PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP! Rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 8th.
Get there early to be ready to launch at 11:00 am. Allow time to unload your kayak and park your car. Orchard Beach tolls close after Labor day so the parking is free. Have a snack as lunch break will be later today.
This is a destination paddle to the Long Island side of Sands Point. Jim Parsons has offered to guide us to visit the Hempstead House Mansion and Castle Gould. We will pass Davids, Columbia, Pea and the Execution Rocks lighthouse on our scenic paddle. Jim is a certified guide of many historic houses and regularly gives tours at Lyndhurst Estate. This is a great opportunity to see these historic places for free of charge.
This paddle is limited to 10 people. A decision will be made next week so please check back.
When we arrive at the beach on Sands Pt, 5 people will watch the kayaks on the beach and have lunch and the other 5 will walk up the beach for the tour. After the 1st tour the 1st 5 will go back to the beach to watch the kayaks and Jim will take the 2nd group up for the tour while the 1st 5 can eat lunch while they wait for us. This will be an outside tour of the grounds only. We are checking to see if Hempstead House will be open for inside tours. There is a fee for this so if interested please bring money and/or a credit card. Castle Gould is not open for inside tours. Liquid Skies does not charge the tour charge will go directly to the Sands Pt Preserve.
Tides from New Rochelle on Sat: Hi Tide 7:06 pm, 7.05'; Low tide 1:03 pm, 1.6'.
Approximate distance 14+ miles round trip. This crossing is challenging with busy boat channels with barges, ferries, tour & pleasure boats etc. Everyone must keep up with the group on these crossings no stragglers. When crossing channels I like to keep us in a tight pod. Safety in numbers. In 2021 we were treated to a dolphin pod & on another trip we saw seals in this area.
When you enter the parking lot the launch site is on the left near the exit. If you need the restroom, drive across the parking lot to the right and park near the playground, the restrooms are to the left of the boardwalk, then drive back to the launch area and unload your boat & park.
Sea Kayaks must be 14' minimum with bulkheads, no inflatables, SUP's or SOT's, Surf Skis OK. No pets! You should know how to assist/self rescue, everyone is responsible for themselves. Skirts highly recommended. Know your limitations, this is an intermediate paddle, (not for beginners) you should be able to paddle 15 miles in a day and keep up with the group. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, change of clothes in a dry bag, meds, anything you need for a day trip. The water is cooling now so dress for immersion. Take out your skins, wet/dry suits whatever is necessary for the temperatures. You may want to bring walking shoes and a jacket for the tour.
It's too early to predict the weather so check for updates. Unfortunately due to a prior commitment there is no rain date for Sunday, lets hope the weather is good for Sat.
If you haven't paddled with us this season yet, please sign a waiver upon arrival.
Please only sign up if you are definitely coming. This paddle is limited to 10 people. Everyone must sign up for themselves, no guests. Paddlers will start on the waitlist and preference will be given to those who regularly paddle with us. Please do not take a space and cancel the last minute. Thank you and be kind.
My cell if needed (845) 548-2198. Please call 1/4 hour b4 launch time or my phone will be packed away.
