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| Flatwater and Coastal Paddling Committee |
These sessions are for anyone who wants to learn or practice the basics of kayaking, Eskimo rolling, bracing, self rescue or just keep the rust off their paddling skills. Everyone is welcome! We encourage you to join AMC but membership is not required
Please contact Jean Trapani 203-221-7439 or 914-448-4112 (Mon-Fri. daytime) or at flatwater@ct-amc.org if you are interested in attending or for cancellation info due to inclement weather.
YWCA of Greenwich
259 E. Putnam Ave
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 203-869-6501 Extension 121 (Aquatics Director)
Driving Directions:
Merritt Parkway South
Exit 31 North Street. Turn right onto North Street. Follow to the end, approximately two miles and turn left. Go to traffic light and turn left onto Putnam Avenue,
also called US 1 or the Post Road. YWCA is 1/8 mile on the left just beyond the Junior League building on the left side of the road and across from Christ Church on the right.
Merritt Parkway North
Exit 31 North Street. Turn left onto North Street. Follow to the end, approximately two miles and turn left. Go to traffic light and turn left onto
Putnam Avenue, also called US 1 or the Post Road, YWCA is 1/8 mile on the left just beyond the Junior League building on the left side of the road
and across from Christ Church on the right.
I-95 North
Exit 4, Indian Field Road. Turn left onto Indian Field Road, cross over I-95 and at second light turn left onto Putnam Avenue,
also called US 1 or the Post Road. Go straight for three traffic lights, top of hill with Old Church Road on right. Temple Sholom and Christ Church on left.
YWCA is the first driveway on your right.
I-95 South
Exit 4, Indian Field Road. Turn right onto Indian Field Road, and at first light turn left onto Putnam Avenue, also called US 1 or the Post Road.
Go straight for three traffic lights, top of hill with Old Church Road on right. Temple Sholom and Christ Church on left. YWCA is the first driveway on your right.
There are a new rules we must observe regarding the pool sessions, beginning with the next session on Jan. 22, 2006 :
1. All boats must be washed just before getting into the pool, so even if your boat was in the pool and no where else the previous week, it still must be rinsed off before each session.
Bring a small bucket and a rag! The Y has a hose but we want to use it sparingly because too much water in the area near the pool could hurt the landscaping.
2. All paddlers must wear bathing caps. This is a rule for swimmers and the Y wants everyone in the pool to have their head covered so hair doesn't clog up the filters. Neoprene hoods are also ok.
3. If your boat has a rudder, it must be covered with padding so the blade will not hurt someone else or the pool. The plastic "noodles" in sports stores if cut to fit and lashed on to the rudder
with string will do nicely.
4. Try to remove street shoes by sitting on the benches on the left of the door after you enter the building. We are tracking too much sand and grit inside.
There is one more stipulation for Jan. 22, 2006 only: we must be out of the pool at 11:20 and have the deck clear of all our boats and gear by 11:30 because
they are having a special event for the swimmers. The swimmers will be using the pool exactly at 11:30 with all the lane lines in. We can take our time using the locker rooms however.
And if you arrive promptly at 9:00 am, sign the waiver and pay quickly, you can start using the pool as early as 9:15 am.
Thank you for helping! We want to be known as considerate users of the YWCA pool so these are all necessary measures at the present time. Please contact Jean Trapani if you have any questions.
Connecticut River Estuary Canoe/Kayak Trail, Essex. Starting from the town of Essex, we will paddle into the North Cove and the Falls River Cove. Map and description at http://essex.com/kayak.htm The leader is especially interested in birding. We should see a number of shorebirds, herons, egrets, ospreys, possibly a bittern or rail. Pre-registration required. Please call 203-453-3727 or robertswhite@comcast.net. Co-leaders - Robert and Charlotte White.
