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Sunday, February 22, 2009
2009 Shiawassee River Paddle Event
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Map of Shiawassee River Paddle Event
http://www.oakgov.com/peds/assets/docs/es_docs/rg_shiawassee_map.pdf
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111387343905039436857.00043cdbc211bc40f011d&z=14
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/trail_map.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WaterWorks_Park_Launch.JPG
Video & Pictures Shiawassee River in Holly Michigan
Autumn paddle on the Shiawassee River Oct 22, 2007
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2888318540592134799
Pictures -various Shiawassee River events and paddles
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/567721407KouRMx
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558922603hqUlLA
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/558834458DganqU
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/547204034BrRPch
Short little video snippets from the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY6tT7U1j4c&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlPgM3mM2RY&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwuttZOYnbI&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUiQOvt4E3o&feature=channel_page
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
2009 Quiet Water Symposium
2009 Quiet Water Symosium
Lansing, MI USA
Michigan State Univ.
Mar-07-2009 - Mar-07-2009
Web Site: http://www.quietwatersymposium.org
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The Quiet Water Symposium is an annual one-day event that
celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation.
Handcrafted canoes/kayaks,, historic watercraft, water/weather safety,
first aid, nature photography, and traditional skills can be found at QWS.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Kayak Classes in Fenton
Expanding Horizons Kayaking is now offering classes in three locations
- Brighton, South Lyon, and Fenton - and on various days of the week.
No excuses! Shake off those winter blues and get into a local indoor pool
to work on your kayaking skills.
Rob Taylor-----ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor
Phone: (810) 225-3652 --Mobile: (810) 355-6381
Email: taylorrj@ameritech.net
www.expandinghorizonskayaking.com
Winter/Spring2009 Class Schedule| Location | Class | Day | Time | Dates | Cost | To Register |
| Brighton High School 7878 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI 48116 | Beginning Kayaking Session 1 | Thursdays (4 weeks) | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 1/29, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 | $145/person $260/couple | Call Brighton Community Education, (810) 299-4130
or online at, brightoncommunityed .com |
| Beginning Kayaking Session 2 | Thursdays (4 weeks) | 8-10pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2 | $145/person $260/person | ||
| Beginning Kayaking Session 3 | Thursdays (4 weeks) | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 | $145/person $260/couple | ||
| Rolling | Sundays | 1:30-5:30 pm | 2/1, 3/15, 4/5, 5/3 | $80/person | Call Rob Taylor at (810) 355-6381 or email taylorrj@ameritech. net | |
| "Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions | Sundays | 2:30-5:00 pm | 2/15, 3/22, 4/19, 5/10 | $30/person | ||
| Fenton High School 3200 West Shiawassee Ave., Fenton, MI 48430 | Discover Kayaking | Tuesdays | 7-10 pm | 2/3, 3/3, 5/5 | $60/person $100/couple or parent & child | Call Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation, (810) 591-0080
or online at, |
| Beginning Kayaking Session 1 | Tuesdays (4 weeks) | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/17 | $145/person $260/couple | ||
| Beginning Kayaking Session 2 | Tuesdays (4 weeks) | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 3/24, 3/31, 4/14, 4/21 | $145/person $260/person | ||
| Beginning Kayaking Session 3 | Tuesdays (4 weeks) | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2 | $145/person $260/couple | ||
| Rolling | Saturdays | 12:30-4:30 pm | 3/21 & 5/9 | $80/person | ||
| "Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions | Saturdays | 12:30-3:00 pm | 4/4 | $30/person | ||
| South Lyon High School 1000 North Lafayette St., | Intro to Kayaking | Fridays | 7-10 pm | 1/30, 3/6, 5/8 | $60/person $100/couple or parent/child | Call South Lyon Recreation Authority, (248) 437-8105
or online at, |
| Beginning Kayaking Session 1 | Wednesdays | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 2/4, 2/11 2/18, 2/25 | $145/person $260/couple | ||
| Beginning Kayaking Session 2 | Wednesdays | 8-10pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 3/11, 3/18 3/25, 4/1 | $145/person $260/person | ||
| Beginning Kayaking Session 3 | Wednesdays | 8-10 pm (classroom 7-8 1st night) | 5/13, 5/20 5/27, 6/3 | $145/person $260/couple | ||
| Rolling | Fridays | 6:30 - 10:30 pm | 2/27 & 4/3 | $80/person | ||
| "Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions | Wednesdays | 8-10:30 pm | 1/28 & 3/4 | $30/person |
Class Descriptions
Intro to Kayaking or"Discover" Kayaking:Already own a kayak or thinking of buying a kayak and would like to paddle insafety with some basic skills? Then thisintroductory kayaking class is for you. This 4-hour course is oriented to beginners with minimal or no priorexperience. Topics will include safety & rescues, equipment, and basicmaneuvers. Students will learn how toexit their kayak in the event of a capsize. Several techniques for rescuing someone who has come out of their kayakwill be demonstrated. Paddling techniquefor moving a kayak in a straight line, turning a kayak, and moving a kayaksideways will be taught. Minimum of 3,maximum of 10 students per class.
