SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The air was humid and warm on the pool deck as we stood with anxious anticipation waiting for our instructions, the four of us clad in swimsuits and lifejackets and ready to go.
With the smell of chlorine in the air, and the occasional squeal of a child in the adjacent leisure pool echoing off the walls, I was ready to take the plunge.
The three other women and I had gathered at Credit Union Place for “Kayaking 101,” a chance for people to climb in and try the sport.
As we began, a family was steering their little ones around in the leisure pool while a few other sets of eyes watched curiously from the hot tub.
Beginner kayakers Jean Carlile, Sherron Kickham-Gamble, Lorraine MacDonald and I had buckled ourselves into the scratchy nylon flotation devices with the help of our instructors - activities coordinator Toni Geary and aquatics manager Krista Shields.
MacDonald had brought her own life vest, she had bought a kayak last year.
She got out once last summer and found it very calming, but realized she felt timid over deep water. She jumped at the chance to try this program.
“I wanted to experience it in the pool first,” she said.
Kayaking 101 at Credit Union Place
- Credit Union Place is offering Kayaking 101 on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 10, 17 and 24. Cost for the one-hour class is $2 for members and $5 for non-members. Kayaks, paddles and lifejackets are provided.
- Register in advance with Toni Geary by email: [email protected]
- The kayaks are on loan to Credit Union Place from the West Prince Sports Council. It’s a great chance for a safe, fun introduction to kayaking with instructors.
- Most importantly, the course teaches beginners how to fall out and get back in kayaks.
- “It’s nerve-wracking for a lot of people to worry about, because sometimes it does happen,” said Toni Geary, the activities coordinator at the CUP. “We always say, bring a buddy, same as when you go swimming. Bring a buddy, just in case.” said Geary.
The weather and water conditions were perfect inside the aquatics centre. There was no tide and no rainclouds on the horizon.
“Okay, let’s flip some kayaks,” said Shields. We shifted nervously.
“It doesn’t matter how strong a swimmer you are; it just depends how you react to panic.”
Not exactly soothing words.
I love the water, and considered getting a kayak when I was younger, but knew I’d never feel comfortable alone without some training. Maybe this program was my big chance! I leapt at the assignment.
First, Geary showed me how to carefully climb into the tippy little vessel.
“One hand on the boat,” she placed her hand in a conveniently positioned cup holder, “and one hand on the deck,” she said, with her hand on the tile of the poolside.
I felt like I needed a helmet – visions of the kayak taking off, leaving me with one foot on land played through my head.
All goes well, though, and soon we’re all zipping around the pool like water striders on a pond.
Boating safety
- Wear a properly fitting PFD (personal flotation device)
- Carry a safety kit with floating line, bailing bucket and a light and sound device (Flashlight and whistle)
- Take a friend or tell someone your plans and what your boat looks like
- Check the weather
- Familiarize yourself with the waterway (tides, currents)
- Bring water and snacks in case you’re out longer than planned
Shields started a game of catch so we could all test our balance in the little boats but soon Geary paddled over. She demonstrated how to tip out of the kayak, flip it over and climb back in. It looked pretty easy and fun. Like an aquatics spartan event.
I leaned far to my left and let myself fall into the deep end.
Pool water crept into my hair like cold pancake syrup in reverse. My glasses stayed on. So far so good.
Nothing like setting the bar a little high - I had started my trial run by myself in the deep end.
The kayak flipped upright easily enough, and I moved on to step two – getting back in.
I beached myself like an awkward seal on the tail of the boat, like Geary did. I’m built a little bigger than she is, but I was sure I already knew how to do all this – sometimes I plunge into things without planning.
I hooked a leg around to skootch up to the seat. The kayak was pivoting on every axis possible and I kept sliding off like a wet spaghetti noodle.
“It’s easier, obviously, if somebody else is helping hold the kayak in place,” said Geary. “That’s how we’re going to practice.”
She paddled over to help me, but it was too late.
The boat was tipping me backward into the water, and soon I had managed to submerge the entire plastic kayak in the pool. Laughing wasn’t helping as it turns out.
Luckily there’s a drain at the tip. I emptied the boat and tried again.
We were having so much fun, two men joined in part way through the class. Shubham Sharma and Vivek Brar were hanging out in the recreational pool when they noticed the opportunity. It took a few minutes for the retirement-aged women to warm up to the lithe 20-something men, but soon everyone was helping each other tip out and climb back into their kayaks.
MacDonald was one of the last to tip her boat and get started, but she remained persistent to learn to trick of getting back in.
My second try at self-rescue went a little better, the kayak stayed upright, but I slid around on the tail of the boat like a dying fish, earning a few lasting scratches and still only managed to skootch the boat to the bottom again.
The next time I get the chance to paddle a kayak, I’ll be sure to find time to practice the new techniques, learned in Kayaking 101.
