Fall Canoeing and Kayaking in Old Forge
Even though winter feels like it’s fast-approaching, there is still time left for great paddling opportunities in the AdirondackMountains. It’s a great time to take out the canoe or kayak, and go out on the larger lakes when they’re not as crowded with warm weather water skiers or power boats.
The Fulton Chain of Lakes
The Fulton Chain of Lakes would be the perfect spot to paddle right now! Plus, when the air temp is colder than the water, it makes for some gorgeous misty mornings. However, if you were to tip over in a canoe or kayak this time of year, you’d get a rather rude awakening! There’s a rule of thumb about the likelihood of getting hypothermia in these situations – the “100-degree rule.” If you add the water temperature and the air temperature together and the sum is less than 100 degrees, there’s a good chance you’d get hypothermia if you fell in. Like if the air temperature is a brisk 25 degrees, and the water is only 50 degrees (highly likely this time of year…), that’s only 75 degrees total. Even when you get out of the water, your body would be so chilled from the shock of falling in that the cold air temperature isn’t going to help at all…
The Fulton Chain of Lakes would be the perfect spot to paddle right now! Plus, when the air temp is colder than the water, it makes for some gorgeous misty mornings. However, if you were to tip over in a canoe or kayak this time of year, you’d get a rather rude awakening! There’s a rule of thumb about the likelihood of getting hypothermia in these situations – the “100-degree rule.” If you add the water temperature and the air temperature together and the sum is less than 100 degrees, there’s a good chance you’d get hypothermia if you fell in. Like if the air temperature is a brisk 25 degrees, and the water is only 50 degrees (highly likely this time of year…), that’s only 75 degrees total. Even when you get out of the water, your body would be so chilled from the shock of falling in that the cold air temperature isn’t going to help at all…
Life Jacket Law Has Taken Effect in New York State
In August of 2009, New York State issued a new lifejacket law for small non-motorized watercraft less than 21 feet long. Usually, only children under 12 are required to wear their life jackets at all times while in the boat. But as of 2009, paddlers and passengers of all ages must wear their life jackets between November 1st – May 1st. It’s a good policy since having a life jacket on would definitely increase your chances of survival, especially if you swamped in a huge lake where help could be far away.
In August of 2009, New York State issued a new lifejacket law for small non-motorized watercraft less than 21 feet long. Usually, only children under 12 are required to wear their life jackets at all times while in the boat. But as of 2009, paddlers and passengers of all ages must wear their life jackets between November 1st – May 1st. It’s a good policy since having a life jacket on would definitely increase your chances of survival, especially if you swamped in a huge lake where help could be far away.
Old Forge Camping Resort
The Old Forge Camping Resort rents canoes and paddleboats during the appropriate seasons; however we require life jackets to be worn by anyone under 18 years of age. In addition, if a guest is 18 or older we require a life jacket to be with them in the boat at all times. Next time you’re out on the water in the Adirondacks, keep that in mind! Although it is smart to wear a life jacket any time of year, be sure to wear it between November 1st and May 1st – Not only for safety’s sake, but violation of this law is pricey, with fines of between $25-$100!
The Old Forge Camping Resort rents canoes and paddleboats during the appropriate seasons; however we require life jackets to be worn by anyone under 18 years of age. In addition, if a guest is 18 or older we require a life jacket to be with them in the boat at all times. Next time you’re out on the water in the Adirondacks, keep that in mind! Although it is smart to wear a life jacket any time of year, be sure to wear it between November 1st and May 1st – Not only for safety’s sake, but violation of this law is pricey, with fines of between $25-$100!
