The Canoe Club of Centre County ~ Currents ~ Bald Eagle Creek 05-22-11 Volume 3, Issue 3 May 2011 Editor JA Furfaro 2010 Included in this issue: President s Notes Keel Haulers Paddler Rating Test for Class II and above by Jon Nelson Should I purchase a PFBC launch permit? by Brian Palmer Sign up for the Bricktown Challenge! The Race was On! by Vana Dainty Paddling videos for your enjoyment Tentative paddling dates for the 2011 season Ads, Upcoming Paddling-Related Events, and Treasurer s Report President s Notes What s in a name? Why are we called a canoe club if the majority of our members paddle kayaks? That s a common question I am asked. If you ve wondered the same thing, here is my general response The name was chosen for a few reasons. For one, the four C s of the Canoe Club of Centre County is an attractive set of letters to work with, and it allowed me to design the club logo using four canoes (see above). Another reason is that the historical convention has been to call paddling clubs Canoe Clubs because, once upon a time, canoeists were the majority. Lastly, this club was modeled and named after the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg, whose members are also mostly kayakers these days. So the reasons have to do with aesthetics, convention, and modeling. What does Google say? If you google (in quotes) Canoe Club, there are 850K results, while Kayak Club yields 867K. Kayak and Canoe Club gives 115K results, while Canoe and Kayak Club gives us 391K, but note that each would have already been counted in the previous two searches. Lastly, a search for Paddling Club comes up with 122K results. All in all, I would guess that most Canoe Clubs are made up of both canoeists and kayakers, but that you are more likely to find a Kayak Club that is strictly kayakers. Then there is the Rochester Canoe Club which is primarily for sailboaters; they have no canoes at all in the club! So while I do worry that new kayakers who are not familiar with our club or convention will not seek us out because they may assume that we are primarily canoeists, I hope that the word about the club will supersede any misconceptions about what type of paddlers are welcomed. As always, thanks for supporting the CCofCC and participating in our activities! - Joyce A. Furfaro
Keel Haulers Paddler Rating Test for Class II and above (reported by Jon Nelson) The Keel Hauler Canoe Club is a large organization located in Northeast Ohio. On their main web site is a self-test for determining one s level of river skill. The 16-item test covers four main areas: physical, equipment, experience, and paddling group. An overall score is produced and this is linked to difficulty scores for various river sections of Class II and above. As a result, a paddler is able to gain a better feel for both present and prospective skills required for particular rivers. This adds to the information obtained from past river experiences, other paddlers, trip leaders, etc. Not all local streams are included in the Keel Haulers Rated List of Rivers, but listed below are a few illustrations based on their list (always adjust for flow levels): Spring Creek (450 cfs), Class I/II difficulty rating 8 West Branch Susquehanna (Karthus 4 ft), Class I/II difficulty 10 Pine Creek (Cedar Run, 3 ft), Class I/II difficulty 10 Red Moshannon (2.5 ft), Class II difficulty 12 Middle Yough (2 ft), Class II difficulty 12 Mosquito Creek (Karthus 6 ft), Class II/III difficulty 14 Lehigh (1000 cfs), Class II/III difficulty 16 Cassleman (Markleton 2.5 ft), Class II/III difficulty 16 North Branch Potomac (1000 cfs), Class III difficulty 18 Shade Creek (Ferndale 3.5 ft), Class III difficulty 20 Black Moshannon (1 ft), Class III difficulty 20 Stony Creek Canyon (Ferndale 3.5 ft), Class III difficulty 21 Lower Yough (2 ft), Class III difficulty 23 The self-rating test is located here: http://www.keelhauler.org/khcc/selftest.html It is important to note that as stated on the Keel Haulers web site, the Self-Rating System presented below is only intended to provide a general guideline for the paddler and should not be considered a substitute for a realistic evaluation of one's own paddling skills. Each person is responsible for his or her own safety and for determining whether he or she has the skills necessary to run any of the rivers in the accompanying River Classifications list or to participate in any river trips.
