The Finger Lakes Sea Kayakers 
FLaSK

Who We Are 

Finger Lakes Sea Kayakers are a group of people that like to paddle. We are not a club, per se, but rather people who 
enjoy the social aspect of paddling. We believe in and promote safe paddling practices.  We encourage everyone to 
work on their skills and meet regularly to practices all aspects of safe paddling such as strokes, rescues, rolling, and 
navigation. Currently, most of our members are from the Ithaca area but anyone in the Finger Lakes area is welcome 
to join. We mostly paddle on Cayuga Lake but also take trips out of the area.  

	How to Join 

Joining the group is easy.  Contact one of the people on the list below.  When we meet on the water we want to 
ensure that everyone meets a set of minimum requirements in terms of safety equipment and skill level.  A member of 
the group will "sponsor" first timers before they join their first club activity to ensure that these minimum levels are 
met. 

Contact:

	Activities

Thursday night paddle sessions
Meet at Puddledockers at 5:00 pm if you need to rent a boat.  Or meet out in front of Stewart Park at 6:00 pm.  

Other Proposed Activities Include:
Weekend ½ day or full day paddles on Cayuga Lake or elsewhere.
Overnight trip to Thousand Islands, Adirondacks, or Lake Ontario.


Minimum Requirements for 



Minimum Skill Requirements: 
Paddlers must be able to:
•	perform a wet exit
•	paddle forward in a reasonably straight 
line
•	swim wearing paddling gear.
Minimum Equipment 
Requirements:
Every paddler must have
•	paddle 
•	whistle
•	water pump
•	PFD
•	spray skirt (sprayskirt & PFD must be 
worn at all times when the paddler is on the water)
•	appropriate dress (see below)
•	footwear (see below)
Appropriate Dress:

Dress for the water temperature. 


In cold conditions wear:

•	wet suit or dry suit
•	shoes
•	neoprene gloves
•	neoprene or fleece lined hat. 
•	As a general guideline, the 100 degree 
rule can be used. When the water temperature plus the air temperature is less 
than 100 degrees, wear a wet suit or dry suit (with a warm undergarment).


To protect from sun exposure

•	hat with brim
•	long sleeved shirt 
•	sunscreen
•	Don't forget to bring extra 
water
•	bug repellant is 
recommended
•	Footwear
•	No sandals such as 
Teva's because the straps can catch on foot pegs or rigging.  
•	Shoes provide warmth in 
cold water but also protect the feet from zebra mussels, glass or 
other sharp objects in the water. 
•	Material
•	Don't wear clothes made 
of cotton as cotton retains water.  Instead wear wool, fleece, or 
other moisture wicking material to provide warmth.  
•