Triple End-To-End: By Kayak (Pt. 3)
On August 29th, 2021, the final trek across the New York State began. Having packed my kayak with food, gear, and lots of coffee, I set out again to face the new challenge of traveling the entire Erie Canal by kayak.
Prep
Unlike the bike and hike portions of the Triple, the kayak trek required significant planning to pull off with minimal problems. This included planning where to put in and get out, areas that could serve as potential campsites, and timing my arrival at each lock to progress further within the operating hours of the locks. My first pick of launch sites was the Ohio Street Kayak Launch, south of downtown Buffalo, but due to construction at the launch that day, Mutual Riverfront Park just a few blocks away served as the backup.
Camping was relatively easy. I was familiar with the Canal already but my options for sites were limited to those with a launch, ramp, or natural beach on which the kayak could be pulled out. The town of Amherst was kind enough to permit me to sleep in Amherst Veterans Canal Park that evening of the first day. Beyond that, I would simply take whatever I could get.
Admittedly, I did not spend as much time in my kayak as I should have before leaving. I spent approximately 5 to 6 hours in the cockpit, training before the launch day and while I understood how the boat handled and how to operate a kayak sail effectively, I did not learn how to roll, wet enter from the water, or get in and out from a dock, something I later taught myself out of necessity.
Notes From The Water (Buffalo to Albany)
Ohio Street Kayak Launch or any other launch along the Buffalo River makes excellent spots to put in.
The stretches between the Buffalo River and the Black Rock Canal as well as the Black Rock Canal to the Erie Canal can be dangerous due to waves and ignorant boaters. Launching on a weekday with little to no wind is best to avoid both.
Camping in Buffalo is slim to none but there is one island just south of Amherst Veterans Canal Park that makes for decent camping should you need it.
Locks 33 and 32 are operated by a single lockkeeper during the summer months. Lock 33 closes early so 32 can remain open for canal tours from Pittsford.
Just past Lock 27, in Lyons NY, there is a small lawn behind the Lyons Fire Department specifically for canal tourers to camp at. They also offer bathrooms and showers during operating hours.
During the summer, the entire stretch between Lock 26 and Cross Lake is known as “mosquito heaven.” Do NOT plan on camping anywhere in this section apart from River Forest Park Campground which requires a reservation.
Three Rivers Point between Belgium and Phoenix is a great camping spot, though camping isn’t technically allowed.
The Oneida Lake Channel follows a line of buoys through the center of the lake, though I chose to hug the southern shoreline about half a mile away from land. Boaters can be quite bad on Oneida Lake so starting in the early morning is highly recommended. Also, high winds will cause waves, so check the forecast before the crossing.
The region surrounding Schoharie Creek has some of the most reckless boaters on the Canal. Hug the shoreline and listen for potential hazards.
Locks 6 through 2 in Waterford NY operate in sequence and, if there is no other traffic, will open sequentially as you approach. If boats are traveling in the opposite direction, you will need to wait for them to traverse each lock before proceeding.
What To Bring
Like the hike and bike, kayaking the Canal requires much of the same gear used for everyday backpacking or bike touring with a few exceptions.
A sea/touring kayak equipped with a rudder is necessary. Small recreational kayaks will not do as they lack storage, carry capacity, speed, and controllability. The kayak I used during this trip was a 14 foot, Perception Carolina.
Clothing remains the same, but long-sleeve shirts, wide-brim hats, face coverings, and paddle gloves will help you from baking in the sun and protect your skin from constant abrasion.
Lightweight paddles make a world of difference when kayaking long distances by saving the strength in your arms. Fiberglass is good, but carbon fiber is better, though it can be expensive.
Waterproof or “dry bags” are a must. Your equipment WILL get wet and the last thing you want is a soaked tent or sleeping bag.
A deck bag allows you to keep your needs on hand instead of stopping constantly to retrieve items from your storage compartments.
A kayak sail is by no means necessary. On rare occasions, a sail can mean the difference between a 25 and 35-mile day, but is quite expensive and takes practice to be used effectively.
I believe the Erie Canal is a fantastic opportunity to try kayak touring as it is narrow, passes towns frequently, and offers excellent views of landmarks and wildlife. With a variety of local events, maps, guides, and information to help plan your journey, you can spend less time focused on a set schedule and more time taking in the views.
