First Paddle Of Spring In Oswego County

By: Michael Johnson

OSWEGO COUNTY – As the snow melts away and the ground thaws, those of us who enjoy the simple pleasure of propelling ourselves across water by means of a paddle start to watch the weather report closely.

The constantly changing pattern of mild and cold that signals the arrival of spring in the North Country stirs a cautious excitement in the avid paddlers’ thoughts. Having been out of the boat for several months means that skills must be re-learned.

The first trip on to the water is always a little sketchy, as our bodies must recall that subtle movements affect our balance while afloat. The cold water is unforgiving, so staying dry is of the highest priority

Finally, the weather cooperated.

The first ritual to be performed each spring is removing the boat from storage, checking it over and giving it a quick clean up. Paddles and PFD’s must be rounded up, and various other accoutrements find their way back into our lives. Of course one item is always missing, stored away in a forgotten spot. Despite our efforts to keep everything together at the end of the season, we always manage to misplace something.

My primary paddling partner is my wife, and unlike many couples, we are somehow able to work cooperatively in the canoe without either one of us taking control. Our many years of paddling together have allowed us to develop a means of unspoken communication, each knowing what the other is thinking, and interpreting the subtle movements and weight shifts that keep us upright.

With a few trips under our belt, balancing the boat becomes intuitive, allowing us to enjoy the scenery more and think less about the mechanics of navigating a tippy boat.

Living in Northern Oswego County affords us access to many excellent places to paddle, with well maintained parking and launching facilities. Boaters may choose between open and protected waters, a luxury that allows enthusiasts to formulate a “plan B” when the wind creates a hazardous situation on the larger and more exposed ponds and bays. Setting out early in the morning will often allow for a few hours of calm weather to enjoy before the prevailing winds start to build.

After slipping the boat into the water, we gingerly step in and settle into our seats. At the end of a paddling season our bodies are accustomed to automatically finding the position that balances the need for stability and most efficient transfer of our energy to the water.

For the first few expeditions, not so much, and an occasional bobble and near capsize is part of the adventure. Before too long we are as comfortable in the boat as we are on the sofa, and the memory of the near soakings of the first trips of the season are just something to chuckle about while resting on the bank of a meandering waterway.

Now that some of the restrictions placed upon society by the coronavirus pandemic are starting to be eased and boat launches are re-opening, more options for getting onto the water are becoming available.

For the less experienced paddler, Deer Creek Marsh in the town of Richland offers a gentle introduction to the sport, with a winding creek that wanders through the wetlands and leads to a sandy beach on the shore of Lake Ontario. The Upper Salmon River Reservoir in the town of Redfield is a seven mile long lake that provides beautiful scenery , but is subject to winds, so paddling in the morning is a safer bet.

The Salmon River Estuary, accessed at the Pine Grove State Boat Launch is another great location for a peaceful exploration of the freshwater marsh ecosystem. Located on the Pine Grove Road in the Town of Richland, this access point gets busy during the Fall fishing season. The Little Salmon River provides a short but sweet journey, with explorations beginning and ending at the Mexico Point State Boat Launch, located off of route 104B in the town of Mexico.

If you are planning to paddle in the spring, remember the 120 rule! If the air and water temperatures combined do not total up to 120, a wetsuit or drysuit must be worn to prevent hypothermia in the event of an accidental immersion. The start of a new paddling season is something to celebrate, but there is no such thing as being too cautious when cold water is involved, so celebrate with care.

Print this entry