Pool – Tubby Hook Paddle Company

August 2, 2020

Programming Updates

So, here we are. Still in the midst of a global pandemic, but thankfully, in the Tubby Hook area of operation, one that has fallen to a manageable level. Let’s all hope that this only changes for the better, here and afar.

June was the first month that I began paddling personally, for fun, on anything like a regular basis, and in July I taught some classes at a local club, trying out some ways to accommodate concerns about COVID-19. I really enjoy teaching and guiding, and surprised myself with how much I enjoyed getting back to it.

Here are some steps, in addition to what’s been previously posted, that I’m taking for programs for the remainder of the year.

Unfortunately, with the changing state and local restrictions, I won’t be posting any courses ahead of time. If you would like to work on specific skills, or take part in a journey, please email jkm@tubbyhook.com

For now, no programs run from Tubby Hook in Manhattan. The parking area has been closed off, and while some group activities are allowed, it’s better in my opinion to avoid.
The ACA camp at Lake Sebago is open for member use, but not classes. This means no classes at the lake this year.
On land, wear a mask. It should go in a drybag for taking it along on the water. No mask required on the water.
I’m including hand sanitizer in my first aid kit, and asking that all clients bring their own. Think of it as another kind of sunscreen to have with you and apply regularly.
Bring enough food and water for yourself. We will not be sharing food or water, except in emergency.
Maintaining 6 feet distance as best as possible on the water.

Just to recap those previous steps:

Courses may be cancelled on short notice, with a full refund.
Coursework will minimize contact between participants.
Cancellations by clients due to Covid or Covid-related reasons will be fully refunded.

Stay home if you’re sick, or have reason to expect you were exposed within the previous two weeks.

The CDC has some guidance specific to watersports, if not kayaking. There is no evidence of Coronavirus spreading through recreational waters.

Our main concern will be assisted rescues. When practicing, we’ll try to keep appropriate distance between rescuer and casualty, and try some other adaptations to be safe against Covid.

August and September are great times to be paddling in the Hudson River Valley. The water is as warm as it gets, and is refreshing in the summer heat. As Fall arrives, the foliage along the waterfront, especially the Palisades, can be quite beautiful.

Be safe, be well, be kind. I hope to hear from some of you, even if it’s just to keep in touch.

Cheers,

Julie McCoy

March 14, 2020

Statement on Coronavirus and COVID-19

March 14, 2020

For many Americans, the past week has featured a dramatic turn of events in the news about Coronavirus and COVID-19. The United States has declared a national emergency, and New York State, where Tubby Hook Paddle Company, has done the same.

The following resources from the CDC, NY State, and the City of New York, offer guidance and information about the virus and its associated disease.

The Paddlesports actvities organized by the Tubby Hook Paddle Company are generally very small in number, and with exceptions for rescues and rafting up, we’re inherently socially distant. Here are specific guidelines for upcoming courses:

All courses are offered with the caveat that they may be cancelled on short notice with a full refund. Some courses rely on third-party facilities, and their actions may also affect course offerings.
Coursework will be designed to minimize contact, especially participant-participant contact.
Read the terms and conditions. In addition to these, any cancellations by clients due to Coronavirus or Covid-19 will be fully refunded. The page will be updated by the end of April but these additional terms are in effect immediately.

If you are sick, feeling sick, or have been near someone who gets sick, please stay home.

As many of you know, the Tubby Hook Paddle Company is primarily Julie McCoy. That is who is writing this. I care about each of my clients, many of whom are also friends. I want everyone to avoid what is statistically becoming unavoidable. Stay safe, be well, and if you have to be outdoors, considering sitting in a boat of your own, hundreds of yards from “civilization”.

February 9, 2020February 9, 2020

Winter Pool Program

We’ve had great success at the winter pool program run by Tubby Hook and Kayak Dov, despite of a change of venue to a nearby New York Sports Club.

Several students have come out to practice their rolls, whether starting out and perfecting hip-snap, or perfecting hand-rolls and other more advanced kinds of rolls.

We’ve even had a wayward polo player come through! At least whitewater boats fit in the elevator!

We have one more weekend left this year, two sessions available the afternoon of Sunday February 16. Sign up for a class or practice on your own; bring your own boat or rent from us.

January 20, 2020

Winter Pool – New Location

Dov and I are happy to say that our first winter pool program in 2020 went well. We are now at a new location, in a gym off the Sawmill Parkway near Dobbs Ferry.

