Kayaking Ellicott Creek New York with Paths Peaks & Paddles

written by Mary Chong

On Ellicott Creek in Tonawanda New York the sun is shining and glistening on the mirror-like finish of the water as the 8 of us paddle our kayaks in silence with the occasional splash of the ducks or buzzing of flies…

It’s such a tranquil, relaxing setting and perfect for a late summer Saturday morning.

On Ellicott Creek in Tonawanda New York the sun is shining and glistening on the mirror-like finish of the water as the 8 of us paddle our kayaks in silence with the occasional splash of the ducks or buzzing of flies…

It’s such a tranquil, relaxing setting and perfect for a late summer Saturday morning.

It’s hard to believe that there isn’t more chatter, questions or trepidation as just a short time earlier this very same group of people was sitting in our kayaks in front of the Paths, Peaks & Paddles Store being schooled for the first time on “Kayaking 101”.

Class in session

Learning how to properly paddle

The gorgeous view of the creek during class

Practicing on land first

At Paths, Peaks & Paddles you CAN teach an OLD paddler NEW tricks!

Husband Ray and I are not new to the sport of kayaking.

Ray is an avid “yakker” and tries to get out on the water as often as possible once the summer season arrives in Toronto.

Whereas I go out perhaps once a season to keep Ray company or drive him nuts. (answer depends on which one of us you ask)

Ray hates that I don’t actively paddle because my kayaking technique involves more looking around, talking and photographing the scenery to actually physically doing anything productive.

We both learned a lot in this class under the expert instruction of Christine Baer from water safety, to what to wear, to how to get in and out of the kayak properly.

Even with Ray’s past experience kayaking Christine fine-tuned and perfected his paddling technique and provided a ton of other tricks and tips.

So it just goKes to show that it’s useful to seek out a lesson or two even if you think you know what you are doing.

I learned that I could really get into this sport now that I know what I’m doing. I’m more relaxed in the kayak, paddle more (LOL) and feel more confident that I won’t flip the kayak which was a big fear of mine.

Here are some photos of our morning spent with Paths, Peaks & Paddles on the very picturesque Ellicott Creek.

Tips:

• Bring Water
• Dress appropriately with sun protective clothing, hat, sunglasses etc.
• Bring sunscreen, bug repellent
• Pack a waterproof camera