DISCOVERING DELAWARE’S INLAND BAYS

The Delaware Estuary, the Inland Bays and the Chesapeake Bay, from New Jersey to Virginia, provide birders with hundreds of species. This is due, in large part, to the diverse habitat offered by these three very different ecosystems found together in a relatively small area. One of the most valuable resources of this region is natural habitat. Our Inland Bays are particularly sensitive to the loss of habitat. For instance, the salt-water diamond-back terrapin population has declined around the island and the inland bays. Burton's Island offers one of the most diverse range of species observable in this region. Nearby there is a private island that hosts a heron and egret rookery, boasting over 500 active nests, from April through September. Sandy shoals that nearly encircle the island provide the perfect habitat for the horseshoe crabs to lay their eggs. This rich food source attracts thousands of birds daily. The area seems to attract rare species throughout the year, including the Bonapart Seagull and the Ross' Gull, Piping Plovers with numbers of up to 17 in one day. The Island offers a hiking trail, 1.5 miles long, which loops around to a south side beach. The trail winds through salt marsh and old-growth upland forest. Its marshes and sandy beaches also offer a perfect location for self-propelled watercraft enthusiasts. Burton's Island offers sports fishermen a variety of large game fish, including striped bass, sea trout, flounder, blue. Whatever kind of fisherman, they will be successful.

Delmarva Dennis has been living on Delmarva for 43 years, having paddled for the past 33. With his knowledge of the region, combined with years of paddling experience Dennis has begun his own touring and instruction business, offering a wide variety of kayaking experiences.

Originally published in the Newsletter of the Center for the Inland Bays, reprinted with permission of the author

RESCUE CLINIC

by: Martha Withers

June 19, 2001

Coastal Kayaks very generously offered to host a Rescue Clinic at no charge for the Delmarva - Cape Henlopen Paddlers groups on Tuesday.  Despite the usual warnings, this was worth much more than what we paid.   As usual I was the last one there (but I bet I drove the farthest - from Gaithersburg!) and Mitch had a Perception Carolina for me to try.  I have paddled this boat before for a very short time but usually paddle a boat that is several feet shorter, and about a foot wider.  It took a while to get used to it, and we all paddled around a little so the reporter could get some generic video
footage of the event.

We had to paddle to the south end off the Haven Road launch site, and upwind to deeper water to begin the exercises.  Since the wind would eventually blow us back to shallower water we needed some maneuvering room.  We started out practicing "wet exits."  It does take a bit of nerve to roll your boat on purpose, but it is an important skill because if you are unlucky enough to flip your boat, you need to be able to quickly escape the confines of the small cockpit and spray skirt.  This is a simple procedure where you announce to your buddies that you have capsized by rapping both palms on the sides of the hull three times (BAM, BAM, BAM - you DO want to get their attention), pull the grab loop on the spray skirt to disengage the front section, and then run your hands back to make sure the back releases as well. Grab the top of the cockpit and push out while keeping your head close to the boat; faces and rocks being an unhealthy combination.

Once out of the boat, he taught us how to lift it up over a rescuer's boat, and invert it to drain the water out.  Then came the real challenge, to climb back in.  Mitch and Chris demonstrated the procedure where your rescuer controls your boat, lining it up-bow to stern with his own, and holding it steady.  Then the victim (er, swimmer) goes around to the rescuer's boat, reaches across the rescuer's boat, grabs his own boat, and climbs up over the rescuer's boat, facing the rear of his own boat, and wriggles and turns into his own cockpit.  This was done well by most of the participants.

Mitch then demonstrated how to use the paddle float to aid reentry. This is an inflatable pillow that you can slide over the paddle blade thus converting it into a kind of outrigger which can be used both to stabilize your boat, and serve as a platform to aid the reentry.  Everyone did that too with varying degrees of finesse and success, though some exhibited neither.  We also learned how to pump out the boats.  It does take a while!

On to the "T" rescue, where upon hearing the 3 thumps (THUMPS!) a rescuer will position his boat perpendicular to yours, aiming for your hands roving the sides of your boat.  When your hands feel the bow of a rescuer, you can swing the other hand over, and grab the bow of your rescuer's boat and pivot back upright, keeping your head tucked in during the maneuver.  Done correctly, the victim does not have to exit the boat, the spray skirt remains in place, and little water enters the boat.  Done incorrectly, see scenario #1.

Another reentry method was shown where you can push down the stern end; get a leg up over it and crawl/shimmy forward to slide into the cockpit.  Mitch also mentioned a method where one could rig a line to form a stirrup to aid the reentry, but it was getting late and we did not pursue that one.

A lot of methods were demonstrated and everyone got a good opportunity to try most of them in a controlled environment.  Needless to say, when "stuff" happens, it is very important to be able to execute a self or assisted rescue quickly. If the water is cold, there is not a lot of time to do this before becoming incapacitated, so it behooves us all to practice these.

And as for me, I think I'll go shopping for a wider boat!

