Get Ready! - Lowcountry Paddlers

Lowcountry Paddlers Club Newsletter
September 2015
Visit us on the Web at www.lowcountrypaddlers.net
Message from the Prez...
Get Ready!
It seems like summer just
started, but, the end is near. So
now is the time to start looking
at your fall and winter gear that
you may need on the water in
the coming season. Take your
gear out, and check to see if it
still fits, or if it is usable, and get ready. I found
that some of my winter gear had fallen behind a
shelf in the garage.
Also, now is a great time to start thinking about
some winter training classes. The Charleston
County Parks, and Sea Kayak Carolina, are great
places for your training needs. There are many
strokes or techniques you may want to learn or
refine. Even working on a good forward stroke
can be extremely helpful. (read Michael Condon’s article on strokes in last month’s newsletter
– Ed.) Both places also offer kayak rolling
classes at indoor pools, which is nice on the cold
winter days.
Be safe while out on the water,
so we can paddle together again soon
Michael
Mike Struve thanks outgoing VP, Michele Powell, for her service to LCP
- Page 1 -
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
LCP Club Business
LCP Minutes - August 17, 2015
The August meeting of the Lowcountry Paddlers was called to order by president Mike
Struve at 7:00 pm, with two members and three visitors present.
We are a socially and
economically di verse
organization with one common
link… a love of paddling.
Whether kayak, canoe or
paddleboard, expert or
beginner, we all enjoy the
camaraderie and the beauty of
South Carolina's waterways.
Our meetings are held on the
third Monday of each month
(except December), with club
paddles scheduled throughout
the year. Please join us and
share in the fun!
SPEAKER: David Goad described his adventures with the recent Paddle Georgia event on
the Ogeechee River.
BUSINESS: Minutes of the previous meeting
were approved as published in the newsletter,
without correction.
Recommendation was made to pick a date for
the Christmas Party and reserve the Legion post.
December 5th was chosen, and the reservation
requested. Please put this date on your calendar.
Bobbi Connor, who has hosted our annual
Oyster Roast for several years will not be able to host this coming February. If anyone would
like to host please contact Mike Struve. We will want to set a date early so that we can
schedule the caterer.
TREASURERS REPORT: The following report was provided:
Beginning Bank Balance
$1724.66
Deposits: 2 Memberships
Lowcountry Paddlers meet at:
Providence Baptist Church
294 Seven Farms Drive
Daniel Island
Join us at our next meeting on
September 21, at 7 p.m.
- Club Officers -
Disbursements: 2 ACA Memberships
Check 1327, July Mtg pizza
Bank Available Balance
$75.00
40.00
71.00
$1688.66
Outstanding Checks
Club Balance
$0.00
$1688.66
UPCOMING PADDLES
President
Michael Struve
Vice-President
Ken McDowell
Treasurer
David Goad
Secretary
Rick Leinster
Labor Day weekend, no paddles scheduled
Saturday, Sep 12: Bulls Bay, out to south end of Bulls Island loop trip. About 9 miles.
Rating: L2, Trip Leader Michael Condon
Saturday, Sep 19: Wambaw Creek and Santee River, from Wambaw Creek Bridge to
McConnells Landing on Santee River. About 9 miles, Rating: L2, because paddling against
tide on Wambaw Creek. Trip leader: Maryanne Harbit.
Sunday, Sep 27: Buck Hall, intra-coastal waterway out to north end of Bulls Bay. About 15
miles. Rating: L3, Trip Leader: Dan Hoke
Respectfully submitted by
Rick Leinster, Secretary
- Page 2 -
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
LCP at Lake Jocassee
Time is moving along so quickly this summer. I feel like
we're moving into fall already. The Lake Jocassee trip is
scheduled for Sept 10-13. This is a Thursday evening
through Sunday event. There are five groups from the
club that have reserved campsites for themselves. All but
one are grouped together
around site 42 at Devils Fork
State Park. That one is on the
paddle-in island campground.
check out what's available. Another good option is to join
one of the groups already reserved. We have two sites
with just a single person on them, that I suspect won't
mind sharing. Contact me and I'll put you in touch with
them. This also goes for carpooling. It's a long drive, and
I’m sure some friendly conversation and gas money will
be appreciated.
