I am repeating this on PaddleWise as I suspect there are regional paddlers on it that are not on NYCkayaker where the announcement earlier appeared. Subject: Details on Swim Support August 5th Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 11:27:28 -0700 From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> Reply-To: nyckayaker_at_envirolink.org To: NYCKAYAKER <nyckayaker_at_envirolink.org> I mentioned this swim earlier and now want to fill in some logistics. It is called the Great Hudson River Swim and runs 2.8 miles from the 79th St Boat Basin to Pier 62 at the Chelsea Piers. The race starts at 4:30 pm, which is just minutes after the ebb current starts its southward flow. The current boost will be just moderate, meaning the swimmers will take 90 minutes or so to complete the course. This is a swim in which kayak escorts are very important since there are many piers that the swimmers have to avoid on the course. I am hoping we can get more than our usual 7 or 8 kayakers volunteering. I am planning on two staging areas for kayakers: 1. The Downtown Boathouse (Pier 26) for individuals who have boats stored there or wish to start for a longer paddle trip (for directions visit: http://www.downtownboathouse.org). The idea is to start off from there at 1:30 pm and paddle 4.8 miles north to 79th St with the last of the flood or northbound current. On the way we can stop at the next staging area, Pier 63, the Manhattan Kayak Co. dock facility (see point #2 below). 2. Pier 63, the Manhattan Kayak Co. dock facility. This is probably the best bet for someone who is cartopping a kayak as there is paid parking in front of the place and the swim organizers will re-imburse your parking fee. I suggest you time your arrival so that you can be on the water at 2:30 pm. Allow time for getting your gear ready and your boat down to the dock (for instructions on getting there, see http://www.manhattankayak.com). We may be joined by some paddlers from the Manhattan Kayak Company. The paddle to 79th St. is 2.8 miles. I have picked these two staging sites because this eliminates car shuttles or fighting currents. At the end of the swim race you are right near Pier 63 or can continue paddling back to the Downtown Boathouse with the ebb current. I also picked early starts for us kayakers to allow for delays and to give us time to discuss strategies, socialize among ourselves, mingle with the swimmers, relax a bit, hit the bathrooms at 79th St. etc. People with folding kayaks have the option of starting at the 79th St. Boat Basin if they wish and doing a one way trip with the swimmers and exit the river either at Pier 63 (Manhattan Kayak) or Pier 26 (Downtown Boathouse). Pier 63 is a good choice as the crosstown 23rd street bus pulls up practically in front of the place and accesses all the major subway lines. Also a steady stream of taxis pull up near the bus stop. Remember that the swim starts at 4:30 pm, August 5th, a Saturday. Your reward?: --A T-shirt (has anyone read the article in Monday's Wall St. Journal about T-shirts and how some people have collected thousands of them from events, trips, etc.?). (Also bananas, grapes, water at the end of the swim.) --The good feeling from helping fellow water people (swimmers) achieve their goals in as safe a manner as possible. --Help in fostering goodwill and respect for the presence of kayakers in these waters. PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL IF YOU INTEND TO COME OR HAVE QUESTIONS. thanks, ralph diaz You also may want to visit the swim association's web page at http://www.nycswim.org -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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