As each month begins I tend to write a post saying "where did 2009 go? "  It really does baffle me how time flies.  It seems like just yesterday we were entering 2009.  Remember when that new president took office, well that was almost a year ago. 

This year is practically over and 2010 is on the horizon! 

Start thinking about the goals you want to set for next year.  Remember, as I've said in the past, you should set goals in  every aspect of your life that is important to you.  If you're reading this post then I assume that includes paddling. 

So, what do you want to accomplish next year that's related to paddling? 

Read: 5 Goals for Every Paddler

Just curious, is anyone going to be a paddler for halloween tonight?

This is just a friendly reminder to turn your clocks back tonight.  If you forget you may just be waiting for your paddling meetup an hour early tomorrow.

Be safe out there, both tonight at the parties and tomorrow on the water!

I haven't heard of even one paddling event across this country of ours for Halloween.  This weekend would be perfect for a killer (no pun intended) Halloween paddling festival.  Halloween is actually on Saturday night, rather than on a weeknight, and everyone will get an extra hour of paddling in on Sunday. 

So who's up for starting a Halloween paddling event for 2010?  Events could feature best costume on the water, a midnight paddling excursion, and dunking for apples while in your kayak.

Let me know if you learn of anything and remember, you heard it here first!

What a wide range of paddling conditions across this country of ours.   There's a snow storm in the Rockies, buckets of rain all over the South, wind and wet weather in the Midwest, damp conditions in the Northeast, and its sunny and in the 80s in South Florida.

I guess if I had my pick I'd stay right where I am, in sunny FL of course.  But the rain along the east coast should make some rivers pretty interesting.  For those of you near the Rockies, you must be thinking about skiing right about now.

For those of you paddlers who brave the chilly temperatures and brisk breezes, remember, theirs more to prepare for than the cold air.  This is actually a really dangerous time to be paddling because the pleasant conditions and beautiful scenery can lull paddlers into a false sense of security. 

Many people during this time of year dress for water safety based on the air temperature but are not fully prepared should the worst happen, meaning they end up in the drink.  Of course wind breakers will keep the breeze off, but should you capsize they will only make things worse.  Consider wearing polypropylene and even neoprene as in wetsuits.   Dry suits should also not be out of the question, but that is a decision you'll have to make. 

Above all else, be sure you are prepared both mentally and physically, in your knowledge and ability, to handle any circumstance you may come across in these beautiful yet risky paddling times.

• Kayaking and Canoeing Safety: Swimming, First Aid, Drowning, and Hypothermia

Well, I've heard of two fall paddling events that have had to be cancelled due to low participation levels.   An ACA Instructor Course was cancelled down here in South Florida and the Dam to Dam Paddle mentioned in my last post was just called.  What a shame on both accounts.  The ACA course down at Florida Bay Outfitters  has become a tradition down there in the Keys. 

So what's the reason?  Is it just chance, I mean these are only two events, right?  I know paddling isn't on the decline as a sport.  Then I realized, both of these events cost money.  The ACA course is substantial.  So then it hit me.  It must be the economy.   I know that donations are down in the non-profit world, maybe paddling events are feeling the pinch too.

Any thoughts?  Do you know of any paddling events that cost money that have had to be cancelled?

Wow, October paddling is going off!

Here's one I recently learned about.  The Dam to Dam Paddle is a two day, 50 mile paddle on the Tennessee River Blueway, from Chickamauga Dam to Nickajack Dam through Chattanooga, Tennessee and the scenic Tennessee River Gorge.  I'll bet this will be a beauty. 

To learn more, visit the About.com Paddling Festival Calendar for festival dates and website details.

The 10 day Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival is both a cultural and paddling experience that shouldn't be missed. It includes speakers and instruction, cultural and eco festivals, races and competitions, paddlers' get-togethers and even specifically green activities.

The festival takes place outside of Fort Meyers on Florida's west coast. The main event of this paddling extravaganza features Southwest Florida's 190 mile marked paddling trail, The Great Calusa Blueway.

Check out the About.com Paddling Festival Calendar for the details and festival website.

Well, this weekend is allegedly the Moose River Festival.  I say allegedly because last year I traveled almost 2000 miles for this event and it never happened.  Yes, I know that's a long way to go to kayak, but the Moose River is truly one of the most awesome rivers in the U.S.  But hey, festival or not, the paddling was awesome!

Well, this year, they say they are hosting it again.  I offer no guarantees on my part, but if you dare to brave the trip, the paddling certainly won't dissappoint. 

Here's all the information you'll need about the river and rapids: Moose River Scouting Report , Paddling Festival Calendar with websites for each festival.

We've been discussing combining two of the greatest outdoor activities into one awesome adventure.  Even if you're a pro at doing paddling camping trips, its still easy to forget things.  There's just so much to pack and bring.  This Overnight Paddling Trip Checklist will help to prevent you from ending up miles from nowhere without that crucial article of gear. 

Don't be too shy to let me know if I forgot anything;)