Talk to you soon
and happy paddling,
Dan Hoke
If you are now thinking you'd
like to join us, go to the parks
website for that weekend, and
Upcoming Club Paddles!
Sat, Sep 12
Bulls Bay, out to south end of
Bulls Island loop trip. About 9
miles.
Rating: L2, relatively
sheltered, smooth pace
Low tide at Garris landing is at
2 PM. Meet at 10AM and
launch at 10:30.
Michael: rmcondon2@comcast
.net
Michael
Condon
Wambaw Creek and Santee
River, from Wambaw Creek
Bridge to Mc Connells
Landing on Santee River.
L2
About 9 miles
Rating: L2, sheltered,
moderate pace (L2 because
we will be paddling against the
tide on Wambaw Creek as we
go down to the Santee River.)
Sun, Sep 27 Buck Hall, intracoastal
waterway out to north end of
Bulls Bay. About 15 miles.
L3
Rating: L3, unsheltered,
moderate pace.
Dan: dmhoke@gmail.com
High tide at McConnell’s
Landing is at 3PM. Meet at the
Shell Station parking lot in
McClellanville at 9:15 and
leave at 9:30 for Wambaw
Creek Bridge. Drop boats and
run a shuttle up to McConnells
Landing.
Marianne: maryanneharbit@g
mail.com
Low tide is about 1:30. Meet at
Buck Hall (parking fee
required) at 10 and launch at
10:30. Visit White Banks,
around to Raccoon Key, and
then back via Five Fathom
creek.
High tide is about 1PM. Meet at
Remleys point at 10, launch at
10:30.
Maryanne
Harbit
2
L
Sat, Sep 19
Sat, Oct 3
3
L
Circumnavigate Daniel
Island. About 17 miles.
Rating: L3, semi sheltered,
fast pace
- Page 3 -
Dan Hoke
TBD
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
Benefitting the Tybee Island Marine Science Center
17th Annual Tybee Island Sea Kayak Races
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Aug. 31, 2015.
 Sign-in for all 3 races is 7:30-8:15 a.m., followed
by a brief orientation.
 All boats need proper flotation. Deck lines are
highly recommended in the Little Tybee Challenge. All participants must wear PFDs.
 Participants receive a free 17 th Annual Tybee Island Sea Kayak Races t-shirt & a raffle ticket for
the drawing for the Perception kayak.
There are three races with staggered start times:
1. Tybee River Race: 6 ½ miles on the tidal river
separating Tybee and Little Tybee Islands; tests
speed and endurance. BACK THIS YEAR: Join
this race as a casual paddler not a racer. Paddle 2
miles for the cause (it’s like the walkers in a running race). If you don’t have a boat, add $20 to
your fee and use one of ours.
2. Little Tybee Challenge: 8 miles, circumnavigates
part of Little Tybee Island, passing through narrow
tidal creeks, broad tidal rivers, open coastal areas,
and two surf zones. Little Tybee Challenge racers
should have rough water experience and be competent at self rescue. Your boat must be sea worthy in rough conditions. Deck lines highly recommended.
3. Race Across the River for Gold & Platinum Sponsors: Our Gold/ Platinum sponsors compete for a
grand prize of a two- hour natural history trip for
ten-plus people on Mike Neal’s boat, the Island Explorer, or a kayak adventure for up to 8 with Savannah Canoe and Kayak. Each of these sponsors
selects one person (employed by the business or
part of the group) to race a kayak (we provide)
across the Back River and back to the marina.
Another way to support the Tybee Island Marine Science Center - be a race sponsor. Your registration fee
is included, you get your name on the t-shirt and more
- bronze sponsor $100; silver sponsor $250; gold
$500; platinum $1000. Contact Debbie for more info
on being a participant sponsor.
