Erie Canal Regatta Canoe and Kayak Racing on the Erie Canal

Need something to do on a crisp September morning?   How about this relaxing little race on the canal. Organizers have designed the regatta to be the most participant and spectator friendly race in Upstate New York, with a Family Fun Race approximately 2 miles long and the longer Enthusiast Race approximately 8 miles.

http://www.eriecanalregatta.com

See our book Canoe Racing for tips on training and technique.

This morning at the gas pump, the guy opposite me noticed my boat and asked if I was going paddling.  We talked some about the cold water temperatures and wet suits and then he asked me if I'd tried Wolcott Pond -- his favorite spot.  It's a little pond with a boat access ramp and is pretty much undeveloped.  I decided to give it a try.

 It was easy to find and no one was there as I launched.  Immediately, I saw a couple of Canada Geese with their little ones (photo).  The black flies are starting to show up but keeping moving in the kayak kept them at bay.

I try to combine a workout with some birding and carry my binoculars stuffed into my life vest.  There was no one on the pond and a variety of bird calls floated across the water as I cruised along.  It's a trick to find a little warbler from a coasting boat but a few times, I paused with the bow up against the shore and watched a Common Yellowthroat, several song sparrows, and several other types.  Then, from around the corner, I heard the wild sound of a loon.

Sure enough, up at the far reaches was a pair of loons, in summer plumage, cruising around.  I got quite close to them - too close since they must be nesting.  The male surfaced with a splash right beside the kayak.  I carefully left the area, not wanting to disturb them more.

After another half hour of higher intensity paddling, I slowed to watch a Great Blue Heron fish along the shoreline.  I didn't need binoculars for that -- or as I silently glided up to a pair of kingbirds cavorting in a overhanging tree.

It's a good combination -- the exercise of paddling and the peacefulness of watching birds in a quiet remote location.  Good for the body and the spirit.

It's snowing outside but the forecast three days from now is for the mid-70's.  I've been out once in the kayak, having finally got the truck set up to carry the boats, and plan to get serious this year.

About five years ago, we bought a pair of Eddyline touring kayaks -- real high-end boats that we've never used that much.  Part was the pull of other warm weather activities, another was not having the right racks for new vehicles, and the other was the fact that kayaking made my back ache.

Yesterday, I went up to the great place that we bought the boats: Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe.  I wanted to talk about seat padding and perhaps buy something to solve the problem.

Joe, one of the experts there, talked to me about boat setup, posture, and technique -- leading me to think that perhaps I need to learn better how to paddle.  He told me that this time of year, getting ready to paddle, he stretches his back by sitting on the floor, with his back up against the wall, while he watches TV.  

 We also discussed preparatory warm-up and stretching and paddling technique, suggesting that I might want to take a class this summer.

So, I'm psyched to get going.  I'm reading more books on paddling technique and boat setup.  I've gotten out my wet suit, shaken out the sunflower seeds which the mice left, and waiting for the snow to stop and the air to warm up.  It will be a challenge to combine performance kayaking for a workout with the calmness of birding by kayak.  It's a nice problem to have.  See you on the water.

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