best to avoid foods that cause
problems, I began looking for something
nutritious and easy on the stomach. Don't laugh
but here's what I came up with. Baby food
TIPS by Hal M
fruit snacks in resealable squeeze packs.
Organic, no added sugar or color, tastes good,
and easy to digest. Cost about a buck apiece
and available at supermarkets, Target, Walmart
etc.
!
I just hate the smell (and feel) of wet neoprene
in the morning. Boots are the worst and are
tough to dry out. I tried a few tricks, like
washing them out with special wet suit
detergent and washing them in water spiked
with vinegar. That worked ok but the problem
of drying them out remained. Colin turned me
onto something from Cabela's called a boot
dryer. Plugs into a standard wall socket and
dries them out completely overnight. It also
works quite well as a glove dryer. !
NACK
When I was shopping in a supermarket this past
winter I saw small plastic bottles of Ensure on
the shelf. I thought they were only for old
people, but I grabbed a six pack anyway. I
drank one just before getting into my kayak at
winter pool. It may have been my imagination
but it seemed to give me more energy than
other times when I ate half of a peanut butter
and jelly sandwich. They are very digestible,
full of calories for energy and filling, small and
water proof, and come in different flavors. I
was thinking about freezing one this summer
and taking it out on a hot day.
!
TIPS by Bob H!
My late father used to say, ‘keep your eyes opened,
your ears opened and your big mouth shut…’
Therefore, I watched and learned some of the
tricks my fellow kayakers used. This is about some
of those tips I picked up.
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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Spring 2015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
• After bringing the kayak to the water’s edge, you
•
need to change into your paddling clothes. I have
Keep a sponge in each hatch to collect up the drops
not stood on the muddy ground while changing since
of water. Rather than the water wetting your gear
I saw Jack standing on a floor mat, and I got one
or food, the sponge instead absorbs it. Just ring
too.
them out, put them in your bucket to wash at home
and hang out to dry.
• To unload the kayak and protect it from damage,
usually a pad of some sort needs to be placed on the
•
When I first saw John’s trip map, I immediately
ground. It is always a guess how far away from the
realized that this was the way to go. His map was
car to put the pad. Alex solved that, by having a
laminated & thereby waterproof. On one side, he
rope of a fixed length attached between the car and
had a photocopy of the actual chart showing the
the pad. He never has to guess how far away to
overall area of interest. The other side contained a
place the pad.
close up of the paddle route. For trips that I lead,
I now prepare a laminated two-sided chart just like
• After getting dressed into your paddling clothes
he did, and I make one for the back-up trip leader
and gear, it is usually uncomfortable, to have your
too.
spray skirt hanging down around your knees. I had
seen some people clipping the dangling skirt to their
•
I have seen Ann label things with her plastic
PFD with a metal carabineer hook, which I felt was
laminate label maker. I used that idea to write
like an accident waiting to happen. I sewed a plastic
some radio channels to attach to the back of my
female buckle to my PFD to receive the male end of
VHS radio.
a plastic buckle I sewed on the spray skirt. No
dangling spray skirt and no dangerous heavy duty
metal hook. I clip mine when I go in the water during
practice maneuvers, so it does not get in the way,
while getting back into the kayak.
• Kayak paddle shafts frequently slip through the
hand when paddling. Colin solved that, but applying
surf board wax to the paddle shaft before he
paddles. No more slipping of the paddle for him.
• I have seen many members using those plastic
containers of varying sizes to store and sort gear,
and to have a place to throw your wet gear into for
the ride home. I use them now too.
•
Even the best kayaks get water in the hatches.
•
We have all learned our lesson from losing gear to
the "drowning hole" about somehow attaching gear
to one’s PFD, person or kayak. For lighter pieces of
gear like eye or sunglasses, be sure the object is
attached to some type of flotation. Remember to
make sure you key fobs are secured in a waterproof
container.
• If you stow your inflatable paddle float behind your
kayak seat, keep a little air in it, so it cannot slip out
during maneuvers when your spray skirt isn't
secured to the cockpit coaming.
• For those of you who paddle by the ocean, Steve
shared a wonderful tip with us. Put a piece of
After loading your kayak back on the roof rack, it is
painters tape over the skeg box in the bottom of
time to change. What do you do with those muddy
the kayak, as well as a piece wrapped around the
or sandy kayak booties? Steve keeps a plastic
joint where the two halves of the paddle shaft
container of water in his car to rinse off his booties
meet. It helps to keep the sand out.
and/or feet. I used to put my sandy booties in the
bucket, but now I always carry a container of water
too and my rinsed booties are free of sand.