Beginning Kayaking: These classes are an excellent complete beginner'scourse held in the safe and warm confines of an indoor pool. The class is a series of four weekly two hoursessions. The first session, be dressed for the pool session and at poolside onehour before the scheduled pool time for a safety/orientation session. Attendance at the first day is mandatory. This course will focus on basic kayakingstrokes that are applicable to both sea kayaking and white water kayaking. We will also work on self and assistedrescues, recovery strokes, sweep strokes and the beginning elements ofself-rescue techniques. Studentsshould bring swimming goggles, nose plugs and a towel along with swimming apparel.Participants under 16 must be approved in advance by the instructor.
Kayak Rolling Classes: This class will focus on the elements of hip snapdevelopment, high and low bracing and the Kayak Roll. Either the "C to C" or Sweep Roll will betaught depending upon student's capabilities. Strength is not important in learning to roll… it's all about boat fit,flexibility, and most importantly, proper technique. So if you are ready tolearn to roll that boat, here's your chance. The class will be scheduled for four hours, but please arrive 30-60minutes in advance to be outfitted with gear.
"Over Easy" Open Pool Sessions: Here's a chance to practice allthat you've learned in the Basic Kayaking and Rolling classes in the friendlyenvironment of the Brighton High School pool. Perfect all those different strokes, practice rescues, and work on that"bomb-proof roll" or just come hang-out with other paddlers and swap warstories. Certified instructors will beon hand to provide pointers if needed.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Oakland County Waterways
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/oakland_35003_7.pdf
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Surf your Watershed
http://cfpub.epa.gov/surf/huc.cfm?huc_code=04080203
Shiawassee Watershed -- 04080203
Shiawassee
Watershed Profile
Watershed Name: Shiawassee
USGS Cataloging Unit: 04080203
MI 4th Congressional District
MI 5th Congressional District
MI 8th Congressional District
MI 11th Congressional District
Citizen-based Groups at work in this watershed (Provided by Adopt your Watershed)
Water quality monitoring data from this watershed (Provided by STORET)
Environmental Websites Involving this Watershed
National Watershed Network (provided by Conservation Technology Information Center)
Assessments of Watershed Health
- Assessed Waters by Watershed
Information provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- Stream Flow (Source: USGS)
- Science in Your Watershed
- Water use data (1985-2000): Information about the amount of water used and how it is used.
- Selected USGS Abstracts
Places Involving this Watershed
- Counties:National Estuary Programs:
- None
Visit the Envirofacts Warehouse to retrieve environmental information from EPA databases on Air, Community Water Sources, Water Dischargers, Toxic Releases, Hazardous Waste, and Superfund Sites Geographic searches include zip code, city, EPA Region, or county.
Friday, December 26, 2008
American Water Works Association - Safe Water
Water Sources
Surface Water Sources: Multiple Inlet Ports Offer Water Quality Options
Groundwater Sources: Common Terms Associates with Wells
Highlighting Surface Water Contamination Sources
Potential Sources of Groundwater Contamination Revealed
http://www.awwa.org/files/Publications/Opflow/2008/February/OPF0208_Dept3HWW.pdf
http://www.awwa.org/files/Publications/Opflow/2008/March/OPF0308_Dept4HWW.pdf
http://www.awwa.org/files/Publications/Opflow/HowWaterWorks/OPF092006_Dept4HowWaterWorks.pdf
http://www.awwa.org/files/Publications/Opflow/HowWaterWorks/OPF082006_HowWaterWorks.pdf
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Shiawassee River Trail
http://www.oursouthernlakes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=160
Contact Us
Sara McDonnellUniversity of Michigan
Center for Applied Environmental Research
432 N. Saginaw St., Ste 1001
Flint, MI 48502-1950
810-767-7272 phone
810-767-7183 fax
smcdonne@umflint.edu
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Watersheds of the Shiawassee River
http://www.springfield-twp.us/documents/ShiawasseeRiverWatershed.pdf
CLICK on picture with mouse to enlarge.
