Ausable Chasm

This past weekend excited white water paddlers traveled to explore a section of the Ausable River that flows through Ausable Chasm that until recently was off limits. A federal mandate allowed paddlers access to the river on the power companies land that allowed them to travel through Ausable Chasm Company owned land. However, breath taking scenery and class IV drops were only part of their adventures, after leaving the river, paddlers were surprised to find state police issuing summons to paddlers for trespassing. American Whitewater, which was instrumental in opening this stretch of river to paddlers, is working on clearing up the issue and is seeking to legally assist paddlers in court. This is yet another case of paddlers testing navigation rights. Stay tuned...

For first hand accounts check out North East Paddlers Message Boards forum

You can also follow this story on American Whitewater

Adirondack Explorer blog post by Phil Brown

Tuesday Night Kayak

We are into our third week of the Tuesday Night Kayaking.
We have had some great evening paddles. So far we have been on the Saranac River from Second Pond to the lower lock, Lake Placid and this past Tuesday, Stony Creek Ponds to Axton Landing. Come out and join us! We meet at the shop about 5 pm and try to leave by 5:30. Bring your own kayak or we have special rental rates for Tuesday evenings. Please call ahead to let us know you are coming. 891-7450.

Ready for a new run

Whitewater paddlers have been waiting for word on access to the Ausable River where it flows through Ausable Chasm. American Whitewater has been working on behalf of paddlers to open this section of river and was hopeful to see kayaker on the river Memorial Day weekend. Click here for the latest blurb from AW regarding this issue.

Saranac River Clean-up 2010

Yet again a Adirondack Paddlers Club, supported by local canoe and kayak outfitters and volunteers, has organized to clean-up the shore line of the Saranac River in the Village of Saranac Lake. According to Jim and Jennie Sausville, this was at least the 15th year of the Saranac River Clean-up. Some years have seen as many as 20 people and some as few as two.

Other than the usual plastic grocery bags, cans, empty packs of cigarettes and bottles, other items pulled from the river included: 6 bikes, 3 shopping carts, 3 road cones, 4 golf balls, 1 foot ball, 1 cassette tape (America - Your move), a glass pipe, a flash light, a pink toilet, many t-shirts, a winter coat, a couple pairs of jeans, Hot Wheels underwear, a stroller, about a 100' of metal pipe, broken plates, along with a lot of random junk!

Thanks to Adirondack Paddlers Club, St Regis Canoe Outfitters, Adirnodack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, and all the volunteers for another great haul!!

Sun damage

We all know the damage that sun can do to our skin and the importance of covering up or lathering up. But your skin is not the only thing that can be damaged through prolonged sun exposure. Your canoe or kayak can also be damaged by harmful UV rays. But don't worry, there's something you can do!
When your canoe or kayak is not in use, be sure to store it upside down and in the shade. Most UV damage is done when your boat is not being used. A canoe or kayak left by the waters edge is likely to fade and become brittle much quicker than a boat stored in the shade. Do be aware of not storing your kayak under a pitched roof, as winter snow can build up and slide and cause more immediate damage to your boat.
303 Aerospace Protectant is a spray on application designed to block UV rays that cause slow fade. As part of your putting the kayak away for the winter routine, be sure to clean with water, dry, then spray your boat with 303. Make sure to rub in until dry. It will not only protect your boat, but also give it a nice shine. 303 also makes sprays that are designed for fabrics such as PFDs, paddling jackets, and spray skirts. Many paddlers also choose to purchase a cover for the boat. Covers work very well and are usually custom made for you canoe or kayak.
So be sure to protect not only yourself, but your equipment too.

'Round the Mountain

This Saturday, May 15th at 11:00 marks the start time of the 'Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race, and the beginning of the season for many recreational canoeists and kayakers. Participants start in Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake and paddle southwest to Bluff Island where the they follow the Saranac River south to the Lower State Locks. After carryng around the locks, paddlers continue through Oseetah Lake, back into the river then meet the finish line on Lake Flower in the Village of Saranac Lake. In total the course covers 10.5 miles of water and a bit of land.The extended weather forecast for Saturday is calling for a mix of sun and clouds and temperatures in the low 60s, perfect paddling weather. If you are thinking about participating, the entry fee is $25.00 ($20.00 for Adirondack Watershed Alliance members). Make sure to show up early for racer registration and to give yourself enough time to warm up, but most of all be sure to have fun, it's a long season.

Canoe and Kayak Demo Days 2010

This weekend marks the 10th annual Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Demo Days on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. For 10 years we have been hosting a free on water demo event aimed at giving beginner to veteran paddlers a chance to try many different types of canoes, kayaks, paddles, and PFDs before buying. ALTO staff and company representatives will be on hand helping paddlers decide which canoe or kayak is best for them.

What's new for 2010?

• Swift canoe and kayak is offering a new light-weight pack canoe to its line up. The Pack 12 & 13.6 are new for 2010, and are expected to be a hit with their clean lines, super comfortable seat, and light-weight lay-up.
• Ocean Kayak's Nalu is the first roto-molded SUP, that's a Stand Up Paddle board for those of you not in the know. The Nalu offers a price point option for those paddlers interested in changing their on-water perspective. With the popularity of SUP growing, we are interested in seeing how this new SUP from Ocean Kayak will be received by traditional Adirondack paddlers.
• Jackson's Day Tripper 12 will be the go to kayak for the paddler who just can't stand to leave his or her best friend behind. The Day Tripper's enormous cockpit is perfect for paddling with a dog, child, cooler, or possibly all three. The large opening allows company in the cockpit without crowding the paddler.
• And don't forget, kids like to paddle too! Jackson's Mini Tripper, Perception's Acadia Scout 10 & Carolina 12 XS give moms and dads just what they are looking for, a kids kayak that can keep up. All designed specifically with kids in mind, these 3 kayaks will make any kid feel like a pro.
  

So if you or a friend is looking for a canoe or kayak, be sure to stop by Lake Flower in Saranac Lake this Saturday & Sunday for a great opportunity to try before you buy.