NACK
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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Spring 21015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
Training & Trips Generally
Ann K is NACK’s new Training Coordinator,
Information will be sent out by Ann K about
future training opportunities. Please contact her
with any questions @ [email protected].
Debbie H is our new Trip Coordinator. Debbie’s
responsibility is to help you organize a trip
including help in securing a trip leader. Help
Debbie to help you plan a trip. When you plan a
trip please email Debbie and John, Jr. so the trip
can be placed on the calendar with the ACA. John,
Jr. needs 48 hours notice to get this
accomplished so he needs to know by Thursday
morning of any trips for an up-coming weekend.
After a paddle please let John, Jr.
[email protected] know how many members
attended, etc.. Please contact Debbie with any
questions @ [email protected],
!
Paddling Trips
So far this year, there was Roy’s New Years Day
trip and Debbie’s mid March trip and Alan’s early
April 4 trip (lead by Buddy). Of course there was
winter pool that was a great success even though
the weather was terrible. NACK is 10 years old
this year. NACK wants your paddles! Now is the
time to think about and set-up trips for this
spring, summer and fall. Debbie H. will help you
work out the details and let you know what you
can do to organize a trip. If you are new to
paddling or very experienced you can organize a
trip. You can let Debbie know by e-mail at
[email protected], Debbie will get back to you.
2014 was a great paddling year for NACK. Send
Debbie an e-mail with your ideas or thoughts for
2015 trips.
Give a birthday gift of a trip to NACK.
!
Spring Training
On Saturdays May 16 and May 30 there
will be trip leader training and certification
from 9 AM to 5 PM. The cost is $150. After you
lead 3 trips for NACK you can request a $75
refund. The only qualification is that you have
level 2 skills even if you have not yet been
assessed. Please register for this class ASAP and
send in your check. It takes a lot of planning by
the instructors to it all work well.
Sunday June 7 is Oyster Bay Day. It’s a
festival with music and food and NACK has
training in the bay. NACK also has a booth in the
parking lot with information for people at the
festival interested in paddling. There will be
NACK training in the morning (paddling skills) and
NACK training in the afternoon (rescue skills) at
$65 each or $100 for both. One NACK buck can
be used for the full day. Details still in the works.
Let Ann and John, Jr. know what you want in the
way of training.
Assessments (free)
Levels 1 and 2 will be done on Mondays at Peer
Practices. Level 3 will be held on a Saturday.
!
NACK
After surf practice (above) in 2005, five of the
six NACK Founders flagged down a beach
comber to aid with a group photo. They had just
finished kayaking in the surf. In this photo
founding members of NACK include, from left
to right: Gordon, Elizabeth, Tim, Pam and Stu.
Doug got there just in time to welcome the
group back and help them with their kayaks.
Doug is being highlighted in the newsletter this
spring as an ACA instructor. To see the history
of NACK go to “Library” in our web site @
www.get-the-NACK.org.
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
20
Spring 21015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK’s Logo
The new NACK logo retains most of the features
Paulo Quellet
http://comfortpaddling.net
ACA
http://www.americancanoe.org
!
Heel Hook by Gordon Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-zpJQeiaNc
Kayak Towing Tips by Gordon Brown
http://www.rapidmedia.com/kayaking/
categories/skills/item/3275-video-towing-tips.
of the old logo. The major changes are the color,
and replacement of the lighthouse with the
Montauk Point lighthouse. Also, if you wish, you
can buy clothing with the logo at Lands End. Click
on: ces.landsend.com/NACK
!
Interesting Web Links
Link to NACK’s Facebook page: https://
www.facebook.com/pages/North-Atlantic-Canoeand-Kayak/500584333333692
!
Empire Kayaks
EmpireKayaks.com
!
Sea Kayaking Skills and Adventures, Ltd
www.sksa-ltd.com
!
Nigel Foster
Kayak Foot Brace Positioning & Edging
!
Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme Stern
Rudders -!
http://www.canoekayak.com/skills/virtualcoachepisode-3-the-stern-rudder/!
!
QAJAQ ROOLS!
www.QajaqRolls.com!
!
PaddlingLight.com
!
MARINE VHF RADIO ESSENTIALS
http://www.rapidmedia.com/kayaking/categories/
skills/3304-video-marine-vhf-radio-essentials.html
!