See the path from Oakland County to Saginaw Bay
Expanding the Paddling on Shiawassee River
Project Coordinator for the Center for Applied Environmental Research
at the University of Michigan - Flint.
"We want to promote the Shiawassee River as a water trail and
encourage people to kayak and canoe close to home," McDonnell said.
The first phase of the project undertaken by Headwaters Trails,
which runs by the Shiawassee River from Holly to Fenton, is already underway.
Their successes include installation of a canoe/kayak launch site,
development of a signage program, annual Holly to Fenton canoe races
and regular river cleanups and paddle trips.
Headwaters Trails is led by Sue Julian and Doug Lanyk.
"The Holly to Fenton section is being managed by Headwaters Trails.
They've already identified launches, emergency takeouts, and where signs need to be installed.
That's the first phase of the Shiawassee River trail," McDonnell said.
"There's funding secured for the signs from Holly to Fenton."
McDonnell also said because of the progress made in the first phase,
Southern Lakes Planning Initiative has taken on the next stretch of the river, from Fenton to Argentine.
"We'll be pursuing funding for signs from Fenton to Argentine this winter," she said.
McDonnell said a group, made up of representatives from Headwaters Trails,
Fenton Area Paddlers, Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation, the cities of Linden and Fenton,
Argentine Township, interested residents, teachers, individuals from the University of Michigan-Flint,
and those interested in the outdoors, met last April.
"(They) discussed the potential of extending the Shiawassee River Heritage Trial in Oakland County,
west through Genesee County by creating signage, recreation-based business, and continued river cleanups," she said.
Mayor David Lossing said people on the trail could stop at the launches and visit the different areas, grabbing a bite to eat on the way.
He said the city would do anything they could to help out this effort which would have a positive impact on the economy.
Councilor Ray Culbert said he thinks it's an excellent idea.
"(It would) really spur the growth of the economy," he said.
"It's such a wonderful asset, creating a regional trail," said Christopher Wren, city manager. "It's a phenomonal idea."
For more information regarding the river trail, visit www.oursouthernlakes.com.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Pentax Optio W60 - Waterproof digital camera
Rugged, Waterproof Aqua-Shooter
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pentax_optio_w60
Whether you're maxin' at a pool party, snorkeling a reef,
the Optio W60 has you covered.
Super-rugged and waterproof to 13 feet, this easy-to-handle,
10-megapixel aqua-shooter with 5X optical zoom makes
for a surprisingly good all-around compact.
Built for abuse, it's nearly indestructible.
Button layout easy to operate, even underwater.
Image quality is very pleasing.
Fine balance of feature set and price.
Camera Resolution: 10.0 megapixels
Optical Zoom: 5x
Digital Zoom: 5.7x
Style: Rugged, Ultracompact
Media Format: Flash, SD Card
Manufacturer: Pentax
Price: $330
Combine with sticky pod to shoot kayak movies
http://www.stickypod.com/osc/
Sunday, November 16, 2008
GPS waterproof standards
MIL-STD 810 Immersion Standard, Military Specification equipment
MIL-STD 810 Blowing Rain, Military Specification equipment
JIS 2-8 Japanese Water Protection Specs similar to IEC529
CFR Title 46 Part 110.15 Aircraft Civilian specifications
IEC 529 European (ECC) water protection specifications
Of these, only IEC 529 (European Community Specification) and JIS2-8 (Japanese Industry Standard) have graduated test levels. These two specifications are very similar, but IEC 529 is gaining more acceptance in Europe which is a major market for many US manufacturers and is more defined in terms of the actual test. The table below gives a summary of the requirements for IEC 529 for WATER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.
Test
Level Definition
0 Non protected, No special protection
1 Protected against falling water Equivalent to 3-5mm rainfall per minute for a duration of 10 minutes. Unit is placed in its normal operating position.
