News as of August 11, 2008
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* * * Its high summer!
Some weeks past the Solstice, the days are already getting shorter. Some of the birds are beginning to
gather in flocks though the beginning of migration is still som weeks away.
Our coastal waters are about as warm as they are going to get. Shallow, protected lakes and bays and
remind us of bath water, but it is still a good idea to have a wind breaker handy to manage evaporative
cooling under windy conditions and ocean inlets are still chilly with fog likely.
Now is the time to keep an eye on the sky for threatening weather. Anvil clouds and rapid wind and
temperature changes are clues to a pending squall that can easily ruin our day. A marine radio set for
weather alerts makes a valuable insurance policy. Please remember to paddle smart and stay safe:
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| Wear your PFD. |
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Dress for immersion. |
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Never Paddle Alone! |
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Good news! The confusing list of training and touring options we offered in the spring is now down to a
few clear summer decisions. While we work on our Fall schedule, we took some time to gather the remaining
summer options below. For those with busy schedules, targetted private lessions may better meet your needs.
Remember, our Calendar Page offers easy planning of your tours or classes:
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* * * ACA Introduction to Kayaking:
An excellent course for the beginning kayaker, this
Introduction course will consist of three 3-hour sessions at the beautiful Brookhaven Pool in
Holtsville, NY. Classes start on Tuesday, August 19 and run from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in this lighted outdoor
pool. Call Brookhaven town at 631-451-6135 to register.
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* * * Captain Kayak Clinics:
SKSA is pleased to announce our association with Captain Kayak in Sayville, NY. We will be offering
basic 3-hour clinics including ACA
Quick Start, Basic Rescues and
Braces & Rolling on Friday mornings from 9:00 am
to 12:00 noon starting August 8. Call us at 631-563-6654 for scheduling, registration and directions.
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* * * Empire Kayak Clinics:
For those in western Long Island, SKSA again has a regular series of clinics at Empire Kayaks
in Long Beach, NY. These 3-hour basic clinics including
ACA Quick Start, Basic Rescues and
Braces & Rolling take place in Sundays from
August 17 through October 3 in the morning (9-12) or afternoon (12-3) depending on the day. Call
Empire Kayaks at 516-889-8300 for detailed scheduling, registration and directions.
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* * * Long Island Maritime Museum Clinics:
SKSA is pleased to announce a new relationship with the Maritime Mueseum in West Sayville, NY.
We will be offering 3-hour specialty clinics on ACA
Quick Start and Basic Rescues on
Saturdays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm beginning August 9. Call 631-HISTORY for more information and
registration for the clinics of your choice.
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* * * Bracing and Rolling:
An specialty class for the more experienced kayaker will be offered in one 3-hour session at
the Brookhaven Pool in Holtsville, NY. The class will be held on Tuesday, August 12 and will
run from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in this lighted outdoor pool. This class will be offered one final time this
season on September 9. Call Brookhaven town at 631-451-6135 to register.
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* * * NEW! Trip Leader Specialization:
SKSA has developed a one-day curriculum for the Trip Leader. We will combine Basic Navigation
with ACA Strokes and Maneuvers in a special course designed to provide key tools to the Trip
Leader. This full day class will be held at Timber Point Park, Great River, NY starting promptly
at 9:00 am. Those interested in participating should call Elizabeth at 631-563-6654 for registration.
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* * * Wednesday Evening Tours: Hosted by the
Long Island Maritime Museum beginning July 2, these
tours leave the Museum dock at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday for an envigorating encounter with the breezes
and waves of the Great South Bay. It is recommended that novices join us at 5:30 for an introductory
lesson to maximize their experience. Please call the Maritime Museum at 631 HISTORY for registration,
gear and boat rental.
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* * *
North Shore Tours: Departing from Setauket
Harbor promptly at 6:30 pm these relaxing evening tours are a popular way to cool off on a summer evening.
Come early (5:30 pm) and take a short lesson to improve enjoyment for the beginning paddler. Join us on
Wednesdays: 8/6 and 9/3 when the tides are in our favor. Please call Brookhaven Town at 631-451-6135
for registration gear and boat rental.
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* * *
South Shore Tours: These tours leave from
Osprey Park in Mastic Beach, NY on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for a relaxing trip up the Forge River.
A short lesson offered at 5:30 pm is a great benefit to the beginning paddler. Join us on 8/20 and 9/17
for favorable tides. Please call Brookhaven Town at 631-451-6135 for registration, boat and gear
rental.
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* * * Full Moon Tours: How relaxing! Bring your
honey (or just yourself) and join us on a variety of dates for a romantic
Full Moon Tour to watch the moon rise over the bay.
Start times vary with moonrise on 8/27 (Mon), 9/26 (Wed) and 10/26 (Fri). Please call ahead to reserve
your spot (boat and gear rental available) - 631-563-6654.
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* * * Morning Excercise Tour: Are you serious
about excercise? Want to stay in shape? Our Morning Tours on Tuesdays
and Thursdays at 10:00 am are just the thing for you. These workout paddles are invigorating, fun and
a great way to start your day. Just call and let us know that you want to join us - 631-563-6654
(rentals available on request).
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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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* * *
Gift Certificates for SKSA classes, clinics and tours make wonderful
gifts, and are always available. The gift of fun, knowledge and skills will last a lifetime. What could
be better? Call 631-563-6654 for details
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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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