Welcome, Hartford County Rivers & CT Shore Area Kayakers

Hi Everyone,

ITS A BIT COLD OUT AND NOT PLEASURABLE TO BE PADDLING IN THIS WEATHER WHEN THERE ARE many OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO.

CHECK OUT MY OR ANY OTHER MEETUP SITE FOR OTHER HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES TILL SPRING.

This Kayak group is for those interested in kayaking Flat Rivers generally in the Hartford County and occasionally a bit further, along with mostly CT shore areas when the water and air temp are safe enough.
Coves, Estuaries to open water & Islands are explored along with whatever seems interesting.

First Timers, Beginners to Advanced paddlers are welcome on all of my events along with Recreational & Sea rated kayaks on all events listed.

To Learn some Kayak Principles:
a fantastic site:

http://kayakpaddling.net/

Please watch the following video: Paddle Float Entry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyoT0ylenvU
You will learn this later. We will all be happy if you do..LOL

Heel Hook Entry:
http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Technique/index.cgi/nof... 8/16/2009

Events will be chosen to be in places where there are: NO boat launching FEES and adequate parking only.

With all events, there is the Traditional Pot Luck Barbie-q's, fire pit and time to enjoy our company till into the evening.

Please have a PFD *Required by Law* Please wear it all the time and whistle, ..(Both supplied if using my kayaks), If possible and if you can afford it, get a small light (headlamp ok for the evening paddles and finding your stuff in the dark), a paddle float for re-entry, paddle leash and water pump are also nice to have available. Think Cheap Life Insurance.

Spray Skirts are NOT Required in this group yet are encouraged after you have masterered a wet exit since un-planned conditions vary greatly.

DISCLAIMER: Water sports are inherently more dangerous than most activities found on Meetup, however its much safer if you know how to self rescue, have some safety equipment, and are willing to learn some new skills.

As a group we will attempt to save you as best we can given our own limitations, you have to do your part by being prepared for emergencies too. Please don't hold me or the group responsible for your actions if they are beyond our help, control or reasoning.

This is a group of paddlers that enjoy the group environment, we learn things from each other, attending some events that promote safety, ( DEP, Coast Guard..etc) and its not a business, club or professional tour group, no kayak instructors are here either.

If you have a recreational Kayak, it would be good to have flotation bags in the front and rear if you don't have sealed compartments, you will learn why, don't worry though, we help you if you fall into the DEEP and if you don't have some of the other things listed above, Blow the whistle so we can tell you are in trouble.

Remember ..respect the water, but enjoy it too..

My Useful Links:
Sound Temperatures http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/wlisgw_wq.html
Ocean Weather http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/okx/
Tides http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/connecticutsite...
Kayak info, safety and other, http://connyak.org/

Ok see you all on the water soon..
al-r