EDDY LINES
April 2011
A PUBLICATION OF GREAT LAKES PADDLERS, SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN’S CANOE & KAYAK CLUB
Above left: Paddlers waiting for all to launch
Above right: Cecelia Stinstrom has a new hat for the occasion
Middle: Dave Scislowicz and Gus Stinstrom and other paddlers on the Huron River Pictures courtesy of Tom Brandau
Revelers at the St. Patty’s Day Paddle enjoyed a beautiful sunny day
Story on page 2
Inside:
May GLP Meeting:
May 10th at 6:30 pm
Big Bear Lodge
25253 Telegraph Rd.
Flat Rock, MI 48134
734 782-6600
St. Patty’s & Reel Paddling
Film Festival
..... Page 2
QWS
….. Page 3
Symposia
….. Page 4
Club Calendar & Upcoming
Events
….. Page 5
New Sponsors! ….. Page 6
Knot Tying Basics
….. Page 7
St. Patty’s Day Paddle and Potluck
By Kim Harper
Paddlers approach
the final bridge on
their way to River
Bend and the
potluck feast!
Pictures courtesy of
Kim Harper
We certainly couldn’t have asked for nicer weather. We
definitely had a good turn out for this event with 31 boats on the
water. Thanks to Tom for hosting this event! We had additional
folks come to the pot luck afterwards who didn’t paddle. We had
plenty of help with food preparation with Sharon, Betsy, Bill,
Kim, and our griller, Chris rounding out the group.
Our events wouldn’t happen without volunteers. Consider
hosting an event for the club. Email Sharon at
[email protected] if you are interested.
Kim Harper
Reel Paddling Film Festival
By Sharon Clark
The first annual Reel Paddling Film Festival was sponsored
by Quiet World Sports (www.quietworldsports.com) and the
Grand River Environmental Action Team (www.great-mi.org)
on March 20th at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson on the
banks of the Grand River. A full day of films were presented
so that you could come and go as you pleased or stay the
entire time. There was something for everyone, wild white
water, surfing on stand up paddling boards, environmental
documentaries, and trips to far away places. It allowed the
viewer to live vicariously through the images on the big
screen.
Our hosts, Kat and Mike, from Quiet World Sports were on
hand the entire day and even thought ahead to have a list of
local eateries for those who wanted more than snack bar
items.
Kat Kulchinski of Quiet World Sports at the historical Michigan
Theatre in Jackson - Picture courtesy of Sharon Clark
If you missed the event this year, be sure to look for it next
year!
Sharon Clark
2
Quiet Water Symposium
By Sharon Clark
Left: Kat and Mike of Quiet
World Sports Kayak
Learning Center
http://
www.quietworldsports.com/
Photo courtesy of
Tom Brandau
The annual Quiet
Water Symposium in
East Lansing has
something for
everyone. If you have
never been to this event
before, then you should
put it on your calendar
for next year. It is
always held the first
Saturday in March.
Whether you are looking for vacation ideas,
assistance with trip planning, or just want to hear
about far away places from others who have already
been there, you can find it here at the symposium.
There are outfitters,
guides, and
instructional classes
that you can sign up for
to assist you on the
next leg of your
adventure.
Left: Beautifully
restored canoes at the
Wooden Canoe
Heritage Association
booth.
http://www.wcha.org/
Photo courtesy of
Tom Brandau
If you have ever toyed
with the idea of making
your own boat or paddle
or want to learn more
about a particular genre
of quiet water
enjoyment, there are
many people available
to talk with and obtain
information on your next
new hobby.
There are many
environmental groups,
paddling clubs, and
other organizations to
discover. Consider
joining the ones which
match your interests.
Best of all, enjoy the
camaraderie and make
new friends that you’ll
get to visit every year at
this event.
Right: The Grand River
Expedition was just last
summer.
http://
grandriverexpedition.com/
Photo courtesy of
Tom Brandau
Sharon Clark
3
Symposia
WMCKA Kayak Symposium
May 27-30, 2011
Location: Franklin, MI
Skill Level: Novice, Difficulty: Moderate
Held at Camp Pendalouan on Big Blue Lake.
