NYCkayaker Sunday August 20th Fun in the Ocean.

[Tim Gamble]

Dear Fellow Kayaker,

After a very busy weekend on the River: 60 plus people circumnavigated, 90
boats in the Harrison St. Regatta at the DTBH, lots of big trips for the
commercial operators, and who knows what else I'd like to talk about NEXT
weekend....

I would like your help this Sunday August 20th to support a swim race in
Coney Island. This race is organized by the new swim group CIBBOWS. This
is a 5KM race. It starts at Brighton Beach, and goes to Breezy Point, then
back.

The organizers and participants in this race are a great bunch of people.
Last month they gave us great food, goodie bags, and were very hospitable.
All of the kayakers had a good time, both at the race, and during the
paddling we did afterwards.

If you are able to help there are two options:
Option #1) Cartop your kayak to Brighton Beach, and hand carry it down to
the start line. The race starts where CIBBOWS does their training swims,
see the following on their website for directions:
http://www.cibbows.org/directions.html
You should park in the municipal lot at the meters. The meters are NOT
active on Sunday so it is free. Be sure to park in a spot where there is a
parking meter, not in a spot that requires a permit.

Have your boat on the beach at the Start by 6:30, the race starts at 7:00.
Just tell them you are a kayaker, and ask for me. You can also call me at
anytime on my cellphone 917-721-8851.

If you take this option you will need to take your boat off of the beach
after the race. Since this is a public swimming beach you can’t
kayak there after 10:00AM.

Option #2) Meet at Plum Beach on the Belt parkway, and paddle over to
Brighton Beach.  Plumb Beach is just east of exit 9, Knapp St. on the Belt
Parkway. It doesn't’t have an official exit number. If you are on the Belt
parkway heading east you will see a sign that says “Parking Area” after
exit 9,  that is what you should take. Meet at 5:00AM, be ready to launch
by 5:30AM.  We will paddle over to the start, and should arrive by 6:30
where we can get out and have breakfast.

After the race a number of us who launched at Plum Beach are going to
paddle out to Breezy Point in the ocean. Anybody who comes along is
welcome to join us. Last month we had a lot of fun surfing and picnicking
out on the beach. We will have several local kayaking experts, and a at
least two BCU coaches with us. This is a good opportunity to get some
Ocean experience. If the surf is up we can split the group into different
ability levels to make it safe and fun for everyone.

The paddle from Plum beach to the start is less than 2 nautical miles,
after the race you can either paddle back, or go on a longer trip out to
Breezy Point.

If you want to help, but don’t have a way to get your boat out there
please email me. I will try and pair people up to share rides.

If you have questions please email me backchannel, or call me and I will
answer them.

Thanks for you help!
---------------
Tim Gamble
917-721-8851