BFP Does the Sojourn

Chris Weed of Vermont Paddle Club gives safety tips before setting out on a leg of the the Winooski Sojourn.

Molly Walsh of the Burlington Free Press joined the Friends of the Winooski River for a leg of the annual Winooski Sojourn and wrote a long story that includes several photos of the trip. Read it here.

Video Trip down the Black River

It is in four parts and the link takes you to part one. Links to the other three parts are found in the sidebar once you go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEhZzT01JIA Nice to preview a paddle.

NFCT is Outside Mag's Best Canoe Trail

One lake, two states, tons of wildlife, and 15 miles of rapids. And that’s just one day on the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which arcs across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. For a weekend sampler, put in at Umbagog Lake, the heart of the 25,650-acre Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, which straddles the Maine–New Hampshire line. Let the loons, bald eagles, and osprey overhead preoccupy you. But as you drift into the Androscoggin River, it’s time to reengage: the 17 river miles to Pontook Dam are full of Class I–III rapids.

Outside Magazine, July 2011

Sea Kayaking Essentials

July is here, Lake Champlain is below flood stage and Canoe Imports is starting their Sea Kayaking classes. This comprehensive, day-long clinic takes place every Sunday and teaches skills needed for deep water paddling. Click here for details, but here's the skinny:

This full-day program is the perfect beginner or refresher course for paddlers who want to experience open-water kayaking on lakes and oceans. Start the day learning about boat design and features, important paddling accessories, and safety practices. Next we move onto learning and demonstrating proper paddling techniques, followed by solo and assisted offshore rescues. Being well-nourished and hydrated is important, so after enjoying a relaxing lunch and discussing our next and final venture, we will embark on a two-hour tour on the lake. Depending on conditions and group abilities, the group will head south to the Burlington waterfront or north along the cliffs of Lone Rock Point and Appletree Bay.

Classes meet at North Beach - Reservations are required call 802-651-8760 (July - August) Sundays 10:00 am ­ 4:00 pm $99/per person (includes all necessary equipment)

True North Kayak in BFP

Dovid Yagoda runs excellent kayak programs on Lake Champlain at True North Kayak and was written up recently in the Burlington Free press. His link is in the sidebar here at Vermont Paddling. Here's the link to the article.

David Yagoda of Burlington runs a kayak touring business, True North Kayak Tours, on Thursday June 16, 2011. / EMILY McMANAMY, Free Press

Stand Up Paddleboard Demo 6/23

Umiak Outfitters will hold a Stand Up Paddleboard Demo Thursday 6/23 from 5-8 pm at the Waterbury Day Use Area in Waterbury Center. This is a great chance to try this emerging new paddle sport. They supply everything you need to try it, including instruction. All you have to do is pay the entrance fee to get into the park. Or show your season pass to Vermont Day Use areas.
All you have to do is show up prepared to get wet with whatever you need to sustain yourself on the water.
Last week they held a demo that had 30 people trying Stand Up Paddleboards. The weather Thursday won't be so fine as last week, which should affect attendance, so there will be plenty of opportunity to try a variety of boards. 
I plan to attend and hope to see you there. With luck I'll have a chance to review a few boards and paddles. 
They want me to take one down the Lamoille sometime soon. Hm. That'll be interesting ...

Northern Forest Canoe Trail mid-June update

Dear Friends,

I’m sending a rare mid-month announcement to share three just-in-time opportunities with you.

1. NFCT is currently in the lead for a grant from All Terrain, makers of natural care products, to go towards our Northern Forest Explorers Program. Help us stay in the lead by voting every day and as many times per day as you can through June 30. On hold? Listening in on a conference call? Vote, vote, vote!

2. On Saturday, June 25, NFCT will participate in the High Peaks Alliance’s All Trails Celebration in Rangeley, Maine.  Pick from several guided paddles, hikes, and bike rides throughout the weekend, or enjoy the scenery on your own. Come by and say hi to me and my family who will be there representing NFCT on Saturday and enjoying the day. We’ve placed an order for sunshine!

3. On Friday, July 1, join NFCT’s Upper Ammonoosuc River Clean-up in West Milan, New Hampshire, 9 am – 2 pm. Work with volunteers and interns as we paddle a stretch of the river clearing tires and debris from the water. Stay for a BBQ at Gord’s Corner Store (adopter for this segment of the Trail). Good for beginner paddlers. For details and to RSVP, contact Trail Director Walter Opuszynski at 802-496-2285 ext 2, Walter@northernforestcanoetrail.org.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Kate