2 Protected against falling water when tilted up to 15 degrees. Same as (1) above but unit is tested in 4 fixed positions - tilted 15 degree in each direction from normal operating position.
3 Protected against spraying water, Water spraying up to 60 degrees from vertical at 10 liters/min at a gage pressure of 80-100kN/m2 for 5 min.
4 Protected against splashing water. Same as level 3 but water is sprayed at all angles.
5 Protected against water jets Water projected at all angles through a 6.3mm nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 liters/min at a gage pressure of 30kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
6 Protected against heavy seas. Water projected at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle at a flow rate of 100 liters/min at a gage pressure of 100kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
7 Protected against water immersion. Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
8 Protected against water submersion The equipment is suitable for continuos submersion in water under conditions which are identified by the manufacturer.
*Note: IEC 529 level 7 is designated "IPX7" and is equivalent to JIS 7. The position of "X" being left blank indicates that the unit has no special mechanical protection.
*Note: Garmin typically uses the IEC-529 spec for the design spec for water protection level for their line of GPS equipment. Marine rated GPS equipment is usually tested to IPX7.
There has been discussion as to the degree of "waterproofness" of Garmin GPS receivers and especially the eTrex and Summit (Legend and Vista use essentially the same package).
Here is Garmin's statement on waterproofness:
Garmin reports (from a past review): "Our specifications for eTrex (and Rino) are that they are waterproof per IEC529-IPX7. IEC is a European specification published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It is very similar to the Japanese Industry Standard JIS-8. IEC529 gives an excellent breakdown of the relative degrees of protection against water ingress. (IEC529 specification can be found HERE.) (A layman's breakdown of IEC529 can be found HERE.) By the way, our products are more waterproof than virtually everyone else's. We even test 100% of them in our factory. It costs a lot more, but we do it anyway to be sure what we ship meets IPX7. We understand and acknowledge that the marine environment can be very harsh. Even the brass contacts with nickel plating and gold over that will eventually corrode if left exposed to sea water long enough. That's the best contact material available, and we use it on all our external power contacts. All other marine electronic products in the $100-$500 class that we are aware of have this weakness. IEC529 specifies that the immersion test is to be done in fresh water, probably for this reason. The harsh environment does occasionally cause failures and we continually work on improvements to existing products while introducing new ones."
"The classification of IPX7 is for temporary (i.e. accidental) immersion in water. It is not for continuous underwater use. If the end user is looking for something that can be used underwater continuously, they need to find something rated IPX8 or JIS8. However, we are not aware of any or GPS or fish finder that is rated for IPX8 in any price category. You will see in the attached sections of IEC529, that "The manufacturer of the equipment should be consulted to determine the degrees of protection available and the parts of equipment to which the stated degree of protection applies." We recently did start to add to our packaging a note concerning the extended waterproofness of our battery compartments as the seal is rubber and over time and wear and tear, will not be able to maintain as good of a seal as when new. We have a vested interest in presenting truthful, correct information to all of our current and potential customers." (End of Garmin statement.)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Silverman Companies development
Their revised plans include a very dense mix of residential and commercial use.
The plans DO NOT include previously negotiated plans for a connecting trail
from The Village of Holly to Seven Lakes State park.
Please call the township 248 634 9331 for more details.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Choosing a Kayak
How to Choose a Kayak
In today's world there is a kayak designed to fit almost any recreational need. There are kayaks for white water, placid water, ocean waves, sit-in-side kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, sea/touring kayaks, Olympic racing kayaks, fishing kayaks, marathon kayaks and ocean racing kayaks, kayaks for one person and kayaks for two. Whew! With so many options where does one begin? The best answer is to try before you buy ! Go on a guided tour from a local kayak outfitter, participate in a demo day held by kayak retailers, or visit your local kayak shop and talk about paddling.
In a perfect world all kayaks that are used on open water, ponds, lakes, estuaries, or oceans should have positive flotation in the bow and stern of the kayak. Two of the best ways to ensure positive flotation are with bulkheads, which create watertight compartments at the front and back of the kayak and will keep your kayak floating even if the cockpit is full of water, or with flotation bags that are placed and secured in the front and back of the kayak and perform as bulkheads in keeping the kayak from sinking. The need for positive flotation in a sit–on-top kayak is not essential since they are built as an airtight pontoon and will not sink if you fall off.
