I'm in!

I'll be there with bells on!


Now I just have to find those bells

it is so on!

Just checked the weather. Tonight, clear, winds light. Sunday morning becoming cloudy with 60% chance of rain and T-storms in the afternoon... good thing this is a morning paddle

a fond farewell to Lise - April 10 9:00

dare I say this is her Swan Song

I’m planning a short, 2 hour paddle to bid Lise farewell as she heads back to the land of Grizzly Bears and perma frost… OK, not quite that far north, but the Grizzlys are real, I saw their foot prints

When: April 10, 9:00AM
Where: Burlington Beach
What: 2 hour paddle, weather permitting
And then: visit to a local eatery, Lise is looking into an Indian Buffet

Remember, the water is still cold so proper gear is a must.

we are off the hook!

TC has removed the requirement for human powered vessels:

http://www.paddlecanada.com/latest-news/352-transport-canada-announces-and-canoe-a-kayak-registration-no-longer-required-.html

registration requirement removed

http://www.paddlecanada.com/latest-news/352-transport-canada-announces-and-canoe-a-kayak-registration-no-longer-required-.html

Good info

Alan, thanks for the info. I had a Spot on my Christmas list... am now updating that list ;) I agree, not transmitting on 406 alone is a deal breaker for me.

Goni, I think the EPIRB is preferred for a couple reasons. #1 it floats. Unfortunately since we are really more in the water than on it, the auto activation features really would not work in our case. I think the other benefit is that it designated for marine use so they will know this is marine emergency. Me thinks when you ask the question and mention boat, EPIRB is the standard answer.

Since we tend to get out and walk around, I'm thinking a PLB might be more appropriate, attach a floater for paddling.

One final note from my experience in avaition. Make sure it is OFF when you do not need it! This is more of an issue with the auto-activation, a hard landing can trigger an ELT (the aviation equivalent) and causing some false distress calls. We have that as part of the shutdown checklist. SAR will show up at your door.

I agree, sort of

I agree with you that this is one of those stupid government things that misses the mark. I was referring to it not being a big deal to register my boats.

You make valid points regarding rental and borrowed boats. I think that outfitters will be offering registered boats as this is a normal thing for guides to rent. As for registering a friend’s boat, you can only register a boat that you own, hence the benefit of proof of ownership. And yes, I agree that this creates one more barrier to volunteer leaders/guides and if we look at the good leaders/guides, there is no improvement of safety.

We are Paddle Canada members and part of their mandate is to be our voice with Transport Canada in matters like this so perhaps we should be contacting our PC director and voicing our concerns.

benefit

There is a side benefit here. You will now have a registered boat that you can prove ownership.

not a big deal

here are links to the Paddle Canada articles explaining this:

http://www.paddlecanada.com/resources/instructor-resources/235-new-transport-canada-vessel-regulations-for-guided-excursions.html

http://www.paddlecanada.com/instructors/new-vessel-regulations/vessel-regulations-faq.html

From what I read, the only change from what we should already be doing is the commercial registration. This is not a big deal, it is $50 once every five years. For anyone registering 2 or more boats, you can register the fleet for $50 for 5 years so it gets even cheaper.

This does put some onus on the leader to ensure that group is properly prepared, float plan filed, etc. Like I said, this is all stuff we should be doing now. The bigger question at the moment for me is does a social paddle, announced on this site qualify as a guided excursion? From what I have read, it does. I for one am going to register my boats so that I am covered and do not have to worry about it.

I'm out

Too far a drive for the high chance of a cancel.

Be safe, it is better to be on land wishing you were on the water than being on the water wishing you were on land.

I hope you have a great paddle, enjoy, I look forward to seeing the pictures

Saturday December 18 Paddle - Sunnyside

hey gang, sorry for the late notice... a couple of us are hitting Sunnyside tomorrow @9:00 (arrive) for a short 1-2 hour paddle. we will launch from the parking lot on the west side of the pavilion, I'll be the one with the Kayak on my roof.

me too

Ditto

too much fun

sadly I have too many chores around the farm, a direct result of all the fun I had this season Sounds like you have a really good group - enjoy.

