logo 1

logo 1

Friday, October 12, 2012

Learning to paddle

Judy Diltz allowed me the privilege of taking her out for a kayak lesson. She did great! I am so proud of my friend judy!   This was a beautiful day for kayaking.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

KAYAK- PADDLING INSTRUCTION CLASS

YES!!!   Looks like a nicer weekend coming up!   I have set aside Friday and  Saturday weather permitting for Kayaking Instruction.  Most likely to paddle on Lake Arrowhead.  A critical portion of the class is the safety drill:  wet exit from kayak and re-entry with the assistance of a buddy - this skill will be addressed, but not in really cold water. We will at least practice this on land so you can get a grasp of what to do in case of that "oops I tumped my kayak".  See my prior post re: kayak instruction.  Contact me through this blog if you are ready to get a lesson in before winter.

Kayakers are also invited to travel to the city of Bridgeport on Sunday to paddle the Bridgeport Falls -Texas Paddling Trail.  I have 3 kayaks available for this trip.


WHAT TO WEAR:

During these Fall days kayakers layer themselves with synthetics... and wear NO COTTON.  Cotton just takes too long to dry out!  A long sleeve synthetic T, a "fishing shirt", fleece jacket, if necessary.... and a hat!  Hats keep body heat from pouring out the top.  For pants.. NO DENIM.  Grab a pair of lycra, or synthetic blend pants (zip-off leg hiking or fishing pant is great).  A wind/rain jacket is very handy to keep you warm. .... ah, but the SUN should be out for us!  I find most of my "kayaking" clothes at the local Academy for a very reasonable price. Hey. We are paddling!

Please contact me as soon as possible so you can get in on this Intro to Kayaking!  


Looking forward to it!

ruth m ward

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

KAYAKING BASICS CLASS

Pass the word, it is time to go paddling.  Do you paddle and want to get in a few strokes before the weather gets too cold?  Or, do you have friends who are interested in kayaking, but they just need a little encouragement to get out on the water?   

During the month of October I am teaching an Introductory Class in Kayaking just to meet that need:   KAYAKING BASICS will be offered this Saturday morning and/or Saturday afternoon.  This class is for the beginner who wants to discover the fun of kayaking as well as for those who have "learned on their own" how to get from point A to point B.  ( Wouldn't it be great to do that efficiently and with style! ) 


In a fun 3 hour session you will learn 6 basic paddling strokes:   Forward Stroke  -  Reverse Stroke  -  Forward Sweep  -  Reverse Sweep - Draw Stroke - and how to throw on the Brakes!   We will cover SAFETY and how to handle an "oops... I tumped over my kayak".    There's nothing more important for you to know than how to get back into your kayak with your buddy's help!   We will cover general kayaking information about the types of kayaks and how to transport them.  Upon completing the class you will be amazed at your paddling confidence!  And you will be ready to buddy up with another paddler, go out and enjoy the water, the wildlife, and have fun.


I encourage you to come have fun on the water!  Contact Ruth Martin Ward  on our Club Blog:
 blazingpaddlesofwf.blogspot.com  in the comments, OR  blazingpaddlesofwf@gmail.com  to make a reservation.
I will reply with full details upon RSVP.   

THE FINE PRINT.
October special: $45 for 3 hour class with no charge for kayak rental.  My kayaks are long, stable, quality kayaks for a wide range of body types. These are not little rental boats. I have 3 kayaks available per class.  You may bring your own kayak if you wish.  Class size is limited to 5 students.  After participating in my class, you are welcome to come along and practice during any other session at no charge.
Location will be Lake Arrowhead.  

I will also be adding class times to the blazingpaddlesofwf.blogspot.com  calendar. Watch for those additional dates, too. 
---ruth