Proper outfitting for touring kayaks used in open water should include safety lines around the perimeter of the deck that allow you to grab and stay with the kayak in case you fall out or off. For a sit-in kayak, a crisscrossing arrangement of thick elastic deck lines behind the cockpit is essential since this is where you secure your paddle when performing a paddle float self-rescue in the event of a capsize. A good specialty outdoor paddle shop or outfitter can give instruction in these important safety aspects of kayaking.
Footbraces that are adjustable are an important feature so that you can rest your feet comfortably in the kayak against a proper support. In addition, a good seat and backrest will help you to sit upright when paddling and make you feel and look good on the water. In kayaks that are 12 feet in length or shorter, the backrest is usually very substantial. Kayaks that are longer than 12 feet usually have a lower-lumbar-support backband that allows greater freedom of movement for the paddler.
Most experts in the kayak world agree that a kayak under 12 feet in length does not go in a straight line very well when paddling in open water, so look for a kayak that is known to track well (go in a straight line). These kayaks will almost always be 12 feet long whether they are sit-in kayaks or sit-on-top kayaks. They are usually designed without rudders or skegs and are called recreational kayaks, as opposed to the longer kayaks that are called touring or sea kayaks. Whitewater kayaks are specifically designed to be paddled in rivers with fast currents and whitewater rapids. Whitewater kayaks are not used to paddle coastal areas, large lakes, lazy rivers, or oceans.
Some kayaks are equipped with foot-controlled rudders that assist you in staying on course. These are often found in touring/sea kayaks over 12 feet. A common misconception is that rudders are used for steering a kayak. While rudders can be used for casual steering to the left and right, rudders are actually designed to help keep you going straight when there are currents, wind, and wave action affecting your travel.
A popular activity with touring/sea kayaks is self-sustained travel along coastal areas, oceans, estuaries, or down lazy rivers with no whitewater. These touring/sea kayaks have hatches in the deck that allow for a week or two worth of groceries, fine libations, and all your camping gear. Another popular activity with touring/sea kayaks is fitness paddling and racing. A longer waterline length and a narrow beam (or width) generally means more speed with your double-blade paddle. Kayaking for fitness is exciting, cruising along with dolphins is fun, and you will learn to sprint if you kayak in gator territory.
Fishing kayaks are very popular and allow you to sneak up on your fish with all your favorite rods, bait, and tackle and are much less expensive than a power boat to operate. In the southeast fishing kayaks are usually sit–on-top models that allow you to get in and out easily in shallow water.
Kayaking is a wonderful lifetime sport and can be almost anything you want it to be. You can float down a river leisurely dipping your paddle in and out of the water basking in the sun. Shoot down rapids in Class I to V whitewater. Race long or short distances over the water. Let the miles glide under the hull of your touring kayak as you journey to your next destination. Paddle to your favorite fishing spot and bringing home the "fish for dinner." Some kayaks even make great photo platforms for wildlife photographers, allowing close encounters with wildlife and marine mammals. The point is, there's a great kayaking experience waiting out there for everyone.
Kayaks are made from different materials:
Polyethylene which is an almost indestructible plastic used in all types of kayaks. The major drawback with this material is the heavy weight.
Thermoplastics which are used by some manufacturers in short recreational kayaks and some touring kayaks. This material is lighter than polyethylene but not known for being very durable and is difficult or impossible to repair.
Fiberglass is used in touring/sea kayaks and is lighter than polyethylene, easily repaired, very durable, and gives better performance.
Kevlar is also used in touring/sea kayaks, however not because it is bulletproof, but because it is lighter than fiberglass and has the same durability and is easy to repair.
Carbon Fiber is the ultimate in lightness; an 18-foot-long touring kayak can weigh 36 pounds! This material gives great performance, is very tough, and is easily repaired contrary to widespread rumor that it is difficult to work with.
All kayaks are easily transported on the roof of your car, SUV, or truck. I never leave for a vacation (or a day at work) without my kayak. There are even bicycle trailers for kayaks. Kayaking is fun, healthy, and adventuresome. There's never been a better time to begin kayaking than today.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chesaning Dam
$900K grant paves way for Chesaning dam removal
By MICHAEL PETERSON,
Argus-Press Staff Writer
CHESANING - The Chesaning dam is on its way out after a $900,000 grant through the Clean Michigan Initiative will help push funding for the Shiawassee River Restoration and removal of the dam.
