Go Green, Actively

While Go Green Northbrook wants to encourage energy and water conservation, sustainable gardens, anything that can reduce our gargantuan carbon footprints to a kinder, gentler size, we also recommend the pursuit of green activities like kayaking, cycling, rollerblading, hiking -- you get the idea. Today, on the first day of autumn, Go Green enthusiasts, Barb and Doug Gerleman, took out their sea kayaks for an afternoon on the Skokie Lagoons. And, based on these pictures, they made it seem like anybody could do it. By the way, kayaking lessons are available at the lagoons, if you're so inclined. Check it out HERE.

As you can see, the first day of autumn was popular for kayaking. Doug and Barb were just two of dozens of people out on the lagoons.

This gangplank leads to a floating pier, next to the launch site.

Doug carries Barb's kayak down to the water.

 These are sea kayaks, which are longer and leaner than river kayaks. 

 Barb's kayak is now ready for her to climb aboard. She looks ready to go.

Doug and Barb both wore apron-like gear called a sprayskirt. It's made of water-resistant fabric that attaches around both the paddler's waist and the kayak cockpit to keep water out of the boat. New kayakers often practice capsizing in a swimming pool to learn how to attach the sprayskirt properly as well as detach it quickly.. 

 We found a great beginner's guide to kayaking HERE.

 While Barb gets in the cockpit, Doug holds the boat steady.

 A gentle push. . .

 And we have ignition!

Working alone, Doug uses his paddle to steady the boat and keeps 

one foot on terra firma as he gets into the cockpit.

Once in the kayak, Doug secures the sprayskirt. The loose black handle attached to the front of the sprayskirt is what you pull to release the cover in case of emergency bail out.

 We should have asked him where he got that hat.

 Now they're ready to ride around the lagoons.

 About that hat. . .

 Barb is already on a roll. 

And they're off!!!