Ted, yes wood floats, but it also burns, better frisk Carla for matches before launching.

Wish I could be there

Fuil Moon Fever - Oct 23

Fianlly got a full moon on a weekend

Launch Sunnyside @ 6:00PM, route will depend on weather, options to stay inside the breakwall, head up the Humber or out into the lake. Will decide on the day based on the group. This will be a leasurely paddle.

So charge your headlamps and pack your woolies.

Not so full moon - CANCELLED

Weather did not improve as I had hoped, looks like tomorrow is going to be the cream of this weekend's weather crop, enjoy your paddle out of Herry Beach and catch you next time.

OK, so decided to wait a day and hope for better weather. Same bat Time, same Bat Channel. Any takers?

Bailing

Sorry guys, bailing, wind is a little too high for my likings. Thinking might go out tomorrow if there are any takers, I will post a new paddle. Hopefully the weather gods will be in a better mood tomorrow.

http://weatheroffice.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e.html?mapID=11&siteID=08207

AWESOME!

A very big thank you to everyone who paddled, supported and generally sent well wishes. We had 16 paddles on the water, raised almost $8,000!!! The cancer fund raising site is still open for sponsorship if you have some spare change that you want to put to a great cause.

I can only speak for myself, but based on the smiles and laughter, I think that everyone had a great time. See you all again in 2011! Hope Floats.

team page: http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/Thirdpartyevent/IFE_ON_CommunityPartnerships_?team_id=203340&pg=team&fr_id=6600

360 light

Having just had this discussion with the Metro Police Marine Unit (no cuffs, this time - yes, the 5 regular safety items plus, according the regs, a 360 steady white light with a note that a waterproof flashlight is acceptable.

Now for the advice from the police: "that light is crap, we could not see you"... he recommended an LED (my headlight is but the batteries are getting a little tired) or better yet a strobe. When I asked about the regs he replied, does not matter if you get run over (good point), so I have bought a strobe, though will limit its use to higher traffic zones, can be really annoying to fellow paddlers and fresh batteries before my next launch.

Also, a good idea to have some reflectors for your boat. I add refective arm-bands that I got at work to my handles bow and stern. I know this really good Kayak school that has reflective stickers :-D

Paddle Safe

I'm in, I think

what a great idea, wish I had thought of it ;) I think so, have a heavy week coming so this might be just the thing to finish it off. I will have fresh batteries in the headlight, don't want to get stopped by the police, again.

details details - Monday, 10:00 Launch

this is shaping up to be a good paddle. We currently have 5 confirmed, 2 tentative...

So, we meet @ the end of King St., near Delater for a 10:00 launch. Paste: 43.257258,-79.068606 into google maps. The location was picked by my local guide/expert. It will be a leasurely paddle upstream with an even more relaxing drift back down stream. There will be an option for venturing out into the lake based on the group at the time.

pack a lunch and we will find a nice spot for picnic. An optional post paddle re-hydration is also in the cards, I hear there is a good pub near by.

I'll have my cell 647 407-2621 if you need to call on the day.

August long weekend - Niagara River paddle confirmed! Monday 10:00am

Thinking of paddling this weekend, looking for ideas/inspiration/company.

Required specs: relaxed couple hour paddle in relaxing conditions. Was thinking of doing a Niagara River float down stream. Launch @ Queenston and follow the lazy river down to Niagara on the lake (about a 10K run). Anyone tried this before?

I'll check with the boss and WX before firming up details.

thanks

thanks Carol for organizing, great fireworks!... sorry was late, glad that you did not wait. WX was p-e-r-f-e-c-t! See you next time!

we're in

assuming the forcast holds true, we (Dolores and I) are in. We will likely be arriving late so please do not wait for us, we will meet you on the water in front of Spencer Smith park.

a defininte possibility

I was thinking of checking out the Credit River this year, I hear it is good there too... but sounds like there will be good company @ Burlington. Things that make you say hmmmmm.

