Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Blog on a Log

What Good is a Pool?

We Canadians are lucky to have some of the most beautiful paddling locations in the world.  We suffer a trade-off, however - no amount of paddle wear or dry clothes can change the fact that for several months of the year our outdoor waterways are un-paddleable.

What's a paddle enthusiast to do?  Mope all day?  Watch adventure videos? Go kayaking in the snow?  For those who can't survive without their paddling fix--and beginners who want to get started but aren't sure how--pool sessions are the best way to keep limber and learn new skills while waiting for next spring.

But I'm just a beginner - I've never paddled before

Perfect!  There are lots of beginner sessions where you can get a general introduction to kayaking or pick up a specific skill.  In fact, some beginners find the familiarity and enclosed space of a pool to be comforting when first learning.  Remember: beginner's classes are made up of other people just like you, and run by instructors who will take things one step at a time to build the skill set you need to feel comfortable on the water.

I've been paddling for years - I don't need to learn the basics

There are sessions for you too!  Why not try an advanced rolling course to tighten your roll, or an introduction to freestyle techniques?  Paddling on a regular basis this winter, regardless of which clinics or open sessions you choose to attend, will help keep your skills in top-form for next season.  Pool sessions also offer an opportunity to tighten those basic skills that may get neglected during regular paddling outings--which can make a huge difference to your more complex paddling excursions.

What skills will I learn?

This depends entirely on the course you choose to attend, but sessions focus on a wide variety of skills, including:

  • Rolling (basics and advanced)
  • Flatwater kayaking
  • Partner / Tandem rescues
  • Bracing
  • Freestyling

and more!

No matter your skill level or how frightful the weather outside may be, there's no need to go through the next six months without ever touching a paddle.  Check out the wide range of pool sessions taking place this fall and winter for your chance to be on the water year-round.

Planning to hit the pool this winter?  Have stories of past sessions?  Tell us about it on Facebook or Twitter.  Subscribe to our blog RSS feed for future updates, videos and deals.