State Senator Roger Kahn, R-District 32, has been very involved in the project and was instrumental in the push for the grant, said Bob Grnak, Kahn's media coordinator.“We think its the most wonderful thing ever,” Village Manager Marlene Schultz said. “It's not like a loan we have to pay back. We really feel fortunate and if it wasn't for Sen. Kahn we wouldn't have had this.
Total cost of the restoration - including planning, engineering and construction - is about $1.7 million. In addition to the grant, funding also will come from private citizens, businesses, the township and village.The dam has declined to the point where maintenance and repair is not a practical option.Tom Meder, coordinator for the Shiawassee River Restoration Committee, said they have been working on this project for seven years.
“The dam was deteriorating and something had to be done,” Meder said. “It has been repaired over the course of the last 30 years, but it is beyond repair now. We are going to remove it.”Engineers have developed a solution that restores fish passage, creates new river habitat, interconnects fragmented aquatic habitat and preserves the impoundment needed for the Showboat Festival, while eliminating the long-term liabilities associated with a failing dam.
Meder also believes the restoration will help to boost tourism.
“It will become a really prolific fishery now and people will be coming to use it,” Meder said. “Our campgrounds will literally be more useable because we will have fish right up near the campgrounds.”Meder explained the Shiawassee River goes right through the Chesaning campgrounds and with the dam fish cannot swim near the camping areas.
The dam was built in 1863 to create power for the grist mill and was a key element to Chesaning's success as a lumber hub in the mid-1800s.However, the dam is most notably used today for the annual Chesaning Showboat Festival, which is a major aspect of the cultural identity in the village.Meder is hopeful the project starts in the fall.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Pearling your kayak
Pearling refers to the action of the bow, or stern, of your kayak diving under the water instead of floating on top. Pearling can happen for a number of reasons and is sometimes even done on purpose. If your kayak suddenly pearls and you were not expecting it or take actions to bring the bow or stern back to the surface you will most likely either get quickly flipped over or sent straight over onto your face.
Pearling on a wave sometimes happens when the wave is too short for your kayak. If you find yourself in this situation you will need to constantly be on an edge and continuously carving back and forth on the wave.
Pearling on a wave can also happen when a wave surges and pushes you down further in the trough of the wave. The easy fix for when this happens is to throw your kayak up on edge. With minimal surface area on the edge of your kayak compared to large surface of the deck of your kayak the buoyancy of your boat should bring the bow or stern right back up to the surface in no time. The trick is to be able to do this fast enough that you don’t get blown off the wave or react quick enough that the bow or stern does not get shoved too far down.
Pearling in flat water happens when you are too heavy for your boat or too much of your weight is forward. The easy fix for this is to shift your weight further onto the stern of the boat. This makes it harder to take strong powerful strokes and makes balancing a bit more of a challenge but it usually keeps your bow above water. However, if you are trying to do a trick such as the Plowing Ender then you will want to keep as much weight as possible on your bow.
Entering or exiting an eddy is also a common place to pearl. This is especially true at high volumes where there is a much more distinct line between downriver current and eddy current. In order to keep your bow from pearling when crossing in and out of an eddy you will want to make sure you do a peel out and lean in the direction of the current you are going into. Punching straight into or out of an eddy in a high volume river or creek typically is a recipe for a flip. However, if you are in a low volume playboat or a squirt boat then this line between eddy and current is a playground, just like a good hole is to a playboater.
Some kayaks are more susceptible to pearling while others are designed specifically not to pearl. With big volume and rounded bows and sterns creek boats are much harder to pearl then other kayaks as flipping in a creek is never a good thing. The opposite of this is a kayak with very thin but wide bow and stern. This shape is typically found on play boats where getting and staying vertical is essential.