 The fee for the River Race & Little Tybee Challenge is $45 person; American Canoe Association
member - $40. Subtract $10 if postmarked by
 Participants also get their name in the general raffle at the awards ceremony following the Race
Across the River.
 ALSO BACK THIS YEAR General drawing for a
Perception kayak, donated by Half-Moon Outfitters. Three ways to get tickets: 1. one ticket per
registration 2. extra tickets for the race winners 3.
purchase tickets 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. (And please
help sell tickets if you can).
 Calling all Stand Up Paddleboarders for either the
River Race or the Little Tybee Challenge. We are
very excited this is the third year for the SUP category.
KAYAK CLASSIFICATION will be based on a system
originated by the Sound Rowers in Puget Sound and
modified for the Blackburn Challenge. "Racing kayaks
are classified into 1 of 3 categories based on waterline
length to width ratio. Those boats with a L:W ratio less
than 9.25:1 [but greater than 6.5:1] are in the Sea
Kayak class (SK); between 9.25:1 to 11.5:1 are in the
Fast Sea Kayak class (FSK); greater than 11.5:1 are
in the High Performance Kayak class (HPK)." Identify
your boat and we will place it in the proper category.
Go to soundrowers.org for the list and more info. The
4th category is General Purpose boats (ratio less than
6.5:1). All categories will be awarded male/female,
overall and masters (50 & over). Tandems will be
open class.
Register on line: http://www.active.com/tybee-islandga/boating/kayaking-races/17th-annual-tybee-islandsea-kayak-races-to-benefit-the-tybee-island-marinescience-center-2015
The Tybee Race is an American Canoe Association
sanctioned event.
- Page 4 -
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
Nature Adventures Outfitters... is Expanding!
Come see our newest location at Santee
State Park!
Fisheagle Nature Adventures now has a 40 ft. pontoon
boat that holds 30 passengers on beautiful Lake Marion.
FishEagle comes with a 20 year history of great service
and adventures offering tours into Stump Hole Swamp,
the Santee National Wildlife Refuge and through the
Historic Pinopolis Locks.
the beaten path places and
restaurants like "LoneStar" BBQ and
listen to their bluegrass music.. Come enjoy this
unique nature and see what Santee has to offer!
In the fall join us in Moncks Corner as we offer trips
down the famous Pinopolis Locks. At one time the
largest single lock in the world, guests will ride our 40
foot pontoon up and down from Lake Molutrie into the
Tailrace Canal and Cooper River. Watch as millions of
gallons fill the lock as you ride up over 70 feet! Pinopolis
Locks are a must see for both locals and visitors and it's a
Love to Paddle? .. We are now offering kayak, canoe and
paddleboard tours and rentals at the park! Follow the
Wood Duck trail to see over 50 Wood Duck Boxes and
explore Poplar Creek & Swamp. See beautiful cypress
trees, knees, and blooming vegetation along the way.
Wildlife seen includes an occasional alligator, ibis,
herons, turtles, egrets and more. Tours are led by Master
great trip for groups!
Sign up for curriculum based field trips now, with our
wildlife naturalists. Give us a call!Prices start at only
$15!
Whether it's paddling or taking an Eco-Boat Tour, come
check us out!
School Groups, Seniors, Scouts, Family Reunions and
everyone welcome!
Group Discounts too!
Naturalist and Wildlife Biologist for optimum
interpretation of the areas flora and fauna. Rentals on
your own includes instruction, maps & gear.
Stay in a Waterfront Cabin or Campground at Santee
State Park and enjoy over 2,500 acres with lots of hiking
and bicycling trails to explore. Swim on the sandy beach
or go fishing in the lake or an inland pond. While you're
here explore the Santee National Wildlife Refuge and the
historic town and museum in Elloree...Enjoy famous off
- Page 5 -
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
- Continued from back page -
from the editors...
