As if living in Parry Sound will stop me ;0)

I'm still in the big city so I'm coming! James will be back in Parry Sound though...crap who's going to carry my boat now?
See you sooon, looking forward to it!

Greenland Rolling FUN Aug 18 and Aug 25

Hi Everyone
So we are starting to get PUMPED about Ontario Greenland Camp...we're also thinking we could use some rolling practice
So we are headed up to Kelso Conservation Area on Thursday Aug 18 and Thursday Aug 25 for some rolling practice. We'll be there along with some of our instructors for some rolling fun. This is our practice time too so we won't really be teaching BUT we also can't help ourselves and just end up throwing out tips.
So if your roll is stuck or you feel like practicing, come on out and have some fun.
We'll be there between 6:00 and 6:30 and will roll until dusk. Hope we see you there
Dympna....and James too

Under the moon

I'm coming! James can't he has to work and his boss won't give him the night off ;0)

Weekday paddles, those we can do!

Hi Carla,
Well since the season is crazy, full upon us it seems like we can't make the social paddles because we're teaching every weekend... but I like the idea of the weekday paddles! If we're not on trip and we're around during the week we'd love to get out and paddle with all of you. If it's last minute, just call our cell to let us know it's going on (905) 399-1216. Hope we see you soon...are you paddling this week at all?
D

I'm in!!!

Hells Ya!! I'll go for a paddle and sushi with you any day Carla!
Woohoo! Paddling season is starting again!!! Unlike all you crazies, I go cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter ;0) But I miss my paddling! So count me in! James says he's coming too even though he can't stand sushi. I guess that means he can't stand being away from me more than he can't stand sushi ;0)
See you sooooon!!!!
Hey by the way I was talking to Tom-the-Paddle-Guy, and he said it's a really cool paddle up the Jordan river? The one where the big old ship is at Prudhommes? He said you can put-in there and paddle up the river to see some really cool old bridges or something. It's a sheltered paddle too if the winds are high that day....not that I'm saying anything about high winds and strong currents on the Niagara River or anything like that......

Relax, my little social paddler butterflies ;0)

Hi Everyone!
Thanks Carla for your informed and intelligent response to the topic, and thanks Dorothy for raising the concerns you have regarding volunteer lead social paddles. Thanks to David too. We have been quiet with regards to these new regulations until we were better informed so that we could comment with some useful information!
I have been following this closely and I have spoken to many people regarding the new regulations. Graham Ketcheson and I even had a long talk about it again this morning. I've also spoken with Barry Butcher who works for the Ministry of Transportation. I've also been following all of the articles in the media.
When asked by Graham this morning what we planned to do about it, my response was "absolutely nothing," and interestingly enough, he agreed with my reasoning. He is also in constant talks with the Ministry as well. The general take on this is that it's a bit of a mix-up in the Ministry of Transportation and they just wish it would go away. I think it has actually been on the books since 2007 and has only come to light recently. They are not enforcing any of these regulations this year and probably never will. They don't have the manpower or the money to deal with this. Apparently, while it costs us $50. it costs the Ministry $200. which they obviously don't have. They are already working on a re-write so that it doesn't effect any non-profit clubs like HOC, GLSKA, Scouts, Camps and so on, so definitely none of you have to worry.
It may still stand for people like Learntokayak.ca and White Squall, and Harbourfront, but it will not apply to any of you. I will check once again in May to make a final decision regarding our fleet. It wasn't registering our fleet that concerned me, it was how it would effect our social paddles page and the HOC and GLSKA social paddle scene I was concerned about.
I want to stress that this is my educated opinion from everyone I have sought out for answers so you may all make your own decisions here but I am very happy that this won't effect anyone hoping to run any social paddle on this site or any others!
James says ____ 'em, haha.
I will keep you posted on anything new that I hear and will phone you if it's anything you should know about right away.
I hope my opinion helps!
Best,
Dympna

Re: Saturday 5th February Paddle

Hey, I'm coming too!!!! See you there!

Hot girls on SUP's

Hey Carla,
She just wants to see the hot girls practicing yoga in little bikini's...tell her I said she's as bad as the men!
D

Coast Guard Rescue!

Hi Carla,
Wow, quite the adventure you had! I'm so happy you came through it unscathed and able to share it with us.
Can you share a few more details before I comment?

You said the safer plan of paddling the river was vetoed by all. Was there a discussion of safety concerns about sticking to the original plan of paddling on the open water in terms of sea state?
Did anyone suggest a quick check-in with the group regarding how everyone was feeling that day in terms of sleep the night before, aches and pains, nervousness on a scale of 1-10?

Was there any communication plan discussed or paddle signals agreed on? It was such a windy day and it must have been
impossible to hear on the water!