Kayakways..
http://www.kayakways.net/
Captain Kayak
CaptainKayak.com
!
Dinghy Shop
www.dinghyshop.com
!
University of Sea Kayaking
www.useakayak.org
!
Changing Tides Paddlecraft
www.ctpaddlecraft.com
!
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/
!
http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/
!
Video: How To Re-Enter and Roll
and
Gordon Brown Re-enter & roll video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_kvMCmoZw0
!
!
Yonkers Paddling & Rowing
Clubwww.yprc.org
!
NACK
Kayak Sculling Brace
http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/
showArticle.html?show=814
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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Spring 21015
Vol. 8, Issue 2
NACK’s, Lands’ End e-store account
NACK has created an e-store account with Lands’
End. There members can order clothing and other items with
NACK’s logo attached directly from Lands’ End at
ces.landsend.com/NACK
Some items listed in Lands’ End’s catalog or on Lands’
End’s main website that are not carried in the e-store can
also have the NACK logo embodied on them. Contact
Lands’ End Business Outfitters, customer service at
1-800-587-1541 to inquire if a catalog or Lands’ End main
website item can have the NACK logo embroidered on it and
place the order.
There are two sizes of the NACK logo on the Lands’
Ends web site. Lands’ End recommends the larger logo for
polo and oxford shirts, personally, I feel it is too large for
these shirts and the small logo is more appropriate. The size
preference is just a recommendation; you can have either
size logo placed on any items you choose. Both logos are
shown below but they are not to scale.
both logos the stitches of NACK has been changed from
gray to black.
The vibrant colors of NACK’s logo reflected
NACK’s lively personality and the depiction of the Montauk
Point lighthouse in our logo solidifies NACK as being a
Long Island paddling club. The Montauk Lighthouses is an
iconic, historical landmark of Long Island. It was the first
lighthouse built in New York State, authorized by the Second
U.S. Congress under President George Washington in April
1792. For NACK being one of the first if not the first kayak
club on Long Island there cannot be a more fitting symbol to
represent NACK then the Montauk Point lighthouse. The
lighthouse’s construction was to protect mariners sailing
along the coast of Long Island, another fitting reason to
include the Montauk lighthouse as part of our logo, as a
symbol of protection for our members. — Colin
The Lands’ End e-store lists the above logo as NACK
logo. It is 2.55 x 2.87 inches. I recommend this size logo for
polo, oxford and other shirts. There is an application fee of
$5.95 to have this size logo affixed to your item. Lands’ End
can change the coloring of the word NACK or the logo so
they contrast with the color of the item ordered. To change
the word NACK or logo’s coloring, when you reach the
Lands End shopping bag page at the checkout stage in the
upper left click on Special Request in blue or contact Lands’
End Business Outfitters, customer service at 1-800-587-1541
to place your order.
The Lands’ End e-store lists the above logo as NACK logo
2. It is 4.49x 4.5 inches and recommended for larger items.
There is an application fee of $8.95 to have this size logo
affixed to you item.
There is an additional application fee of
approximately $2.00 to have either logo attached to a tote
bag. The application fees were the prices when we sent up
the account and unfortunately, like everything this
application fee will increase in time.
Neither of the logos displayed above show the contrast
of the two gray colors included in each compass point. In
NACK
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Volume 8, Issue 1
NACK Members
2015 season has started; yeah! With that comes
our April 1st annual renewal.
Great News! NACK has reduced the fee for
renewing members. It is now only $30 for a
renewing single membership, a reduction of $10,
or $40 for a renewing family membership, a
reduction of $15.
Please complete the NACK Membership form,
the ACA Waiver, and the Questionnaire, so we
can see what you expect from NACK, and mail
the three items along with a check in the amount
specified on NACK’s application, to
NACK- North Atlantic Canoe & Kayak P.O. Box
124 Wantagh, NY 11793.
!
Greenland kayaking skills, paddling, paddle making
and bonding with fellow kayakers. I have
attended for the past four years and it has been
a great experience. Unfortunately, I cannot
attend this year due to a conflict in schedules
but hope to make it again next year. We have
always had a group from Nack attend and
besides the opportunity to work with some very
skilled Greenland kayers we enjoy the socializing
as well. Hope some of you will take advantage of
this opportunity.
Best Wishes,
Debbie
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Bob Horchler
NACK Membership Chair.
[email protected]
!
