Lancaster kayaks and canoeing clubs are still floating 45 years later | Outdoors

In the 1970s, canoeing was not a known way to pass the time. Furthermore, the strip was a torrent canoe in a bulky open aluminum canoe that was difficult to control, carried on magnetic rocks, and easily submerged and sunk.

There were practitioners rowing in calm lakes, calm rivers, and other calm waters, but they were still not accepted by the masses.

The Lancaster Canoe Club was born 45 years ago with this connection between traditional rowing and the waves of heretical open boats. Two whitewater canoe players, Robert Fulton and Philip Kenny, sent an invitation to the newspaper, and 55 canoe players appeared in a conference room at a local bench. Forty-five of them lowered their membership dues on the spot.

From the beginning, the club's goal was to teach others the basics of rowing so that they can discover the beauty and enjoyment of the sport. Safety is our top priority., And some members took the time for BeckooI have a certified instructor.

IThe teaching went way beyond the basics of how to handle the pallets. The course included seminars on first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, backwater camping, hypothermia, shuttle transportation, and boat building. Often people joined the club without owning a boat. By the time they stop rowing, they probably have some.

For decades, the club has introduced the sports to hundreds of Lancaster County residents through a rigorous two-day underwater course.

"Most of us had no rowing skills," recalled Ale Schlemann, a founding member and historian of the club in East Lampeter Township. “The sides of the paddle shifted, the gunwale was seized and the stroke of the rudder from the stern turned the canoe. Yes An unavoidable landfill occurred and practically all the canoes were created.IAn exciting adventure. "

Another important function of the club was to bring the rowers together for comrades and friends. NS Share your rowing trip. There were regular whitewater trips, calm waters, and family trips. River Lehigh, River Eugiogeny, Octralo There were offerings to the Creek rapids, West Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Today, the club organizes two to four trips a month. Safety is still important. The journey does not overcome the difficulty of the most inexperienced members of the journey. I need a helmet. No one was seriously injured on a trip to a club.

“You can get to know, trust and learn from the people in your group,” says Christine Blue Baker, a Manor Township resident who has been with the club for 30 years and is currently president.

Ruth Daniels, 77, of East Lampeter Township, was the epitome of those who found their way to the club and benefited from it.

In the early 1990s, she and her late husband, John, were on a rafting trip in Lehi. They saw a group of kayaks playing in the waves and it looked fun. The following year, the couple read everything they could about rowing and felt ready to drink water.

“The following year, I rented a kayak for two. We thought we knew it all and threw it into a whirlpool. We decided that we should start the lesson. "Many couples will lead the journey.

Eschlemann, 85, made a similar sudden presentation. His first trip to the club was a torrent floating through Lehi. He wrapped an aluminum canoe around a rock and took two hours to knock it loose.

You'll be a skilled solo whitewater canoeist in open canoeing when most people aren't. Remember a trip through Youghio Gheny. He has just fired a torrent in shock and awe of Paddler's group with more modern and enclosed boats.

“Hey, you can't do that! Only deck sailors can do it, ”exclaimed one.

"I just came in, so get moving," Eschlemann said. answered..

The friendships built through the club were as important as the time on the water. “It has become our favorite activity and a group of friends,” Daniels said. Said.. "It was an important part of our lives."

Over the years, clubs have shared the relaxing benefits of paddling in groups. of the person About dialysis Man For cerebral palsy, etc.

Published by the club in 1976 NS The “Historic Conestoga Canoe Guide” on page 32 continues to be a valuable tool for floats.

Members of canoeing clubs tend to be irreverent groups. For decades, an award distributed for ignorance at annual banquets was the Squirrel Award. An ugly ceramic rodent, awarded to club members who did stupid things in the water. It's like forgetting the key to a takeout vehicle or blowing up the car with a canoe. There were always many candidates.

Over time, the use of kayaks has obscured canoes as the preferred boat. This club is now known as the Lancaster Kayak and Canoe Club.

Membership has dropped from about 130 at the peak to about 40 now. However, Bull Baker is working to expand the club's activities after the COVID-19 disability has subsided.

45th Anniversary Ceremony for Past Club Members and Current Club Members - - And the general public -Thursday, October 14, starting at 4:30 pm, outdoors at the Blue Lock Heritage Center in Washington Ragged.. For reservations or details, Christine Brubaker (717-380-4692) or ccbsailing@aol.com..