NYCkayaker 2007 Poker Run Saturday June 16th

[Lee S. Goldsmith]

Taking advantage of Richard's suggestion:
	MIMS organizers have got to think outside of the box.  
		1. Having a swim on the same day as the Cigarette boat
race is not tolerable. As an individual I will not participate in
another swim coinciding with the Poker run. Considering the timing of
their race, Noon start and the time that the swimmers will be entering
the Hudson there are potential problems. In my opinion avoiding the
problem is far better than trying to work with and manage the problem. 
		2. Since the tides control the event why not consider
running the race a day earlier or a day later.  I know that for many,
including myself, this would interfere with the work week or Father's
day. However, I think as an alternative it must be considered. I don't
think that it will make a great deal of difference to the swimmers but
obviously might interefere with the local supporters, volunteers,
kayakers and boat captains.  I think that there should be a poll of all
participants after the swim to determine flexibility and availability.
Especially considering that safety is the primary concern of everyone.
Fun, and I enjoy the swim and everything that goes with it, including
the exhaustion.  
		3. I think that there has to be better communication.
Most participants use and respond to e-mails.  Schedules can be
delivered earlier, availability of parking, assistance, kayaks, etc are
known for weeks and can be delivered earlier.  Therefore planning on the
part of participants, including taking the day off can be made and
potential problems anticipated.  People came to last evening's meeting
with questions that could have been answered earlier and potential
problems avoided. E.g. Jersey Paddler will be supplying kayaks--Here are
the rules to obtain one:---etc.
Lee Goldsmith



-----Original Message-----
From: nyckayaker-bounces at rockandwater.net
[mailto:nyckayaker-bounces at rockandwater.net] On Behalf Of Richard
Clifford
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 9:40 AM
To: nyckayaker at rockandwater.net
Subject: NYCkayaker 2007 Poker Run Saturday June 16th

NYCKayaker,
    I know that Lee is participating as a kayaker in the Manhattan
Island swim on Saturday. Is anyone else involved in this discussion
participating as a kayaker?

    I ask because I believe there are two distinct threads that have
merged.

    One thread concerns the Poker Run and all of the noise, pollution
and danger that it creates.  This issue will remain with us after
Saturday, particularly for anyone who, while remaining seated in their
kayak, has had to resolve the issue of a Water Taxi bearing down on
them.

    The other thread concerns Saturday, June 16 and the hazard for
swimmers and kayakers participating in the swim race. This issue can be
expected to pass after the successful and safe completion of Saturday's
swim. Also, I point out that Earl Sandvic is in charge of the swim event
on the water. I have absolute faith in the man as a mariner. And, I
believe that neither he nor Morty Berger will allow anyone to be placed
in harms way.  One solution for the swim event planners is to recognize
that the Poker Run takes place each year on the same Saturday (Kate
Cahill) and to include that information in their calculations for future
events.

    Both threads seem to be blending. Maybe we could attempt to clarify
some specific solutions. Richard Clifford

**********************************************************************
The NYCKayaker mailing list is hosted by www.rockandwater.net, and is a
public service offered to the kayaking community by the Hudson River
Watertrail Association. Learn more about HRWA at www.hrwa.org

To unsubscribe or change delivery options:
http://www.rockandwater.net/mailman/listinfo/nyckayaker