Saugatuck River and harbor, Westport, CT. Sally Harold of the Nature Conservancy will talk about her successful efforts to start a Saugatuck River Watershed partnership in 11 towns. Beginners welcome. Hard rain & thunderstorms cancel. Children under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. PFD (lifejacket) must be worn. Contact Leader Jean Trapani for launch location & directions, 203-221-7439, flatwater@ct-amc.org
CT Trails Day. Paddle the Mattabessett River Water Trail in Cromwell http://www.mrwa-ct.org/canoe.htm with participation by Mattabessett River Watershed Association http://www.mrwa-ct.org/ Learn about the watershed! Contact Leader Jean Trapani, for more info. 203-221-7439, flatwater@ct-amc.org
CT Trails Day Hike/Kayak Willimantic River, Storrs, Connecticut, East of River, CT. Fenton and Willimantic River. Meet 9am UConn's Horsebarn Hill Arena PL off Rt 195 on Horsebarn Hill Rd in Storrs. Hike UConn Forest trails to 50 foot cliffs, then retrace steps. See Fenton River, nice views. Total hike 10-12 miles. Then visit famous UConn dairy bar. Follow with kayak along the Willimantic River. Bring lunch, plenty of water. Kayakers, please email ahead, must have own PFD and own kayak or canoe. Steady rain cancels. Paddlers should contact Leader Jenifer Nadeau(kayakin@sbcglobal.net)
CT AMC Flatwater Cmte is co-sponsoring the Pomperaug River Watershed River Days with the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition! Paddling in the morning, lunch at noon, speakers & demos in the afternoon http://www.pomperaug.org/index.htm - Woodbury/Southbury. Contact Leader Jean Trapani, for more info. 203-221-7439, flatwater@ct-amc.org
CT AMC Flatwater/Coastal Paddling Cmte's sea kayak leader assessment program in Westport, conducted by Michele Sorensen www.kayak-adventure.net). Anyone who wants to lead sea kayaking trips for the CT AMC must attend this assessment. Contact Jean Trapani for more info. 203-221-7439, flatwater@ct-amc.org
West Hill Pond, Barkhamsted, CT. A perennial favorite for canoe or kayak. Picnic on island, bring fishing pole & CT fishing license for trout, bass, kokanee salmon. PFD (lifejacket), whistle & paddle float required. Meet 10am at launch. Take Rte 8 North to Rt 44 east from Winsted 2 miles, right on West Hill Rd south to boat launch on Perkins Rd. Heavy rain, lightning/thunder, high winds (>15 knots) cancels. No dogs. Paddlers under 18 only with parent or guardian. If in doubt, call leader the night before. Bring snacks and water. Leader Bruce Ross (203-378-9780)
Lieutenant River, Old Lyme, CT,.Tidal river, salt marsh. Rain cancels. Meet 9 am, boat launch ramp at Rte. 156. Leader Barry Gorfain (860-739-6622)
Charles E. Wheeler State Wildlife Area, Milford. Kayak and canoe peaceful 2 to 3 hour morning paddle of quiet salt marsh away from the buzz of boats on the Housatonic River. Registration required by Thurs. June 22. Trip limited to 10 boats. Some paddling experience required. Co-leader welcome. Leader will e-mail all trip details, including starting time and place. Leader: Tom Ebersold, tebersold@sbcglobal.net
Hopeville Pond, Griswold, CT. Paddle Hopeville Pond, with portage into nearby Pachaug Pond. Meet at commuter parking lot in Griswold CT off I-395 at Rte 201 (Hopeville Road) exit 86 at 9:30 am. Lifejacket, whistle, paddlefloat required. Heavy rain, lightning/thunder, high winds (>15 knots) cancels. No dogs. Paddlers under 18 only with parent or guardian. If in doubt, call the leader the night before. Bring snacks and water. Leader Bruce Ross (203-378-9780), Co-Leader Jean Trapani (flatwater@ct-amc.org)
Burr Pond State Park, Torrington, CT. Peaceful paddle on a quiet lake that is perfect for beginners. Meet at 10:00 am at Burr Pond boat launch. Rt. 8 to Exit 46. From Rt 8 N., L. on Pinewoods Rd. From Rt 8 S, R. on Pinewoods Rd. Then L. on Winsted Rd. at first stop sign. Go 1 mile. R. at blinking yellow light. Go 1 mile to boat launch (1/2 mile past park entrance). Leader Tom Ebersold (203-874-7839 before 9 pm, tebersold@sbcglobal.net )
