I always enjoy the third sesson of the Adult Learn to Kayak class. That's the night we get to try team boats. This is a really big selling point for the Master's program, and team boats are actually my favorite. Tomorrow is that day.
We will bust out the massive rec k-2's, which weigh about 70 pounds each, and take a little paddle out around the island around the bend from the boathouse, and then we'll meet up with the Master's squad. They are actually headed to Seattle for Nationals in a couple of weeks, so they're getting their team boats all set. I figure this is the perfect time to ask them to help me out.
The k-4 is a four-person kayak. Love the K-4!! We have an old Kirton Commander, which is extremely stable, as far as sprint boats go. After we climb out of the k-2's, which cycle each one of my girls into the third seat for a go. The reason we put them in the third seat is because balance is less critical there, plus she will have someone behind her to coach her and others ahead of her to follow. Plus, she won't have to worry about steering. That's big!! Slowly they will paddle away from the dock, and turn out toward the water, then....go!!! Off for a sprint. This is a great time for the girls to be able to experience the speed and power of the boat without having to worry about balance. This is where they experience the "wow" factor! I try to put every student in this boat when possible, even the 75-yr olds. Even the older kids love it; the difference comes in when I ask if they wanna do it again. Generally the 65+ crowd loves it, but once is enough. I just love the big grins!
After the k-4 we'll all be climbing into a 10-seat dragon boat. This is a different technique than what they've been learning, so they'll all be surprised at how sore they'll be when we're out there. But, they'll have no choice but to paddle back in. Haha!!
It'll be a good class!! Can't wait.
TKM
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