READY, SET, PADDLE!

Week 1 of the Connect: Paddle Royale Program

After a first successful run last year, I joined Jaidyn (a mentoring coordinator) at West lake to start our 6-week canoe and kayak group - Connect: Paddle Royale. We are joined by PG Canoe and Kayak Club instructors to teach us the skills and techniques used to canoe and kayak. They’ll also teach us the ins and outs of water safety.

Today we had 8 Littles join us at West Lake - most of us were nervous but also excited for the next 6 weeks. Bini, our instructor, lead us in some introductions and also did some ice breaker games. We slowly got to learn everyone’s names and what they are looking forward to the most in this group.

After some introductions we started with some stretching to get our muscles warmed up and ready. We then went on a little jog to the place they store everything. This is where we got our paddles and our life jackets that would fit us correctly. After everything was fitted to us, we went down by the water and learned how to hold our paddles correctly and what techniques are used. Once everyone got their techniques perfect, we hopped into our canoes and went for a little paddle. This is where we got to see everyone communicating and trusting one another.

Once we got back to our main point, the Littles got to learn how to save their canoe if they tipped over. This was scary but fun for most of them. It was awesome to see everyone working together to get their canoe upright again. This was such a fun experience and something that all of us have never done before. I’m looking forward to next week and to see what else we will learn!

July 26, 2022
-Madison, BigsNBC Volunteer