Learn to Paddle 2015 On Sunday, July 19th, the KLRA held our first Learn to Paddle Workshop on Nagaya Beach. Five eager young paddlers, Aidan and Luke Bell, Darcy and Riley Halbert, Morgan Ian Baird and their parents arrived promptly at 9:30 am followed by Jay from Paddleshack, who brought four gorgeous Kevlar canoes and 12 new paddles. Jay started on the beach with a thorough review of water safety and the required equipment; then an explanation of the names and parts of a paddle with the proper grip for different strokes; then a detailed description of the components of a canoe. Jay slid one of the canoes into the lake and casually gave us all an awesome demonstration of his consummate paddling skills. He had the boys attention! To his great delight Morgan took the stern seat of Jay's canoe, Aidan and Luke jumped in another and the twins, Darcy and Riley pushed off in a third. We all watched as the boys headed out on the water and although several hundred meters off-shore, we could all see Jay giving clear examples and individual instruction. An hour later the boys returned visibly more skilled and obviously more confident. The thrilled parents greeted the paddlers and thanked Jay for a terrific Learn to Paddle Workshop. This last photo shows one of the parents with Toby, the KLRA representative on site. This workshop was co-sponsored by the KLRA and Paddle Shack. Text by Toby Fletcher Photos by Clare Henderson |