Quick Details
Kayaking Adventures in Adirondacks, NY
This learning vacation has been developed because many guests have wished they had more instruction while on a guided trip. Unfortunately, this has proven difficult with the wide range of skill levels on the trips. Other potential guests have often wondered if they had the skills to participate in a group tour. This week of skill development and exploring is the perfect blend of skills acquisition and vacation!
The Tug Hill region offers paddling on small streams, flat water rivers and larger lakes. It is the perfect place to learn how to kayak in diverse types of water! During the week we blend instruction with daily paddles. There is also a built in “free day” to explore on your own and rest.
Instructions includes
- Different kayak types, equipment and clothing.
- How to properly and safely enter and exit a kayak in various environments.
- Paddle strokes and technique (with video review).
- What to do in the event of a capsize (practice is optional).
- How to efficiently use currents and wind to your advantage.
- Basic navigation skills
- How to choose appropriate paddling locations for your abilities.
What’s Included and Trip Cost
- All lodging at The Lodge at Headwaters in Boonville, NY.
- Welcome, farewell dinners, all breakfasts and lunches.
- Kayaks and all necessary paddling equipment
- Scott Locorini as your NYS licensed guide and certified kayak instructor.
- Assistance with arranging a Syracuse, NY airport shuttle
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Subject to change based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances
Day 1 – Arrive at The Lodge at Headwaters for check-in after 3:00 PM. We will meet you in the lobby at 5:00 PM for a “meet and greet” and then head out for dinner.
Day 2 – On our first day we will head to Whetstone Gulf Reservoir on “the hill” as locals call it, “Tug Hill” to others. This is where gear will be distributed for the week, boats will be fitted and where our instruction will begin including kayak types, entering and exiting the kayak, and paddles strokes. After the first session and lunch we will put some of our skills to use while exploring the reservoir. The reservoir is a pretty paddle usually full of waterfowl, wading birds and the occasional Bald Eagle. In the evening we do a video review of strokes.
Day 3 – We will go to the Black River where you will learn about using currents to your advantage while paddling a flowing river. We will also discuss basic hydrology. Launching from Lyons Falls, you’ll immediately see remnants of the logging history. Lyons Falls is where the Moose River meets the Black River where many logs were floated and was the site of the only three way bridge in the United States. Our 9 mile paddle will take us down through some beautiful stretches of the river where the unexpected is around every bend. Turtles, waterfowl, wading birds, beavers, muskrats, mink, deer and even a Golden Eagle have been seen while paddling on this stretch of river.
Day 4 – Is a day off to explore on your own. Go for a hike, visit a winery, go fishing, visit a museum or just sit and relax.
Day 5 – We’ll paddle Kayuta Lake, a dammed section of the Black River, up to where the river meets the reservoir. This is a great spot to work on strokes and work on boat control in moving water. Later in the day, in more open water, we will review what to do in case of a capsize. This is a pretty paddle and usually a favorite of guests. In the evening, we will look at the weather forecast and a map for our next destination to plan a route for the final day of paddling. We will also learn about different navigation techniques.
Day 6 – Is a bit of a drive (about an hour) but Stillwater Reservoir is well worth the trip. It is a large wilderness lake with many “nooks and crannies”, sandy beaches and massive rock outcroppings. Prior to launching, we will discuss the current conditions and review the route that was chosen the previous night. The rest of the day will be spent kayaking and reviewing techniques. A farewell dinner is provided tonight.
Day 7 – Check out will be at 11AM from The Lodge at Headwaters.
NOTE: A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date.