Lantern Hill Hike/Kayak Long Pond, N. Stonington, CT. Hike 6.6 mi at a moderate pace over moderate terrain up Lantern Hill to Gallup Pond, then kayak nearby Long Pond. Views. Bring lunch, plenty of water. Must bring own kayak, lifejacket (pfd) if kayaking. Meet 10am, Mashantucket Pequot Museum parking lot at Foxwoods in N. Stonington. Look for leader with blue Dodge and kayaks. Steady rain cancels. Paddlers should contact Leader Jenifer Nadeau (kayakin@sbcglobal.net). Directions at: http://www.pequotmuseum.org/Home/GeneralInformation/GettingtotheMuseum.htm
Bigelow Hollow State Park Paddle & Trail Cleanup, Union, CT. 9 am through afternoon. Your choice of flatwater paddling or hiking in the morning. Following lunch participants will form into groups to clean up trails around the Mashapaug & Bigelow Ponds. Lunch provided for registered clean up participants. Paddlers will need to bring own kayak/canoe & wear your lifejacket (PFD). Visit your local outfitter for rentals. Please bring gloves, long pants, durable shoes, water and snacks. See leaders for specifics & to sign up. Severe weather cancels. Paddling Leader Jean Trapani (203-221-7439, flatwater@ct-amc.org). Hiking: Leader John Crist, Contact Co-Leader Aimee Santeler (860-343-0246, apilacik@yahoo.com)
Sea kayak trip, Level 1, Guilford Harbor & East River. Join us for our inaugural sea kayak program. Beginner sea kayak trip. We will practice wet exits and self-rescue. One and two-person rescues will be demonstrated. All participants must demonstrate a comfortable wet exit and one type of re-entry before continuing on the trip. We will then have a leisurely paddle of Guilford Harbor. We will look for terns and shorebirds on some rocky islands. Sea kayak with spray skirt required. Please review skill level and required equipment at SeaKayakGuidelines. Pre-registration required. Call 203-453-3727. Leader - Robert White. Co-leader - Jean Trapani and Bruce Ross.
Farmington River, Avon/Farmington, Avon, CT. Paddle the flatwater section from Avon to Simsbury. Meet at the Sycamore tree by the metal bridge on Rte 185 and Nod Rd at 9:30am. Car spotting at Curtiss Park. Pre-registration required. Lifejacket, whistle, paddlefloat required. No dogs. Heavy rain, lightning, thunder, high winds (>20 knots) cancels. Paddlers under 18 only with parent or guardian. If in doubt, call leader night before. Bring snacks and water. Leader Bruce Ross (203-378-9780), Co-Leader Jean Trapani (203-221-7439, flatwater@ct-amc.org)
Salmon River, East Haddam, CT. Peaceful paddle on lazy river up to dam with side trips to creeks on way back. 8 miles total. Rain cancels. Meet at 9 am at CT River boat launch. Rt. 9 Exit 7 to Rt. 82 North/East. L. on Rt. 149 for 1.5 miles. Launch on left. Lifejacket required. Leader Tom Ebersold (203-874-7839 Before 9 pm, tebersold@sbcglobal.net )
Hike/Kayak Mt. Higby & Black Pond, Middlefield, CT. Hike Mt. Higby about 5 miles for great views of Meriden up and back then kayak Black Pond for views of cliffs and wildlife. Meet 10am corner of Rt. 147 and 66/691 at commuter PL. Bring lunch and water. Must have PFD, kayak to paddle. Steady rain cancels. Paddlers should contact Leader Jenifer Nadeau (kayakin@sbcglobal.net )
Connecticut River Creeks, Hadlyme, CT. Whalebone & Seldon Creeks. Rain cancels. Open water experience necessary. Meet 9 am at ferry landing on EAST side of river. Leader Barry Gorfain (860-739-6622)
Paddle Glen Lake in Western Vermont INTERCHAPTER EXCURSIONS. Flatwater paddle in Western VT at West Castleton, at northern end of Taconic Mts. No personal watercraft allowed on this lake, which also has a 5 mph speed limit for other power boats. Not as developed or as noisy or as large as nearby Lake Bomoseen, this pleasant paddle of a 191 acre lake is also near a campground, wildlife preserve, & hiking trails. All participants must wear a life jacket & have own boat, gear. Paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. High winds, strong steady rain, t-storms cancel, contact Leader. Pre-registration required. To register and to get directions, launch site & more info, contact Leader Jean Trapani, flatwater@ct-amc.org, or call 203-221-7439 or mobile 203-606-9459 by Friday, Aug. 25.