If you misplaced anyone or all of the forms
(NACK membership form, ACA waiver form &
NACK survey form) that Bob emailed to you,
please take the time to send him a short email
asking for more forms. Also, please do the
survey and don’t forget your check.
Dear Fellow Nack Members,
Just a reminder to those of you who are
interested in attending this Hudson River
Greenland Festival that today, April 1st is the
first day of registration. The number of
participants is limited and the spots fill up fast
so register as soon as you can to make sure you
get a spot. You can go on their website to view
the schedule. It is two to four days of fun,
NACK
Join NACK and See Seals
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Volume 8, Issue 1
Guidelines for Rating NACK
Trips
Rating conditions are based on forecast data and
are expected but not guaranteed to be presented
on the planned trip. Participants and leaders
should be prepared for any trip to exceed ratings
due to changing natural conditions (i.e., weather).
NACK trips are run on considerations of mutual
support- all members are expected to work
together to facilitate a successful trip under the
guidance of the Trip Leader. The decision to run a
given trip and screening of participants is the
responsibility of the Trip Leader and will be based
on considerations for safety of the group as
whole. The decision to participate on a trip is the
responsibility of each trip member and should be
made in consideration of full knowledge of their
own skills, capabilities and health on the day of the
trip.
Level 1 - Flat Water
1. Paddle location: protected waters, such as
small lakes, estuaries and marshes.
2. Paddler should remain within their
swimming distance to shore.
3. Paddle during daylight hours only.
4. Wave conditions should be calm to less than
1/2 foot in height.
5. Current should be calm and within the
paddler’s ability to comfortably paddle
against, approximately a ½ knot.
6. Winds should not exceed force 1 on the
Beaufort Scale, (1 to 3 knots) or (1 to 3.5
MPH)
8. All conditions should not exceed the
individual kayaker experience or ability to
safely paddle in or upon.
!
Level 2 - Advanced Flat Water
1. Paddle location: Paddle waters equal to L-1
paddler and in addition protected bays.
2. Paddle within a safe distance to shore,
approximately ½ mile and/or the paddler’s
ability (taking into consideration that there are a
number of places were at a 1/2 mile from shore
the waters depths is only 2 feet or less) to
comfortably return to shore.
3. Paddle during day light and evening hours.
4. Wave height should be minimal, under 1 feet
in height and within the kayaker’s ability to
comfortably paddle in.
5. Current should be moderate approximately 1
or 2 knots or within the paddlers ability to
comfortably paddle against.
6. Winds should not exceed force 2 on the
Beaufort scale, (4 to 6 knots) or (4.5 to 7 MPH).
7. Trip length should be under 10 miles or a
distance that the individual paddle can
accomplish without becoming fatigued.
8. All conditions should not exceed the
individual kayakers experience or ability to
safely paddle in or upon.
7. Trip length should be under 5 miles or a
distance that the individual paddle can
accomplish without becoming fatigued.
NACK
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Volume 8, Issue 1
Level 3 - Intercostal
3. Possess superior navigational skills with the
ability to navigate during day and night.
1. Paddle location: Paddle on waters equal L-1
and L-2 paddlers with the addition of open
bays and protected sounds.
2. Paddle within reasonable distance to shore
4. Be comfortable paddling in wave conditions
up to 4 feet.
5. Currents should not exceed the paddler’s
ability to make headway.
and within sight of land.
3. Paddle during daylight and night hours.
6. Paddle in winds up to force 4 on the
Beaufort scale (11 to 16 knots) or (12.5 to
18.5 mph).
4. Should have a basic knowledge of on water
navigation, during both day and night.
5. Wave height should not exceed
7. All conditions should not exceed the
individual kayakers experience, skill level or
ability to safely paddle in or upon.
approximately 2 ½ feet or the paddlers
ability to maintain a safe craft.
L 5 - Advanced Open Water
6. Currents should not exceed the paddler’s
ability to make headway.
1. Paddle location: Advanced open water
paddlers are capable of paddling any waters
including open oceans.
7. Winds should not exceed force 4 on the
Beaufort scale, (11 to 16 knots) or (12.5 to
18.5 mph).
2. Possess advanced navigational skills capable
of navigating day or night on the open ocean
out sight of land for multiple days.
8. Trip length should be under 15 miles or a
distance that the individual paddle can
accomplish without becoming fatigued.
3. Possess the ability and capability to deal
with challenging ocean wave and current
conditions.
