Kayaking Made Plain & Safe

This kid was among a fearless crew setting off on what could be a dangerous adventure — but wasn’t, thanks to a New Haven guide in outdoor adventures.

The leading cause of death in Connecticut waterways is canoeing and kayaking accidents, said Martin Torresquintero, the ​“Outdoor Adventures” coordinator for the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees. Luckily for this kid, safety classes are offered.

To help people be sporty, safely, Torresquintero is offering one-time kayaking classes this summer at Lighthouse Point Park. All equipment is provided, as well as the lesson and time to paddle in Long Island Sound.

On Saturday afternoon a group of five (including this reporter) adventurous kayak enthusiasts met at sunny, rock-outcropped Lighthouse Point. After two days of rain delays, the group was ready. First up: equipment checks.

p(clear). ​“People think you can buy whatever size kayak is cheapest, whatever length paddle, but it’s not true,” said Torresquintero, pictured. He said that kayaking’s popularity has brought with it a fair amount of equipment misuse.

p(clear). ​“A paddle is like a pair of shoes,” he said. ​“One size does not fit all.”

p(clear). ​“They sell kayaks in BJ’s, Costco,” he said. The cheaper kayaks are made for small waterways or lakes but people take them out into bigger bodies of water, he said.

p(clear). On Saturday the group took out sit-on-top kayaks, where you sit on top of the boat, not inside it.

p(clear). Before setting off, the basic lesson was given. Instructors Tamara and Ryan explained how to hold the paddle (knuckles up, hands shoulder length apart), how to use the paddle (left, right, left, right), and what to do if you fall out of the boat (wait for assistance!).

p(clear). Pictured here, the group learns the stroke.

p(clear). Torresquintero said they also provide the classes because buying all the equipment needed for kayaking is a huge investment. Also, to house all the equipment calls for a lot of space.

p(clear). The parks department offers many fun opportunities for kayaking including trips and a monthly full moon night kayaking expedition! Torresquintero is working on fishing kayaking lessons and also enjoys working with people who have disabilities. Click here for a schedule.

p(clear). But what is it about kayaking that people like so much? Torresquintero had an idea.

p(clear). ​“Kayaks are a modern adaptation of old technology,” he said.