MOVIE NIGHT AND ASSAWOMAN BAY TRIP REPORT

by: Martha Withers

A small group of the Delmarva "Evening" Paddlers held their first movie night, where four of us viewed a video called "Performance Paddling."   This is a pretty generic video that outlines the basic paddling strokes and braces, and then gets into more advanced techniques like various rolls, and navigation.  The real beauty of the evening was that with our small group we were able to stop the tape at any time so we could re-play a segment, discuss the skills, and exchange hints on related subjects.   We also had a
great opportunity to sit around the dining room table with our maps and charts and plot out various trips.  We also discussed some of the features of a few of the local paddling sites and Chris also gave us a "heads-up" on some of the upcoming events.   We had two Charlies (R & Z) and one Chris (B) and lots of laughter when Charlie Z. told us of some of his more youthful activities.

Primed from all this kayak talk, Charlie called the next day to see if I didn't want to that afternoon.  "Sure, why not?"  He asked where, and I said I'd like to try putting in at the Fenwick State Park beach just below South Bethany since I'd never gone in there.  He reminded me that it was "WINDY" but it didn't really sink in just how "WINDY" it was.  When I arrived Charlie was already playing in the water, and he came to help me unload my boat.  My thoughts were, "Gee, it is pretty WINDY....." as I contemplated the bay full of whitecaps that appeared to be coming from all directions
simultaneously, but I was game to try it as my boat is wide, thus pretty stable.  I've paddled in similar winds and waves before, albeit in deeper water, and the waves were more organized.  Assawoman Bay is very shallow and whipped up a really confused sea for us to traverse.

We set out in SSW winds around 20kt and headed south down Little Bay through The Narrows to Little Assawoman Bay and on down to our destination at Coastal Kayak - not quite 2 miles - taking the wind and the seas on our starboard bows.  It wasn't so bad at first, but once we passed through the Narrows, we were blasted with the full force of the wind racing down Dirickson Creek.  We were continually fighting our boats' tendencies to weather cock, all the while getting drenched from waves spilling over our
laps.  If I stopped paddling to shoo the pooled water from my spray skirt my boat would pivot into the wind instantly and I would lose momentum.    By the time I could get started again, I would get "pooped" again.  It was a losing battle.

Despite this we slogged on, and it took us about an hour to reach Coastal Kayak.  We had a much needed break there, and talked with Mitch and Jennifer for a while, and watched the windsurfers have a great time zipping pack and forth.  Jennifer said winds were due to increase later in the afternoon so we decided to head back, but something made Charlie decide to buy a new glasses strap before we left.  Was it intuition?

I had hoped for a nice surf ride all the way back, but with a little too much west in the wind, it was not to be.  With the wind on our port quarter the paddling was a lot faster, though I'm not so sure it was any easier.  My little 10' boat could certainly take the waves, but it was not possible for me to keep up with Charlie and his boat which is about 30% longer than mine. Charlie was usually 30-50 yards ahead of me, though he kindly slowed periodically to allow me to catch up.  It was during one of these periods
that I suddenly looked up and saw only the blue hull.  I quickly paddled over but Charlie emerged unscathed after performing a wet exit.  Fortunately the water was only 3-4' deep and he was able to retrieve the couple loose items ejected from the boat.  He then lifted his boat up on top of mine to get most of the water out, and I steadied his boat while he crawled back in. Since we had just watched the video and I had attended Mitch's Rescue Clinic a couple weeks previous, the procedures were fresh in our minds.  But remember, as an friend of mine says, you can't learn this stuff on TV; sooner or later you have to get in the water.  Charlie had also just purchased a pump a couple of days before and now he had the opportunity to make sure it works.  (I kind of have to wonder if he didn't plan this
exercise?).

Our landing back at the park was uneventful and we drained all the water out of our boats, rinsed the sand off, and loaded up.  My aching arms and shoulders told me I was too tired to do anything else the rest of the day, so it may be an understatement to say we got a pretty good workout.

An artistic license note, the photos accompanying this article were admittedly taken the following day in a 15-20kt Northeast wind.  Without so much fetch, the waves in the photos are more like a bathtub than what we experienced.

Charlie Z. has the video (it actually belongs to Chris B.) and we decided to float it around the group, so if anyone is interested in viewing it let him know, and he will get it to you.  If anyone else has kayaking videos to share, or would like to host a movie night please post something to the Delmarva Paddlers List.

AWA PICNIC PADDLE

By: Sweet Pea B

It started with one sunny Saturday, in June, a few hellos and a slight gust of wind. It seemed like a perfect day for kayaking. But I soon found out that I was not only at the Assawoman Wildlife Area to paddle… I was there for a workout. Now I thought I was there for a nice laid-back paddle! It might have been a workout I had not planned for but………… too bad. I needed it.

Along with us came: Robin Snow, Brian (her neighbor), Dick and JoAnn, my dad, and Charlie Zimmerman. Later, we were joined by Roland Warrington and a friend.

