With spring right around the corner, students, faculty and staff were invited to an Introduction to Canoeing Clinic organized by ETSU’s Outdoor Adventure Center.
“We wanted to kind of prepare people for when it gets warmer. We thought that some might want to gain some skills now for when they can actually go out on the water later,” stated Eric Payne, assistant director of Outdoor Adventures.
Payne worked as a canoe trip director with a summer camp for six years. He had been canoeing before, but once he became a trip director, he decided that as far as water sports go expeditionary canoeing is his favorite.
All gear was provided, and two instructors were present to assist. General instruction on basic canoe knowledge was provided for participants, first. Carrying the canoe and getting the canoe into the water was when the action began.
Once in the water, turning methods were demonstrated to participants. Some of the different methods included t-strokes, figure-eights and c-strokes. After demonstrating turns, Payne led a line-following activity where participants attempted following straight lines around the pool.
Courses such as these can be beneficial for those who are interested in attending some of the Outdoor Adventure’s trips. These have included canoe trips to state parks and rivers, along with various other trips and activities.
“We’re looking to get more trips, as well as weekend trips. We are also talking to some people about possibly bringing back more white-water kayaking,” stated Payne.
With warmer weather on the horizon, Outdoor Adventures is planning many more interactive events in the outdoors. Next Thursday, Feb. 24, a sunset hike to the Pinnacle Fire Tower will occur from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information about Outdoor Adventures and future trips follow these links: https://www.etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa/oatrips.php; https://www.etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa/default.php
