News as of July 2, 2008

* * * Summer is here! The summer birds back, the flowers are in full bloom and we at SKSA have a whole the new season to show you. There are lots of new tours and classes for 2008, at all levels from the beginner to the Instructor. Our coastal waters are warming, but the USCG advises us they are still cold compared to the air temps. Shallow, protected bays and lakes will warm quickly, but deeper waters and inlets to the ocean are still chilly and threatening for immersion - please dress appropriatly for your paddling area. When in doubt, dress for the water. Please remember to paddle smart and stay safe:

Wear your PFD.		Dress for immersion.		Never Paddle Alone!

* * * Our Calendar Page: offers easy planning of your tours or classes:

June	July		August

* * * ACA Introduction to Kayaking: An excellent course for the beginning kayaker, this Introduction course will consist of three 3-hour sessions at the beautiful Brookhaven Pool in Holtsville, NY. Combine this with the Strokes and Recoveries class that follows for an equivalent to the ACA Level-2 (Essentials of Kayaking) curriculum. Classes start on Tuesday, June 24 and again on August 19 and run from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in this lighted outdoor pool. Call Brookhaven town at 631-451-6135 to register.

* * * ACA Essentials of Kayak Touring: This is a comprehensive course that brings the beginning or intermediate paddler ACA Level-2 Skills. Offered through Dowling College on the Scenic Connetquot River, the course consists of four 3-hour sessions on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon beginning June 28. Please register through Dowling College at 631-244-3420 for this class.

* * * ACA Basic Open Water Skills: This course has the preceeding Essentials of Kayak Touring class as its prerequisite. This course will bring the intermediate paddler ACA Level-3 skills. The course meets at Dowling College on the Scenic Connetquot River but will include paddling in more open conditions on the Great South Bay. This course takes place in three 4-hour sessions on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon beginning July 26. Please register through Dowling College at 631-244-3420 for this class.

* * * Kayaking - Beyond the Basics: This course follows from the preceeding ACA Introduction to Kayaking course in the same location. Equivalent to the ACA Strokes and Recoveries curriculum, this course takes place in three 3-hour sessions at the beautiful Brookhaven Pool in Holtsville, NY. Combine this with the Intro to Kayaking class that preceeds or follows for an equivalent to the ACA Level-2 (Essentials of Kayaking) curriculum. Classes start on Tuesday, July 22 and run from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in this lighted outdoor pool. Call Brookhaven town at 631-451-6135 to register. .

* * * Captain Kayak Clinics: SKSA is pleased to announce our association with Captain Kayak in Sayville, NY. We will be offering basic 3-hour clinics including ACA Quick Start, Basic Rescues and Braces & Rolling on Friday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon starting June 20. Call us at 631-563-6654 for scheduling, registration and directions.

* * * Empire Kayak Clinics: For those in western Long Island, SKSA again has a regular series of clinics at Empire Kayaks in Long Beach, NY. These 3-hour basic clinics including ACA Quick Start, Basic Rescues and Braces & Rolling take place in Sundays from May 4 through October 3 in the morning (9-12) or afternoon (12-3) depending on the day. Call 516-889-8300 for detailed scheduling, registration and directions.

* * * Long Island Maritime Museum Clinics: SKSA is pleased to announce a new relationship with the Maritime Mueseum in West Sayville, NY. We will be offering 3-hour specialty clinics on ACA Quick Start and Basic Rescues on Saturdays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm beginning June 28. Call 631-HISTORY for more information and registration for the clinics of your choice.

* * * Wednesday Evening Tours: Hosted by the Long Island Maritime Museum beginning July 2, these tours leave the Museum dock at 6:30 pm every other Wednesday for an envigorating encounter with the breezes and waves of the Great South Bay. It is recommended that novices join us at 5:30 for an introductory lesson to maximize their experience. Please call the Maritime Museum at 631 HISTORY for registration, gear and boat rental.

* * * South Shore Tours: These tours leave from Osprey Park in Mastic Beach, NY on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for a relaxing trip up the Forge River. A short lesson offered at 5:30 pm is a great benefit to the beginning paddler. Join us on 6/25, 7/23, 8/20 and 9/17 for favorable tides. Please call Brookhaven Town at 631-451-6135 for registration, gear and boat rental.

* * * North Shore Tours: Departing from Setauket Harbor promptly at 6:30 pm these relaxing evening tours are a popular way to cool off on a summer evening. Come early (5:30 pm) and take a short lesson to improve enjoyment for the beginning paddler. Join us on Wednesdays: 7/9, 8/6 and 9/3 when the tides are in our favor. Please call Brookhaven Town at 631-451-6135 for registration gear and boat rental.

* * * Full Moon Tours: How relaxing! Bring your honey and join us on a variety of dates for a romantic Full Moon Tour to watch the moon rise over the bay. Start times vary with moonrise on 6/30 (Sat), 7/29 (Sun), 8/27 (Mon), 9/26 (Wed) and 10/26 (Fri). Please call ahead to reserve 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: 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 special 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 discount 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.

* * * Trip Leader Training: SKSA is now certified to offer Trip Leader Training and Assessment through the American Canoe Association. This is a two-day curriculum with exam. Interested shops and camps, please inquire.

* * * 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.

* * * 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.

* * * Gift Certificates for 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

* * * 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.