9. All conditions should not exceed the
individual kayakers experience, skill level or
ability to safely paddle in or upon.
4. Paddle in winds up to force 5 on the
Beaufort scale (17 to 21 knots) or (19.5 To
24 mph).
Level 4 - Open Water
1. Paddle location: All previous waters listed
and in addition open sounds and coastal
waters including surf zones.
2. Possess the ability to paddle both in daylight
and at night.
5. All conditions should not exceed the
individual kayakers experience, skill level or
ability to safely paddle in or upon.
!
.
NACK
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Volume 8, Issue 1
NACK ACA Instructor
Doug Ford
NACK
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Volume 8, Issue 1
I began paddling in 1986, but kayaks had been on my mind since elementary school. I
remember reading about the arctic hunters who built boats from the skin and bones of the animals
they hunted. The images of the frozen landscape, thin margin for survival, and tight circle of life and
death remained with me. Ironically, it was when I was living in Hawaii that the idea resurfaced. I used
to watch the lifeguards paddle surf skis and it looked like fun. I returned to New York and was living
in an apartment a couple of blocks from the water. I tried to think of the safest small boat. I wanted to
be prepared if the weather changed abruptly. I thought a kayak must be the safest boat since it was
paddled in some of the most dangerous waters in the world. I wound up buying a Klepper folding
kayak that I could keep in the closet. One thing leads to another, and in 1992 I flew to Wisconsin to
build a West Greenland style kayak. I bought it back on the plane as checked luggage. I still have
both the Klepper and the Greenland boat.
Paddling the 20 inch wide Greenland boat required more skills than paddling the 34 inch wide
Klepper. I got into trouble in Centerport Harbor and decided to take a skills course. There was a
continuing education course open to the public at Hofstra University. John Nicolellis, Ernie Jochen,
Susan Saphire, among others, taught me how to roll and I taught myself how to hand roll
somewhere between the 6th and 12th two hour session. At that time, in 1992, students in the class
received an American Red Cross participation card that they could also use to cross over to an ACA
participation card. In 1993 I became an American Red Cross Instructor. I also became certified as a
whitewater instructor. I had an ACA Instructor of Basic River Paddling – kayak from 1999, but I don’t
remember if I was certified before that time. I paddled some whitewater rivers in those days but
didn’t teach whitewater skills. At some point in the years that followed I let that certification lapse. I
had also been helping teach an instructor training course for the American Red Cross and became
an instructor trainer by 2000.
My interest had always been more focused on sea kayaking and the skills of the Inuit people
who developed the boats. I felt that the boat design and paddling skills had been tested for over a
thousand years in the harshest environment and we had a lot to learn from that experience. I had
been trying to become an instructor in coastal kayaking since some time in the 1990s but I wasn’t
able to overcome the hurdles of time and money until 2005. I obtained an endorsement to my
certification for Adaptive Paddling in 2006. I also have a rolling endorsement. I have a level 1:
Introduction to Canoeing – Tandem instructor certification since 2012.
I like to teach and helping people learn important safety skills but for me the importance of
being an instructor goes back to a basic desire to be proficient at a complete set of skills that will
keep me safe on the water. Over the years I have learned from a broad array of instructors and
students. I feel I would be unable to even come close to listing all of them, but Elizabeth O’ Connor
and I worked together for many years. I am constantly learning and relearning, even on a leisurely
summer afternoon paddle or when I am sitting daydreaming in my time off the water. It is not just me,
the entire field of kayaking has evolved in the past 30 years, both in terms of boats and the thinking
about basic skills. This is a good thing.
NACK
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Volume 8, Issue 1
In 2005 I was one of the 6 founding members of NACK. We had a vision of a club that would
help all of its members to develop their skills, whether they were first time paddlers or had expert
skills. The focus of the club was on safety. This also meant supporting trip leaders so that they
could provide the safest on-water environment possible.
Every boat has a different feel and personality. Each boat has conditions where it performs
well or poorly. I like each of my boats and try to match each one to the right conditions. I encourage
other people to paddle my boats and try to match each boat to a person who can enjoy it. Right
now I have 12 boats ready to paddle. I have another 5 boats that I am building, rebuilding,
repairing, or modifying. I could probably list a half dozen or dozen commercially manufactured
boats I would like to own and at least as many I would like to build. It is always about the next boat.