Sponsored by the West Michigan Coastal Kayaker’s
Association. Dedicated to safe, fun, invigorating sea
kayaking on the Great Lakes, this symposium will help
you learn all you ever wanted to know about kayaking.
Adult and kids programs available. To register: http://
www.wmcka.org/symposium.php
Adirondack FreeStyle Symposium
July 10-14, 2011
Location: Ray Brook, NY
Skill Level: Novice, Difficulty: Moderate
Think of FreeStyle instruction as obedience
training for your canoe. Small class sizes maximize your
learning experience. Held on Wolfe Pond nestled in the
high peaks region near Lake Placid, offering spectacular
views. The venue offers more than just paddling
opportunities for non-paddling friends and family
including hiking, exploring former Olympic venues,
dining, and shopping.
Accommodations include camping, cabins, or hotel. See
the website for registration information at http://
www.freestylecanoeing.com/public_html/Events/
Adirondack.html
Skills a little rusty? Tune up with a class or two!
Local classes are listed on the GLP Calendar on
our website. For more paddling immersion sign up
for a symposium listed on this page.
Kayak Immersion Symposia
Quiet World Sports
GLSKS Kayak Symposium
July 13-17, 2011
Location: Grand Marais, MI
Skill Level: Novice, Difficulty: Moderate
Take time out of your busy schedule to come on up,
paddle, be inspired and most of all have fun! During
symposium there will be opportunities to try out the
latest paddling gear and clothing, instructional courses,
clinics on a variety of kayaking-related
subjects, as well as interesting and inspiring slide shows
from world-class paddlers.
This year we have 4 paddling tracks to choose from. A
beginner track for those who are inspired to try our great
sport, an expedition track for those who might be
looking toward the horizon and adventure, a traditional
track for those who look back on a fascinating history,
and finally a kids track to help develop our future!
From first time kayakers to the seasoned veteran, all will
have a great time! For registration information see
http://downwindsports.com/glsks/ or call 906 226-7112.
June 4, 2011
July 2, 2011
August 20, 2011
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $130 per session - Includes lunch, snacks, &
beverages. Also kayak and gear if you do not have your
own.
This is what you'll learn:





Getting the proper kayak fit to advance your skills.
Fine tuning paddle strokes; bracing and edged turns.
Proper use of safety equipment.
Practice capsize and re-entry methods.
Paddle selection and all about the various kinds.
(You may paddle with them too!)
Register at http://www.quietworldsports.com/
classes.shtml or call 517 879-8981
4
Upcoming Events
GLP Mouth of the Huron Paddle
May 14, 2011
Location: Flat Rock, MI
Skill Level: Intermediate, Difficulty: Moderate
Meet time: 10:00 am
Paddle the last 10 miles of the Huron River to where it
meets Lake Erie. Launch at the boat launch below the
dam in Flat Rock. Conditions: wide river, moving water
with moderate to swift current, wind.
Contact: Kim Harper at [email protected] or 734
289-3410.
WECCC to Hell and Back
May 21, 2011
Location: Pinckney, MI
Skill Level: Intermediate, Difficulty: Moderate
Meet time: 10:00 am
Launch at Bruin Lake State Park Boat Launch. State
Park pass required for entry.
Conditions: Approx. 7 miles on lakes and creek with
moderate current. Bring a full change of clothes in a
dry bag, $ for lunch at Hell's Kitchen or Dam Site Inn or
bring a picnic lunch. Also $ for Screams Ice Cream
Parlor and souvenirs.
Contact: Sharon Clark at [email protected] or 734
268-6016.