Item 47b

D'OH!

I'll get you! and your little dog too!

Full Moon Fever (almost) - cancelled

Due to lack of interest, I am cancelling . See you next time.

thanks Ted, had not thought about that. so let's change the venue to Port Credit. we'll launch @ 8:30, paddle out and enjoy a nice sunset. Any takers?

So, last year I started what I hope will become a regular thing; full moon night paddle. We had our first one last year through the Toronto Islands and it was awesome!!!

Unfortunately, I can not make it Saturday June 26, so I'm proposing Friday June 25. It will not technically be a full moon but still bright and beautiful!

Plan: Launch 21:00 Cherry Beach. Bring a light!

I'm In!

What's the matter Alan?, Chicken?

The term "frillie flowery frock" was only a small part of the requirements... Carla, item 47b is on back order so hopefully I will have it in time

Have a great paddle!

Canoe and Kayak the Credit May 15

sounds like a fun event:

http://www.creditvalleycons.com/foundation/events/canoethecredit.html

Any takers?

Hmmmmmmmmmm

I thinking this is a good way to spend Friday. Likely in, will confirm Friday @ 10:00.

Expect me if you see me

Trip! - OK, just an overnight paddle May 19-20th

You asked for it

I'm heading up to Thunder Bay May 19-20 for work. Finishing early on the 20th, planning to get in a boat, head out and return some time the next day. any takers?

I'm in!

Sounds like a hoot and a great way to get my March Paddle in for 2010!

Count me in!

Feb 21 anyone

thinking of a Sunday morning paddle, any takers?

Burlington (or is it Hamilton?) beach. Head east for an hour, stop for a tea/snack and back.

Where

Gerry, I am definintely in, just not 100% sure where. I know Burlington, launched several times from Bronte, once from Spencer Smith, not sure where Burlington Beach is... I'm guessing that is officially Beach Side park, but that is kinda big. Could you please provide some more details as to location (GPS co-ords?) or we can meet at a local Tims.

See you Saturday

P.S. Talked to Virginia, she is a definite maybe/thinking about it.

I'm in!

Like Alan, I too had other commitments... hopefuly Alan will be able to follow and re-arrange the other commitment...

I AM IN!!!

possible

I'm supposed to meet a friend for lunch, but I have not heard back from him yet... so a possiblity. I will update later this week.

Paddle of the Month - December

OK all you Kayaking fools, we need to plan the date for the December paddle. I am thinking the safest bet is early to allow more opportunity for weather delays. Personally I would like to launch out of Sir Saimir Gzowski Park, that is the park just west of Sunny side, the first parking lot entrance when you take Lakeshore Road Exit from Gardiner East... lots of options, inside hte break wall, out into the lake, up the Humber.

So avoiding Christmas, we are looking at:

Dec 5/6, Dec 12/13 or Dec 19/20. Please reply here which date(s) work for you and we will pic a date (does not mean that we have to only do the one

Nov 28th - CANCELLED - replaced by 10:00AM paddle

OK, planning on being in Mississauga Nov 28th, looking to try out my new drysuit... who would like to join in? Launch Richard's Memorial Park if the weather is good, else we re-group over at the Credit River.

Launch 15:30, looking for about 1.5 hours on the water (sun set about 17:00)

Paddle of the Month Club

OK, after two great paddles, yesterday and today (thanks Alan for having your B-day on a day with nice weather ), I am highly encouraged that the goal of paddling at least once each month of a calendar year is possible. I'm sure that opinion will change in the dead of winter , but for now I am going with unbridled enthusiasm… so couple of questions:
1) Who wants to join our paddle of the month club? Please reply here.
2) What constitutes a “legal

the lake is ready

Just got back from our Port Credit Paddle... launched in the river, out into the lake for a bit and then up the river... she is all ready for you tomorrow Alan!!! See you @ the beach!!!

Credit River Paddle Sat Nov 14

As I was planning on being in Mississauga Saturday evening, I thought I would use this as a lame excuse to go for a paddle up the Credit, or out onto the lake assuming the WX gods are smiling.

