On River instructionals

On River Beginners K-1 instructional

Sat. June 14

Meeting time 12 noon at McDonalds in Greenfield MA

This Instructional is meant to introduce novice kayakers to river running. Safety, river reading, boat control and river etiquette are all covered. Actual skills taught are very dependant on the groups paddling ability.

Contact leader as soon as possible as group size may be limited. Kayaks, paddles and other gear can be provided at no charge for the instructional. Just let the leader know in advance what you may need.

Leader
Mark Schappert
203-240-3544
riverloony@earthlink.net

Co-leader
Robin Pleshaw

What we will cover.
We will start on dry land with some basic river safety practice. Hand Signals, Rescue rope throwing etc. We will then move to the river and go trough, Wet exits, Basic strokes and maneuvering and basic river reading skills. After we are through with this we will pack up and drive upstream a few miles and run a couple miles of class 1 and 2 whitewater.
There is no set time to finish this class. It will be dependant on group size and abilities.

Be prepared for cool weather and water. Bring layers of Polypropylene fleece or wool clothing along with a windproof shell in case of colder weather. NO COTTON cloths. They are useless when wet. If it is nice. Shorts and a tee will be fine, The water is still cold, about 50-60 degrees at best. PLEASE bring warm cloths no matter the forecast. Also bring a towel and full change of cloths for the ride home. YOU WILL BE GETTING WET. a "Wet exit" is the first skill we will cover.
If you have a lifejacket and helmet please bring them. I will have some of these items but size and fit will be troublesome if the group is large.
For those who requested, I will be bringing kayaks, skirts, paddles Life Jackets, and Helmets

What to wear / bring.
Bring a snack / lunch in a plastic bag along with water.
Wear soft soled shoes or sandals. or neoprene boots. "surf socks" also work well.

Directions to meeting spot:
The meet spot is about 1.5 hours form Hartford.
We will meet at the McDonalds in Greenfield MA. at 12 noon. It's easy to get to, Take I-91 out of Hartford. Take 91 to exit 26 in Greenfield, MA. Off the exit you will be on a traffic circle. Go almost all the way around until you see the exit for RT. 2 West. You will come to a light immediately and see the McDonalds on your left. We meet in the parking lot.

Zoar Rescue classes and tell them you are a CT AMC member and get the following discounts.

2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue $100 off, 6/28-29 and 8/23-24

(Recommended for all leaders especially)
2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue with Charlie Walbridge 7/31-8/1, $50 off
2-day Advanced Swiftwater Rescue with Bruce Lessels, 9/13-14, $50 off

For more information on the rescue classes check out the Zoar Outdoor web site. http://www.zoaroutdoor.com/

Weeknight Instructionals at

Beseck Lake Middlefield, CT

These sessions are for anyone who is looking to learn the basics of whitewater kayaking with a eye to running rivers safely. Strokes, Boat control, or to learn the Eskimo roll will all be covered. There will be volunteer instructors at every session. Instruction is generally one on one, in a very casual and friendly atmosphere. Limited amounts of paddling gear will be available for use on a first come first serve basis. It is recommended to bring your own helmet and life jacket if possible. Nose plugs are also helpful. Gear selection and sizes are limited.

Everybody is welcome!

To sign up, please call by the night before if possible.

Where?
Town of Middlefield Beseck Lake Beach Middlefield CT

When?
Mondays evenings in July and August

July, 7,14,21,28

August 4,11,18,25

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 or sunset

Cost:
Instruction: FREE!

Boat and Gear if needed: FREE!

Park Admittance $5.00 per vehicle per session
 

Contact:

Mark Schappert

203-240-3544 Hm/cell

Directions:

From I-691 eastbound (Waterbury, Southington, Cheshire):

Follow I-691 past exits 10, 11, 12 towards Middletown
The highway becomes Rt.. 66 and two-way traffic.
At the first stoplight, take a right onto Rt. 147 south
Follow for 1 mile and take the first right onto Lake Rd. Just past the gas station.
Take the second left onto Lake Shore Dr.
You will see the park as the road bears right and up the hill
Park in the lot inside the chain link fence.

From I-91 northbound (New Haven):

Take exit 18 Rt. 66 east toward Middletown.
At the first stoplight, take a right onto Rt. 147
Follow directions above once on 147.

From i-91 southbound (Hartford):

Take exit 19 Preston Ave.
At the bottom of the ramp, take a left and go under 91.
Follow Preston Ave about 1 mile until the stoplight at east main St.
Make a left onto east main street and follow as it merges with Rt. 66.
At the first stoplight, take a right onto Rt. 147 south
Follow directions above once on 147.

From Rt. 66 westbound (Middletown, Portland, Willimantic):

Follow Rt. 66 through Middletown past the Washington square mall.
At the third stoplight, make a left onto Rt. 147.
Follow directions above once on 147.

Please be mindful of the low speed limits on Lake and Lakeshore Dr. These are narrow, residential roads.