It’s not too early (and never too late) to be thinking about paddling. In fact, I’ve heard from several folks in the past couple of weeks who never put away their boats and gear. They just donned another layer and kept right at it.

Some of us opt instead for the warmer, inside waters of a local pool. Call us wusses, I guess. I’ve managed to get in a little pool time of late, trying to re-awaken skills and muscles that have been dormant for a few months. I’m paying for it with ibuprofen.

If you’re looking for some entertainment (and hopefully some useful information), check out the canoe and kayak safety demonstrations at the Sportsman’s Show at the University of Maine in Orono next weekend. Several other guides and I have been conscripted by Karen Francoeur of Castine Kayak Adventures to help show you what to do while paddling your canoe or kayak so you’ll return after your outing, including how to get back into your boat after you fall out. Stay tuned, we’re still perfecting the show, and I’m still trying to get the water out of my ears.

By the way, if you’re in Durham, N.H., on Saturday for Kittery Trading Post’s Paddle Sports Show, you’ll have a chance to see more of our gang as well. But don’t go just for us, there are usually a few other attractions that are bound to keep anyone with a fondness for paddling happy.

And speaking of happy paddlers, Larry Merrill dropped me a line the other day. He’s probably one of the most avid paddlers I know. If you’re a paddle-racing fan, you’ve seen his name in this paper’s sports pages for years, usually near the top of the list. And if your memory is better than mine, perhaps you remember a column I wrote back in February of 1999 (I looked it up) about a paddle he designed to relieve wrist, forearm, and shoulder pain. It has vertical handles between two rails. The kayak paddle resembles a crutch with blades attached to each end. The handles pivot and your wrists don’t, thereby eliminating a source of potential aggravation.

Anyone who devotes that much innovative thought to paddling is obviously committed to the sport.

So it wasn’t a surprise, then when I heard from him the other day. He was responding to a column in which I’d mentioned another paddler, Antonio Blasi of Hancock. Blasi paddles throughout the year on Frenchman Bay, along with others who wish to join him in the loosely organized group called Eastern Maine Paddlers. (e-mail: eggplant@prexar.com.)

A diehard paddler, Merrill wanted to remind me he, too, is a regular on local waters. “I checked my paddling log, and the last month in which I didn’t paddle in Maine in a kayak was February, 1993. Actually, I haven’t paddled yet this month, but certainly expect to, since the St. George race is in about three weeks.

“Why do I go out every month? Because I can, I guess, and the rivers aren’t very crowded in January or February.”

I asked him to send along some specifics.

“Most of my winter paddling has been on either Sedgeunkedunk Stream in Orrington or on the Penobscot, either at Verona boat landing or the South Orrington boat landing. As long as the temperature is at least 20 degrees and there isn’t much wind, it is quite comfortable. I usually wear a wet suit and a windproof layer [e.g., Gore-Tex] on top.

“I suppose I do it partly to stay in shape for the racing season and partly because it’s something most people don’t do, but could do. There is more danger of being too warm than being too cold, and the contrast of the snow and ice around one with a very blue sky can be beautiful.

“So I recommend it. But I hope not enough people do it to make it crowded in January.”

Not to worry, Larry. I’m relatively content to remain on shore in winter. But I could be convinced…

Paddlers who venture offshore in the vicinity of Isle au Haut should be reminded that neighboring York Island to the east is not one to visit. It’s a mile-long island about three-tenths of a mile to the east of Isle au Haut. Just to the north of it is Dolliver Island, one of the public, state-owned islands where camping is allowed. York is privately owned and its owner has not hung out the welcome sign. Quite the opposite.

According to Steve Spencer, outdoor recreation specialist with the Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands, there is a growing number of visitors to York and the owner wants it to stop.

In an e-mail to members of the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, Spencer said, “I received a phone call from the owner of York Island off Isle au Haut … . He reports that York Island is receiving a growing number of unauthorized and unwelcome visits by a variety of boaters. A number of these boaters are kayakers – some of whom may be affiliated with commercial outfitters. He associates this problem as overflow use from Dolliver Island, a nearby BPL island that is open for recreation use. As a ‘good neighbor’ I offered to help get the word out that uninvited guests are not welcome on York Island. I’d appreciate any cooperation and assistance you can provide.”

Thanks, Steve, the word has gone out.

Actually, it’s a good lesson to pass along to anyone who boats along the coast. There was a time, not too long ago, when many of the coastal islands were virtually worthless and used at will. That’s changed and many island owners are not willing to have you and I on their land. Unless you know an island is one of the many state islands open for camping, it’s good advice to stay off, and certainly do not to pitch your tent and stay overnight unless you have permission from the owner.

Another way to gain more island access is to join Maine Island Trail Association. Your membership will give you the key to more than 90 islands. Call MITA at 761-8225 for more information. Or ask the Bureau of Public Lands for a brochure that lists the state-owned islands. The address is: Maine Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands, 22 State House Station, Augusta 04333.

And a final note: Another reader, Linda Curran, who lives on Brewer Lake, wrote to ask about expedition kayaker Chris Duff’s talk at Maine Sport March 19. Linda wondered if Duff had plans to do his slide show and talk about circumnavigating Iceland at any other venues.

I called Duff in Port Angeles, Wash., to find out. He said he would be making the presentation the following day, March 20, at the Kittery Trading Post Paddle Sports Show at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. He’ll be around during the day at the Werner Paddle booth as well. Drop by and say hi, he said.

Jeff Strout can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordaiynews.net.