Long Island Sound — and especially its coastline — can be as delightful in winter as any other season.

And one great way to experience it is in the water, in a kayak. And these final December 2014 days have been mild and excellent for kayaking.

You really notice the little things when you’re sitting in the water alone on days when everyone else avoids it.

Yesterday afternoon, paddling through New Rochelle Harbor and around David’s Island and Huckleberry Island…

The wind was light and variable, and the water calm. The sun ducked in and out of the clouds, causing the temperature to fluctuate between slightly warm and slightly chilly. This give-and-take intensified throughout my ride as my jacket sleeves dampened from occasional splashes.

Most boats now are covered on land for the winter season, and the final blues, stripers and bunker baitfish have departed. The water was clearer and therefore surfaced more of the muddy bottom, and human remains, like empty beer bottles. All signals that the party’s over.

While there were no other boaters and or gamefish in sight, the resident swans, ducks and seagulls kept me company.

From this kayak, the party’s not over.

Published by Max Kalehoff

Father, sailor and marketing executive.