Should I purchase a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) launch permit? (By Brian Palmer)! A few weeks ago the Canadian government announced new regulations for canoe trips in Canada. Among other things, the new Canada regulations require that, "Any canoe or kayak that has an instructor, guide or leader in it is now classified as a commercial vessel and thus required to be registered with Transport Canada." This reminded many of us of the old PFBC requirement that canoes and kayaks needed to be registered (complete with the bow numbers) to use PFBC access areas, and the state parks required either a DCNR launch permit or PFBC registration. Boat registration requires a lot of paperwork and documentation that many paddlers just do not have, such as a title or bill of sale. Luckily, through the efforts of many paddlers and clubs, including members of CCGH, the PFBC and DCNR came up with an alternative launch permit program that is easier to use, and satisfies both PFBC and DCNR. For the same price as registration, and with much less paperwork, you can get an unpowered boat launch sticker that is good for two years at both state parks and PFBC access areas. Launch stickers can be ordered on-line, and also bought at many local retailers and some state parks. If you buy a permit on-line, you can print out a temporary launch permit that you can begin using right away. You don't have to add the numbers to the bow of your boat, either. Still, I have met some paddlers who seem hesitant to buy launch permits. I can see the hassle if you've got a lot of boats: our family has five boats with permits, and two more in the garage without. However, launch permits allow you to use all state park lakes and PFBC launch areas. Are these the sorts of things for which you should have to pay? Well, there are lots of places you can paddle where you can still launch for free, but they don't always have adequate parking, or they may prohibit access after sundown. Another thing to remember is that the PFBC's boating fund receives no money from the state's general fund and tax revenues. It is funded only by user fees (such as boat registrations and launch permits) and from federal grants. [The grants are reimbursement of federal taxes on boat fuel sold in PA.] So, if we paddlers want better access areas, buying a launch permit and using those access areas that are available are two ways to demonstrate that the demand is there and that paddlers are willing to support the maintenance and development of better access areas. More importantly, there are a lot of very nice places to canoe and kayak in our state parks and close to PFBC access areas that would otherwise be off-limits to paddlers who don't have a launch permit. I do not think everyone should be required to obtain a launch permit or register every kayak and canoe in PA. At the same time, I also do not think that as a club or as individuals, we should avoid organizing trips or events to certain lakes or rivers simply because a launch permit is required. (Brian Palmer is president of the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg (http://www.ccghpa.com/); this article first appeared in the CCGH March Newsletter and is reprinted here with permission) (Editor s note you can purchase a boat launch permit at Tussey Mountain Outifitters in Bellefonte, Rich s Bait Shop in Howard, and Conklin s Gun and Sports Shop in Milesburg, or at any PA State Park. OR Online at https://www1.pa.wildlifelicense.com/start.php). Lastly, you can download, complete, and mail in your application by going to http://www.fish.state.pa.us/brag/aa_usepermits.htm)
Sign up for the Bricktown Challenge! A race for all skill levels! A great way to enjoy the day on the water, meet and network with other local paddlers, all while helping to support the Beech Creek Watershed Association one of the many groups who work to keep our waterways clean for all of us. AND, if you win the poker run (where speed doesn t count), you win a kayak! More information and registration form can be found at http://www.beechcreekwatershed.org/bricktown.html. A reprint of last year s recap of the race by Vana Dainty is on the next page.
The Race Was On! by Vana Dainty (reprint from Currents Issue 2 Vol 5-2010) The Bricktown Trail has a little more recognition and a little more money toward becoming a reality. If you are unfamiliar with the Bricktown Trail, it is a trail that will connect Centre and Clinton County; it will be a non-motorized trail following the brick towns in this region of years past. The Second Annual Bricktown Challenge Kayak race was held July 10 th, 2010, on the lake at Bald Eagle State Park. There were approximately 65 boats and many of those boats participated in both races. The weather couldn t have been better; it was a clear sunny day without all the humidity that has been taking place in Central Pa this summer. The lake was a bit choppy and that might be putting it mildly since some of the kayakers commented they were getting more water in their boats than they do when they are on the ocean. The first race was not for the recreational kayaker, it was about speed and the boats used were made for speed; while they tip easier they can cut through the water. The race was 8 miles long with the fastest time coming in at 1 hour and 12 minutes and 29 seconds and the slowest time was 1 hour and 53 minutes. For a good portion of the way the first and second place paddles were neck and neck so to speak. The second place winner came in just a little over two minutes after the first place boat. I spoke to both of them after the race and Chaz Ross who came in second said Brad won because of his experience, he has been racing longer than I have and his experience won out." When asked how he was able to gain a lead, Brad Beckwith answered, I was lucky and was able to catch several good wakes off a pontoon boat that Chaz was not able to catch. This year was the first year for a youth 2 mile race; there were 4 participants, all boys, and their ages were 2 eleven year olds and 2 nine year olds. The winner of this race was 11 year old Colin Sullivan. The second race had a poker run involved in this 4 mile race that was for both the racer and the more recreational kayakers. The paddlers picked up two tokens on the way out, two more on the way in and then upon returning they picked up one more token. But speed still played a part in it as Ron Kaiser was the first to come in at 38 minutes and 31 seconds, with Brad Beckwith, winner of the first race, coming in 10 seconds behind him. The average time, however, was approximately one hour. When the paddlers returned and picked up their last token they then drew a poker hand for a chance to win one of the three prizes that were available. Prizes were: a flat bottom kayak donated by Emotion, a night's stay at the new Natures Inn that will be opening around labor day weekend, and a stay in a yurt at the modern campground in the park. Ricky Adams and Carlie Dice were 1st place winners, second place winner was Jeremy Wenrich and 3rd place winners were Rick and Kate Hendricks. All in all it was a great day for a wonderful cause.
