May 2025 HCKC Newsletter

FROM THE SKIPPER

From the Skipper May 2025

Paddling season is in full swing this month whether you are chasing white water, venturing into big bumpy waters or planning to relax on a local stream or lake. There are many opportunities for HCKC members in our paddling community. There are day or extended paddle trips, training for different skill levels, a demo day to try out various boats and social time to meet other paddlers and share our stories. Come join us!

See you on the water,

The Skipper

TRIP REPORTS

Sea Kayak Trip Report: North Carolina Cedar Point April 11-18

Trip Leaders: Jim Heichelbech & Linda Decker

We had 12 HCKC paddlers join us for a Spring Trip to North Carolina near Swansboro. This coastal area is made up of salt marshlands, rivers and several barrier islands along the Atlantic Crystal Coast. The weather was very windy most of the week and paddling destinations were decided upon based on tides, tidal currents and weather.

Our day trips included some of our favorites from previous trips. We were treated to seeing the wild horses when we circumnavigated Carrot Island. We made two trips out to Bear Island that required some interesting navigation to find our way through the salt marshes. The day on the White River a tranquil paddle, out of the wind. A few brave paddlers went out on the windiest day for a little playing in the waves while others visited historic Ft. Macon or went bike riding on Emerald Isle. Our last paddle was out to the lighthouse and beautiful beaches at Cape Lookout.

Cedar Point is a very nice campground and we enjoyed evening fires with the group, a pitch-in dinner and an evening feasting on key lime pie!

Submitted by: Tony Pascuzzi

Kiptopeke, VA Scouting Trip, April 19-26

We had 11 paddlers from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky participate in all or part of this trip. We camped at Kiptopeke State Park, which is approximately 10 minutes south of Cape Charles, VA.

Day trips were done on the Chesapeake Bay and on the Atlantic Ocean. Kiptopeke SP has a boat ramp and kayak launch, which are free to campers. Cape Charles also has a free boat ramp/kayak launch. Ocean side paddles required launching at the Wise Point Boat ramp ($10/vehicle fee).

Bayside paddles from KSP were to the concrete ships/breakwaters, Wise Point, Fisherman’s Island, and Wm Trower Bayshore Natural Area.

Bayside paddles from Cape Charles were to Savage Neck Dunes Preserve and Long Pond Loop.

Oceanside paddles from Wise Point boat ramp were to Cape Charles Light House, Smith Island, Skidmore Island, McGothy Channel / surrounding islands, and Raccoon Island.

Paddling conditions ranged from dead flat calm to small craft warnings with waves typically 2’ or less. A small group paddled a couple of days in the ocean to play in the wave trains and surf. Waves in the wave trains were typically shoulder high with occasional waves well over head high.

Dolphin were more plentiful and playful than any of us had ever seen. They were spotted fishing every day. Quite a few dolphin also enjoyed surfing in the wave trains all around us, which was quite a sight to see. They’re obviously excellent surfers and seemed to truly enjoy it.

Some folks took advantage of the many hiking and biking opportunities in the park and surrounding areas. We had dinner and beverages at the Shanty and Cape Charles Brewing Company. Both are highly recommended, especially the CC Brewing.

This is a great location for paddling, surfing, and non-paddling activities. We plan to go back again to continue with  our scouting of the area.

DRIFTWOOD RIVER, SUE FOXX TRIP SPONSOR

Twelve paddlers met on Sunday, May 18, for a fun trip down the Driftwood. Storms on Friday made predicting the water level tricky. On Saturday morning the trip leader declared it a ‘go’ thinking the level would be 4 ft but water upstream bumped it to 6 feet by the time we left. This made it a ‘highway to heaven’ where we zipped along without the usual rock gardens we often encounter. It also meant that some opted for a 10.1 mile trip with an easier takeout than the rapids at Lowell Bridge for the 14 mile trip. We had several old timers on the trip along with some new members and guests. I am especially indebted to Jeff Steiskal for being the lead boat and to Garry Hill for helping launch folks at the put in. Making it even better, Blues Canoe livery was not operating due to the higher water. It was great not having to paddle between the party groups. A few closing words of caution, SR 252 is closed west of I-65 but there is an easy work around through the city of Edinburgh. 

