TCSKA: Summer 2001 Club Newsletter  
Note
from the Editor: 
In taking over the role as
Editor of the club newsletter I hope to follow the example of the celebrated Sarah Ohmann by packing it chock-full with useful, interesting, and, hopefully, entertaining info. The newsletter will continue to inform members of club trips, events and skills workshops, as well as provide trip reports and news of Board business. I also plan to add a "Gear for Sale" section to compliment the one planned for our web-site. I will add other new sections and material as inspiration strikes. Finally, I strongly encourage all members to submit ideas, trip reports, gear for sale or other relevant pieces for publication in future newsletters. Don't hesitate to call me at (612) 823-6529 or e-mail me at brock.hunter@justice.com with any ideas, questions, or concerns.  

Brock Hunter   

Member News: 

Congratulations to Rick Wright
and Sarah Ohmann for securing "Rock Star" status by publishing an article on paddling the Apostle Islands in the June 2001 issue of Sea Kayaker magazine. The article does a great job of translating the magic of the islands into words, as well as including a heap of useful information and numerous striking photographs.  

Unfortunately for our illustrious
authors, a number of the above-mentioned photos include images of TCSKA members and/or their boats, all used without permission! In keeping with the recent trend toward frivolous litigation, this Editor is currently seeking fellow victims to join in a class-action law suit for a portion of the proceeds from the article.   

Club-Sponsored Skills
Workshops: 
Bill Newman, a certified kayaking
instructor, long-time club member/Board member, celebrated paddling author/lecturer, and self-proclaimed "Great Father Hunter", has generously offered to lead free paddling skills workshops for club members during two up-coming Wednesday Night Paddles on Lake Calhoun. 

On Wednesday, May 23, Bill
will lead a workshop on basic paddle strokes and self rescues. On Wednesday, June 13, Bill will espouse his knowledge on group rescues and bracing skills. All skill levels are welcome. Dress to get wet.   

Gear for Sale: 
Since this is a new section,
I will get things rolling. 
1.
Kokatat Gore-Dura Drysuit, size XL, great condition (used one season), relief zipper, reinforced seat and knees, Colors - Mango/Cobalt, $399 (purchased new for $725). Contact Brock Hunter at (612) 823-6529.   2.
Current Designs Storm Sea Kayak, yellow, 17’ long, rudder, bulkheads, good condition (used four seasons - normal wear and tear), $699 (purchased new for $1,300). Contact Brock Hunter at (612) 823-6529. 

Early Season Paddling
Hazards and Tips:
(Editor's Note: The following
piece was written by Sarah Ohmann and included in the Spring 2000 club newsletter. Since water temps on Lake Superior are still dangerously cold this year, I thought we could all use a little review before heading north.) 
Although the ice is mostly
gone, the water has not yet begun to warm up and surface temps remain around 33 degrees F. Water this cold can be quickly lethal and deserves extra precautions and care when making the decision to paddle. In the event of a capsize, your body temperature will drop quickly and the onset of hypothermia will be much more rapid without proper clothing. Hands can lose feeling and the ability to function within a few minutes of immersion, and the possibility of cold shock (the involuntary gasp or inhalation response which can occur on sudden contact with cold water) becomes a serious concern. 
Your best defense is to pick
your day very carefully, choosing only the best weather to paddle. As always, it is important to check the forecast before setting out, but only the open water forecasts are available at the moment. Also, the weather is highly variable at this time of year, ranging from calm and sunny to gales with freezing spray to severe winter storms. So, it is especially important to keep a close eye on the sky, wind and waves for any changes in the weather. 
I feel that a drysuit is an
essential for paddling on water this cold, because farmer john/jane style wetsuits don't adequately protect the arms and torso from the water. Even a drysuit will not protect you if you don't wear enough insulation underneath. Make sure you are wearing enough fleece to be effective: test out your clothing by floating for five (5) minutes in the water. You'll know pretty quickly whether you need to add another layer. 
Hands and feet are more problematic,
and people have different solutions. 3-5 mm neoprene gloves are available, but are fairly stiff. Thinner neoprene gloves offer better flexibility and grip on the paddle, but will probably need to be used with neoprene or nylon pogies if there is any kind of wind. Double layers of neoprene or the addition of waterproof knee-high boots can help keep your feet warm. (Editor's note: Kokatat drysuits can be ordered with latex or, now-available, Gore-Tex socks as an option on their drysuits. Old drysuits can be sent in to the manufacturer to have them added, or so I hear. This option is nice because it will keep your feet absolutely dry and, therefore, warm. The downside of this option is that a small hole in a sock can compromise the whole suit, so great care must be taken to protect them). A neoprene hood or other windproof hat is also a must. 
Even if you stay out of the
water, the intense cold can travel right through the hull of your kayak and chill you even if your are otherwise warmly dressed. A thin layer of mini-cell foam or neoprene glued to your seat and under your heels and feet can make a big difference in how warm you feel. 