Unlike the old location, the stairs are indoors and less treacherous. There’s also room to make turns easier. Additionally, some of our clients have said it’s the warmest pool they’ve used in the winter.

As we were loading in, we walked past several other gym patrons, most of whom took in stride the fact that 17 foot long sea kayaks were being walked past weight machines and treadmills.

The staff are very friendly, and the changing and showering facilities are quite nice. Come join us by registering ahead of time using the Scheduler. Space is limited to sign up soon. Driving directions and additional instructions will be sent out to those who sign up.

If you want a lesson, click on “Pool Lessons”. If you just want to self-practices, use “Pool Access”. In either case you can also rent a boat and gear by checking the “Pool Rentals” box after choosing your session type.

Happy New Year! Keep on Paddling and don’t let Old Man Winter stop you.

December 27, 2019

Winter Pool Program

Dov and I are happy to announce we will have a winter pool program for kayakers once again this year. We’re going to try a couple of different things; read on for details.

First, instead of the Masters School, we are renting space in a pool at a gym in Dobbs Ferry, right next to the Sawmill Parkway (50 Hamilton St, Dobbs Ferry, NY). We’ll still need to carry boats in and out, up some stairs, but these stairs are indoors and it’s easier to make wide turns.

Second, we’re renting longer time on Sunday afternoons, February 16 and 23, and splitting that time into two separate sessions of 90 minutes each. You can register for one session or both, or a lesson in one session and personal time after.

We’re also trying out a Thursday night session, January 16, 7-9. The Thursday sessions are longer by half and hour, at the same price.

If Thursday night is your jam, let us know by January 10 and we’ll schedule another session for later that month. We need at least eight participants to make rent.

As was the case last year, you can bring your own boats and gear, or rent from us. We’re simplifying pricing this year to $30 pool access; +$30 for a lesson with no more than 3:1 students:instructor, and $30 if you need to rent a boat, which will include gear.

Unfortunately, we will have less space this year, so our Sunday sessions will be limited to 6 per session, and Thursdays will be limited to eight.

Yours Truly,

— Kayak Cowgirl and Kayak Dov —

March 24, 2019March 24, 2019

Rolling at the Pool

Here’s a clip featuring one of our regular students, having perfected a fancy roll.

March 15, 2019March 16, 2019

Pool Session Pix

I want to convey a hearty THANK YOU to all the participants who made this winter’s pool sessions a great success for Tubby Hook and Kayak Dov.

As some of you may know, this was the first year for Julie and Dov to to run a pool program at the Masters School, especially to Matt Kane’s clients who came along to see how we’d do.

Dov and I had a lot of fun working with a range of paddlers, from people learning the basics, to people learning fancy rolls. And, we’re happy some of you tried out Greenland-style Rebel kayaks.

Here are some pictures.

Ready! — The boats have been brought in.

Your Friendly Kayak Instructor. — Kayak Dov. Pool’s Open!

February 23, 2019February 23, 2019

Fourth Pool Session Added

I want to share a big THANKS to everyone who’s come to one of our pool sessions in Dobbs Ferry.

There’s been enough interest that Dov and I have added a fourth date, March 10, and we’re taking steps to make sure the pool doesn’t get crowded for any session. February 24 is now full, but we still have plenty of room on March 3, and March 10 is wide open. Sign up for a session using the Scheduler.

Additionally, if you’re interested in trying out a Rebel kayak, drop a note to kayakdov@gmail.com. He’s got all models available except the Toc and the Jara. Dov is also offering a deal on Gearlab Greenland-style paddles, available only to pool participants: 15% off for anyone who’s taken been a participant ate on of our sessions.

Hope to see you in the pool!

February 18, 2019February 18, 2019

Pool Program Pix

We – Kayak Dov and Tubby Hook Paddle Company – had a great start to our first pool program yesterday. We have two more sessions scheduled, for February 24 and March 3.

We had great turnout, with nearly a dozen paddlers either showing up with their own boats or renting boats from us, a few taking classes, while others practiced on their own.

We had familiar faces and new, and both experienced paddlers and starters. Everyone shares stories and top tips. It’s a social setting as much as an instructional environment.

sharing top tips — J & C giving each other top tips.

To learn more about the program, drop a note to info@tubbyhook.com.