Menu
Log in

Schenectady Wintersports Club

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • 2 May 2023 9:09 PM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    Share the River
    by Ed Greiner, President NNYP

    The stretch of the Mohawk River/ Erie Canal between Lock 7 and Lock 8 is used by many groups and individuals both for training and recreation. There are recreational canoers and kayakers out for a leisurely paddle. Fishermen go out in craft ranging from tubby little kayaks to gigantic powerboats of 200 horsepower or more. There are, perhaps, half a dozen rowing organizations between Rexford and Schenectady, and let’s not forget the power boat crowd that tend to buzz up and down the channel any time the weather is nice. Small groups of NNYP racers do training runs from various access points usually starting in March. This can sometimes make for a very crowded waterway.

    The crew teams will go out in shells ranging from 1 person, to 8 person shells with a coxswain. Sometimes they go out in small groups and sometimes they qualify as a fleet. The middle and high school teams often contain inexperienced rowers. The launches, the powerboats that escort the rowers, often have inexperienced students at the helm. They are instructed to keep their launch between the shells they are tasked to protect and any other boat that may pose a threat. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Some years ago, I chewed out a young launch driver for the excessive wake he was  making while zig-zagging back and forth to stay between his charges and us. I didn’t get to apologize at a later date because he never came back. 

    As paddlers, we tend to hug the shore going upstream, often choosing which bank in order to minimize the effect of the wind on our boats. In moderate to high current situations, it is fun, as well as good practice, to see how much advantage we can get from the many eddies along the shore. Paddling downstream, we like to get out into the current to maximize speed and minimize effort. Not all of the river users think the same way we do.

    Rowing shells, on the other hand, ply the river as if they were in traffic. They try to pass all oncoming craft on the right and overtake other boats by passing on the left. They tend not to go too close to shore as their oars stick out several feet to the side. They do not turn easily and will take up most of the river when reversing direction.

    These differences in maneuverability and intent can create conflict and bad feelings between the groups. Since paddlecraft are much more maneuverable than the rowing shells, I suggest we should be the ones to give way in encountering situations. If we see shells coming toward us, we should pass on the right as if we were on a road. I would hope that the rowers will show us the same courtesy during our time trials, and they generally do.

    We paddlers have all had encounters with power boats. Some operators are courteous and knowledgeable. They will give small paddlecraft a wide berth and either stay on a plane or slow to an idle. Some try to be courteous by slowing down a bit. When they are at half throttle, they make more wake than at any other time. The fact that the stern of the boat is low in the water causes much more water displacement and, therefore, a higher wake. Good intentions that create a bad situation.

    Then there are the powerboats that intentionally create a large wake because they think it is funny to see us in distress. Sometimes they even go around us in circles to create a washing machine effect. These are mostly jet skis, but not all. This type of behavior is no different than a person in a canoe intentionally paddling toward rowing shells to interrupt their training run. I have heard of this happening on the Mohawk

    We all need to be courteous so our time on the river is enjoyable and productive. There is enough room for all of us if we cut each other some slack.

  • 11 Apr 2023 11:30 AM | Brenda Streed (Administrator)

    Come join the Schenectady Winter Sports Club, one of the oldest ski clubs in the country, for a ski adventure, January 20 - 27, 2024, at Telluride.

    Escape to the breathtaking mountains of Telluride and experience an unforgettable winter adventure. This ski trip offers everything you need for an incredible vacation, from world-class skiing to great  accommodations. We will stay at the Camel’s Garden, in old town Telluride. This is directly across the street from the mountain gondola. Old Town Telluride combines the essence of old and new in a quaint western town.

    With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Telluride boasts some of the most diverse and challenging slopes in North America. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there is a run for everyone here. You can explore the legendary Gold Hill Chutes or take in the stunning views from the top of Palmyra Peak, all while enjoying the pristine snow and sunshine.

     Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of Telluride.

     Any questions, email rick@cobello.com.

    Registration http://swc_telluride.sat.tours/

    Rick 518.337.6188

  • 31 Mar 2023 10:51 AM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    Who Was E.H. Hull?    

    What we do know is that he was the SWC's second president, there is a building at GE-Schenectady named after him, and he was a meticulous ski trail map maker and an award winning photographer. The SWC inherited a box  of 60+ plus large format Black and White photos. Here are a few of interest that show the 1930's skiers knew a few things about skiing. Most are Rotterdam Hills, Gore Mountain and Tuckerman's Ravine. The full series will be posted to the SWC website. If you find out anything about E.H Hull, please let us know. (Submitted by Bill Schaefer)

    E.H. Hull Ski 1

    E.H. Hull Ski 2

    E.H. Hull Ski 3

    E.H. Hull Ski 4


  • 31 Mar 2023 10:42 AM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    Recent press releases seemed to be saying that the Warren Miller film would not be produced this year. Outside Inc. will be producing the film and SWC has a contract to show it this fall and the followup in 2024. The following is an article in the March Skiing History Magazine.

    Annual Film Fest Not Dead

  • 18 Feb 2023 11:47 AM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    Summertime in Stowe

    The weekly rentals for the late spring/summer are filling up fast. For $750, you can rent the entire house and bring up to 15 other people (all members of course). Contact ebidell@yahoo.com to check remaining availability and book.

  • 1 Feb 2023 8:46 PM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    After five years working on upgrades to the house and reservation system, Ellen is looking for a replacement. This year, that would include receiving notifications of reservations, making sure the person is a member and that they paid for the reservation.  It is all done from the comfort of your home.  All you need is an email account and access to our website.

    If interested contact Ellen.  You can find her contact information here.



  • 29 Jan 2023 6:47 PM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    We met with a cleaner on New Years weekend, and they gave us a quote of $338 per cleaning. Obviously, this is way out of our budget (unless you want to pay a $15 cleaning fee each stay). So that means it is still up to all of us to keep the place clean. We will pay a member $100 to do a thorough cleaning (maximum of four hours), and you stay one night for free. You don't have to clean the whole place all at once, you can break that up and enjoy part of the day. We can afford to do this about every three weeks. The cleaning schedule will be on the Clubhouse webpage. Check for a date that works for you.

  • 7 Jan 2023 8:35 PM | Dorie Valenti (Administrator)

    During the month of January, you can purchase one set of 10 vouchers for $300 ($300 check/$315 PayPal). They can be used in any combination during the 2023 calendar year.  Stay 10 separate nights or five weekends.  You can use them for other members to stay as well–bring a friend for five nights.

    For more information about this great deal see SWC January 2023 Newsletter.


"Schenectady Wintersports Club Inc." is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization. P.O. Box 2072, Wilton New York 12831

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software