Bringing food, emergency shelter,
and extra clothing or a sleeping bag is also a good idea. If your are surprised by sudden bad weather, you will at least have the option of landing and waiting out the bad weather.   

TSCKA 2001 SUMMER
CALENDAR: 
How to sign up for a trip: 

Check
the trip rating system at the end of the newsletter to see what skills are required for a trip. Please remember to check the trip distances to see if they are within your range. If you are unsure about a requirement, please talk to the organizer about it. Contact
the trip organizer to sign up for the trip and get more specific information about meeting time and place.
Official
club trips have "TCSKA" next to the date and generally require participants to be members of TCSKA and are covered by ACA and club guidelines. Non-official trips/events are not sanctioned by the ACA or TCSKA, and membership is not required.  

TCSKA
May 19-20:
ACA Fundamentals
of Sea Kayaking. Learn the basics of sea kayaking with club member and certified instructor Bill Newman. This is the official ACA two-day class that covers sea kayaks, equipment, safety gear, basic strokes, wet exits, self and assisted rescues, and more. Class will be held on a local Twin Cities lake. Cost for both days is expected to be about $160 for non-members (includes membership) and $135 for current members. You will need to provide your own equipment, but rentals are available from several places around the cities. FMI call Bill Newman at 763-585-6191        

May 23:
Wednesday Night Paddle.
Skill session with Bill Newman. Focus on basic strokes and self rescue techniques. Meet at 6 pm on the north beach of Lake Calhoun. FMI call Al Kasinskas at 651-698-0624 or 651-329-3264.        

May 25-28
Memorial Day Trip to
the Sauna Islands. This is our name for the islands just north of the MN border and south of Thunder Bay, named because there are three saunas in the island group, but if you haven't seen the Thunder Bay area yet, the other reason to go is the great scenery. This is an informal trip, and you can show up when you want and do whatever day trips you want. 
Drive time from the Twin Cities to the put-in at Squaw Bay is about 6 hours. 
The plan is to base camp on Flatland Island, which is a fairly sheltered 6 
mile paddle from the put-in at Squaw Bay.  Flatland Island has a sauna and a 
large grassy area for camping.  There are many day trip options from there, 
ranging from easy to marathon, and lots to see. FMI contact Sarah Ohmann at 763-585-6191        

May 30:
Wednesday Night Paddle.
Meet at 6 pm on the north beach of Lake Calhoun. FMI call Al Kasinskas at 651-698-0624 or 651-329-3264.        

June 6:
Wednesday Night Paddle.
Meet at 6 pm on the north beach of Lake Calhoun. FMI call Al Kasinskas at 651-698-0624 or 651-329-3264.        

June 6-10:
Mississippi River Tour.
Paddle from downtown St. Paul to Lake Pepin. Total distance is about 60 miles (about 20 miles/day). The trip will take you through several of the Mississippi River locks and includes at least two restaurant stops along the way with views of barge traffic and the Lake Pepin area. Finish and camp Fri. and Sat. nights at Hok-Si-La City Park. FMI contact Adrienne Madson at 952-955-1897 Level III      

TCSKA
June 9-10:
Intro to Lake Superior
Paddling. Never (or rarely) been on the big water but want to give it a try? Bill Newman and Sarah Ohmann will offer some basic information and a short overnight trip for those who want to know more about what's involved in touring on Lake Superior. We will camp near Bayfield, WI on Friday night, then do an overnight trip to Basswood or Hermit Island for Saturday. There will be some instruction on safety/touring equipment, weather, navigation, and seamanship. You will need at least some kayaking experience such as a good introductory class (see May 19), your own kayaking equipment and camping gear. Level II, FMI Sarah Ohmann 763-585-6191.       