Supposedly the term pearl came from surfing where one would throw the end of their surfboard into the on coming wave in order to make the board dive into the water.
http://www.niftytricks.com/kayak/dic/pearl.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Maps along Shiawassee River
View Larger Map
3 Tubes RailRoad Bridge on Shiawassee River Map (click on yellow pin icon)
View Larger Map
Fish Lake Road take-out on Shiawassee River Map (click on yellow pin icon)
View Larger Map
Wilson Lake off the Shiawassee River Map (click on yellow pin icon)
View Larger Map
Fenton Mill Pond on the Shiawassee River Map (click on yellow pin icon)
View Larger Map
Strom Park in Fenton, Michigan Map (click on yellow pin icon)
View Larger Map
Friday, October 10, 2008
Dress to swim - everytime you paddle
as fast as cold air.
http://www.enter.net/~skimmer/openboat.pdf
COLD WATER + NO PFD = NO CHANCE !
http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/TP/Tp13822/menu.htm
Do not consider air temperature when
estimating the risk of cold water immersion!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Map - Holly to Corunna
CLICK on photo to enlarge and zoom in
A tremendous amount of data available at :
http://gwmap.rsgis.msu.edu/viewer.htm
Map
 |
| From Shiawassee River - (Can't find it ? scroll down ) |
Click on the map to enlarge and zoom in
Waterworks Park in Holly
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1244720/an/0/page/0
Strom Park in Fenton
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=EarthNature&Number=1244723&fpart=&PHPSESSID=
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Paddling over a Dam - Just Plain Stupid
Learn , study, take classes, paddle with friends, groups, etc.
Water is mischievous/ deceiving in the amount of power even light current has.
It' s a great article for discussion
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/09/kayakers_death_in_shiawassee_r.html
And yeah, I did flip my boat in 32 degree water with a wetsuit on later that day below Delhi.
Fellow paddlers helped me out, no questions asked, no inquisition, just camaraderie.
We evolve and learn by taking risks while attempting to control as many external factors as possible.
Challenge people if they have safety equipment and why they aren't using it.
What's the worst that could happen...you get verbally abused for a second, so what.
I'm no paddling genius with an awesome roll and superman S on my chest, but I do care a little.
People also learn thru large paddle events -they see other boats, gear, equipment.
One thing that makes it tough is all the paddling/ rowing clubs are like islands.
Unless you visit (via e-mail) each club and invite them, it's tough to get a decent turnout.
Many don't even have webpages, they are just private lists of people who go out and paddle.
There is no one stop clearing house of paddling info in Michigan.
Canoe, kayak, sculling, whitewater, flatwater, surf, touring, racing, --thats a lot of territory !.
People are constantly buying boats and are in need of instruction, exposure to other boats,
safety protocols, in a nut shell " they don't know what they they don't know" .
How can you ask questions when your un-aware equipment like float bags exist for rec boats ?
If the guy at the shops like Dunhams/Dicks/ Cabellas etc. never told them the paddle can be offset for wind...
it all relates to a inherent problem with paddle sports in the Michigan-the land of water,water everywhere.
*When someone drowns falling off a powerboat because no vest is worn
-we the taxpayers pay for the body retrieval time, resources, etc.
No boatowner ever came up on murder one charges for negligent homicide,
had his boat impounded for the season, etc. etc.
We also pay monetarily when kayakers/canoeists do some foolish stuff.
Curious to hear comments, feedback, etc. either on the boards or via personal mail
Monday, October 06, 2008
Pics from 2008 Fall Color Tour Paddle
THANKS to all paddlers who came out
-- we had approximately 60 -70 kayakers/canoeists
and another big thank you to Heavners Livery
for additional rentals and shuttle service.
Sunny afternoon, light winds, temps in the mid 60's
all made for a great day.
Pictures of 2008 Shiawassee Fall Color Tour Paddle
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/567721407KouRMx
Thursday, September 18, 2008
October 5th - Fall Color Paddle
along the Shiawassee River for some spectacular fall colors.
Date : Oct 5th 1:00 PM
Launch : WaterWorks Park in Holly, MI
Finish : Strom Park in Fenton, MI
SHUTTLE service available
CANOE RENTAL is available thru Heavners on site that day
- WaterWorks Park - 602 South Broad St, Holly, MI 48442-1674
It's on Broad Street aka (Milford Road) in Holly
http://www.headwate rstrailsinc. org/images/ ShiawasseeRiverM ap.jpg
http://www.headwate rstrailsinc. org/images/ SE_Michigan_ Inset_Map. jpg
There will be a short presentation in WaterWorks Park, 602 Broad Street in Holly, at 1:00 pm.
about the Top of the Shiawassee Heritage Water Trail.
