News as of May 25, 2009

* * * Welcome Summer!!. Time for fun. What makes paddling fun is having good skills and good judgement. With the air warming up but the water is still in the 50', inplanned imersions are dangerous and wind chill is a significant concern. Plan accordingly! Protective clothing is highly recommended - smart paddlers always dress for the water, not for the air.

* * * Trip Leader Training: SKSA is pleased to offer ACA Trip Leader Training through the American Canoe Association. This is a two-day course for all trip leaders whether you are working with an outfitter, a club, a camp or just leading a group of friends. We will follow established ACA curriculum and assessment guidelines, details can be found on the ACA Website. This class will take place on May 30 and 31. Interested clubs, outfitters, shops and camps, please inquire for group rates. Call 631-563-6654 for details and registration.

* * * ACA Week at Camp Sebago: Join us at pastoral ACA Camp Sebago located in Harriman State Park, near Sloatsburg, NY, just west of the Tappan Zee bridge for ACA Week, a week of instructor certification courses or a weekend of skills training in both kayak and canoe. Call 631-563-6654 for details and registration.

* * * Empire Kayak Clinics: For those in western Long Island, SKSA has clinics at Empire Kayaks in Long Beach, NY. These 3-hour clinics begin with ACA Quick Start and proceed to rescues and rolling. Most take place on Sundays from May 3 to September 20 in the morning (9-12) or in the afternoon (12:30 to 3:30). Call Empire Kayaks at 516-889-8300 for detailed scheduling, registration and directions.

* * * ARC Camp Blue Bay: For those seeking American Red Cross Certification in kayaking, the three-day program at Camp Blue Bay in East Hampton is for you. This is a introductory level Instructor program for counselors or leaders in summer camp programs, or for those just wishing to improve their skills. Call 631-698-3688 for details and registration.

* * * Friday Evening Tours: Hosted by the Dowling College Oakdale Campus, these tours leave the College dock at 6:30 pm Friday evening for an peaceful trip around the Connetquot River. It is recommended that novices join us at 5:30 for an introductory lesson to maximize their experience. Please call the Dowling College at 631-224-3473 for registration. Gear and boat rental available on request.

* * * Full Moon Tours: How wonderful to paddle in the luminous evening air during a full moon! Bring your honey (or just yourself) and join us on a variety of dates for an interesting and romantic Full Moon Tour. We will paddle in the early evening and watch for our lunar neighbor to rise over the bay. Start times vary with moonrise. Please call ahead to reserve your spot (boat and gear rental available) - 631-563-6654.

* * * Morning Excercise Tour: Are you serious about excercise? Want to stay in shape? Our Morning Tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am are just the thing for you. These workout paddles are invigorating, fun and a great way to start your day. Just call and let us know that you want to join us - 631-563-6654 (rentals available on request).

* * * Private Lessons: Possibly your schedule is very busy or unique or perhaps you want to progress faster than the group. Many people feel the need for one-on-one training, or prefer the security of a personal lesson. Two people may want to learn together under semi-private conditions. It is always possible to schedule a special session to assess and improve your skills. Download our Flyer for details. Contact us to arrange for a custom program that meets your personal requirements. Travel fees may apply outside the Central Long Island area.

* * * Group Lessons: Do you have several friends who would all like to learn paddling together? Would your club like to schedule a custom training curriculum? Does your company want a special tour to foster "team building" among personnel? SKSA can meet your needs. Challenge us to arrange custom lessons and tours for your group at accomodating rates. Contact us to arrange for special training or outings that fit your needs.

* * * Skill Certification: SKSA is proud to be the first in our region to offer ACA Coastal Kayak skill Assessments for levels 1 through 4. These Assessments certify your skill level for activity participation and upper level training throughout the United States. For more information visit the ACA website.

* * * Instructor Certification: We are pleased to announce that SKSA is now certified to offer Instructor Development Workshops and Instructor Certification Exams for Coastal Kayaking levels 1 through 4 through the American Canoe Association. We invite inquiries from paddlers throughout the Northeast Region.

* * * Gift Certificates: Give the gift of safety, training and adventure to those you love. SKSA classes, clinics and tours make wonderful gifts, and are always available. The gift of fun, knowledge and skills will last a lifetime. What could be better? Call 631-563-6654 for details

* * * Quick Classes: do you have a question on a particular concept? We have put together a series of short topical lectures that answer some frequently asked questions. Peruse our Q-Class Archive to select the lesson of your choice.

* * * Launch Sites: Check out our kayak Put-in Page. Many of our students and friends ask where they can go to launch their new boat. We decided to put together a list of public put-ins as a service to our friends. Please keep the list growing. Use our handy Form to provide updates, corrections or to let us know of any we missed.