TCSKA
June 13:
Wednesday Night Paddle.
Skill session with Bill Newman. Focus on group rescues and bracing skills. Meet at 6 pm on the north beach of Lake Calhoun. FMI call Al Kasinskas at 651-698-0624 or 651-329-3264.      

TCSKA
June 16:
St. Croix River Paddle.
Sea kayak from Hudson to Prescott. 9:00 am put-in at downtown Hudson, lunch stop at Kinnickinnic Delta State Park, take-out at Point Douglas. RSVPs required to coordinate shuttle vehicle(s). Contact Stellar Sager at 651-770-0396. Level II        

June 20:
Wednesday Night Paddle.
Meet at 6 pm on the north beach of Lake Calhoun. FMI call Al Kasinskas at 651-698-0624 or 651-329-3264.      

TCSKA
June 23:
Squaw Bay Sea Caves.
Day trip with possible overnight camping. FMI call John Ware at 651-690-3957.        

June 23-29:
Slate Islands, Ontario.
Dennis Asmussen will be organizing a trip to the Slates with our club and some Michigan paddlers. The group will meet in Terrace Bay and do a six-mile crossing out to the islands. FMI, contact Dennis Asmussen at 651-488-7224 or Dennis.Asmussen@dnr.state.mn.us.        

June 27:
Wednesday Night Paddle.
Meet at 6 pm on the north beach of Lake Calhoun. FMI call Al Kasinskas at 651-698-0624 or 651-329-3264.      

TCSKA
July 14-25:
Return to Lake Nipigon.
We didn’t get very far last fall, but we’re going to give it another try, this time at a slightly warmer time of year. The trip is planned to cover mostly the northern part of the lake. Daily distances will be 20-25 miles. Level III FMI call Sarah Ohmann at 763-585-6191.        

July 19-22:
Great Lakes Sea Kayak
Symposium. I’m planning on going to this and would team up with others interested. FMI call John Ware at 651-690-3957.      

TCSKA
July 28:
St. Croix River Paddle.
Taylors Falls to Osceola or William O’Brien State Park with a lunch stop at Osceola Landing. RSVPs required to coordinate shuttle vehicles. Contact Stellar Sager at 651-770-0396. Level I TCSKA
August 1-7:
Quetico Trip.
A tour around the waters of Quetico Park. Level II. Some portaging required. For more details contact Peter Veng-Pederson at 319-626-6138 or see http://128.255.228.51/TCSKA_QUETICO_TRIP/        

August 4-5 or 11-12:
Basswood Island Overnight.
If you are interested in doing this trip, please get in touch with John Ware ASAP as reservations need to be made well in advance. Call John at 651-690-3957.      

TCSKA
Aug. 31-Sept. 3:
Voyageurs National Park.
Beginner level kayak and camping trip in Voyageurs National Park, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area. Gouged by massive glaciers down to the ancient bedrock known as the Canadian shield, Voyageurs is full of unusual rock outcrops, irregularly shaped lakes, and slow-moving rivers, perfect for sea kayaking.
New paddlers must take the ACA 3-hour Safety and Rescue Course to qualify for this trip. Trip organizers are Arne Stefferud and Stellar Sager. Cost is $15. Send deposit to Stellar Sager, 6655 Gretchen Lane N., Oakdale, MN 55128. Phone 651-770-0396. Level I      

TCSKA
Sept. 8-9
2nd
Annual Fall Ball, Sand Island.
We had a good time last year so we’re doing it again (check out the trip report and photos from the 1st Fall Ball on our web page.) We will paddle from Little Sand Bay out to East Bay on Sand Island. FMI contact Ellen Nacik at 651-646-5621. Level II    