Was there a decision on who was lead and who was sweep paddler?

Did the group determine what safety gear was available? Was there any VHF radios? Who had a tow rope or tow system? Did everyone have a change of clothes or were there any blankets?

It would be interesting to hear from the other paddlers who were along that day as it’s always interesting to hear others opinions of the events of the day! Is there any chance you could let them know you've posted here and ask them to get involved? It would be great to get some back and forth postings from everyone who paddled that day

We really appreciate you taking the time to post this Carla. We will use this as a teachable moment and together we will come up with some suggested protocol for the social paddles to ensure everyone has a fun and safe experience.

Happy Paddling!
Dympna
p.s. while I would hope it never ever happens to anyone, it is kinda cool to experience a Coast Guard rescue! Not many paddlers can say that! ;0)

We're in!!! Rolling fun too!!

Hey Alan,
Let's get it started. Sunday looks like a great day for a paddle. We'll bring along the avataq's too for anyone missing their Greenland rolling practice, the water's still warm enough. Let's see how many paddlers we can get out on Sunday, we have two days. GO!

Watch the Wind!

Hi Lise,
Thanks so much for posting this paddle. We would have been there for sure but James' Mum is here from England until Saturday evening. We were out for a walk on Wednesday and the lake was just beautiful with the big bright moon. Hope it clears up for your paddle tonight, just wanted to say watch the wind today/tonight, it looks like it's picking up. Hope we see you soon! We're actually free to do Alan's paddle on Sunday morning, any chance we'll see you there???

Re: FULL MOON PADDLE SUNDAY JULY 25

Awesome! Wish we could come, James said the one last year was amazing!

Re: Congrats on Adventure Kayak Article

Thanks Dorothy!
Did you see how James managed to get his face into MY photo shoot? Shameless!

Canada here we come!

Hi All,
Well I'm writing to you from Belfast Ireland but I should be home tomorrow at around 6:00 so depending on my jet lag and the flight we just may see you. What better way to celebrate being home?

Wish I could come!

Hi Carla,
I would have been all over this paddle except we're running a yoga sea kayak trip that weekend. I'm really interested in having a women's paddling group. I'm considering having some women only skills clinics as well. I find that sometimes women like to learn without the men hotdogging around! (No offence to all of you wonderful male paddlers!)
So next time you have one if I'm around I'm definitely in, especially in the spring and fall when I'm not so busy. If there's enough interest I'll work on getting some women only clinics on the schedule.
Thanks, see you on Friday! Woohoo! Should be fun!
Dympna

Call Complete Paddler

Hi Penny,
You might get some info of local WW paddlers if you call or stop in at the Complete Paddler, or maybe you could suggest starting a board in there for WW Paddlers to meet up. I think Ill call there today and suggest it as we have had others looking for people to paddle with.

Boot him off!

I vote we make him walk the plank.

Put us on the list!

Hi Dorothy,
We are in if we're around so can you put us on the list? info@learntokayak.ca
Thanks!

June 18th We'll be there!

Hi Carla,
Okay, June 18th it is! We'll be there and we'll post it on our front page the weekend beforehand so that we make others aware. Should be a great night...are you sure you can handle all of us crazy kayakers????

Carla, You Rock!

Hey Carla,
Thanks for posting and your evening sounds like a blast! If it works for you we are free on Friday June 4th. I'll have to head home early morning as I promised my sister I'd have a garage sale with her and June 5th is the only Saturday I have free until October! I'll have to take my tent down around 6:00 am and head home becasue you know those crazy garage salers they show up early ;0)
But I'm in for partying and singing after the paddle, sounds awesome. We could all bring something for a BBQ after the paddle, our own burgers or veggie burgers with a salad or treat to share. I'll be bringing along a little wine or some bloody Caesar coolers which always make me smile!
If this date doesn't work for you then maybe Fri June 18th? I'd be pushing it though because we have a Level One the next day and I have to have my game on! It would just have to be an earlier night for me but still doable!
Thanks Again for organizing what sounds like a great evening!
Dympna

GLSKA trip

Hi Gerry,
Thanks for posting a trip for everyone. I wish we could go! We would be there for sure except we're teaching that weekend. To everyone else, I'm sure you've heard James and I talk about GLSKA and how great their organization is. It's run by volunteers, all trips are lead by more experienced paddlers who volunteer their time to take newbies out. It's really inexpensive to join and you'll have a blast! What a great way to enjoy your kayak.
It's a good idea to take a Level One Skills course before you head out onto the Bay, but that's not a plug for us! Just some solid advice :0)
As a paddler you always want to be an asset on a trip not a hindrance to your fellow paddlers so take the time to learn your rescues before you head out with a group.
Okay, I'll take my instructors hat off and just say, Have a Blast! Take lots of pictures, hopefully with your learntokayak.ca reflective sticker so you can win that Werner Carbon Bentshaft!
I'll let others know...by the way, when is the GLSKA spring rendezvous? Paddlers would probably like to know about that!
Dympna

:0

I do, I do!!! That would be so fun!!!
Hey, so when are any of you going to use this board to organize a trip???? Even an overnight! Come on paddlers they are called touring kayaks for a reason!

oops! I apologize!

