A whitewater summer

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  Outdoor Recreation's kayak training may not turn a novice into an expert, but it will help new kayakers get a good start.
Team Kirtland members can learn the basics of kayaking when they attend the Basic Whitewater Kayak course Kirtland AFB Outdoor Recreation offers.
The two-day course is taught by a certified American Canoe Association instructor. The ACA, founded in 1880, educates people involved in paddling watercraft.
The first night of the course begins at Outdoor Recreation, where students will get fitted for their equipment.
"Most of the training is hands-on," said Jeff Harris, Outdoor Recreation Program Adventurer. "We start at Outdoor Recreation just to run through a few basics, such as fitting people for the gear they will use. We ask what they want to get out of the course. After about 20 minutes, we head right over to the base pool and start kayaking."
The first night in the comfort of the pool, focuses on balance, terminology, stroke techniques, safety and exiting the kayak, said Harris.
Harris said he has been kayaking for five years. Before he started working at Outdoor Recreation, he spent four years as a river guide in Santa Fe, N.M.
"A pool is a great environment to learn the basics, because it is calm and warm," said Harris. "After that, we start the next morning in a calm area of the Rio Grande. It is much more effective to learn in a big pool of water with a current so you can get used to river conditions."
In the Rio Grande, kayakers will encounter Class I and II rapids, which are easy-to-moderate waves with clear passages. Transportation to the Rio Grande is included in Outdoor Recreation's trips.
"Although the class is basic whitewater kayaking, kayaking does not have to mean big white rapids," said Harris. "There are plenty of calm, scenic areas in New Mexico to go kayaking down. It's really whatever you want to do and what you feel most comfortable doing."
The Basic Whitewater Kayak course already has at least one prospective student.
"I've always loved the water and always wanted to try kayaking," said Phillip Atencio, Outdoor Recreation Lifeguard. "I'm definitely going to make time to learn kayaking this summer."
The course is $50, and as a prerequisite, individuals must be age 15 or older and know how to swim.
"If you go to a private company, you will spend up to $200 for the same level of instruction," said Harris. "I really hope people give this a try, because it's a lot of fun."
Outdoor Recreation also holds other watercraft courses, such as the Intermediate Whitewater Kayak course, and will host a variety of kayaking trips throughout the summer.
For more information, call 846-3923.