What words come to mind when you say you are going Kayaking in the Thousand Islands: Strength and Stamina?
No. The most important word is SAFETY.
Jan Brabant, a seasoned kayaker with a wealth of knowledge in the sport, shares his kayaking photographs and insights with our readers. We first met Jan when he introduced us to the trapper, Don Marshal (Trapping Beaver, a Photo Essay, by Jan Brabant, Oct. 2023) but it was during a lunch at the Koffee Kove in Clayton this spring that he captivated me with his kayaking tales.
Jan had the TI Adventures Kayak Shop in Clayton for 25 years, and over those years, he took hundreds of sportsmen out on the River to see what Kayaking was all about.
It was Jan who corrected me when he asked the questions. Of course, my immediate thought was "strength" and "stamina," but both were wrong. He outlined the importance of "Safety" and suddenly it all made sense.
Jan's instructions were straightforward, beginning with the choice of kayak color. He advises red, yellow, or bright lime green. "Bright" is the word.. also bright colored life jackets... for their visibility is important from shore, rescue boats, or the air. Next, He suggests selecting a kayak suitable for your skill level and the type of water you'll be paddling, whether it's the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, or fast-moving white-waters.
You will have to make sure you are always wearing a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) and of course a helmet if you are on the Black River Rapids.
Once you have your kayak or a rented one, you will learn how to launch it and climb in correctly. The Paddling techniques are next. You will learn to turn, use sweeping strokes, and practice leaning from side to side using your paddle to maintain balance.
Finally, the last part of "Safety" was another question for Susie—what to watch for. Susie answered confidently, "Boat wakes?" "Cold water temps?" No. The most important last part is "Safety Awareness." Be sure to be aware of your surroundings, weather conditions, and water currents. "Once you have started, you will learn self-rescue techniques and how to assist others if they capsize." says Jan.
Now, I am confident that if you look out on any day from May to late September, you will see kayakers enjoying our River. Join them, go exploring and yes, "stay safe".
Jan Brabant shares his pictures
Introducing Kayaking to Children
Learning to paddle as a child will give a lifetime of enjoyment
The Grinder!
It was Matt Heineman who termed an annual paddle around Grindstone Island - the "Grinder".
Beginning at sunrise and enjoying breakfast at Canoe Point or Potters Beach, depending on the wind conditions each year. Going in a group with a purpose makes the trip not only enjoyable but something to look forward to over the winter. And ask your friends who are kayakers if this was an appropriate name! They will most certainly agree!
Circling Wellesley Island
A Visit to Half Moon Bay
Beginning in 1887 nondenominational Sunday vesper services are held in Halfmoon Bay each summer. However, on Sundays and throughout the week, from Spring until Fall kayakers visit the Bay. A tiny cut in the giant granite, perfect for a glide and a rest.
Main Duck Voyage
Main Duck Island was purchased by Parks Canada in 1977 and is considered part of the Thousand Islands National Park even though it is located out on Lake Ontario, approximately 20 kilometers from the closest mainland.
Its total area is 230 hectares (570 acres).
Kayaking on Lake Ontario is measurably different than on the St. Lawrence River. The wave action means you paddle from peak to peak. In simple terms it is tough but a challenge that many kayakers want to experience.
Emphasis on these excursions calls for advanced paddling and safety skills. and fall, winter and spring paddling requires protective clothing. Remember Cold Water Kills . . .
Pigeon Light Light
Another popular long paddle out into Lake Ontario would be to the Pigeon Island Light near the head of Wolfe Island, ON.
Closer to home, Rock Island Lighthouse
Sugar Island, Leeds and the Thousand Islands in Canada
Sugar Island is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands near Gananoque, Ontario Canada. The 35-acre island is privately owned by the American Canoe Association and is available to all members for year-round use. In March, 2021, TI Life author Lynn McElfresh provided a short history of the island and the Association. Many of the early paddlers purchased islands in the region and their families still return each summer.
The Rock Island Lighthouse is about 4.5 miles northeast of Clayton, NY, off of Fisher's Landing. It is part of the New York State Park system and visitors are welcome. TI Life readers learned the history back in 2009 with Mark Wenting's Rock Island Lighthouse: A Story of Discover; and in February and March 2022, with Rock Island Lighthouse, Part I and Part II written by Mary Alice Snetsinger.
The Lighthouse is a popular destination for tour boats, boaters and kayakers.
And then there is winter
Winter Kayaking does emphasis safety from the time you put on your dry suit and life jacket to the the time you complete your paddle and remove your Kayak from the River. But for those who know how, there can be no better feeling. Jan Brabant says, late fall, winter and early spring can be the most challenging but also the more exuberating."
Jan has been talking to Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) about the possibility of setting out maps with Kayak trails. And where else? Well he says that list could be as long as a nine-mile paddle... "with Crooked Creek, French Creek, Goose Bay, Chippewa Bay - Don't forget the Redwood Lakes, Or you can skip over to Canada with the Gananoque River plus all the named groups, like Admiralty, Navy, Lake Fleet and go east to Brockville where there are several park islands and extremely clear water. In fact, they say you feel as though you are in a plane looking down at the granite rocks underwater..."
But all is not perfect. Jan feels that we have some of the best costal kayaking in the US but on the US side there are no Paddle Clubs - a place to house a kayak or canoe with easy access to the water. Setting up such a place would solve an age-old problem - Jan says:
"How do we teach our children River Skills? If we don't do so when they are young, why would they not want to come home to the River when they grow up!" "The Antique Boat Museum had a program for 5th graders, and many had never been on the water or in a boat. We can do better with more programs like this, I know we can.
By Jan Brabant with Susan W. Smith, Editor, thousandislandslife.com
Jan Brabant was born in Alexandria Bay, lives in Clayton and is a student of the River. He is a true waterman - which the dictionary describes as "a boatman and oarsman who has attained a particular level of skill". A perfect description of our River friend. Jan was introduced to TI Life by its creator, Paul Malo, who published Jan's winter kayaking photographs in April 2008.
And Jan and I salute the Canadian 1000 Islands Kayaking in Gananoque. They provide everything you need to take a paddle in the Admiralty Group.
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 7, July 2024, Nature, Photographs, Sports
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