A week ago Caurie Putnam, a reporter from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle (D&C) stumbled across nakedkayaker.com as she was researching kayaking for an article called "Do It: Paddle sports taking hold." The Do It series encourages people to try new "obscure" sports [no offense taken :)].We spoke briefly about beginner-friendly kayaking spots  and why kayaking is so wonderful, and she kindly linked my blog. She also wrote about BayCreek and paddling opportunities on the Erie Canal, Genesee River, and others. You can read the full article here, or see the excerpt by clicking "Read More" below.

I must admit, reading through past posts stirred up a mean bout of nostalgia and longing for the upstate NY kayaking environment: wide open freshwater lakes that feel just as vast as San Francisco Bay (if not more - SF Bay can feel somewhat confining when you're surrounded by boats and traffic and city noises), silent 6am paddles when the thin layer of fog still hovers and the boat leaves a perfect V-shaped track behind you in the glassy water, and the rolling rainbow hills that surround all the lakes in the fall.

Anyways, I've just been reflecting on the beauty of upstate NY kayaking. 

I dug this photo up recently. This is me (8 years old) and Arno (my brother, 6 years old) during our very first time sitting in a kayak, at kids camp at BayCreek Paddling Center.

Next thing we knew, they were pushing us into Lake Ontario on a choppy/windy day, and we were upside down. Arno swore he'd never do it again, but for some reason I returned, year after year.

Also, these little EPI boats are SUPER tippy.