Participants will start from there at 1:15 pm and be off the river by 5pm.
The route is seven scenic miles from Holly to Fenton, which takes from 2 to 4 hours
depending on paddling speed.
Heavner Canoe Rental is providing canoes and kayaks for rent on site at approximately $40 apiece.
People who want to rent should make an advance reservation by calling 248-685-2379
and find out the exact price at that time.
Headwaters Trails will be providing return transportation
from Strom Park in Fenton back to WaterWorks Park.
People who bring their own craft are asked to make a
$5 contribution to that service; for others, transport is included in the price of renting.
The river is high at this time and clear of obstacles, so passage over beaver dams
and around tight corners should be fairly easy.
The event will take place even if the day is cloudy,
so participants should dress for the weather.
In the event of thunderstorms, we will, of course, cancel as the
final mile across the open Fenton Millpond could be dangerous.
However, the crisp air and the sight of fall foliage along the way make
this one last treat before the winter season sets in.
Come join us for "Canoeing in Color."
Headwaters Trails, Inc.
Sue Julian, President: 248-634-3513 : sjulian@provide. net
Doug Lanyk, Vice-President: 248-634-4551 : dslanyk@comcast. net
Background info
http://shiawassee- river.blogspot. com/
We're pushing for a Heritage Water Trail from Holly all the way to Bay City
Right now it's navigable from Holly thru Fenton, on to Linden and Argentine.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Shiawassee River Task Force
The Shiawassee River Task Force had its beginnings in 2000 with a Great Lakes Matching Grant from the Land Trust Alliance to Oakland Land Conservancy and North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy. The Task Force coordinates four conservancies in land protection and stewardship activities throughout the Shiawassee River watershed in Oakland County. Key partners include Oakland County Planning & Economic Development Services, Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Nature Association, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, the Townships of Holly, Rose, and Springfield, and the Village of Holly. The local communities in the area have adopted innovative approaches to planning and zoning, such as cluster developments and resource overlay zones, to protect these sensitive features. Current activities include land and water trail development and continued protection and stewardship activities.
For More information please contact:
Shiawassee River Task Force
P.O. Box 51
Holly, MI 48442
Contact: Sue Julian, Coordinator
248-634-3513
sjulian@provide.net
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Kayak Raffle - Walden Adirondack
Shiawassee River mid-point landing located on Fish Lake Rd. in Holly.
The group will be selling raffle tickets for a Walden Adirondack kayak and accessories.
Actual drawing will be held December 12, 2008.
HeadWatersTrails Inc. on the internet
http://www.headwaterstrailsinc.org/about_us.htm
-Sue Julian, President:
248-634-3513
sjulian@provide.net
-Doug Lanyk, Vice-President:
248-634-4551
dslanyk@comcast.net
WALDEN ADIRONDACK
The Walden Adirondack Kayak Is A Favorite For General Recreation.
It's Large Cockpit Allows Easy Access And Plenty Of Room.
The Adirondack Also Has An Optional Retractable Rudder
Put-In at Bush Park in Fenton
--Bush Park offers a nice venue that is always open with no fees.
Bush Park launch site is best accessed off N. Leroy Street & 5th Street
View Larger Map
Monday, August 25, 2008
Genesee Regional Trail Council
HeadWatersTrails Inc. in Holly works at getting trails connected
beyween adjacent communities for all to enjoy the great outdoors.
http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/gcmpc-plan/Files/Maps/Trails%20Maps%20Updated/Fenton.pdf
http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/gcmpc-plan/Trails.htm
http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/gcmpc-plan/Files/Docs/Trails/Approval%20Trail%20Plan%
U of M - The Southern Lakes Planning Initiative
University of Michigan
Center for Applied Environmental Research
432 N. Saginaw St., Ste 1001
Flint, MI 48502-1950
810-767-7272 phone
810-767-7183 fax
smcdonne@umflint.edu
Sara McDonnell thru Southern Lakes Planning Initiative has worked with HeadWatersTrails Inc. in Holly, Mi and Fenton, MI
to conduct paddling inventories, identification of assets and developing strategies for branding the Water Heritage Trail .
http://www.oursouthernlakes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=72