I wasn’t sure that I would get this month’s newsletter out
in time, since I was on a business trip for the last 10 days
of the month. Besides being out of town, we were
working 10-hour days and 6-days/week. I was on my feet
nonstop, unpacking boxes and installing computer
workstations for over 500 classroom desks at the Marine
Corps University in Quantico. Quite a change from sitting
at my computer all day long. After the first week, I had to
tighten my belt. Seems the labor and sweat took an inch
off my waistline.
On the downside, while I was away, there was an
incident at our house. A cleat that I had mounted on a
wall in our garage broke. Unfortunately, it was holding
Carol’s old kayak up above our cars. I wasn’t even
home, and managed to get in an accident with my truck.
The kayak put a pretty good ding in the hood of my truck,
and creased the front of Carol’s hood and knocked off
her BMW hood ornament. Bummer! I’m sure that I
bought a cleat rated for more than the 45 lbs that Carol’s
kayak weighs. How do you explain to the insurance
company that your vehicles were attacked by a kayak?!
See you where the rudder meets the road!
Randy (and Carol)
Hello,
My name is Hank Hill and I am the Trip Leader for Tumalo
Creek Kayak and Canoe in Bend, Oregon.
I am writing you to introduce myself and our outfit to you
and your club. I am originally from South Carolina
and have done a lot of sea kayaking around that area. I
actually received my ACA instructor cert. at the annual
symposium at the James Island County Park several years
ago.
I know Oregon is a long way from Charleston, but we
wanted to reach out and introduce our multi-day sea kayak
adventures to you and your club. We offer fully guided and
supported multi-day trips to the San Juan Islands in
Northern Washington every August and September, and
also a nice winter escape down to Panama in February.
If this is something you'd like to learn more about, please let
us know. We'd love the opportunity to talk further about
what we do. In the meantime, please check out our website
and link below.
Feel free to write back with any questions. Thanks for your
time and consideration and... Happy Paddling!
http://tumalocreek.com/
http://tumalocreek.com/tour_categories/multi-day-tours/
Meets at: Folly Beach County Park Age: 16 & up. Fee: $36/$30 CCR Discount
Sea Kayak Instructional Classes: ACA Kayak Quickstart - Level 1.
Learn about the fun-filled sport of kayaking. During this 2-hour hands-on
informal program, our experienced guides will show you how you can
enjoy the local waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak. Pre-registration
required. Sept. 19 Sat 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Course # 39042. Meets at: James
Island County Park Age: 16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructional Classes: Introduction to
SUP - Level 1. This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to
progress comfortably at your own pace. Pre-registration required. Sept. 19
Sat 1 -3 p.m. Course # 39003. Meets at: James Island County Park Age:
16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 CCR Discount
After School Adventures: Kayaking. Come paddle with us after school!
We'll learn basic kayak strokes, and then play some fun paddling games.
Pre-registration required. Sept. 23 Wed 4:30 -6 p.m. Course # 39056.
Meets at: Palmetto Islands County Park Age: 8-12. Fee: $12/$10 CCR
Discount
After School Adventures: Kayaking. Come paddle with us after school!
We'll learn basic kayak strokes and then play some fun paddling games.
Pre-registration required. Sept. 24 Thu 4:30 -6 p.m. Course # 39057.
Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 8-12. Fee: $12/$10 CCR Discount
Sea Kayak Instructional Classes: ACA Paddling in Tidal Currents Level 4. Learn basic techniques for paddling in areas subject to tidal current, including entering and exiting eddies, ferrying across currents, and
techniques for surfing standing waves. Feel the synergy of you, your boat,
and moving water! Pre-registration required. Sept. 26 Sat 8:30 -11:30 a.m.
