Dan's Papers - October 13, 2006 - A True North Forker

Kayaks are amazing. They are a sure way to get in touch with nature. Usually paddling in almost complete silence along the water you paddle and observe the eco system around you. Swans charge at you sometimes, fish jump all around. For over 40 years Peconic Paddlers of Riverhead have been servicing the North fork with many kayak needs from selling them, repairing them, renting them, and organizing wonderful kayak trips. However after 40 years of operations, Jim Dreeben is looking to end Peconic Paddlers. At the moment there are wonderful deals as Jim lets go of his inventory at nice discounted prices.

Jim Dreeben grew up in Merrick, Long Island. After service time driving "trucks all over Germany," Jim operated a Sinclair station across from his present location. When the present site became available, Jim first opened a canoe rental and sales business. Jim first rode in a canoe at the age of 12 at Camp Wauwepex in Wading River. It was a sort of canoe without a paddle experience for the young Boy Scout. He was rescued, and it was in January. In 1985 Jim expanded to kayaks and the rest is kayak history.

When asked about kayak adventures, he gives mention to the Florida Keys and everglades. He also enjoyed kayaking Central America, mainly Belize and Honduras. But he just loved his Bahamas experience, living on a 90-foot catamaran and kayaking all over and around Bimini and Exhumas. He has seen alligators, dolphins, and so many types of birds he can't even guess at the number.

His most exotic trip was the Exhumas and the excursion that was his most difficult was a paddle from Orient point to Riverhead that took seven and a half hours of paddling.

Jim also helps out on the cross Hudson swims for charity. This year he also helped guide a swim across the Long Island sound for charity. While on the Hudson, Jim rescued some capsized kayakers who were in over their head. Which is why Jim gives instructions, and lessons besides organizing trips. For instructions and perhaps even lessons and tips try just calling 631-369-9500 or emailing info@peconicpaddlers.com. He also has a great website www.peconicpaddlers.com.

So what's next for this 66-year-old cannonball of energy who looks to be in his forties? He plans to take lots of paddling adventure trips and take some folks along with him. Jim Dreeben is thinking fun and action and to achieve this he plans to have an adventure type venture. Contact him at the above numbers if you'RE interested.

I have done some kayaking on the Long island Sound myself. Gliding about in early January one winter, the weather turned spring like and the sound was like glass. At that time of year the light is intense and the vast emptiness made the trip bizarre. Occasionally, huge construction barges passed by, other than that it was me alone in the middle of the Long Island Sound. If I capsized, I am sure I would have lasted perhaps an hour out there before hypothermia would have captured me. I should have had some instruction from Jim.

The North fork has had many personalities over the last forty years and without a doubt Jim has been one of them. To see him on the Peconic River in a kayak is to see him in his element. He has helped thousands buy, rent and paddle kayaks and canoes. His life has been one of sharing the wonderment of the environment while also running a business. At sixty-six years young he in tends to build on his experiences and take a few people along for the pleasure ride of their lives. So get yourself over to Peconic Paddlers at 89 Peconic Avenue in Riverhead right along the Peconic River and check out the deals the steals and the stories Jim Dreeben will have for you when you get there. Tell him you read about him in Dan's North Fork.