LIGHTNING SAFETY

When paddling at this time of year, it’s not unusual to get caught out in an occasional thunderstorm. Now, a little rain has never hurt anyone but lightning is something that we have to take precautions around. The “rule of thumb” for lightning is the 30-30 rule. If the time between when you see the lightning flash to when you hear it is less than 30 seconds, immediately get off the water and seek shelter! (Note: The ACA recommends 40 seconds.) This is recommended since successive lightning strikes associated with a storm have been observed to be 6-8 miles apart. After you get off the water, do not venture out until 30 minutes after the last thunder you hear. You can esti mate your distance from a lightning strike by counting the time in seconds between when you see the light ning flash and when you hear the thunder by dividing the time by 5 to get the distance in miles. If you see lightning but don't hear thunder, the storm is probably 15 miles away. If you hear thunder, the storm is within 10 miles– almost lightning strike distance. Once you’re off of the water, get as far away from the shore as practical because of ground surge and side splash. Seek clumps of shrubs or trees of uniform height, ditches, trenches, or low ground. Avoid metal objects, isolated tall trees, shallow caves, bridges, and open fields—you don't want to be the tallest object or standing right below it. If you can get inside a car, do so. If you’re on land and your hair begins to stand on end, you hear a crackling noise, smell ozone, or objects develop a blue glow (St. Elmo's fire), this indicates a lightning strike is imminent. You should assume the Lightning Safety Position: 1) crouch on the balls of your feet, preferably on your PFD or some insulated pad, 2) keep your head down, and 3) do not touch the ground with your hands. Several sites also recommend covering your ears with your hands to protect them from acoustic damage due to thunder. The best prevention is to check your weather radio or computer before you leave so that you know what you will be facing. Marine VHF radios used by sea kayakers allow you to monitor the local weather channel. The technologically blessed among us can also perform real-time checks of forecasts and weather radar using their smart phones (e.g., Phone or Droid) so they know where they are relative to current storm activity.

Reprint from Aug. 2010 Hoosier Paddler - Lightning Safety by Jim Sprandel

UPCOMING TRIPS AND EVENTS

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS THAT MAY BE ADDED AT SHORT NOTICE.  THERE WILL GENERALLY ALSO BE AN EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENT

DEMO DAY--SOCIAL--PICNIC June 7 Geist Park

This event is to welcome new members, and give long time members a chance to socialize and try different gear.

TRY A BOAT YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD PADDLE

TRY A PADDLE YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD USE

MEET CLUB MEMBERS WHO HAPPILY WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

ENJOY A PICNIC LUNCH/DINNER OF BRATS, BURGERS, AND SIDES

UPCOMING WHITEWATER TRIPS:

WW: Memorial Day Wisc. Wknd Class 2-3 (4) - May 23-26 Silver Cliff, WI

The Memorial Day Wknd in WI Wolf/Peshtigo Whitewater (this year May 23-26) is ON! It has always been a great step-up trip for newbies to find their WW footing but has good action for all boaters. Plus Big Drop Piano Bob has a gig at Kosirs for off the water evening entertainment! Party at the bar & walk to your tent; safety first!

The advantage of an extra day to drive has made this a tradition. Big Drop will lead down the Class III/IV sections and Jason down the Class 2/3 sections. Camping will be at Kosirs to be centrally located.

Sponsor Jason Tharp: email jastharp@yahoo.com Text: 1-219- 877-4286

Location: Kosirs Campground: W. 14073 County Road C, Silver Cliff, WI 54104

WW: Pigeon River Trip

June 06, 2025 – June 08, 2025 @ Hartford, TN

Lower Yough (class III) - sponsor Sharon Schierling

June 13, 2025 – June 15, 2025 @ Ohiopyle, PA

The Lower Youghiogheny (Class 3) is dam controlled and has guaranteed water for the weekend. The main Hoosier group will run the Lower both Saturday and Sunday. Those needing to leave early on Sunday may choose to run only the Loop. For experts, the Upper Yough class 4-5 will also release on Saturday, 6/14

More information on these trips is available through the calendar. If you are unsure if these trips are suitable for you, please contact the trip sponsor.

UPCOMING CANOE & KAYAK TRIPS:

NON-HCKC Holiday on the Wildcat - May 25

Wildcat Creek 

Adams Mill to Knop Lake.......13.6-miles

West Fork White River - trip sponsor Mariann Davis - June 8

Anderson area.  This is a beautiful, forgotten section of the White River with a heavily shaded corridor of mature trees. You can sing or hum along with the sounds of the abundant waterfowl or just enjoy a relaxing paddle in nature's quietude.

Fall Creek - trip sponsor Sue Foxx - June 14

Don’t have time to paddle distant rivers? Then join us for an eastside Indianapolis favorite.

UPCOMING SEA KAYAK TRIPS:

UP Michigan: Marquette, Fayette & Pictured Rocks

June 28, 2025 – July 06, 2025 - sponsors David & Susan Nord

EVENT IS FULL, contact trip sponsor to get placed on the waiting list

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Kayaking Skills Clinic July 12

Classes are held at Eagle Creek Reservoir and focus on paddling strokes and safety information.  Very good opportunities to improve your skills.  Beginning and intermediate classes.  There may possibly be an August session if there is enough interest.

TVCC Paddle School (Non-HCKC Event) - May 30-June 1 Ocoee TN

Great whitewater training opportunity.  This is a TVCC Event and you have to be a member of the TVCC Club. This is a paddling school for all skills.

If interested please reach out to myself or Toni Harris for more details.

John Gates 207-522-0259

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome our new HCKC members. We hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities you have as a member!

New Members 4/5 - 5/6

Susan D.

Matthew D.

Jonathan R.

Kirk W.

Byron K.

Candy K.

Larry W.

Angie W.

Olivia C.

David S.

Bill B.

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If you want to quickly look at HCKC Events that are scheduled, trip details, who is registered for the trip, find HCKC members or update your profile, this App is a handy tool to add to your mobile device.

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