Canal Crawl Paddling Poverty 2018 – Q&A
This is a rain or shine event and will only be cancelled if there is lightning. You will need to have your waiver signed before you launch. If you do not have your waiver on file, to save time, please print, complete and bring the attached waiver with you. Otherwise, when you arrive there will be waivers available to sign at check-in. All participants must check-in at Oak Island before launching. If you registered other paddlers as part of your team, but did not submit their email addresses, please forward this information. Thank you for participating.
What time is check-in and where?
Check in starts at 9:00 AM at Oak Island in Waterloo. Oak Island is at the end of Oak Street off Route 5 & 20 (West Main Street). Watch for signs. If you rented a kayak from Fuzzy Guppies check in at Oak Island first and proceed to Fuzzy Guppies to launch. We ask that you check in no later than 9:45. Everyone should be on the water by 10:00 AM. At check in you will receive two matching numbered security wrist bands connecting owner and boat. One is attached to the wrist, the other to your boat. There will be a supervised area to store boats while you park.
Where should I park?
There is limited parking on Oak Island. When you arrive, park near the launch area, unload your watercraft and follow directions to the main parking area located in the back of the Waterloo Recreation Center also on Oak Street. If that lot becomes full there is additional parking in the Waterloo village parking lots. We ask that participants park in the optional lot to allow those who have rented the pavilions to park in the Oak Island lot.
What if I don’t want to go through the lock?
There is the optional launching site at the Waterloo DPW at 45 East Water Street, Waterloo. East Water Street is off Route 5&20 (East Main Street). Check in at Oak Island first and proceed to the alternate launch site. If you want to paddle with the other participants, wait to enter the water until you see other kayakers.
What supplies do I need to bring with me?
Your approved watercraft, a life jacket (required), whistle or noisemaker and any other supplies you think you will need, such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a cell phone or camera to take pictures. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. You may want to bring a credit card or cash to participate in the raffles and silent auction at the end.
Where will there be restrooms?
There are restrooms at Oak Island and also at the Seneca Falls Recreation Center. Plan accordingly. This will be approximately a two hour paddle.
What happens entering and exiting the lock?
Please comply with all instructions. Maintain a 20′ distance from lock gates, minimize horseplay, and do not attempt to enter or exit the locks until the gate doors are fully open and you’ve been given the green light to advance. Also, please be a polite paddler and make way for larger boats not only in the lock but also as you make your way in the canal.
What is the scavenger hunt?
When you check in you will be given a lanyard with the scavenger hunt entry form and marker inside the plastic pouch. Write your name and telephone number on the form. After you go through the locks watch the shoreline. There are 10 scavenger hunt items to look for. There will be signs with numbers posted on or near the items. Write the numbers (1-10) beside the corresponding clues. There are also a few games along the way. Answer the trivia questions on the back and turn your entry in when you arrive at the Seneca Falls Recreation Center for a chance to win a prize.
What else can I expect?
This is a low-intensity relaxing paddle. It is not a race so take your time. There will a surprise snack along the way. Boats will be on the water, leading the way and following in the back to hand out bottled water and be of assistance. We encourage decorations, with fun colors, hats, to have a fun time on the water. Please do not alter your watercraft in a way that could jeopardize your safety. Water guns are OK but not everyone wants to be sprayed so please be respectful of other participants. Participate in the Scavenger Hunt and games, enjoy the camaraderie, take pictures and if you post them on Facebook or Twitter please use the hashtag #CanalCrawlSCHOC.
What happens when I arrive at the Seneca Falls Recreation Center?
When you disembark at the recreation center we will have security keeping an eye on the area where your watercraft will be stored. There will be trash receptacles and recycling cans for you to discard any unwanted items. Please do not dispose of your trash in the canal. Partake in the complimentary lunch, enjoy the music and bid on our silent auction items and raffle. We will have credit card acceptance available. Awards and prizes will be announced during lunch at 12:00 noon.
How do I get back to the launch site/parking area to get my vehicle?
There will be shuttles available. You will be dropped off at your launch site and will need to drive your automobile back to the Seneca Falls Recreation Center to pick up your watercraft.
Thank you for being a part of Canal Crawl Paddling Poverty to help the Seneca County House of Concern fight hunger! Have a boatload of fun! Happy Paddling!