When the boat I built in 1992 was just 2 pieces of lumber strapped to sawhorses on a lawn in
Wisconsin, I was thinking, “The next boat I build will be . . .” There is a boat in my head that I’m
trying to get out and into the world, but it always loses something in the translation.
I consider the north shore of Long Island from Oyster Bay to Stony Brook to be my “home
town” paddle. There are many places I would like to paddle from Maine to Florida, the West Coast
and Alaska, and the warm waters of Micronesia. But I would also like to paddle the same body of
water, for example Crab Meadow to Sunken Meadow, at the same time every day for a year. I like
to experience the full set of moods of a place. I enjoy paddling the same body of water at different
times of the day and in different weather conditions. I feel lucky to have paddled and swum in
bioluminescence here on the north shore on a gentle summer evening and paddled in a misty fog. I
am not interested in putting myself or others at risk just to say that I paddled in a hurricane or other
dangerous conditions. Part of having instructor level is raising the range of places and times I can
paddle safely and enjoy a timeless moment.
NACK
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Volume 8, Issue 1
Originally from the ACA website
Be Prepared - Cold Water Can KILL!
Cold Water is extremely dangerous. It quickly robs the body of its strength, diminishes
coordination and impairs judgment. Immersion in water as warm as 50 to 60 degrees can
initiate what has been called "Cold Water Shock."
When a paddler capsizes and is suddenly immersed in cold water, the body’s first reflexive
action is to gasp for air, followed by increased heart rate, blood pressure and disorientation.
The immersion can even lead to cardiac arrest. Without proper equipment and apparel, the
body can become incapacitated in just a few minutes. Without a lifejacket, this is a very
dangerous and often fatal combination. When paddling where the water temperature is 60
degrees Fahrenheit or colder, a wetsuit is a must and a drysuit is highly recommended.
Cold water or cold weather can also lead to dangerous hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs
when exposure to the elements prohibits the body from reheating and maintaining its core
temperature. Typical symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, impaired judgment,
clumsiness, loss of dexterity and slurred speech.
Planning and Prevention are the best methods to avoid potentially life-threatening situations:
Plan your trip and "think smart" - Know the water temperature and weather forecast before you
set out.
Fuel Your Body - Keep your body well fueled with high carbohydrate foods and lots of water.
Insulate Your Body - Simply said, you should dress for immersion in cold water.
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Avoid wearing cotton clothing when paddling in cool temperatures.
Dress in layers using synthetic fabrics such as polyester fleece to prevent getting
overheated or chilled from perspiration.
Carry a waterproof jacket designed for splash and/or rain protection.
Anytime the water temperature is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, wear specialized
insulating clothing (wetsuit or drysuit) capable of protecting you while in the water.
Keep in mind that the warmth and comfort range of a dry suit can be flexible based on
the clothing worn underneath it.
Wear a warm hat that will stay on your head in the water. A fleece-lined skullcap is ideal.
Have spare, dry clothing and store in a sealed dry bag while on the water.
Watch Out for Your Group - Know your emotional and physical limitations. Group members
need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group. Look for changes in behavior,
withdrawal, sluggishness, talking less or a member not eating enough. These are all
symptoms of fatigue and may suggest a problem that the group needs to address.
NACK
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!
Volume 8, Issue 1
A QUICK GUIDE TO THE WORK CREDIT/NACK
BUCK SYSTEM
As part of the membership responsibilities all
members are asked to donate 10 work hours to NACK
each year. These hours can be fulfilled by being
elected a club officer, appointment as a
committee chairperson, volunteering on any of the
committees, or helping out at outreach events.
See the full Work Policy on the web site for detailed
job descriptions and work credit given. Go to
www.getthenack.org click on Docs and Forms, scroll
to the button that says NACK Work Policy and click on
it. If you’re unsure who to contact to volunteer for a
position call or e-mail any member of the executive
committee or the board. Addresses are on page 2.
For every 10 hours over the 10 donated hours
a “NACK Buck” is deposited to your work account.
Each NACK Buck currently has a credit value of $25
towards NACK approved training. To
get work credits and earn NACK Bucks YOU MUST
REPORT YOUR WORK HOURS.
To report your work hours send an e-mail to the work
committee chair Tom @: [email protected].
stating the activity, the date and the number of hours.
The email needs to be sent within two months of
contributing the work hours. Submissions of work
hours received more than two months after service will
not be counted.
!
NACK approved and sponsored training:
To redeem your NACK bucks print out a copy
of the NACK Buck Redemption form from the Docs &
Forms section of the website. Mail or scan a copy of
the completed form to the treasurer, who will get the
approval from the work chair.
