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

Some photos from the DDRC Trinity River Challenge:
https://bu.mp/jd5tj4

Finished the Race

Just got home from racing in the DDRC Trinity River Challenge XVII.  -up river of the Elm Fork of the Trinity in Carrollton and back = 11.8 miles.  I could hardly believe my name was called at the trophy ceremony. I am delighted to announce I won the JULIE Basham Trophy for Fastest Recreation Female Time!  I finished in 3hrs 6min.  I lopped off 40 min of my time in last year's race.  :D


The Julie Basham Trophy -  Given for the fastest time by a female paddler in a
recreational class.  And I do not know the history of Julie Basham other than she was an excellent paddler and and ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and served on the Board of Directors. She was a remarkable member of the Dallas Down River Club.   I have googled about Julie and found that she was a jewel of a woman, kayaking enthusiast, and a changer of lives. Julie passed away at age 44 in 2007.   ----so I am very honored to carry on her paddling tradition and the joy of life she shared with many many people.