XC SKI TOURS
Jan 31 (Sun); Feb 14 (Sun); any Monday - INTRO TO THE AIKEN WILDERNESS
In Woodford, VT just a few miles from Bennington & a not too far drive from Albany, NY. The locals ski there often but New Yorkers know little about this wilderness in the Green Mountain National Forest, guidebooks are lacking plus there are no marked trails. Skiers often ski an old logging road, some "secret trails" & across the many beaver meadows - we will sample a bit of each. One will see much sign of moose, too. Intermediate skiing ability required. The best way to learn about skiing the Aiken is to have someone show you the routes. 3-5 hours. $35pp.
EVENING TOURS ON LOCAL WATERWAYS 2010
$25 pp. Most Canoes or Kayaks - your choice. All gear & boat transport provided. Easy to moderate pace. Great way of trying out a canoe or kayak you are thinking of buying.
May 4 (Tue)
May 12 (Wed)
May 18 (Tue)
May 25 (Tue)
June 2 (Wed)
June 9 (Wed)
June 15 (Tue)
June 22 (Tue)
June 29 (Tue)
In conjunction with Adirondack Mountain Club - Albany Chapter
Call to reserve by credit card, 346-3180 or just stop in store. When store closed, reserve by email - Email us. Sign up before 1pm day of tour, preferably the day before. No cancellations after 11am day of tour - all trips go rain or shine. Bring drinking water, a whistle & a white light (headlamp/flashlight); expect to at least get your feet wet. Don't wear any cotton clothing in spring or fall; waterproof footwear is best. Think - what will you do with your car keys?
If you would like us to remind you about Sales, Demos, Lessons & Events - Get on the email list: Email us
LESSONS 2010
Paddling is 1/3 the boat & 2/3 paddler skill - A good paddler in a bad boat is better off than a poor paddler in a good boat. A good paddler can make any kayak/canoe go in a straight line.
"...I'm glad you don't know anyting about paddling, for you won't have to unlearn any bad habit." - Guide Wilfred Morrison to a young Herbert Keith.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSONS - Beginner, Novice, Intermediate - Sun, Mon, Wed 10-11:30am; Thu, Fri 9-10:30am @ Pine Bush Preserve, golf course, other - $35pp - 2 or more students; $50 private. Equipment rental: $10 extra.
BACKCOUNTRY TOURING SKI LESSONS - Novice, Intermediate - mostly uphill, downhill, turning techniques - Sun, Mon, Wed - $45pp - 2 or more students; $65 private. 2 hours, time & location TBD (we don't mind driving a bit to find good snow). Equipment rental: $10 extra.
CLASSES on MOHAWK RIVER at Lock 7 Boat Launch, Niskayuna - call 346-3180 or stop in to sign up (you can choose what boat you like - great way of trying out a canoe or kayak you are thinking of buying):
INTRO TO KAYAKING - May 26 (Wed) 6:30-8pm
A one evening class. The basics for the recreational kayaker - getting in & out gracefully, holding the paddle, efficient forward stroke, torso rotation, maneuvering strokes, feathered/unfeathered paddles. $45 includes kayak, $35 bring your own kayak.
FUNDAMENTALS OF KAYAKING - May 19 (Wed) & 21 (Fri) 6:30-8pm
A more comprehensive 2 evening class for the kayak tourer. You will learn the secrets of paddling efficiently - forward, backward, maneuvering, sideways, etc. Includes everything in Intro plus edging, bracing, sculling draw, more. $89 includes kayak, $69 bring your own kayak.
KAYAK RESCUE & RECOVERY -
Do you know how to get back in your kayak after a capsize? Do you know how to assist another kayaker who has capsized? Learn the paddle float self-rescue & the assisted T rescue. $45 includes kayak, $35 bring your own kayak. Do not wear any cotton clothing - it will suck the heat right out of you. Most novice kayakers have never capsized - all experts have.
KAYAK FUNDAMENTALS REFRESHER -
Fine-tune forward, turning, maneuvering strokes; sweeps, draws, braces, edging, etc. in one session. Make your strokes more efficient. For those with some experience. Follow this class up with the Intermediate Kayaking Class. $45 includes kayak, $35 bring your own kayak.
INTERMEDIATE KAYAKING -
More on edging, braces, sculling draw, sculling for support, brace turns, bow rudder, stern rudder & their uses. $45 includes kayak, $35 bring your own kayak.
CANOEING -
Novice thru intermediate, solo or tandem, j-stroke & maneuvering (sweeps, draws), more. $45 includes canoe, $35 bring your own canoe.
KAYAK ROLLING & RESCUES in the pool March-May.
Canoe & kayak classes can be set up for groups of 2-8 & tailored to meet your needs - call 346-3180. Our instructor, Rich Macha, has been teaching kayaking & canoeing for 10 years.
RENTAL RATES
- Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Adirondacks - go where you wanna go. We can deliver KAYAKS for BIRTHDAY PARTIES - call for rates.
PRICE FOR 1 DAY/2 DAYS/EXTRA DAYS
Rentals CAN be returned when we are closed. Weekend Special: pick up after 4pm Friday & return before noon Monday - 2 day rate.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIS: $18/29/10
SNOWSHOES: $10/18/6
CANOES:
PE Tandem - Explorer 14TT - 14', 16' - $35/60/20 (incl. 2
paddles, 2 PFDs)
Kevlar Tandems - 16.5’ - Northstar - $55/100/35 (incl. 2
paddles, 2 PFDs)
Kevlar Solo 15’ - Merlin II 35 lbs. - $45/80/30 (incl. 1 paddle, 1 PFD)
KAYAKS:
PolyEthylene Recreational 9.5-10’ - Zydeco, Prodigy 10 - $25/45/15 (incl. 1 paddle, 1 PFD)
PE Recr. with hatch 10’-13' - Axis, Pungo, Prodigy 12, Tribute 10, 12 - $30/55/20 (incl. 1 paddle, 1 PFD)
PE Recr. with hatches 13.5’-14.5' - Tsunami, Carolina 14, Tribute 14 - $35/60/20 (incl. 1 paddle, 1 PFD)
PFD)
PE Touring with rudder/skeg, 16’-17’ - Essence, Tempest, Zephyr, Alchemy - $45/80/35 (incl. 1 paddle, 1 PFD)
PE Tandem 14' - $50/90/30 (incl. 2 paddles, 2 PFDs)
Thermoformed Touring 14' skeg - Saranac 14 - $45/85/35 (incl. 1 dlx paddle, 1 PFD)
Composite Touring - 14’ Saranac LT 32lbs - $50/95/40 (incl. 1 paddle, 1
PFD)
Composite Touring with rudder/skeg, 16’-17’ - Capella, Tempest, Zephyr, Ayr - $55/100/40 (incl. 1 paddle, 1
PFD)
MISC:
Car Carrier & straps - $3/5/1
PFD (life jacket) -
$3/5/1
Wheel Cart - $5/9/2
Deposit Required (cash,
check or credit card). Reservations recommended.
1 day rental cost can be put toward purchase of same boat within 1 week of rental.
- great way to try before you buy!