!
For non-sponsored training:
It is required to fill out this form well before the
proposed training session as the required approvals
may take two weeks or more, as you must get the
additional signatures as outlined in the work policy.
The signatures can be by email notes and attached to
the form.
You must show proof that you completed the
course to the treasurer to receive your NACK Bucks
Your membership must be current, your work
commitment must be up to date, and there must be
sufficient coverage in the Training Fund as outlined in
the work policy.
To streamline the approval process, all NACK
training will have the maximum number of
allowable NACK bucks that can be used listed with the
training. The amount of allowable
NACK
NACK bucks must be approved by the board prior to
the posting of the training. After the member
completes the course the only approval that will be
needed is by the work chairperson and the treasurer
following the current work guidelines.
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NACK Meetings & Paddles
Our meetings are held at different locations and
sometimes on the water. Be informed. Information
for meetings, paddles, training, and various
events is sent to those on our email listing. Go to
our web site to learn more. If you would like to
come and see what paddling and NACK are
about, attend a meeting, a peer practice, or an
event just give someone a call or send an email to
NACK. Bring the family. You don’t need a boat to
get started. Come to the next meeting. Our web
site is www.getthenack.org. Make sure that you
are on our list. It doesn’t cost anything. Check our
most recent newsletter (quarterly) & website for
some locations, dates and paddles. During
warmer weather, we sometimes hold our monthly
meetings on the water. Our e-mail is [email protected]. Our schedule changes as
members add paddles, trips and events so it’s
important to be on our mailing list. Hope to see
you soon.
Next meeting is on Saturday April 11 at 9 AM to 2
PM - Location is 151 Phelps Lane in North
Babylon Presentation by Richard Groh Chief
Environmental Analyst, Town of Babylon
Please Google for directions
- North atlantic canoe & kayak, Inc.
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KLASSIFIEDS
Volume 8, Issue 1
Sea Kayaking Skills and
Adventures, Ltd.
www.sksa-ltd.com!
Skills + Knowledge = Adventure
!
NACK Member Discount
!
OS Systems Dry Suits/Dry Tops
Sales and repairs
Frank Copren
Cell: 631-379-7332
[email protected]
Please send your articles, stories, tips,
photographs, etc., to Hal at [email protected]
NACK
“There is no bad weather, only the wrong gear.”
-Minnesota Proverb
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Volume 8, Issue 1
January 2015 - Training, Safety, Adventure and Fellowship — Photo Curtesy of Ann
North Atlantic Canoe and Kayak, been formed are educational and
Inc. (NACK) a NYS not-for-profit was
formed with the recognition that Long
Island and the Northeast USA have
amazing natural resources for paddling
and a wide range of interests and skills
among the population. NACK brings the
fundamentals and expertise of paddling
safety to the community at large as well
as providing for a program of
continuous improvement in skills for
paddlers at all levels. In the-spring of
2005 the founding directors of NACK
began a paddling organization and club
dedicated to training, safety, adventure
and fellowship. In the NYS Charter the
stated purposes for which NACK has
• www.get-the-NACK.org
literary. Specifically:
"NACK will promote ongoing
education in safe and responsible
canoeing and kayaking for paddlers of all
skill levels on the rivers, lakes and
coastal waters of the Northeastern United
States.”
Whatever your interest or skill
level, you will find others to share your
paddling experiences. Come and paddle
with us.
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We Are Serious About Fun!
Training
Safety
Association with the best
Free assessment of your paddling skills
Discounted training by ACA Instructors
Paddling opportunities and trips
Winter Pool
NYS not-for-profit corporation
Community Outreach & Service
Books and DVDs available
Modern web presence & message board
Peer Practice and training
NACK Quarterly Newsletter & Journal
Adventure Kayak magazine from the ACA
Increase confidence and knowledge
Resource & voice for paddlers
Discounts at some retailers
Learn and grow in a lifetime sport
Individuals, families, clubs and
businesses
Adventure & Fellowship
Skill is the elastic in the system. When
If the first time you rely on a skill is in a
If you never paddle with those better than you,
conditions worsen, having a reserve of skill
survival situation and you find you have not
you never improve.
makes the difference between terror and
mastered it –– then what?
excitement — Top Tips for Coaches
NACK
Elizabeth O’Connor-Dayton
Top Tips for Coaches
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