Fit Kids: Kayaking Lessons and Clubs
By: Elizabeth Harness
Updated: August 5, 2009
These kids are learning how to kayak. It's a course offered by the Genesee Waterways.
"It's a lot of muscles that we don't use everyday and unlike a lot of traditional sports, but it does work a lot of the core muscles like your abs and your lats," says Andrew Cook, kayaking director for Genesee Waterways, "our youth clubs start at age 10 and most kids start with a youth clinic, which is a four day class and 12 hours throughout the week, and that gets them in a boat and out on the water."
The course provides the kids helmets, paddles and boats, kids provide their swimsuits and water shoes. There's just one rule before kids can join.
"Any child can learn how to kayak, we do require that they know how to swim," says Cook.
The kayaking course itself in Pittsford at Lock 322 has its ups and downs. Children learn more than just maneuvering the kayak.
"We talk about teaching responsibility, and teaching responsibility for yourself, and being self-reliant," says Cook.
In the end, children come away with skills that not only keep them fit but keep them in the sport.
"I have definitely had kids who have come back and we as the Genesee Waterways have crews who also teach crewing and skulling," says Cook.
For more information on youth kayaking course and the youth kayaking club call: 585-747-8478 or visit www.geneseewaterways.org