Paddling Videos for your enjoyment (click on the URL to view the videos) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmafiuv4hrc&feature=related A Sea Otter pup tries to climb aboard a kayak off Elkhorn Slough, California. The wildlifesavvy kayaker ignored the darling as best he or she could. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2nrt6zidfy Giant Basking Shark vs. kayak (the competition is really about size, not about life and limb, as these sharks eat plankton, not people.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alj6g_ofy4e Forget about the worry of seeing a horizon line approaching imagine a huge dark mass with a 6 fin (of the Orca variety) heading straight toward your kayak! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-plj7tt-3u A penguin takes a break from its busy day to entertain some kayakers in the Galapagos.
TENTATIVE DATES FOR THE 2011 SEASON We need trip coordinators for each of the following tentative paddling dates for the current season. None of the following dates are set in stone, and will depend on weather and whether or not we have a contact person for each one. Please choose one of these paddles that you would be willing to sign up for as the shuttle organizer / trip coordinator. It is best to choose a paddle for which you have paddled before and have a good idea of the put-in and take-out points, at the least. If you are not familiar with the waterway, you might sign up as contact, and take a trip on the creek before the paddle date. June 4 or 5 Juniata River, Lewistown to Arch Rock Rd? (class 1) June 11 or 12 The Little Juniata below Spruce Creek (class 1) June 18 or 19 Frankstown Branch of the Juniata (class 1 to 2) June 25 or 26 Spring Creek/Bald Eagle Creek (class 1 to 1+, depending on rain) July 9 or 10 Red Moshannon (class 1) July 16 or 17 Juniata River (class 1) July 23 or 24 West Branch of the Juniata River, near Lock Haven? (class 1 to 2) July 30 or 31 Bald Eagle Creek, below the dam, (class 1) August 6 or 7 Raystown Branch of the Juniata (dam to mouth, class 1) August 13 or 14 a Lake paddle (choose one) August 20 or 21 West Branch of the Susquehanna August 27 or 28 Bald Eagle Creek (below the dam, class 1) September 10 or 11 a Lake Paddle (choose one) This list is highly subject to change, and should not interfere with spur of the moment postings about a trip. It is meant to inspire us during the paddling season. Also note that you are responsible for your own safety if you choose to participate with these or any other paddling trips announced via the CCofCC listserv or web page. Each trip is a challenge by choice trip, and neither the club, nor other paddlers (including the trip coordinator) can guarantee your well-being during the trip. Upcoming events we will talk about at the next meeting and in upcoming listserv emails A General Members Meeting and Potluck in early June at Spring Creek Park A Safety Clinic on June 16 th for CCofCC members The 2011 CCofCC Splash Event A Moonlight Paddle at Bald Eagle State Park Upcoming Bat Watches at Black Moshannon State Park Canoeing 101 and Kayaking 101 Classes this summer A Solo Canoe Clinic on Spring Creek in August Movie nights at Governor s Park in Bellefonte
Treasurer s Report: April 25, 2011 In 2011 the Club has taken in $810 in dues and spent $100 for the PSU Pool rolling sessions. Those amounts added to last year s end-of-year balance leave a present balance of $1,895. - David Eggler, Treasurer The Canoe Club of Centre County is a non-profit (301(C)(7)) group of paddlers of all ages, paddling skills, and paddling preferences. We are a Paddle America Club of the American Canoe Association. Club benefits include the CCofCC listserv access, web page forums access, trip and event notifications, and a quarterly (October to March) or monthly (April to September) newsletter (Currents) and discounts at local retailers. We hope to have several indoor and outdoor gatherings, picnics, and parties this year, as well as paddling safety and rolling sessions. The CCofCC membership year runs from January through December. To those who have already renewed their membership for the current year thank you! For those who have not yet renewed their membership but have already completed a membership application and waiver form, you only need to send your 2011 dues (payable to the CCofCC) to PO Box 62, Lemont, PA, 16851. Annual dues are $20 per household. Applications are available from our website at www.ccofcc.org. Keep an eye out for a PayPal button on the web page later this summer. Currents is published for our members who are encouraged to contribute any noteworthy items prior to the next publication. If you ve been on a paddling trip outside the area, or outside the norm, or even inside the area and inside the norm; if you have photos, or found a nice video to share; if you have news to pass on regarding paddling in PA, or of upcoming events; if you have poems or a few lines of wisdom or an advertisement please email your Currents contributions to jfurfaro AT gmail.com. We reserve the right to edit all articles submitted. 2011 Canoe Club of Centre County officers and board members: President Joyce Furfaro Vice President John Parrott Secretary Susan Hamburger Treasurer David Eggler Board Members Ed Bowman, Sarah Edge, Gary Thornbloom