And according to the meteorologists, they are. WX looks awesome. High of 13, mix of sun and cloud, winds becoming light Sat morning… So, I’m thinking a 15:30 launch, go for an hour or two. We either head up stream or out onto open water, what ever the group wants... Who's with me?

Paddle Safe

Kia Ora is Abuse Ready

one advantage of building your own boat, is that you are very qualified to repair her ... besides it is not the water that I am worried about, it is those sharp pointy things under the water that I have to watch for

careful what you wish for

would love to have joined you... had a busy day and the fact that I do not (yet) own a dry suit was a small factor

And yes, I am a crazy enough wacko cat.

Paddle Safe

UPDATE!

The date is fast approaching. I just looked at the weather and it is a definite maybe

EC weather forcast
Cloudy with 40 percent chance of showers. Low 10. High 16. -I'm OK to paddle in the rain and besides, that is a 60% chance of no rain. Sadly though it looks like we will not have the beautiful sky to admire. I find that even with cloud cover, it is still fairly bright.

Marine forcast
Saturday: Wind south 20 knots diminishing to light in the morning.
Sunday: Wind light increasing to west 20 knots late in the day.

So the winds look like they are going to co-operate. At this point I am saying it is a go. We will make our go/no go decision Saturday morning by 10:00. If you are planning to attend, please email me david-at-dragonsong-dot-ca and I will send out the go/no go via email.

Current plan, meet @ 6:30, launch 7:00ish and head west into the islands. If the winds are calm return on the lake side, otherwise return on the harbour side.

fingers crossed

found it!

James, I was out for social paddle on Friday, we launched @ Port Credit, I headed out into Lake Ontario and I saw some surf... I turned and chased it and for a brief moment I caught it! Unfortunately, my lower skill level prevented me from getting out my BlackBerry and emailing whilst riding the wave... then I lost it. I made several attempts, a couple successful.

will definitely notify you next time via email.

Paddle Safe... er Surf!

Thanks for the memories

Great paddle, thanks Rog...

To coin... er steal a phrase: it's worth the drive to Tilsonburg!

Paddle this Friday - Richards Memorial Park Mississauga

here at work we are doing a shoreline clean up @ Richard's memorial park so I thought since I'm already there I should bring my boat and go for a paddle... anyone want to join in?

we are done about 4:00... so thinking between 4:00 and 6:00 (sunset @ 7:00)

stats

According to my GPS, the last Moon Paddle was 12.8K and 3 hours. We can make it longer (or shorter). On the good side (I think) sunset is about 7:00 (today is 7:02) so we will meet about 6:30, launch and head east.

As always we need to ensure that we have our safety equipment, the 5 main items (PFD, paddle, whistle, bailer and throw line). Since this is an after dark paddle, we will also need lights. One final item, that although not required by law, I would not feel comfortable without, a VHF radio. I do not have one and hoping to that one of the padders does or could lend us one.

Let me know.

Nov 2, also a Sunday.

Give me a chance to test my new wetsuit

Full Moon Fever II - CANCELLED DUE 2 WX

CANCELLED!!

Sorry folks this was not to be. There is strong wind warning in effect, between that, the risk of T-storms and waterspouts I think we should follow the old rule: "it is better to be on land wishing you were on the water, than on the water wishing you were on land."

There is another full moon in November that Alan "I own a dry suit" Drummond was talking about. We still have a couple of paddle before hibernation, hope to see you all before Nov 15th

Paddle Safe


OK, I know sequels have a reputation for not being as good as the first, but we will try.

The next Full moon is Sunday October 4th. Thinking that perhaps we do a Saturday night paddle (one day early, Moon almost full )

Last time we launched @ Cherry Beach, through the eastern gap, the water ways of The Toronto Islands, a short protage across the island and a return in the open waters of Lake Ontario. We could reprise our "old" route or consider a change of venue.

Any Takers?

this still on

Am thinking of making the trek... the paddle still on?

Please email me david-at-dragonsong-dot-ca