Course # 39043. Meets at: CCPRC Headquarters Age: 16 & up. Fee: $48/
$40 CCR Discount
Boy Scout Merit Badge: Canoe Merit Badge. This class meets all the
requirements for obtaining the Canoe Merit Badge, except First Aid and
Leave No Trace. During this course, you'll learn boating safety, paddling
techniques, rescues, and more! Pre-registration required. Sept. 26 Sat 9
a.m.-3:30 p.m. Course # 38990. Meets at: James Island County Park Age:
10-17. Fee: $48/$40 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Trips: Palmetto Islands Moonrise SUP
Tour. Discover what makes Palmetto Point such a special place. A trained
naturalist will guide you through the nuances of this unique area while the
high tide allows for breathtaking views over the salt marsh. Fill yourself
with natural beauty as the sun sets and a nearly full moon rises! Preregistration required. Sept. 26 Sat 5:30 -7:30 p.m. Course # 39007. Meets
at: Palmetto Islands County Park Age: 16 & up. Fee: $36/$30 CCR Discount
- Newsletter Submissions If you have an article or announcement for us to include in next month’s
issue, please e-mail it to lowcountrypaddlers@yahoo.com no later than
September 25th (Carol’s birthday!). Also be aware that copyright laws
prevent us from printing published items without permission.
NOTE: Articles submitted anonymously will not be accepted for publication.
- Page 6 -
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
More Fun Paddling Shots from Past Activities
Photos by Michael Condon, Phillip Kramp, and Randy Smith
- Page 7 -
“Making the most of our beautiful coast!”
Kayak the Surf Zone: Beginner Short Boat Surf Kayaking. Treat yourself
to some summer fun by learning to ride the waves in a kayak. We'll provide
whitewater (short boats) and sit-on-top kayaks, along with instruction in
safety and technique. Pre-registration required. Sept. 5 Sat 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Course # 39000. Meets at: Folly Beach County Park Age: 16 & up. Fee: $36/
$30 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructional Classes: Introduction to SUP
- Level 1. This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on
safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to progress comfortably at your own pace. Pre-registration required. Sept. 6 Sun 10 a.m.-12
p.m. Course # 39001. Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 16 & up.
Fee: $24/$20 CCR Discount
Sea Kayak Instructional Classes: ACA Kayak Quickstart - Level 1. Learn
about the fun-filled sport of kayaking. During this 2-hour hands-on informal
program, our experienced guides will show you how you can enjoy the local
waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak. Pre-registration required. Sept. 6
Sun 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Course # 39040. Meets at: James Island County Park
Age: 16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Fitness: yoSUP. Stand-up paddleboarding
meets yoga on the lake, a beginner-friendly setting. Calm water allows you to
focus and have fun. Pre-registration required. Sept. 8-Oct. 1 Tue, Thu 7:15 8:15 a.m. Course # 38897. Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 16 &
up. Fee: $99/$82 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Fitness: iSUP. Step out of the gym and onto
a board! SUP Fitness builds on foundations of paddleboarding and core stability by adding cardio, balance, strength, and flexibility. This series uses
intervals of barre, Pilates and yoga to build core stability, develop upper body
strength, and lift and tone the lower body. Sept. 8-Oct. 1 Tue, Thu 5:45 -6:45
p.m. Course # 38827. Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 16 & up.
Fee: $99/$82 CCR Discount
After School Adventures: Stand Up Paddleboarding. After your school
day ends, come to the park and have some fun on stand up paddleboards.
We'll learn basic paddling skills as we splash around on the water. Preregistration required. Sept. 9 Wed 4:30 -6 p.m. Course # 39054. Meets at:
Palmetto Islands County Park Age: 8-12. Fee: $12/$10 CCR Discount
Ultimate Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Take on the challenge with a variation of Lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee on SUPs. Create or join a team for five
weeks of league play culminating in a tournament to crown the season champions! Sept. 9 is the players meeting, which will be held at CCPRC HQ. Sept.