Paddle Big Lake in Grand Lake Stream, Maine INTERCHAPTER EXCURSIONS. Big Lake & feeder streams, in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. Very large lake with lots of islands & jagged coast line, requiring longer touring boats & spray skirts. Route taken depends on wind conditions & participants skill level. Lots of wildlife, including possible moose sitings, otters, many birds & more. Black flies should be less in Sept. All paddlers must wear life jacket & have own boats, gear. Paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. High winds, strong steady rain, t-storms cancel. Pre-registration required. To register and to get directions, launch site & more info, contact Leader Jean Trapani, flatwater@ct-amc.org, or call 203-221-7439 or mobile 203-606-9459 by Friday, Aug. 25.
Hike/Kayak Lake Lillinonah, Newtown, CT. Hike 6.25 mi loop at moderate pace over moderate terrain then kayak Lake Lillinonah. Bring lunch, water. Must wear lifejacket (PFD), bring own kayak. Meet 10 AM at boat launch in Newtown. Take I84 to Exit 10 then take 6 West 0.6 mi to a right on The Boulevard, proceed about 2 mi to boat launch on the right, Pond Brook boat launch. Steady rain cancels. Paddlers should contact Leader Jenifer Nadeau (kayakin@sbcglobal.net )
Lake Quonnipaug, North Guilford, CT - New Members Day Paddle, CT. Open to all levels. Bring canoe or kayak to Lake Quonnipaug, a pleasant place to paddle with a small town beach and minimal power boating. Bring lunch for island picnic. Meet 9:00 a.m. at CT state boat launch parking area along Rte. 77 at North end of lake. Access Rte. 77 north from Rte. 80 in Guilford or Rte. 77 south from Durham Center. PFD (lifejacket) required. Heavy rain, gusty wind, thunder cancels. No dogs. Paddlers under 18 only with parent or guardian. Call leader for more information. Bring snacks and water. Leader Bruce Ross (203-378-9780)
Sea kayak trip, Level II, Mystic Harbor. We will paddle the Mystic River south past the seaport and out to Mason Island. Total length of 5-6 miles. We will offer a pre-launch safety drill. Anyone who has not paddled in a CT-AMC sea kayak trip must attend the safety drill and do a wet exit. Please review skill level and required equipment at SeaKayakGuidelines. Pre-registration required. If you have participated in a CT-AMC sea kayak trip, you may email the leader to register at robertswhite@comcast.net. Call 203-453-3727 if this is your first trip. Leader - Robert White. Co-leader - Jean Trapani.
Charles E. Wheeler State Wildlife Area, Milford. Peaceful 3-hour paddle of quiet salt marsh away from the buzz of boats on the Housatonic River. Registration required by Friday, Sept. 22. Trip limited to 10 boats. Some paddling experience required. Co-leader welcome. No dogs. Leader will e-mail all trip details, including meeting time and place. L: Tom Ebersold, tomebersold@yahoo.com