more cascade canoe & kayak stuff

ok, like i always do, i'm sharing the newsletter from cascade canoe and kayak.

there's been discussion of basic skills classes from within here recently. which is a good thing [ says the man who really doesnt have skills] what i'm doing is giving you alternatives if you cannot make the classes that our own group members put on. bear in mind, i've edited a lot of their group specific news out for brevity.


header
Issue: #6 February 2009    
IN THIS ISSUE
Racing Team News
Wintertime Paddling
Henderson to Speak at Coaching Symposium
RENTON SHOP HOURS

Monday          11:00-6:00
Tuesday         closed
Wednedsay   closed
Thursday       11:00-6:00
Friday             11:00-6:00
Saturday        11:00-6:00
Sunday           11:00-6:00

Directions to Renton
Join Our Mailing List
   
What's Happening at Cascade!
Upcoming Events & Classes
Monthly                      Youth Racing Team Training
Monthly                      Adult Racing Team Training
Monthly                      Seattle University Racing Team Training
Mar 2, 4, 7                 Class - Kayak Touring 1:Foundation
Mar 16, 18, 21           Class - Kayak Touring 1:Foundation
Mar 21 & 22               Class - Touring Kayak Forward Stroke Clinic
Mar 23-28                   Masters' Kayak Camp - Sprint, Marathon, Surf Ski
Apr 5                           Class - Kayak Touring 1 Skill Development Trip
Apr 5                           Sea Kayak Trip
April 7                         Free Presentation: Efficient Kayak Forward Stroke
Apr 6, 8, 11                 Class - Kayak Touring 1:Foundation
Apr 14, 16, 19             Class - Learn to Eskimo Roll
Apr 15                         Free Presentation - Selecting Your Touring Kayak
Apr 18                         Sea Kayak Trip
Apr 21-24, 26             Class - Kayak Touring Navigation, Safety & Trip
                                    Planning
Apr 27, 29, May 2      Class - Kayak Touring 1:Foundation
Apr 29                         Class - Get Started Kayaking
Apr 28 - Jun 11           Class - Youth Learn to Canoe/Kayak Race:
                                     ages 10 - 16
 
for details, please go to www.canoe-kayak.com
 

Wintertime boating presents magnificent opportunities and significant issues that paddlers need to consider.  Short days and cold water and air temperatures must be considered to maintain a high level of safety.
 
Lights
Lights are required for all boats operated between sunset and sunrise.  Regulations regarding manually powered craft are tough to locate on both the Washington State and US Coast Guard site.  Generally, for manually powered boats under 22 feet in length, one constantly shining white light that can be seen from 360 degrees is the required.  If your craft is longer than 22 feet, a red and green light on the bow (with green on the right and red on the left) and a constantly shining white light at the stern is the way to go.  These lights are available at our paddlesports shops.  Flashing lights, such as red flashing bicycle lights are emergency request for assistance markers on the water and should be used only in emergencies.
 
Washington State does offer a boating safety program that's targeted mostly to powerboats.  There is some general information that applies to manually powered boat operators.

 
WA State Boaters Handbook
US Coast Guard Regulations
 
Cold Air and Water Temperatures
Preparation for cold air and water conditions focuses on proper clothing and rescue skills.  Proper clothing is a function of the type of craft being propelled, the air and water temperature, the weather and water conditions, rescue skills, as well as the proximity of rescue craft and resources.  Clothing possibilities include a base layer that acts as a rash guard, insulating layers and an outer shell that protects from wind and rain and possibly immersion.  Clothing options at all levels can be found at our paddlesports shop in Renton!
 
Rescue Skills
Rescue skills include the ability to self-rescue in cold-water conditions. Practicing in a warm and comfortable swimming pool is only a start.  Competency in the specific conditions, which you may find yourself, is absolutely critical.  So if you're paddling in cold water, you should practice rescues in cold water.  Check out the Eskimo Rolling class at Cascade - we start in the pool and then progress to the land and finally to Puget Sound!
 
With proper safety precautions, paddling can be enjoyed year-round in Washington State.