Event Calendar
April 2011
04/09-10/11 GLP - Solo & Tandem Canoe Clinic
04/12/11 GLP Meeting
04/16/2011 - RKC Yakapalooza
04/30/2011 WECCC - Huron Meadows Paddle
May 2011
05/10/11 GLP Meeting
05/14/11 GLP - Mouth of the Huron Paddle
05/21/2011 WECCC - To Hell & Back Paddle
05/27-30/11 GLP - Les Cheneaux Weekend
June 2011
06/14/11 GLP Meeting
06/12/2011 - WECCC Sprucewood Shores Tour
06/17-18/11 WECCC - Detroit River Heritage Weekend
06/24-26/11 GLP - East Race Weekend
July 2011
07/12/11 GLP Meeting
August 2011
08/09/11 GLP Meeting
08/12-14/11 GLP - Burt Lake Weekend
GLP Les Cheneaux Weekend
May 27-30, 2011
Location: Cedarville, MI
Skill Level: Seasoned, Difficulty: Demanding
Campground: Loon's Point RV Park and Campground
(Reservations are on your own)
http://www.michcampgrounds.com/loonspoint/ or
906 484-2881
Camp at modern campground and enjoy day trips in
the Les Cheneaux Islands/Lake Huron.
Must have sea kayak at least 16 ft. in length with
bulkheads, full wet suit or dry suit, PFD, whistle, throw
rope in a bag, pump, sponge, spray skirt and be
comfortable with wet exit/T-rescue methods.
Bring your own tent, camper or rent a cabin. Bring your
own food. Bring $ for possible dinner in town one
evening.
Contact: Sharon Clark at [email protected] or 734
268-6016
Don’t forget to check the website calendar frequently for
updates and events sponsored by other clubs at
www.greatlakespaddlers.org
TRIP NOTIFICATION
It is essential that you notify the trip leader that you plan to paddle
with them. Trip leaders are listed on the website and in the paddle
details in the Eddy Lines.
Please let your leaders know your skill level and equipment.
If no notification is received the trip leader will assume that they are
alone and may decide to go paddle solo in some other more
convenient spot. If you show up at a put-in and no one is there you
may want to try and remember if you notified them of your intentions.
Information is subject to change!
Details as they become available and may be on the Great Lakes
Paddlers’ Website Calendar and in past issues of the Eddy Lines.
5
Introducing
Summit Sports
We are delighted to announce that Summit Sports has become a
corporate sponsor for our club this year.
Summit Sports is a Michigan retailer with stores in East Lansing,
Brighton, Keego Harbor, and Troy. They feature all kinds of
sporting equipment but especially go out of their way to hold many
demo days and great mini clinics for paddlers like the one coming
up on May 5th in the above flyer. The location of the event at the
MSU Sailing Center is easy to get to and only about 10 minutes
from I-96. While the event is free, be sure to sign up early as these
mini-clinics are very popular!
In addition to this offering, Summit Sports will be one of the major
sponsors of Paddlepalooza this year. This event will be held on
June 4 and will take place on the Clinton River. It will feature
kayak and canoe division races as well as an adventure paddle. See
this link for additional information on the event and to sign up.
http://www.auburnhillsmi.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/%
7B33ABD079-3D78-4945-9539-FD5E01E1F1BE%7D/uploads/%
7BBB52DC6A-06BD-4BEF-9A30-1B8BE90C19F8%7D.PDF
For a listing of upcoming demo days see http://
www.summitkayakdemos.com/
To shop online see www.summitonline.com
Quiet World Sports LLC
Announces New Ownership
Kat Kulchinski testing out her new Kokatat dry suit on a windy day
on Vandercook Lake
Photo courtesy of Mike Kulchinski
Bruce Clevenger, founder and longtime owner operator of Quiet
World Sports, Michigan’s #1 Kayaking school for more than 15
years, has decided it is time to focus on other enterprises. In doing
so he has partnered with Kathy “Kat” Kulchinski who will become
sole proprietor of the school.
Bruce will continue to lead classes and provide the “base camp”
for the school through the 2011 season after which Kat will take
over completely.
Kat comes to paddling with years of on the water experience and a
vast knowledge of the Jackson County and surrounding
waterways, especially the Grand River as she serves as the
Rivermaster for GREAT- the Grand River Environmental Action
Team (www.great-mi.org).
Quiet World Sports LLC will continue to provide top notch
beginner and intermediate instruction in kayaking including one
day classes, women’s only classes, safety and rescue classes
(kayak immersion symposium) and natural river tours. In addition,
Kat looks forward to expanding into some other fun and exciting
avenues.