16-Oct 14 will be practice time and matches to establish seeding in the big
finale. The tournament will be held on Oct 17. View basic rules at charlestoncountyparks.com/107/Paddlesports. Sept. 9-Oct. 17, 6 -7 p.m. (Wed) & 1
a.m.-2 p.m. (Sat, Oct 17) Course # 39052. Meets at: James Island County
Park Age: 18 & up. Fee: $36/$30 CCR Discount
After School Adventures: Stand Up Paddleboarding. Sign up for a fun
after school adventure! Join your friends or make new ones as you learn new
outdoor skills. After your school day ends, come to the park and have some
fun on stand up paddleboards. We'll learn basic paddling skills as we splash
around on the water. Pre-registration required. Sept. 10 Thu 4:30 -6 p.m.
Course # 39055. Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 8-12. Fee:
$12/$10 CCR Discount
farm into a gnarled ghost forest and through abandoned rice fields while
looking for elusive clapper rails and other creatures during a paddle into the
salt marshes of Caw Caw. Chaperone required for ages 15 & under. Preregistration required. Sept. 12 Sat 8 -11 a.m. Course # 39038. Meets at: Caw
Caw Interpretive Center Age: 9 & up. Fee: $27/$22 CCR Discount
Sea Kayak Instructional Classes: ACA Introduction to Kayaking - Level
1. Learn a new sport comfortably and enjoyably. Using a variety of boats, this
entry-level course teaches you the basic strokes and skills to have fun on the
water! Pre-registration required. Sept. 12 Sat 1 -5 p.m. Course # 39041.
Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 16 & up. Fee: $48/$40 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructional Classes: Introduction to SUP
- Level 1. This fun, relaxed class gets you started with safety instruction and
proper paddling technique, allowing comfortable progression at your own
pace. Sept. 13 Sun 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Course # 39002. Meets at: James Island
County Park Age: 16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructional Classes: Intermediate SUP Level 2. Take the next step in SUP. We'll practice some fun balance drills,
improve stroke technique and learn safety. Pre-registration required. Sept.
13 Sun 1 -3 p.m. Course # 39006. Meets at: James Island County Park Age:
16 & up. Fee: $24/$20 CCR Discount
Paddlesports Team. Discover the basics of canoeing, kayaking, and stand
up paddleboarding in a fun, club atmosphere. Registration includes entry into
the SUP BIC One Design Races. Pre-registration required. Sept. 14-Oct. 12
Mon 5 -7 p.m. Course # 39053. Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 10
-17. Fee: $108/$90 CCR Discount
Birding Jaunts: Patriots Point Nature Trail. Bird watching is a hobby most
anyone can enjoy and South Carolina is a premier destination for bird enthusiasts. We'll look and listen for birds just passing through and for those that
make the state home. The scrubby woods and weedy fields at Patriot's Point
constitute one of the best migrant spots on the coast, especially during fall
migration. We will look for Connecticut and Nashville Warblers, along with
other early travelers. Sept. 17 Thu 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Course # 38933. Meets at:
Off-Site Location Age: 12 & up (Chaperone required for ages 15 and under).
Fee: $15/$12 CCR Discount
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) One Design Race Series. Join us for these
friendly SUP competitions in this race series: the BIC SUP One Design Challenge. All competitors will use the same board design and gear. All competitors will be entered into a national drawing for a stand up paddleboard. Onsite registration available. Sept. 17 Thu 5:30 -6:30 p.m. Course # 38997.
Meets at: James Island County Park Age: 10 & up. Fee: Free
SUP the Surf Zone. Surf SUP! Enjoy the sun, sand and surf in this popular
and historic pastime. Join a trained professional and learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, board/paddle design, etiquette
and safety. You'll come away with a basic understanding of surfing that will
give you the confidence to continue catching waves and growing as a SUP
surfer. Pre-registration required. Sept. 19 Sat 8 -11 a.m. Course # 38999.
Canoeing At Caw Caw: Salt Marsh Paddle. Explore past the old tea
- Page 8 -
- Continued on Page 6 Listed events are just a sampling of the great activities provided by
CCPRC. For a complete listing of CCPR events and activities, call
795-4386 or visit : http://www.ccprc.org. Remember, LCP members
get a 20% discount!!