The OBX Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Canoe Association (ACA) recently offered a Kayaking 101 class. Jockey’s Ridge State Park hosted the classroom session, followed by a skills instruction on the water at the Kitty Hawk Kites Whalebone location.
Despite the early rain, participants and instructors were enthusiastic in the safety discussions and on-water skills practice. Lead instructor, Roland McDevitt of the Auxiliary, noted that “Relatively few kayakers get formal instruction for either safety or paddling skills. This local partnership and the volunteer efforts of all involved provided a great introduction in a safe and protected setting.”
Kitty Hawk Kites voluntarily supplied the kayaks and equipment and other volunteers and speakers provided by the OBX Paddlers Club and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. This Kayaking 101 class was one of 15 hosted at state parks throughout North Carolina on May 18th and has become a yearly event. Look for signups in early spring of next year!