I have seen a young eagle perched on her nest before but never in flight. I found out that young eagles do not have the "bald head" of the older. Today we got to see bald eagles with white heads and the works. The only thing more magnificent than seeing a bald eagle perched on a tree is seeing one in flight. It’s absolutely, positively, 101%, totally cool!

According to Big River Daddy (he got the name from the photo, right, that I took of him) this paddle had the word "picnic" in the title. Well let me tell you something it was a picnic paddle, minus the picnic! It was still fun though.

Before I wrap this up, I want to tell one more thing. We were pulling in to the launch site and we saw a big party going on. My dad’s first thought was that a fellow paddler (who’s name will not be mentioned) was playing a prank on us. He was wrong. Big time. A family was having a reunion. This was the 20^th year in a row on the same weekend, in the same month, at the same place.

Just one more thing. Daddy has a habit of doing stuff on accident to make everyone laugh. This time, he broke his paddle in 2, right down the middle! And to make it even more funny, daddy landed in water after his paddle snapped when doing his brace to get out of his boat. Special thanks to Robin Snow for the picture! (Left)

You can check this website out for more info on the AWA.

http://www.beach-net.com/assawoman/assawomantour.html

4^TH OF JULY FIREWORKS

by: Sweet Pea B

The trip started with the, every-so frustrating-problem of placing the gear, dad, and I into his little Cherokee Limited with 2 boats on top. As we pulled out of the driveway at about 7:30ish, the sky was looking a bit dark and cloudy (Perfect weather for fireworks).

We were followed by Auntie Jo, Uncle Marc, and my two cousins; Hilary and Andrew. They too were coming.

The clouds at first looked like they would just pass over. That was when we saw the first streak of lightning. I turned in my seat and looked back at the Merlo’s, they had obviously seen it too. But we just kept chugging along. By the time we finally reached Martha Withers house (she was hosting the paddle) the clouds were dishing out thunder and lighting as a main course with a drenching rain for dessert.

The full moon was out and the rain finally did end up slackening off as well as the lightning and thunder. We decided to take everything down, unload and then launch.

That was a mistake! We had just gotten everything unloaded onto the docks when it started down pouring once again. I had my cockpit cover with me so I was the only one who ended up with a dry seat when we finally launched. J

When we finally got under way the rain had stopped but it was still thundering and lightning. Dad estimated that it was a few miles away and we didn’t have to worry about it.

It was still a little before the fireworks were scheduled to start so we paddled around some.

Then all of the sudden there were these big booms. We were starting to see the fireworks off of Bethany Beach! We paddled a little closer and we found the perfect place to sit. The reflection off the water was perfect. And it was like having front row seats to the best show in the world!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By Chris B

We live in one of the nicest paddle spots in the mid-Atlantic Region. The Chesapeake Bay receives most of the publicity, but the Inland Bays of Delmarva - the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia peninsula - and their many adjacent wildlife areas, have been a well-kept secret. These bays have received much publicity due to fish kills. Some four million fish, mostly menhaden, died last summer in tributaries to the Rehoboth Bay. The local chapter of Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, founded and headed by Nick Carter, alarmed at the condition of our inland bays, had already begun independent testing of the waters. During a routine test at Bald Eagle Creek, he discovered last summer’s largest fish kill. Nick, rebuffed by some of the local agencies, sent additional samples to The University of North Carolina to be tested. The info and technical data can be found at: http://www.surfrider.org/delaware/index.html. Researchers at UNC found the Chattonella Verruculosa microbe to be present in the Aug. 28^th fish kill in Bald Eagle Creek and in the ocean off Indian River Inlet. This microbe, associated with the Red Tide, had previously only been found in Florida, Japan and Norway. It may have been a contributing factor in the fish kills. Its effect on humans is not completely known. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, DNREC, advised residents to notify health officials if they noticed respiratory problems or other symptoms after exposure to waters in the area of a fish kill. This year they have placed advisory signs at each beach on the Inland Bays. Kevin R. Donnelly, director of Water Resources for DNREC was quoted in the News Journal: "We're not saying 'don't go in the water,’ we're saying that, if you're in the water and you experience these symptoms, call Public Health." Other samples of water tested by the state itself had previously shown some signs of pfiesteria. Nick notes on his web site the large disparity between Delaware’s water quality standards and the EPA’s, and feels that Delaware’s standards are "a farce." A public service bulletin on pfiesteria released by The Sea Grant at the University of Delaware; stated this: "Recommendations for the general public are that when there is no visible evidence of a Pfiesteria fish kill, there are no immediate risks involved with recreational activities." http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/DNREC2000/Admin/Press/Story1.asp?offset=50&PRID=131 The medical community was more concerned and held a conference on identifying symptoms and treatments. Joann Burkholder of UNC attended; she’s a well-known authority on pfiesteria. More information may be found at sites noted at the end of this article.

UPCOMING EVENTS

by: Everyone