I'm sorry, I hadn't checked our instruction schedule. We have a skills clinic for our instructor candidates from 9:00-12:00 on Saturday March 20th so we can't join you. Hopefully next time!
Dympna

Nice New Never Beenn Seen Before Paddle!!!!!!

Hi Carla!
Thanks for posting this paddle, it a nice change from Burlington Beach or Bronte Beach or Toronto Island! James and I are in, we just have to be back in Burlington by 5:00 so we can get to our Learn To Roll Clinic in time.
Any chance you can post a google maps link for us? Or give us an address close by for our GPS?
Thanks!
Dympna

Back in the Airstream

Well, we're back in the airstream with the woodstove going, melting snow for water since we're all out. We've checked the weather and it's looking pretty nasty based on the weather network reports. We are very concerned about our friends heading out on the water with 25km nwesterlies and some of you don't have drysuits! Please reconsider if this is the case. Put the kettle on, pop a DVD in and stay warm inside. Sometimes mother nature makes us wait for a reason...at least that's what I'm going with to keep my frustration at bay.
Happy New Years my friends!

We're Stuck!!!

Hi All,
we are sitting in the driveway on the land. Been up since 6:00 am. Can't get up the hill to get out Grrr.... Will have to wait for plow. James may try again...I'm not holding out hope! We will jeep you posted.

Boxing Day

Hi Again,
Boxing Day works for sure How does it work for you two?

December is getting busy...

Hi!
I would be in but we're heading to Nashville today for at least a week and then all of my family is in town for a party Dec 19/20 weekend. How about the week after Christmas, or even Boxing Day morning? We're heading up to the land in Haliburton the week after Christmas...Yes December is a tough one. But January should be okay!
My drysuit blew a neck gasket yesterday and it's heading back to Kokatat so I'm hoping it gets back quick or you guys better have really strong rescue techniques just in case...hope you had good teachers!

Re: New years day paddle

I'm in! Although I blew my neck gasket on my drysuit yesterday, if it's not back from Kokatat I think The Complete Paddler has some for rent We'll have to go somewhere for a warm-up drink afterwards! MMMMMM Irish Coffees.....

I'm in!

Hey Gerry,
I'm in, see you there!
D

Change of Paddle Plans!!!

Hi Everyone,
Well we have decided to cancel this paddle and join Gerry Croney's paddle tomorrow morning at 10:00 out of Bronte Harbour Park. If you'd like to join us just send me an email at learntokayak.ca@gmail.com and I will send you the details. It's a paddle that should take around 3 hours.
Thanks,
Dympna

I'm in

Hi David,
I'll be there too. Then maybe we can follow you to the meeting afterwards.

Thanks Dorothy!

Big Thanks to Dorothy of the Halton Outdoors Club for posting the directions! Don't forget their open house this Thursday Nov 5th. We're going to hear all about cross country skiing this winter Check out their website for details.

Sounds great!

Hi Ralph,
Thanks for posting, James and I will be there!
Dympna

Alternative to the Nith for deeper water. Grand River - Newport to Caledonia!

Well, we've been tossing back and forth all week about where to paddle due to the shallow water of the Nith. Roger's paddle is still on and for anyone who wants to check out the Nith, go for it!
At the social paddle last week we had a number of paddlers who want to come but only have fibreglass boats or don't want to risk scratching their plastic boats. James and I have decided to offer an alternative paddling route so that everyone who wants to can come out and paddle tomorrow!
We have checked it all out and gotten advice from Dorothy of the Halton Outdoors Club for the best route. We are now going to paddle from Newport to Caledonia. I believe it's a four hour paddle. We're going to meet at 10:30 am!
Ralph Gardave is going to get in touch with Dorothy after he finishes his breakfast, ( I just interrupted him, sorry Ralph). Ralph will post details once he gets in touch with Dorothy, so check back in a bit.
If you are coming please post it on here so we know who to wait for and so on. If you are going to be late and need us to wait for you please call our cell (905) 399-1216.
Should be a good day tomorrow, no rain in the forecast. Dress warmly! Should be a lot of fun. Oh and bring a packed lunch and some snacks too as we will stop along the way. Hope to see you there!

