Erica

I was in Long Island sound this weekend (kayaking near Westbrook). And yes, there were a ton of jellyfish! Unfortunately, in Long Island Sound, this is not uncommon -- I grew up in Guilford and remember going to the beach and always keeping a lookout for jellyfish. There are three species in Long Island Sound -- only one of which stings: The Lion's Mane Jellyfish. While it is the largest jellyfish species in the world, most of the ones I saw this weekend were quite small -- about the size of a softball. Most likely this is what you saw . . . and it is most definately what I felt while swimming around Duck Island! According to news reports in Connecticut, there seem to be more jellies this year than usual (but it's all relative). They are always hanging around in the sound, but some years we just get a bumper crop . . . this is one of them! Most of the beaches in Connecticut have signs warning about the jellyfish infestation. Now, with no scientific basis whatsoever, I will put forth my theory on why there are more of them in the Sound. Essentially, the water there is warmer and the area is much more protected. Currents are a bit quirky, but they essentially stay within Long Island Sound, so jellies get a bit caught up in the Sound and it's not as easy to catch a wave out! My own hunch is that jellies tend to stay further out in the ocean (as opposed to the Sound) simply because it is easier to maneuver and they are less likely to wash up on shore. Since the Sound has such small waves, the danger of washing up on shore is less (but they can still sting you even after washing up on shore!). So, that's my theory -- and it seems to fit with what little the scientists know about jellies (basically, they're not sure what brings them in -- could be the currents, the time of year, whatever).

Hi, David -- We're definitely on the same page. ERBA offers a four week program that is designed for the novice paddler. It includes information about boat fitting and selection, online resources, certifications, gear and other odds and ends and is designed to teach newbies technique and rescues -- it also focuses on paddler safety and preparing for trips. Here's an outline stolen from their website: Day 1 - Introduction to kayaks, equipment and basic strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, stern rudder, edging, wet exits and basic rescue), weather/tides, getting comfortable in your boat Day 2 - Review day 1 strokes, intermediate to advanced strokes (various draw strokes, high/low brace, more rescues, intro to sculling, bow rudder, low brace turn), discussion of on-water safety, resources for the kayaker. Day 3 - Practice/refine strokes/rescues and cover any missed skills from previous 2 days, kayak safety continued, basic navigation, trip planning, gear review Day 4 - Off shore paddle conditions (group/weather/ocean) permitting, group management/etiquette, emergencies, practice skills and finish discussing any topics I was spoiled silly by my first experience with my own boat -- which took place last night at the Mystic Lakes skill session. The Fabulous Dee Hall is a wonderful instructor and I learned a tremendous amount . . . even if my brace attempts were terribly ugly! I will follow your advice and continue to participate in the skills night but also take a comprehensive professional course. I am still learning the kayak lingo (it seems like a completely new language), but I now know enough to know that there is a lot that I don't know at all! This was all so much easier when I was borrowing someone else's boat -- but boy is it fun having my own! Erica

I'll premise this by saying that I am a new boat owner and a relatively novice paddler, and my perspective is largely influenced by both facts. As a new boat owner, the costs associated with getting myself properly outfitted have been a lot higher than what I had originally planned. Thus, I am always looking for a bargain and $100 for a one day class seems rather expensive, especially if there are 10 or more folks in the class. As much as I would prefer to keep it in the club, a commercial outfit charges $250 for a four-day training program and seems to be a better deal (at least for beginners). As a novice, many of these programs are beyond my current skill level and, in many ways, I wouldn't necessarily know which skills I have to master first before heading on to the more advanced classes. Also, I expect that I would not be able to master a skill just by attending a class -- time in the boat and on the water is the only way to really improve. So, while I was interested in the upcoming classes that deal with maneuvering, until I really am comfortable in my kayak and have had a chance to practice a bit more on my own, I don't know that I would really feel like I got my money's worth from the course. I know I'd learn a great deal, but to shell out my $100, there is a certain amount that I would want to accomplish that would be above and beyond what I can learn at a skills night -- and to a large extent, I think the specialized professional instruction is a better investment for a more experienced paddler who is trying to take it to the next level but has the basics down pat. If the club offered a soup-to-nuts course at a competitive rate, I would certainly be interested. But at my current level, the distinction between a "professional" instructor and a knowledgeable and experienced paddler who is willing to show me the ropes is not really enough to justify the added expense. That's the initial reaction from this particular novice! Erica

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I will be at the skills night on Tuesday . . . ready to tip over! See you then! Erica

Hello, All - After five years of paddling a friends boat or heading out on tours with the folks at ERBA, I was recently given a kayak for my birthday. She's beautiful. Now, I can't wait to get her in the water! In the past, the borrowed kayak has always been at the water's edge and I have slipped into the boat and simply paddled around -- I wasn't worried about skills and I was either with a group or paddling close to shore in a protected bay with a friend right beside me. Now that I am an official kayaker, I feel like I have a ton to learn. Things that I did not expect to be a struggle have been -- from figuring out where to store the kayak (I live in an attic apartment of an old home with a very narrow staircase) and how to get it on and off my car by myself (I'm looking into the extension bar mentioned elsewhere on the message board), to figuring out how to maneuver my kayak on land. I also realize that, as someone who has never had to do a wet exit, I am woefully lacking in skills. To that end, I am looking for advice to help this novice become a real kayaker! I would like to start attending the skills sessions on Tuesday and Thursday night. Is this an appropriate forum to learn about and attempt the wet exit? Also, I noticed that a wet suit is often required for trips in June. Where can I get one? Don't you get dreadfully hot wearing a wet suit? Well, this was a half introduction and half plea for help! I would certainly appreciate any advice you have for a newbie -- and if anyone is willing to paddle with a newbie and show me some of the best places to kayak and perhaps give me a few pointers, please drop me a line! I look forward to seeing you all out on the water! Take care, Erica