A Fantastic Turnout for the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee
2009 Community Paddle Event at Sand Harbor

It could not have been a more beautiful day at Sand Harbor on Saturday, May 17th for the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee's "Spring Community Paddle Day".  Over 90 participants from the Lake Tahoe area and nearby Nevada and California communities gathered at Sand Harbor for a magical two hour paddle of the East Shore and then returned to a BBQ lunch. "I never realized just how many people were interested in paddling on Lake Tahoe.  This was a perfect opportunity to learn about how to be safe on the water, give input to circumnavigation of the lake, and just enjoy a glorious day on the water with others," said Jeff Wells of Nevada City.

The paddle event started with a short safety talk by Jay Schmidt and DeeDee Kincade of the North Lake Tahoe Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1.  These dedicated volunteers reminded every kayaker about required safety equipment and the care needed to paddle on Lake Tahoe where the water temperature on Saturday was 48 degrees.

Then the participants launched into the calm, blue water and paddled south in three groups, led by informative local volunteer guides.  John Coburn, UNR Cooperative Extension, shared his knowledge of Tahoe's geologic origins and current efforts to protect the sensitive natural resources in the Region.  Tim Hauserman, author of "Monsters in the Woods: Backpacking with Children" and MaryAnn Clark, Lake Tahoe Community College Sea Kayaking Instructor, led a group to the Thunderbird Lodge with information about the Tahoe Rim Trail along the way.  David Antonucci, local historian and founder of the Olympic Trails Organizing Committee, kept his group at attention with stories about geologic events, Mark Twain, and other colorful local characters.

During the BBQ lunch at the group pavilion, supported by Todd Jackson of Big Blue Adventure and New Belgium Brewing, participants also had a chance to talk to representatives of the Tahoe Resource Conservation District Staff to learn about invasive aquatic species and what kayakers can do to help stop their spread.  Harry King, owner of Tahoe Ecosports in Kings Beach, braved the cold water and demonstrated survival techniques such as how to get back in a kayak if it capsizes and how to help rescue a paddler in trouble.

Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee members, Niobe Burden and Dennis Liebl want to thank our guides, supporters, volunteers, the CG Auxillary, as well as Nevada State Parks for their help in making this a fun, informative and smooth running event.  They also want to thank the paddling participants and remind them to Save the Date for a combined North/South paddle event being planned for September 6.  For information about the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, how to become involved and future planned events - please visit our
Membership page.

To see photos of the the event go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18249451@N02/sets/72157605124587178  and  www.niobeburden.com/ltwt_paddle