Water Works Canoe Company 

     Mansfield Center, CT 06250 

       The Bag Lady -nobody does it better!

       Phone 860-456-4906 email: baglady@charter.net 

Order now and beat the spring rush!                      The Bag Lady also makes canoe top covers!

Another year has passed and the older I get the faster it seems to go. It is great seeing so many of you who often came to our retail shop. We are happy to be out of retail- that is, the day to day in the store retail. We miss our many customers who became such good friends, but do enjoy our new life more. Thanks for all your continued support. r. 

    Many have asked what we have been doing, well, we are busy, busy. Some traveling, lots of sewing for the Bag Lady...see below, and doing many things that we never had time to do.  One is a back yard railroad that is lots of fun. This has been a rewarding hobby that takes a lot of work. The railroad is under snow at the moment, but it won't be long before we are out working on it again soon.

    The Bag Lady...an integral part of Water Works Canoe Company for years, is now our only concern. Canoe Bags, Kayak covers, paddle bags, spray decks, skirts, and now kneeling pads. We also do some specialty items even a hot tub cover for the Dutch Tub (see www.dutchtub.us ). All these projects have been challenging and stimulating at the same time. Vin is even learning to sew and is doing remarkable as the Bag Lady II>

In the meantime, we wish you all well and hope to see you on the water...that is when it thaws!... Sue and Vin

Local Places to Paddle when it is appropriate- www.waterworkscanoe.com 

There will be an incredible opportunity this year called Source to the Sea, a traversing of the Quinebaug/Shetucket River basin. If you look to the Quiet Corner website (google it) you will learn more.

            This list is just given as a reference and should not be used as the only source for information on the places below. All paddlers should make themselves aware of current conditions before paddling to determine if conditions are right for his/her skill level and equipment.   

Mansfield Hollow Park- Bassettts Bridge Road, off of Route 195  Mansfield Center, Ct

·       500 acres, flatwater, powerboats but limited to 8mph.

·       Great access, lots to see

·       NO swimming

Willimantic River- variety of access points from Stafford Springs to Eagleville

·       Mostly flatwater with some Class II, however, spring rains can cause fast current

·       Also beware of downfall caused by winter snows and spring rains

Eagleville to Willimantic- winding river, with much downfall, class I and II

·       Take out Columbia Route 66, or off of Bridge Street in Willimantic

·       BE SURE TO TAKE OUT BEFORE BRIDGE STREET DAM

Local State Boat launches available

Coventry Lake, Coventry- large lake, with motorboat traffic

Pine Acres Lake- Hampton, CT off of Route 6, Goodwin State Park

·       Good fishing, quiet lake, lily pads in summer

Bolton Lake, Bolton, Route 44, nice lakes (cross over between) little boat traffic, easy 

                  Launch

            Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union, CT not far from Interstate 84. Great-secluded spot,

                              Swimming allowed. Great boating.

Natchaug River- Chaplin, CT, Route 198.  Whitewater , narrow river, winding.  Water levels will change conditions, be sure to know what you are doing if paddling here. Consult AMC River Guide for more. Take out at England Road to avoid major gorge and rapids. Closed boat area.

Shetucket River- formed by the Natchaug and Willimantic Rivers, starts on Natchaug in Willimantic, CT, travels to Baltic, where take out is at Babe Blanchette field, one carry over at Scotland Dam. River is susceptible to dam holdback at Scotland. If water is being held back, trip will be scratchy.

Hope and Mount Hope Rivers- small rivers in Mansfield that feed Mansfield Hollow. Can be extremely hazardous due to downfall (trees). We do not recommend paddling them.      ---------------------------------

What is this kayaking craze anyway?

By Sue Audette

It is not unusual to be driving down the road and see a kayak on nearly every car. What has caused this new explosion in boating?

There was a time when the mere mention of the word “Kayak” conjured up images of someone floating upside down. It is no surprise that the whitewater aspect of the support is exciting and exhilarating but may not be what the majority of folks are interested in. The industry has responded to those with quieter tastes who simply want to be out in the water with a craft that is stable, easy to manage, and allows them the opportunity for   ‘recreational boating'. More stable than a canoe, this new class of kayaks are wide, usually 12’ or less, some weighing as little as 33 lbs. They have large open cockpits that allow easy entry, high back seats, which offer great back support, and adjustable footbraces giving you a means to use the strength, not only in your arms but your legs.  It is the total workout! 

Most kayaks are made of rugged polyethylene. This material is durable enough to take the damage of running over rocks, or up a shore as you get out.  Although there are many other sophisticated materials on the market, polyethylene seems to be one of choice.

            The beauty of kayaking lies in the variety of kayak models, spanning whitewater to sea touring and all the recreational kayaks in between. At this point in time, there is a boat for every body... not everybody but every body. No matter what your size, needs, or interest, there is a kayak for you.  The hardest part may be choosing the right one.  Don’t be fooled by color or price, but instead take some time making your choice.   First, be honest with yourself.  For the most part, where do you see yourself paddling? The kind of water you intend to paddle has a great bearing on the style of kayak.   Once that's determined it’s easy to narrow down your choices.  Visit a dealer to see the wide variety on the market.  Most manufacturers make something to fit the same niche, so compare features.  Be sure to sit in many kayaks, and if possible, try them on the water.  On-water demonstrations are offered throughout the season. Go to one and it is likely you will know what you like right away.  This will give you the chance to see how they differ and to see if your choice is the right one. Be sure to ask questions and work with a dealer that listens and can offer advice without pushing you into something that you don’t want.  It is not wise to just see one at the store and pick one up.  Also do not necessarily rely totally on the advise of a co-worker or neighbor who happens to have one. Their needs may not be the same as yours.  Keep an open mind and see what works for you. 

Accessories vary greatly and you will need some basic essentials. Beware of “package deals” as the equipment being offered may not be suited for you.  A paddle and lifejacket are two main components that you can’t go without.  Paddles vary in size and weight, a good dealer will be able to help you with your choice and it does not need to be the most expensive one on the shelf.  Lifejackets have also improved over time. We all remember the orange kapok vest that we wore at summer camp. Although they still exist and have some applications, the new lifejackets are designed to be comfortable. They are short, and adjustable in many areas. They offer freedom of movement with no restrictions in and around the underarm.  Priced about the same as a good sweater, remember this piece of equipment is meant to save your life, don’t skimp here.  Finally, enroll in a course.  Yes, kayaking does look easy but it is easier to learn skills correctly than to undo poor habits. Safety is always the key!

            With a little bit of education, a bit of time invested, and the guidance of a qualified dealer, you too can enjoy your time on the water as part of the new kayaking revolution.  

Nobody does it better than the BAG LADY. 

OVER 29 YEARS OF MAKING BAGS!!!!