BIDDEFORD — It was cold Saturday and snow was still on the ground, but inside the Biddeford YMCA it was warm and the pool water was clear and still – a perfect environment to practice kayaking skills.
About 10 people, suited up in life jackets and swimwear, attended a Kayak Rolling Clinic on Saturday, sponsored by the Biddeford Recreation Department.
Adult and Outdoor Recreation Program Coordinator Brian Dunphe led Saturday’s class, gliding around the pool in a kayak to offer tips, demonstrate roll overs and offer encouragement.
Students in the class ranged from beginners to experienced kayakers, and people often learn from each other, said Dunphe.
“I’ve got paddlers with all levels of experience from all over the place,” he said.
Dunphe said the clinics are a great opportunity for kayakers to get in the water during the cold weather “to work out the kinks and get their skills tuned up.”
Participants learned mechanics and techniques to execute kayak rolling in a safe and comfortable manner, including how to best position their bodies.
Adam Montgomery, a whitewater rafting guide from Portland, was in the class to get some experience kayaking.
Saturday was his third time in a kayak, and under the guidance of Dunphe, he rolled his kayak for the first time.
Montgomery said though he’s been a whitewater guide for 10 years and he’s comfortable in the water, kayaking is whole different experience.
Patti Rutka, an experienced whitewater canoer from Saco said the clinic was a good way “to get you in the mood” — and become acclimated to being in a boat.
She said practicing to roll a kayak, or in her case a whitewater canoe, in the pool, builds confidence and prepares paddlers for situations they might find themselves in the outdoors.
Kayak rolling clinics are held from 2-4 p.m. Saturdays at the YMCA through March 25. Those interested can attend one or more sessions.
For more information, contact the Biddeford Recreation Departmentat 283-0841 or go to the Biddeford Recreation website at biddefordrec.com.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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