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Winter Paddling

Joined
Nov 16, 2022
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Location
Long Island
While I envy those who have easy access to beautiful rivers and lakes, there are advantages to living on salt water: it doesn't freeze as easily. Most of my paddling is done in winter when my sailboat is out of service. Yesterday it wasn't quite 40f here, with a moderate breeze. I launched my canoe in Mount Sinai Harbor, 455 acres of mostly shallow water and salt marsh. Rigging the BSD Classic 36' sail, I reached off for only a few minutes before my experimental mast step failed. The rig didn't come down, but I struck sail and carried on paddling. Lots of ducks, hundreds, clear sky, gusty breeze. I went upwind in the lee of the marsh islands and let the wind blow me back. The way the boat bobbed in the chop made me laugh with joy. It was a much needed break from life ashore.
 
At 40, not surprising it doesn't freeze. -8 here today. St Lawrence Seaway isn't frozen but I honestly have no interest in paddling today. ;)
 
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