Finding Nirvana in a Kayak on the Sound

If yoga had an aquatic counterpart, it just might be kayaking. The zen-like aquatic recreational sport can be sublimely serene. Often done during the quiet still of the early morning on a glass smooth waterway before boats, water skiers and other wake creators have their way on the water, many kayaking enthusiast have found Nirvana in the boating experience.

An integral part of life for the Inuits in the Arctic for centuries, kayaking has now become a full on Olympic sport and has seen increased popularity. Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club member Gordon Fishshell has been navigating various inlets and channels for 20 years. He believes that the kayaking rage, once an exclusive activity, is a direct result of affordability.

"Ten years ago, sea kayaking was done by a niche group. They [kayaks] were either crappy or hi-end," Fishell explained.  "In the last few years, manufacturers have made middle-of-the-road boats, making them more accessible to people."  Fishshell gets his 17-foot-long fiberglass Dennis Explorer  into the water at least once a week, and stores it at the Horseshoe.  Often paddling with friends, he enjoys leisurely exploring the wilderness in his kayak as well as the more demanding whitewater kayaking.

Sensing a need to provide a forum for the rising number of kayaking enthusiasts and to advocate for better water access, avid kayaker David Hellerstein took action. In 2005, he formed the Kayakers Alliance of Larchmont and Mamaroneck. The group works toward improving local and regional water access, increasing affordable near-water kayak storage opportunities, enhancing communication among local kayakers, and offering activities for kayakers. Hellerstein's passion for kayaking, particularly on Long Island Sound, is palpable. He has observed a rise in the number of people interested in kayaking and in the alliance's membership.

 Lest you think that kayaking is just an activity for competitively challenged non-athletes, think again. Meet Larchmont resident Andrew Yeu. The self described "middle-aged man with the mind of a 20-year-old," is a management consultant in New York City who likes to kick his kayaking experience into high gear. Following a move to Larchmont from Florida, where he paddled infrequently, Yeu felt the need  to engage in some form of physical activity.

"Living in Larchmont you are near the water. I wanted to do something for exercise and wanted that something to be on the water," said Yeu. "I saw people paddling on the Sound and thought, 'I can do that. I just have to get better at it.'"

Indeed he has!  

Yeu has now been kayaking for four years and has competed in such races as the 30-mile Mayor's Cup on the Hudson in NYC and the 15- mile Lighthouse to Lighthouse Race in Connecticut. He frequently kayaks in open water in his 18-foot, 35-pound carbon Kevlar racing kayak. During weekends he tries to get in at least  10-12 miles per outing,  getting in aerobic exercise and developing his upper body strength in the process. "I like to paddle hard," said Yeu.  

A recurring theme among most, if not all kayakers in the Larchmont/ Mamaroneck area involves the difficulty of water access. The privatization of public resources –in this case the waterfront—and the lack of parking in the areas along the shore present problems for kayakers wanting to "put in." Hellerstein described the process at one popular location: "It requires lugging one's kayak off the roof rack and dragging it down to the water, parking the car many blocks away, then running back to the kayak, and reversing the whole routine afterward."

However, there seems to be some compromise in the offing. Recently, Hellerstein and other members of KALM succeeded in their efforts to have the Village of Mamaroneck lower launching fees in the Mamaroneck harbor. The fee for residents to park their car and put in their kayaks off the public ramp will be reduced from $20 to $10 —$5 for parking and $5 for "put in." The $80 yearly pass will remain the same. Storage for kayaks at the harbor is under discussion.

Although access remains a hot button issue, once kayaking lovers hit the water, the opportunity to relax takes hold. They are as one with their kayaks, nature and their thoughts.  It's an opportunity to achieve balance within and without.  

To view this reporter's video of kayakers in action, click here.