Instructors: Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776 & Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159. Others added as needed to maintain 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
Description: How powerful is your forward stroke? It’s what paddlers spend most of their time doing, but many of us give it little thought. An effective forward stroke engages your entire body. We’ll work on fine-tuning your form to maximize your efficiency and save your energy. Time permitting, we’ll also address sweep strokes so we can practice turning effectively and blend them with our forward strokes.
Location: EG Simmons Park, 2401 19th Avenue NW in Ruskin.
Schedule: Meet at the park’s paddling launch at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, December 19, and launch by 10 a.m. After forward and sweep stroke instruction in one of the back bays, we’ll put what we’ve learned into practice by kayaking the park’s paddling trail and exploring some of the mangrove islands. Bring a snack and plenty of water to drink. Weather permitting, we’ll finish up around noon.
Additional information:
· This training and tour is open to all levels of paddlers. The paddling trail is short and can be paddled in 1 to 1.5 hours.
· The park entrance fee is $2.
· This session will be capped at 8 students.
COVID-related recommendations:
· To minimize contact among the group, pair up with another paddler for the day if help is needed moving boats between vehicles and launch.
· Bring biodegradable hand soap and hand sanitizer for use after handling someone else’s boat on or off the water.
· Wear face masks or buffs while loading/unloading boats and gear.
· Maintain minimum spacing of 6’ on and off the water.
Required gear: Wear a PFD. Spray skirts are recommended for sit-in kayaks—a segment of the paddling trail is exposed to open bay waters which can become choppy in windy conditions.
Please register (or cancel) on the website or RSVP to an instructor to allow notification of any changes.