News as of January 15, 2010
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* * * Holidays are over the winter blues do not have to get you down.
For there is still paddling to be found!
If you are paddling in our area during the winter months (December through April) then you
need to be skilled, well prepared and extra cautious, though the serenity and scenery make the
effort worthwhile.
* * * Conditions Update: Coastal and inland waters
are at their coldest from now until late April. Dry suits or heavy wetsuits with waterproof tops are
"de rigor". Paddle in pods of 4 or more with all participants capable of bomb-proof rolls and 2-minute
recoveries when separated from their craft. Plan for multiple backups on all critical gear: marine radios,
paddles, rescue gear, first aid and hypothermia gear. Please remember to paddle smart and stay safe:
| Wear your PFD. |
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Dress for immersion. |
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Never Paddle Alone! |
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* * *
Gift Certificates: Give the gift of safety, training and adventure to
those you love (or even yourself). SKSA classes, clinics and tours make wonderful gifts, and are available
now
The gift of fun, knowledge and skills will last a lifetime. What
could be better? Call 631-563-6654 to order your certificate.
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* * * SKSA Water Talk: Water Talk is the official
newsletter of Sea Kayaking Skills and Adventures. We have just uploaded our
Water Talk: Winter Issue, hot off the
presses. Take a gander for lots of news on winter paddling activities.
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* * * Life Jacket Law: Fellow paddlers, please be
aware that New York State has passed a
Cold Weather PFD Law.
Effective for the 2009 season, all persons aboard recreational craft up to 21 feet in length are required to wear
a USCG approved PFD from Nov-1 to May-1 or risk being fined. This law is in addition to an existing year-round
law for youths under 12 on vessels up to 65-ft when underway. Comfort and flexibility are the chief
complaints against PFD wear, but modern choices make these moot even for women, learn more on our
PFD Quick Class.
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* * * New York Boat Show:
Join us at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center in New York City for the
New York Boat Show. Come for the whole show or join us on the 20th & 22nd for our
Seminars:
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Jan-20 / Wed |
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2:00 pm |
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Kayak Capsize Recoveries |
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Jan-20 / Wed |
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5:00 pm |
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Seamanship & Visibility for Paddlecraft |
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Jan-22 / Fri |
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12:00 nn |
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Equipment Check for Non Motorized Vessels |
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Jan-22 / Fri |
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3:00 pm |
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Kayak Capsize Recoveries |
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* * * Winter Pool:
Our winter pool schedule starts February 3, with an Introduction to Kayaking class, with Rolling and Beyond the Basics to follow.
Please see the class page for details. Pool space is typically limited, those with interest
are advised to call early to insure a spot. Please call our hot-line 631-563-6654 for reservations.
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* * * Private Lessons: Possibly your
schedule is very busy or unique or perhaps you want to progress faster than the group. Many
people feel the need for one-on-one training, or prefer the security of a personal lesson. Two
people may want to learn together under semi-private conditions. It is always possible to
schedule a special session to assess and improve your skills. Download our
Flyer for details.
Contact us to arrange for a custom program that meets your
personal requirements. Travel fees may apply outside the Central Long Island area.
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* * * Group Lessons: Do you have
several friends who would all like to learn paddling together? Would your club like to
schedule a custom training curriculum? Does your company want a special tour to foster
"team building" among personnel? SKSA can meet your needs. Challenge us to arrange
custom lessons and tours for your group at accomodating rates.
Contact us to arrange for special training or outings that fit your needs.
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* * * Skill Certification: SKSA is proud to be
the first in our region to offer ACA Coastal Kayak skill Assessments for levels 1 through 4. These
Assessments certify your skill level for activity participation and upper level training throughout the
United States. For more information visit the
ACA website.
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* * * Trip Leader Training: SKSA is now certified to
offer Trip Leader Training and Assessment through the American Canoe Association. This is a two-day
curriculum with exam. Interested shops and camps, please inquire.
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* * * Instructor Certification: We are pleased to
announce that SKSA is now certified to offer Instructor Development Workshops and Instructor Certification
Exams for Coastal Kayaking levels 1 through 4 through the American Canoe Association. We invite inquiries
from paddlers throughout the Northeast Region.
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* * * Quick Classes: do you have a
question on a particular concept? We have put together a series of short topical lectures that
answer some frequently asked questions. Peruse our Q-Class Archive
to select the lesson of your choice.
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* * * Launch Sites: Check out our
kayak Put-in Page. Many of our students and friends ask where they
can go to launch their new boat. We decided to put together a list of public put-ins as a
service to our friends. Please keep the list growing. Use our handy Form
to provide updates, corrections or to let us know of any we missed.
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