Re: Niagara River Paddle

I'm getting flash of Deja vu, same temperatures, same launch site............
If the temp is over 10, and the wind is less than 15 kph, I'll be there.........
Ted B

Full Meteor, Perseid Moon Paddle.

I'm in Alan,
They are cryin the shower will be washed out by the Full Moon.
See Ya about 8:00
Ted B

Re: Sunday Aug 7

Hey Tom,
I'm in!
Warm water, no wind, boring,
are you notifying, the coast guard or should I.

Ted B

Paddlefest

Hey Tom, & Carla
I'm interested in this paddle (hold the wind)
That weekend is out for me, darn. but I would like to point out that there are two weekends, the May 28, 29, and
June 4th 5th before Paddlefest, which isn't until June 11 this year.
If work cooperates and the weather, I would like to join this endurance test.

Re: NIAGARA RIVER COAST GUARD RESCUE

I was the second to last person to arrive and was quite surprised to see the turnout of seven. I missed the discussion of the alternate plan, and was slightly concerned about the wind, but looking out onto the river the current was apparent but the wind directly off-shore was not causing as much wave action as I expected, it was quite flat!
I had the required safety equipment, extra rope, a complete change of clothes (onboard and a second in the car) my cell, camera, water, and several granola bars. I was wearing a shortie wetsuit and gloves under a water resistant jacket and pants.
The downwind crossing to Strawberry was smooth and swift, the wind became apparent when we turned north to cross to Motor Island and the group started coming apart but maintained course to Motor island and then over to Grand Is.
The wind had increased in strength and seemed to shift to more from the north, now blowing up the river towards the rail bridge and lake Erie. We paused, before heading out to discuss a destination, or point to head towards, and exchange words of wisdom to try and stay together.
The different handling characteristics of the different kayaks showed in the wind, several with rudders or skegs managed to head up-wind, or about 10 o'clock to the wind and ferry across using the current and forward motion to work back to Canada.
I had a slightly shorter yak, no skeg or rudder and headed as straight as possible towards shore, at about 9:00 to the wind.
I was 5th boat from the right I think, there were two on my left, Carla and I don't know who else, you could not hear anything but the wind and the waves.
It was rough, to say the least, I would guess 1 to 1.5 meter waves, with whitecaps. I was alone and concentrating on staying upright, If I flipped I had a 50 /50 chance of rolling back up, or scrambling back in, which I know I can do, but in these conditions?
I glanced over to see where Carla was but lost track of her soon after leaving Grand Is. A lead and sweep paddler arrangement could not contain the group, we were way to far apart.
I was never cold, I was perspiring from the work-out sometimes the paddle stroke was like digging into the mud! The shore was slowly approaching and everyone I could see was upright and OK.
Craig was on the phone when I got out of the wind and asked if I had seen her, I had not been able to keep track of her, she was behind me on the left.
In hindsight, I have experienced the roughest water conditions I want to, except to play in when it is warm and sunny.
My limits of 25 kmph winds depending on the body of water.
And that WE are all responsible for our own actions and decisions and the events that they cause.
Would I go back out for someone who had flipped, Yes.

Ted B

Algonquin in November

Hey Carla:
I'm busy working on getting the time off and collecting blankets.
If you promise to keep the wind and waves to a minimum , I'll be there.
I have your e-mail from the Navy Is. post and will ask all the important questions there.
Let me know if this trip is a go and where to meet.

Ted B

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

A wonderful paddle was had by all, Great company, and scenery.


Thanks Carla,

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

55 degree water,
Swift current,
50 degree air temp,
no dry suit,
What worries me most is Carla saying
Boo hoo ha haaaaaaa...hands rubbing together menacingly!!!

I'll be there, wood floats, right ?

Ted B

Fullmoon paddle

Pending no monstrous whitecaps
Or heavy rain
And temps above 15 deg C
I'll be there.
With reflectors, NEW batteries, and glow sticks.

Ted B

Aug Long Weekend

Hey David:

I'm in,
just tell me where to be and when to be there,
maybe we can finally arrange the yak swap.

I might trip up 16 mile creek Fri after work, 4 fun.

Ted B

Full Moon Paddle

Hey Alan:

I'm in,
Yak on roof, batteries charged, Bring on the E. Gap!

See you about 8:15 pm

Ted B

Re: Full Moon Fever (almost)

Hey David:
You might need more than a light, ID should be carried, the summit has the harbor police all excited.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ontario/g20marine.htm

Stay away from the ferry docks and leave your fertilizer at home !

I would love to do this paddle @ night, see you next time.

Picture posts

Being new here I tried to post a single picture with a great BIG
Thank You Carla.

Will not work ! Darn
Here , I hope is a link to my photobucket photo's

http://s1039.photobucket.com/albums/a475/TommieB14257/Kayak%20Paddle/

And If anyone is wondering about the construction of my Chesapeake 16 kayak here is a link to construction photos.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/576501980cddqOg


Great paddling with your group and looking forward to another soon.

Ted B

Fun Evening

Thank You Carla,
Nice meeting all of you and seeing the falls from a different angle.
Sorry I couldn't stay for the BBQ, had to work but will see you all again on the water.

Ted B (in the wooden tug)

Navy Island Paddle

Another newbie here !
I just joined and I am interested in this paddle,
What are the requirements for the trip,
Do we need running lights? Is a skirt necessary?
I'm in T.O. and the distance is a little intimidating.
Can you e-mail me the info and locations as well.
Thanks
Ted B