Welcome to the WeKaNu blog.
Jeff and Laura will be sharing the latest information about our paddling trips, classes and certification workshops. Who knows, you might even find some tips on paddling technique or gear.
Ask us a question. Drop us a line.
Let the blogging begin!
Jeff here, and yes my user name is Canoe Boy. I have Laura to thank for that as she was encouraged by Carl K (the kayaker) one day at Ellicott Creek and the name has stuck every since. It has soured my desire to kayak, but I should not dismiss an entire side of paddle sport because of one person. I was angling for Canoe Stud, or Paddle Man but those met with scowls, smirks and the sound of “get real” mumbled under her breath. So when she happily suggested Canoe BOY in front of Carl, he smiled and laughed and said it brightened his day. Well that was enough for Laura and as they say, the rest is history.
We hope that over time we will be able to brighten your day with our blog as we will endeavour to tell you about places to paddle, equipment, adventures we have been on and offer our opinons on subject that seem relevant. So if you have a question about things “canoe or kayak” ask us. We have been around the block and if we don’t know the answer, we may know someome who does – so paddling in the Adirondacks or even Western New York; canoe camping; the Northern Forest Canoe Trail; value of becoming an instructor; how to do a knifing J; best place for rock jumping; boat design and materials; paddle clothing; the ACA; Sugar Island; freestyle canoeing; packing a kayak for camping; canoe history, or whatever else is on your mind is all fair game. But know that we are especially harsh on lillydippers and people who think a Ram-X is a real canoe. I am sure that may raise the ire of some of you out there but before you trip over your cooler rushing out of your oil-canning craft to thrash me with your plastic and metal paddle, just remember that our blog may not be for you.
So even if you don’t ask us any questions, Laura and I will find plenty to blog about.
We look forward to a great year of paddling and if there is any way we can help to make your time on the water more enjoyable and rewarding, let us know.
Smooth strokes and placid waters,
Jeff
I’m going on a Spring Paddle – what ever will I wear? It’s cold enough outside that we could be skiing, but the swamp is flooded so the paddle is now or never, or at least until next year.
Here is my head to toe gear list: wool hat, 2 pairs of gloves (paddling gloves and fleece), wool base layer shirt, neoprene vest, fleece top, down jacket, gore-tex shell, bathing suit bottom, neoprene pants, fleece tights, rain pants, wool socks, chota knee high neoprene socks, chota boots. I wore everything except the fleece shirt, and gore-tex wind/rain shell and really didn’t need the rain pants.
A dry bag packed with fleece pants, fleece shirt, wool socks, hat and gloves went into the canoe – just in case I went for a swim. Sometimes these are the clothes I will wear apres paddle. Oh yeah, and I brought flip flops to make changing in the parking lot a little bit easier.
Whenever we dress for paddling, we think about getting wet. Even though we usually stay dry, wet is always a possibility. This time of year the water is cold, and a cool breeze coupled with wet clothing could lead to hypothermia.
My first thought is to protect my core. I want a warm base layer, that will wick any moisture away from my skin. I’m not crazy about the snug fit of neoprene around my neck, but absolutely love the way it feels warm when I take a swim in chilled water.
The temp was around 40, so I added a layer of wool and fleece for insulation. Still chilled by the wind and humidity as we loaded our canoes, I opted to wear my down jacket, and stash the goretex shell in my dry bag.
We had to scramble over a couple of downed trees, and my feet got wet several times. Although my socks were dry when I took my chotas off, my feet got a little bit cold late in the day as the wind picked up. I was thinking that it might have been nice to have a pair of wool socks to pull over the chota socks. I could have put my boots on, but don’t like to tuck a hard soled boot under my seat – I get bad foot cramps.
I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable I was – dressed in all my layers. Being comfortable made it easier to stay out longer and enjoy searching for wildlife. It was pretty special to paddle through the flooded areas, weaving in an out of the trees like obstacle course. LL