Don't pack up your kayaking gear yet - the season isn't over. Bass Pro Shops will hold its annual Kayaking in the Fall seminar this Saturday. Led by Barbara Phillips, the class will give people a chance to try kayaks more suited for fall paddling.
Phillips, who works as a team leader in the Bass Pro Shops camping department, has been kayaking since she was 8 years old.
“It was fun and easy to do, and I became more involved when I went to college,” she said. “Kayaking is a way for me to relax and enjoy the surrounding areas and wildlife. I have always loved to explore, whether I'm hiking or paddling.”
Phillips will go over basic paddle strokes, getting the kayak ready for fishing and the safeguards for people to be aware of with the water and weather getting cooler, she said. There will also be an opportunity for people to get into a kayak and try out ones that are more suitable for fall paddling. The boats are relatively stable, and it is very easy to learn the basic strokes, she said.
“We are fortunate to live in a state with 2.4 million acres of surface area covered by some form of wetlands,” Phillips said. “So, no matter where you live in the state, there is probably a lake, state park, river or marsh nearby just waiting to be explored.”
Once people have invested the money for a boat, paddle and vest, all they really need is the time to get out on the water, she said.
“Part of it is actually getting in the boat and that really shows them how easy it is,” she said. “It's something that all ages can do.”
Another focus of the lesson is letting people know that the season isn't over yet, Phillips said.
“We generally have a pretty nice fall,” she said. “It's a good time because motorboats are not in the water, and it's absolutely beautiful when leaves reflect off the water.”
Approximately 50 people attended the session last year, and Phillips anticipates that there will be nearly as many this year. Phillips has been holding the seminars since the store opened in 2004. Her favorite part about the sessions is “to take someone who has never paddled before - maybe someone who is a little concerned about trying it - and put them in one of our boats and see the expression on their face when they learn that recreational kayaking is something that anyone can try.”
“If you have kids, get out on the lake,” she said. “If you're older, get together with friends and enjoy the season.”
Gitana Mirochnik
253-5311 ext. 237
gitana.mirochnik@lee.net
If you go.
What: Kayaking in the Fall
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clarke Street Road, Aurelius
Cost: Free
Info: Call 258-2700
Central New York kayaking spots
• Haiti Island: Place kayaks at Mosquito Point off Route 38, near Port Byron
• Boat launch across from the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge on Routes 5 and 20
• Otisco Lake Park on Otisco Valley Road in Marietta
• May's Point, in Savannah
• Skaneateles Lake boat launch on West Lake Road, Route 41A, five miles south of Skaneateles
“It was fun and easy to do, and I became more involved when I went to college,” she said. “Kayaking is a way for me to relax and enjoy the surrounding areas and wildlife. I have always loved to explore, whether I'm hiking or paddling.”
Phillips will go over basic paddle strokes, getting the kayak ready for fishing and the safeguards for people to be aware of with the water and weather getting cooler, she said. There will also be an opportunity for people to get into a kayak and try out ones that are more suitable for fall paddling. The boats are relatively stable, and it is very easy to learn the basic strokes, she said.
“We are fortunate to live in a state with 2.4 million acres of surface area covered by some form of wetlands,” Phillips said. “So, no matter where you live in the state, there is probably a lake, state park, river or marsh nearby just waiting to be explored.”
Once people have invested the money for a boat, paddle and vest, all they really need is the time to get out on the water, she said.
“Part of it is actually getting in the boat and that really shows them how easy it is,” she said. “It's something that all ages can do.”
Another focus of the lesson is letting people know that the season isn't over yet, Phillips said.
“We generally have a pretty nice fall,” she said. “It's a good time because motorboats are not in the water, and it's absolutely beautiful when leaves reflect off the water.”
Approximately 50 people attended the session last year, and Phillips anticipates that there will be nearly as many this year. Phillips has been holding the seminars since the store opened in 2004. Her favorite part about the sessions is “to take someone who has never paddled before - maybe someone who is a little concerned about trying it - and put them in one of our boats and see the expression on their face when they learn that recreational kayaking is something that anyone can try.”
“If you have kids, get out on the lake,” she said. “If you're older, get together with friends and enjoy the season.”
Gitana Mirochnik
253-5311 ext. 237
gitana.mirochnik@lee.net
If you go.
What: Kayaking in the Fall
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clarke Street Road, Aurelius
Cost: Free
Info: Call 258-2700
Central New York kayaking spots
• Haiti Island: Place kayaks at Mosquito Point off Route 38, near Port Byron
• Boat launch across from the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge on Routes 5 and 20
• Otisco Lake Park on Otisco Valley Road in Marietta
• May's Point, in Savannah
• Skaneateles Lake boat launch on West Lake Road, Route 41A, five miles south of Skaneateles
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