Club Guidelines for
Official Club Trips and Activities:
Individual Equipment Required
for Club Trips Rated Level II or higher and Great Lakes or Ocean Paddling: 

*
Sea worthy Sea Kayak with floatation bags or watertight bulkheads – preferably 16 feet or greater in length *
Spray Skirt
*
Personal Floatation Device (PFD) with whistle – PFD's must be worn at all times on club trips
*
Paddle Float
*
Bilge Pump
*
Map/Chart and Compass – required on Great Lakes and Ocean Trips *
Wet Suit or Dry Suit for all Superior trips *
Waterproof Flashlight or Headlamp for night paddling 

Recommended
Group and Individual Equipment for Club Trips Rated Level II or Higher and Great Lakes or Ocean Paddling: 

• Water bottle and food within reach of the cockpit (energy gel, power bars, etc.) * Tow line for towing tired or injured paddlers * First Aid kit * VHF Radio * Repair Kit for Kayak and other important equipment * Sunscreen * Sun Glasses * Extra food to allow for waiting out bad weather * Extra clothes, sleeping bag, tent or bivy sack – even for day trips; in case of bad weather * Paddle leash and/or spare paddle * Strobe light and/or reflective tape on PFD * Flares and signal mirror – required on Great Lakes and Ocean Trips * Way-cool dork-hat for shade or warmth * Helmet for surfing  Skill Requirements for Club Trips:  Each club trip differs in the kayak skills that will be required for participants to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Skills required for a club trip are determined by the trip organizer and/or the TCSKA Board using the following lists as a general guide only. Participants are expected to self-assess their abilities and take responsibility for themselves on club trips. Trip organizers help organize trip logistics and coordinate club activities – do not expect them to act as guides on trips! Note also that the focus on the rating systems requirements is on skills rather than on the number of years of experience in kayaking. A paddler with ten years of experience would still be qualified only for SK I trips if they had not developed, for example, reliable self-rescue skills. 

Level I:
No previous paddling experience is required for club trips with a level I rating. Examples would include club-sponsored skill sessions on inland lakes and winter pool sessions. Level I trips or skill sessions will be used to help new paddlers develop the necessary skills to participate in more advanced trips. Level I trips will be limited to sheltered waters and short distances with few significant hazards. 

Level II: Level
II trips may include less sheltered open water paddles and longer distances. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of kayak paddle strokes and braces. They also must be able to demonstrate a self-rescue technique such as a paddle-float rescue and have experience using at least one assisted rescue such as a T-rescue or rafting-up. a trip organizer may require a demonstration of both a self-rescue and assisted-rescue before allowing a paddler to come on a Level II or higher rated trip. Participants are also expected to have a working knowledge of basic navigational skills such as using a chart and compass, and basic knowledge of the effects of weather on paddling conditions and how to obtain marine forecasts prior to starting a trip. It is assumed that participants can maintain a reasonable pace for trips of up to ten miles per day in good weather.  
Level III: Level
III trips may include open water paddling in challenging conditions and longer trip distances. On Level III trips, participants should have well developed paddle stroke and bracing skills. Participants should not only have good high and low bracing skills, but should be working on a strong sculling brace and learning to eskimo roll. Paddlers should be comfortable paddling in higher winds (over 15 knots) and traveling in waves of 2-3 feet. They should be comfortable launching and landing in moderate surf when breaking waves are 3 feet or less. Participants in Level III trips should have a good working knowledge of navigation including strong piloting and dead reckoning skills. On Level III trips participants should have the endurance to paddle up to 20 miles per day in good weather with a fast, efficient forward paddle stroke. 

Level IV:
Level IV trips may include open water paddling in very challenging conditions over long distances. Participants should have very strong paddling and bracing skills, be comfortable paddling in rough conditions (waves 4 feet or greater and winds up to 30 knots), have mastered group and self-rescue techniques, developed a reliable eskimo roll (preferably on both sides). Participants should also be comfortable with landing in larger surf with 3-6 foot waves. As a rule, trip organizers would avoid setting out to paddle in the above conditions, but, for example, a late-Fall trip on Lake Superior might be rated a Level III-Level IV rather than a Level III in recognition of the greater chance of running into sudden Fall storms.