ABCs of Canoeing and Kayaking

Come join Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures as we teach you the basic fundamentals of kayak and/or canoeing on Saturday, August 28 and/or camping on Saturday night, August 28. “Classes” will be held at Old St. Stephens Historical Park, the site of the Alabama Territorial Capital which is now a ghost town (go to www.oldststephens.com for pictures and info).

On Saturday, we will hold lessons on a beautiful 100 acre lake. We will teach you how to hold a paddle, how to enter and exit your “ride” and how to go, turn, and stop. Most importantly, we will have you practice a wet entry; we will dump you over and teach you how to right and re-enter a kayak and canoe both with and without help. Develop the self-confidence to set out on your own.

On Saturday afternoon, we will discuss the basics of hiking and camping, discuss gear, and learn how to set up a tent. We will then hike about a mile to an isolated point on the Tombigbee River, set up camp, and spend the night. We will practice our cooking skills by preparing both dinner and breakfast.

Participants may join us for either just the paddle lessons or just the camping lessons, or for both.

Day 1 – leave Campus Recreation at 9 a.m. and drive 90 minutes to Old St. Stephens Historical in Washington County. We will spend about two hours on the water for class. Following class, you will be allowed to practice your skills for additional time.

At 3:00 p.m., we will spend about 90 minutes discussing the basics of camping and hiking. We will provide hand-outs, look at and discuss gear, and answer questions. At around 5:00 p.m., we will hike about 1 mile to an isolated point overlooking the Tombigbee River and set up camp for the night. We will do some easy hiking on the trails in the park or spend time on the river. We will practice our cooking skills by preparing dinner.

Day 2 – get up at 7 a.m. and prepare breakfast. Break camp at around 8 a.m., return to our vehicles by around 10 a.m., return to Mobile around noon.

Cost (per person): paddle lessons only: $15 per student/one family member; $25 per faculty/staff/one family member; non-USA $35. Camping lessons only: same prices.
Both lessons combined: $20 per student/one family member; $30 per faculty/staff/one family member; non-USA $40. Transportation will only be provided for the first four individuals wishing to stay for both days. Fees will cover park fees, canoes/kayaks, all camping gear. Participants must provide their own food.

Sign-up: each participant must meet with Randy Hunter to discuss logistics and needs. Respond to this e-mail to set up a meeting time.

Deadline to sign-up: Thursday, August 27