Professional Instruction

Mike Bogart
Mike Bogart is our Sr. Kayak Instructor and guide here at the Dinghy Shop. He is a Building/Fire Inspector who works for multiple municipalities and lives in Kew Gardens. Mike has been paddling for more years, and has more long distance kayaking experience, than any other paddler we know. He is an accomplished high-altitude mountaineering instructor as well as a cross-country bicyclist and an avid backpacker and camper. In addition, he has conducted various training courses for the Boy Scouts of America. You will find Mike to be an evergreen enthusiast who creates and coordinates both our kayak training and tour programs with your safety, enjoyment and skill-building in mind.

Photography By Frank M. Chillemi




				*Kayak Instructors*

		*Mike Bogart* Mike Bogart is our Sr. Kayak Instructor and guide here at the Dinghy Shop. He is a Building/Fire Inspector who works for multiple municipalities and lives in Kew Gardens. Mike has been paddling for more years, and has more long distance kayaking experience, than any other paddler we know. He is an accomplished high-altitude mountaineering instructor as well as a cross-country bicyclist and an avid backpacker and camper. In addition, he has conducted various training courses for the Boy Scouts of America. You will find Mike to be an evergreen enthusiast who creates and coordinates both our kayak training and tour programs with your safety, enjoyment and skill-building in mind. Photography By Frank M. Chillemi

		*Frank Chillemi* Frank Chillemi is a photographer and educator who lives in Merrick with his wife Rose. Frank heads the Photo & Art Department for one of Long Island’s largest companies. His work has appeared in major publications such as Newsday, Aviation Week and Smithsonian. Frank is the author of the critically acclaimed book of photography: Windjammers, Lighthouses and other Treasures of the Maine Coast, available here at the Dinghy Shop. In addition, he teaches photography aboard the Schooner J. & E. Riggin, based in Rockland, Maine. Frank is a consultant to the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary on kayak safety. Most importantly though, he is a warm, attentive instructor who is generous with his time, and who really cares about his students. Photograph by Marguerite Koehler

		*Jason Kaplan* Jason Kaplan is a retired Software Applications Specialist who, along with his wife Patricia, lives in Mineola. For many years, Jason worked on the development of sophisticated software capabilities for one of the country’s largest phone/internet/television providers. Today he is one member of a group that is rewriting the definition of retirement! Jason brings to the Dinghy Shop Kayak Instructor Team a calm, steady, reassuring presence, both in lessons on land and on the water. Photography By Frank M. Chillemi

		*Michael Matty* Michael Matty is a Sr. Engineering Manager for one of Long Island’s largest companies. He lives in Merrick with his wife Rosanne and daughter Jaclyn. Mike leads engineering teams that develop communication systems for such aircraft as the C-17 Globemaster III and the Blackhawk helicopter. In addition, he is an avid runner, bicyclist and a master woodworker. Mike is a patient, enthusiastic instructor, as well as being a paddler you will appreciate having in the kayak beside you. Photography By Frank M. Chillemi