it’s all up to you, but this section will guide you from the put-in to the take-out.
Specific shuttle directions to each put-in and take-out spot are given from a major road or highway. Other shuttling options, such as trains, buses, and subway systems, are also listed wherever possible.
GENERAL SAFETY
HAZARDS
As with most outdoor sports, kayaking is a fairly safe activity, although it does have its share of inherent risks. As such, paddlers should be prepared to encounter any number of the following hazards on the water.
Tidal currents occur whenever an incoming or outgoing tide squeezes through a narrow opening, creating a restricted flow that speeds up the water’s velocity. These currents often occur near the mouths of tidal creeks but can also be found near inlets and wherever an island obstructs the normal flow of water. Anytime kayakers paddle more than a half-mile or so from the shore, or on unprotected water, they are on what is considered to be open water. This water is easily influenced by wind and waves, and its conditions can change rapidly. Furthermore, because of the distance from shore, rescues are often difficult to accomplish. Many paddling destinations also make excellent powerboating spots and, as such, often see a good deal of boat traffic. This movement of boats most often occurs within marked channels but can also take place within mooring fields and near marinas. Strainers are any kind of tree, branch, or other vegetation that is at least partially submerged in a river. The term strainer refers to the tendency of such obstacles to allow only water to flow through, trapping everything else in their clutches. Deadfalls are similar to strainers but usually block a stream completely and are difficult to get by. There may sometimes be standing waves, or waves that do not change position on a river as water flows past them. Depending on weather and prevailing conditions, a river may sometimes overflow its banks, creating flooding conditions. Rivers can also flow beneath tunnels and bridges, sometimes for long distances. In addition, paddlers may risk hypothermia/hyperthermia and sunburns.
RESCUE AND EVACUATION
As stated previously, kayaking carries certain inherent dangers that may not always be avoided. Although such dangers may be slight and may even lead to a more enjoyable experience, they can make paddling a very risky adventure. In fact, times may arise when a boater ends up in such a dire situation that rescue and evacuation are required. Regardless of experience and skill level, all kayakers should be prepared for such circumstances and know how to react should the need arise.
Fortunately, paddlers have many options for minimizing risks and keeping their minds at ease, one of the most important of which is to carry the proper safety equipment. While some items may change as seasons come and go, some basic gear should always be part of every paddler’s kit. A properly fitting personal flotation device (PFD) is a must, regardless of weather and water conditions. It’s also the law in New York State for paddlers under age 12 or anyone paddling between November 1 and May 1. Appropriate immersion gear should also be worn; a wet suit and dry top may be enough when the water is warm, while a dry suit is highly recommended during cold months.
In addition to a PFD and immersion gear, a paddle float and bilge pump should accompany you on every paddling trip, as should a spare paddle and a noisemaking device such as a whistle or small air horn. I also tuck about 20 feet of parachute cord into the pocket of my PFD and carry a first-aid kit, strobe light, and submersible VHF radio with me anytime I’m on the water. Such items, while not absolutely necessary, are strongly recommended.
A cell phone in a watertight container is also a smart piece of equipment to carry. More-serious outdoorspeople may even choose to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or a satellite messenger–GPS tracker. Although these devices cannot be used like a cell phone to call whomever you want, they can be activated to send a distress signal to search-and-rescue groups in the event that help is needed. PLBs and satellite messengers do cost quite a bit of money, though they often are available for rent.
Of course, even the best safety and paddling gear is pointless if you don’t know how to use it. Paddlers interested in increasing their knowledge and bettering their skills might consider taking a kayaking class. Such classes are offered throughout the year by many groups across Long Island (see Appendix B) and are usually sponsored by the American Canoe Association. Check americancanoe.org for more information.
It’s still important to remember that not every body of water is suitable for everyone, even those who are well trained and have a boat packed with safety gear. Paddlers should always keep in mind their abilities and comfort levels when choosing places to kayak. When thinking about paddling a particular bay or harbor, you should consider the length of time needed to complete a trip just as much as the site’s level of difficulty. Weather and tidal influences should also weigh heavily in the decision to run or not. A good rule of thumb: “When in doubt, don’t go out.”
Assuming you’ve been properly trained and have all of the requisite gear for a safe and enjoyable paddle, the last and perhaps easiest precaution to take is simply to let someone know exactly where you’ll be and what your itinerary is. A float plan may prove invaluable in the unlikely event that you run into trouble and need to be rescued. Sea Kayaker magazine has created a basic format for such a plan that anyone may use; look for it at seakayakermag.com/PDFs/float_plan.pdf.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
TIDES
While many factors determine the conditions on a particular body of water, perhaps none are as important to sea kayakers as the tides. They can make all the difference between a quick and easy trip and a slow and painful slog. They can also open up large areas of navigable water or leave them completely inaccessible. In short, knowing what the tide states are and using that knowledge to help plan your paddles can ensure you of a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Many variables affect the earth’s tides, the most pronounced of which is the gravitational pull of both the sun and moon. Indeed, both heavenly bodies exert this force on the planet and its waters, although lunar pull is more prominent since the moon is much closer to the earth. As a result, it pulls the water on the side of the earth it faces toward itself, creating what we know as a high tide. This leaves less water elsewhere on the planet, otherwise known as a low tide. Amazingly, the moon also tugs on the far side of the earth, which actually distorts the planet’s shape enough to cause another high tide. Thus, there are actually two high and two low tides each day as the earth spins on its axis.
With two of each type of tide occurring each day, one would expect the time period between each high and low to be an equal 6 hours. In fact, the difference is a bit longer—6 hours and 12.5 minutes, to be exact. The reason is that tides are based on a lunar day that lasts 24 hours and 50 minutes, whereas our common solar day lasts only 24 hours.
Another unique feature of this system is the phenomenon of spring and neap tides. Spring tides are those that are higher and lower than the normal high and low tides, while neap tides show less of a change than is usual for an area. They cycle back and forth about every week, as the positions of the sun and the moon change relative to each other and to the earth. For example, the sun and moon are both aligned with the earth around the time of both a new and full moon, which increases the overall pull of gravity on the earth and its waters and causes spring tides. Likewise, the sun and moon are at right angles to each other when the moon is at a first quarter or third quarter. They limit each other’s effect on the earth’s waters at these times, thus