Quiet World Sports LLC can be contacted through its website,
www.QuietWorldSports.com , on Facebook, email
[email protected], and phone 517-879-8981.
Welcome New Members!
Tommy Clay - Jane Lechner - Peter & Amanda Murray - Carole Platsis
6
Knot Tying Basics for the Outdoors Person
By Tom Brandau
There are a few basic knots that I learned at a fairly young age and a few more that I learned later in life that have served me well for all of
my various outdoor activities. Whether you are a paddler, camper, or do other activities in the great outdoors the knowledge of tying some
basic knots will make your life easier and much more enjoyable. A few of them follow. Give them a try and make your outdoor experiences
more enjoyable.
A few knots that will serve you well:
Two Half Hitches: This knot is basically two overhand knots laid sideways and can be used for tying off tarps, at tent tie downs, fastening
gear to boats, and many other places where the line is tied tight to the object. It is very simple but also very effective. Typically I would use
this knot on one end and a Taught Line knot on the other end of a line to allow for adjustment.
Taught Line: This is one of my favorite and most used knots since it allows for tightening or loosening of a line while keeping the line in
position once it is set. This knot is what I use at the tent stake end of a line. The tent stake can be positioned approximately where you want
it and then the line tightened as much or as little as needed. As conditions vary (which they always do) the line can easily be tightened or
loosened as needed.
Clove Hitch: This is useful for tying a boat to a pier post or for anything that is tied to a stationary object such as a tree branch. Although
most of us will just pull our boats out of the water there are times when a boat may be left in the water for a short time such as in a river
with a slow steady current where there is not much of a chance that the boat will be damaged while floating. Sometimes for extra security I
will use this knot and then tie a two half hitches knot with the loose end. In this way there is no chance of the knot coming loose since the
clove hitch is tight to the object and the two half hitches prevent the clove hitch from loosening.
Continued on page 8
7
Eddy Lines
Club Meetings:
Newsletter of the Great Lakes Paddlers Club
Sharon Clark, Editor
Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every
month. The locations of the meetings are
announced in this newsletter and the
website. Call any officer if you need
directions. Double check to see if a new site
has been designated for the month. Email
reminders go out on the Monday before the
meetings with details.
This newsletter is published monthly for
distribution to the club members. Submission of
paddling and outdoors news is encouraged and
should be in writing. Members may place
classified ads without charge.
Submissions for the newsletter are always welcome.
Kayaking Advice:
Deborah de Lorenzo
[email protected]
734 576-0744
Letters to the editor should be addressed to:
Sharon Clark, Editor
11816 Oakridge Ct.
Pinckney, MI 48169
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 734 268-6016
FreeStyle Canoeing Advice:
Bob Man 734 449-0849
Club Officers
President: John Scislowicz 248 379-7218
Vice President: Kim Harper 734 289-3410
Treasurer: Bill Dunphy 734 981-3044
Web Master: Tom Brandau 734 268-6016
Newsletter: Sharon Clark 734 268-6016
International Liaison: Rick Lalonde 519 735-4691
Members at large: Jamie Myles 734 646-0505
Robert Hutchinson 734 665-3901
Club Dues:
Payment is due January 1st. of the calendar
year. The fees are as follows:
Individual:
$ 15.00
Family:
$ 20.00
Contributor: $ 35.00
Corporate:
$ 100.00
WEBSITE: www.greatlakespaddlers.org
Knot Tying Basics for the Outdoors Person
Continued from page 7
By Tom Brandau
Truckers Hitch: This is one of my more recently learned knots that is useful in many situations. It is not actually a finish knot but rather a
way to create a loop along a line. In this way it allows for pulling a rope back through the loop and tightening the line, then finishing off
with two half hitches (not one).
As the knot illustrations have shown, an online knot tying
website that is very good with basic knots is netknots.com, at
http://www.netknots.com/html/knots.html. This website also
has animated illustrations that you can play and pause at any
time during the illustration. The moving illustrations make it
quite easy to follow along as the knot is developed, and when
paused the page can be printed anywhere along the process of
tying the knot, providing the ability to practice if one gets stuck
on certain parts of the knot tying process.
Tom Brandau
8