Can we make it a longer paddle

Hey Roger,
I'm not sure how long this paddle will be but any chance we could choose a route that's 4 or 5 hours to make it worthwhile for the paddlers coming from Toronto?
Glad Stephen is paddling a canoe...James may join you!
Thanks,
Dympna

See you on Sunday!

Hi Alan,
Thanks for posting the paddle. James and I will be there on Sunday, might bring Jack too. I think Al H is coming too. Yes we can bring rental boats as well if anyone needs one

Miss your Birthday

OK! I'm coming to your birthday party provided:

1. There is birthday cake afterwards baked on an outback oven.
2. There are Werner Paddles in the loot bags.
3. The balloons are inflated paddle floats
4. The pinata is a giant paper mache of Dubside's head, dreds and all.
5. We play spin the kayak pump and whoever it points at has to roll or rescue the person next to them...I know we may have to skip this one given that it's Nov. 15...you couldn't have been born in August could ya?

Sing along with me

Happy Birthday to you,
You Kayaking fool,
Your drysuit smells funky,
and your river boots do too!

Happy Birthday see you there!!!

OK I'm in but...

Ok, I'm in but after reading Dorothy's post I'm a little leery! I've heard the Nith is a nice paddle but perhaps the water levels will be too low on this day. I'm definitely up for a full day's paddle this day. It may be one of the last chances to enjoy the fall foliage so a river is preferable to the lake. James and I can bring our trailer which will carry up to 24 kayaks for a shuttle. Maybe we should have a back-up place to paddle. I've always wanted to paddle on the Saugeen but it may to too low as well. Suggestions anyone?
By the way..it may be sacrilegious to some of you but we were canoeing in the Kawartha's on the weekend and it was heaven. I definitely want to do some late fall/winter canoeing this year so keep us in mind if anyone swings both ways ;) Haha!

Re: Full Moon Fever

Hi everyone!
James and I will be there! Just checked the weather and we have perfect conditions. Should be fun Cherry Beach around 8:00.
Dympna

Re: July 1st B. Beach Fireworks

yes, depending on the wind direction

Re: July 1st B. Beach Fireworks

Hey Everyone,
Good ideas Noel, but yes, coming through the lift bridge could be dicey with all the boat traffic. Depends on your comfort level. I think everyone should just meet around the beach area on the Burlington Beach side where the bathrooms are. Get there or paddle there wherever best suits. We may even paddle over from around the Guelph Line area. We will have our cell phone with us and on this evening (905) 399-1216 so you can call us and we'll all co-ordinate together.

Re: July 1st B. Beach Fireworks

Sure! Okay so we are meeting down the beach where the washrooms are...I believe that's the next lot. It won't be a problem meeting up though, just unload your boat, paddle out and we'll all see each other on the water.

Re: July 1st B. Beach Fireworks

Hello again! I realize that James and I come along on these social paddles as your friends and not your instructors, and so, as your friend, I have a few suggestions.
The Halton Marine Unit will be out in full force on this evening. This is a good thing, they protect us from all of those crazy jet skiers! I would suggest that you do not show up without all your required safety gear. Anyone who has taken a course with us knows how to remember the 5 required items. Real Paddlers Be Water Prepared,
or Rope, Paddle, Bailer, Whistle, PFD. One hour before dusk until one hour after dawn you must also have a 360-degree light. This can be achieved by strapping your headlamp on. If you don’t have a headlamp, pick up a glow stick from MEC or Hiker’s. They are very inexpensive and we can attach it to the back of your PFD before we head out. If your deck lines are not reflective, put some reflective tape on your deck and at the sides of the bow and stern. This is actually a good idea to do even if you never plan on being out at night. You should do everything you can to outfit your boat in case you end up being out longer than expected, from bringing along a tarp and extra granola bars to making sure your boat can be seen at night.
Okay, my instructor’s hat is off! Carol, where were you thinking we should meet? I would suggest the beach at the first parking lot on your left after Joseph Brant Hospital off Lakeshore Blvd. Would you agree? Also keep in mind that it will be busy around here this evening so arriving on the beach for some kayak play ahead of time is a great idea so you secure a parking spot. You can also bring your family along if you like and they can watch the fireworks from the beach. Hope to see you there!

Re: July 1st B. Beach Fireworks

Oooooo.... Awwwww..... I Love Fireworks, I'm in. James and I are coming back from teaching camp leaders up north that day so we will probably be down there around 8 pm latest. If we get back early we'll definitely get down there earlier, maybe pack a picnic or yummy snacks, have dinner on the beach before paddling.

Re: 18th April 2009 Toronto Island

Ok James, I'll be ready to paddle at 10am. I'll probably get there early so I have plenty of time to get ready. See you then.
P.S. I'll bring loads of extra chocolate!

(This is an example of a perfect reply!)