The weather is getting cooler and in order to allow the sun to warm the pool, we started at Lake Martin for the morning session with Jonnie, Michelle, Monica, and Rachel.
We first discussed what to bring. Jonnie said, “bring a partner,” which is an excellent idea! With a partner it is much easier to get back in your boat if you fall out.
Then we practiced the forward, sweep, reverse, and draw strokes. The latter strokes makes you go sideways. We practiced point and sweep as we paddled to the south side of Lake Martin, where we meandered among the cypresses and enjoyed the flowering Lotus.
After a quick lunch, we started our noon pool session. We practiced all sit on top and sit inside rescues – the self rescue and the T-rescue. As always, the self rescues were the hardest. If people do not have the upper body strength to climb back on the kayak, the stirrup and paddle float are a great help. Similarly, the stirrup can be used for the 2 kayak rescue.
All students did really well! After 3 pool hours, “quite a workout,” we said our goodbyes. It was a great, sunny day!
-Maarten, Instructor
