Class Logistics
Kayak Paddle Clinic
Fox Cities YMCA (Appleton): 2-5 p.m. Sunday afternoons, April 11, and April 18, 2021. Lead Instructor is Jeff Mazanec, with support from other ACA certified instructors and assistants. Class size limited to 12. Registration deadline is end-of-day Thursday preceding class.
City of Appleton (Erb Pool): Two classes from 6-9:30 PM; each class meets twice. Class 1: Monday July 26, Wednesday July 28; Class 2: Monday August 2, Wednesday August 4. Class size limited to 10; registration through City of Appleton Recreation Department.
Kayak Essentials Class
Currently none scheduled for 2021, pending ongoing changes in recommendations for interpersonal contact.
Rolls & Rescues
We currently do not have any Rolls and Rescues classes scheduled for 2021. By its nature, this class requires extended and close contact between the student and the instructor. We will continue to evaluate opportunities to safely provide training in these skills through the year.
Open Pool
Two open pool sessions have been scheduled for 2021, on April 11 from 2:15 PM to 4:30 PM and on April 18 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the downtown Appleton YMCA. Please take appropriate COVID-19 measures. A limited number of boats and gear are available for use in the pool, so please check ahead if you plan to participate. You are welcome to bring your own, CLEAN, boat and/or gear.
Kayak Classes
Our 2020 classes were abruptly canceled as stay at home orders went into effect in mid-March. Now that we are in 2021, conditions have changed so we have scheduled a very basic class schedule and will adjust through the year as conditions warrant.
To host our indoor classes, we need to satisfy four essential ingredients: 1) a host venue with facilities and lifeguards; 2) insurance coverage to meet the requirements of the host venue and NEWP, Inc., 3) qualified instructors available to provide instruction and 4) people willing to participate in the classes!
Our Kayak Essentials class covers a very comprehensive curriculum in four three-hour sessions. Given current conditions, we realize a four-session class is too great a commitment for most participants and instructors at this point. Instead, we have introduced a Kayak Paddle Clinic. This is a single-session, three-hour class with a solid introductory curriculum. A short classroom session covers some essentials that are difficult to present in a pool setting, and the balance of the time is spent in the pool to learn wet exits, balance drills, basic paddle strokes and an introduction to assisted rescues. We hope to resume our standard Kayak Essentials class later in 2021 or in 2022.
Registration is available through the referenced YMCA websites. At this time there are no kayak classes scheduled at Broadview YMCA in Green Bay.
Fox Cities YMCA Registration Page (Search for “Kayak”)
You do not need to be a member of the YMCA or NEWP, Inc. to participate in our classes – all you need is your swimsuit and a smile! Kayak Classes Overview / Background Information
Learn basic paddling skills, bracing strokes, rolls and rescues from our American Canoe Association-certified instructors. Kayaking in waves or rapids is serious business, so you need to know the proper techniques and use the necessary equipment to keep you and your group safe. Those who complete the class may join a summer student outing. We offer:
Kayak Paddle Clinic: Introductory class, covering boat types, PFDs, skirts and paddles with instruction in wet exits, basic paddle strokes and an introduction to assisted rescues.
Class Fees: Fee information is available at the Fox Cities YMCA and Green Bay YMCA websites. The fee you pay is split between the host organization to cover the cost of the facility use and lifeguards, and by NEWP to purchase and maintain boats and other equipment. All instructors and assistant instructors provide their time and talent on a voluntary basis. The club currently maintains a fleet of nearly 50 whitewater and sea kayaks, plus all the assorted support equipment required to go with the boats.
How to Dress: Swim wear, aqua socks or appropriate footwear. A synthetic T-shirt or lightweight neoprene is optional for comfort in the pool. Shorts or leggings are recommended over regular swim suits that are “bikini style” to avoid abrasion from climbing in and out of the boats. Nose clips will be available to use. Boats, paddles and all other gear required for the class are provided by NEWP.
Registration: Available online through the host YMCA, as listed for each class. The classes are open to both YMCA members and non-members – all are also encouraged to participate in the classes.
Available at the downtown Appleton YMCA for NEWP members and students on the same Sundays as when classes are scheduled at that location. Open pool sessions may also be scheduled in Green Bay. Current-year students are entitled to free open pool participation. Other current NEWP/ ACA members may participate for $5 (Appleton) or $10 (Broadview) per session.
NEWP boats and gear are available for use or participants may bring their own boats and gear into the pool if it is clean and free of debris. These general guidelines must be followed during open pool sessions:
- Paddlers who are socializing or resting should either leave the pool or move to the side to allow other paddlers room to practice.
- Be aware that the host facility life guard has ultimate control of the pool area; lifeguard instructions must be followed immediately at all times.
- Personal boats and gear brought into the pool must be clean prior to entry, which includes removal of float bags for the pool session.
- Boats must be in the water when entered, not “seal-launched” off the pool deck.