The Beat

Public Boat Launch Access Now Available at Each of 11 Finger Lakes

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the new boat launch site on Otisco Lake is complete and open to the public. Prior to the launch’s completion, Otisco was the only Finger Lake without a public boat launch. With this facility, boaters will have a new option to explore the region and its fishing and boating-related recreational opportunities.

Clayton, NY (July 21, 2020) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater boating museum based in Clayton, NY, announces the routes for the Boats on Parade taking place Saturday, August 1^st.  Antique and classic boats in the region as well as those able to come from outside the North Country are invited to join ABM in two parades around the Islands.

Skaneateles, N.Y. – In a world in which everything has changed, at least one thing remains constant—the grand tradition of antique boating and boat owners’ desire to share it with the public.

Despite the fact that this year’s Antique and Classic Boat Show in Skaneateles has been canceled due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, members of the Finger Lakes Chapter (FLC) of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, in partnership with the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will further that tradition in the organizations’ first-ever Virtual Boat Show July 20-26.

Oswego, N.Y. – New York Sea Grant (NYSG) is providing New York State's freshwater marine industry for-hire boating sector with a series of six decals to encourage public compliance with boating-specific COVID-19 safety precautions. The outreach is part of the 2020 edition of NYSG's nationally-recognized Discover Clean and Safe Boating campaign.

The decals will adhere to boat surfaces to note "Mask Required," "Use Sanitizer," "Wear It" with a life jacket symbol, and "Keep Personal Belongings Personal;" others have a blank line to write a name with an erasable marker to designate person-specific areas aboard the vessel for each individual's fishing pole or diving gear. There is no cost for the decals for qualified for-hire boating businesses.

Tupper Lake, NY - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is happy to announce the launch of the Tupper Lake Triad paddling challenge.

While hiking challenges have continuously grown in popularity throughout the Adirondacks, so has the Triad in Tupper Lake. Since 2014, more than 5,000 people have completed the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge. To build off of the success of the hiking challenge, a committee including ROOST, community leaders, and business owners have worked to establish the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad. 

Beginning Friday, July 3, paddlers are invited to complete what is believed to be the first water-based challenge within the Adirondack Blue Line. By completing three paddles near Tupper Lake, adventurers can earn a sticker, patch, and inclusion on the finisher roster.

Lighthouses, Shipwrecks, Recreational Boating, Naval Battle and More

Oswego, N.Y.  – H. Lee White Maritime Museum of Oswego and New York Sea Grant have announced a Virtual Exhibit Experience freely accessible at https://hlwmm.org/path_history.php and showcasing New York State's lighthouses, shipwrecks, naval military battles, and 100 years of freshwater boating. Teachers may contact the museum for assistance in using this resource in classrooms in the fall.

Clayton, New York (June 19, 2020) – With COVID-19 preventing normal operations, the Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater boating museum based in Clayton, NY, will celebrate its Annual Antique Boat Show & Auction by paying tribute to the modest beginnings of the now world-famous event.

Through reimaging the 56th Annual Antique Boat Show & Auction during COVID-19 by finding inspiration from the Show’s earliest years, ABM’s Annual Antique Boat Show & Auction remains the oldest continuously running Boat Show in the nation.

Clayton, New York (June 11, 2020) – The Antique Boat Museum and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1-6 (Alexandria Bay) are collaborating to adapt “About Boating Safely”, the Auxiliary’s nationally recognized boater safety class to meet COVID-19 restrictions. All classes offered through the Alexandria Bay Flotilla will be offered via Google Meet through November. While this is a USCG Auxiliary class, registration through the Antique Boat Museum’s website is required to be added to the roster.

Oswego, N.Y.  – In mid-April, with boating opportunities opening up with some restrictions related to marina operations, social distancing, and sanitization, the Empire State Marine Trades Association, Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York, and New York Sea Grant are providing resources to encourage people to boat in a socially responsible way.

People with Disabilities are invited to take part in 1^st Mile Challenge along the Erie Canal

Waterford, N.Y. (June 12, 2019) - Get ready for the ride of a lifetime! From July 1-10, John Robinson, CEO of Our Ability, Inc, will complete his 7^th Journey Along the Erie Canal. A congenital amputee born without full arms and legs, Robinson will use a handcycle to ride all 360 miles from Buffalo to Albany to raise awareness of the needs of people with disabilities. Along the way, he and his team are inviting people with disabilities and their families and friends to join them for the 1st Mile Challenge, as part of the Canalway Challenge.