Paddle and Play at the YMCA!

In April of 2015, CanoeSport Outfitters partnered with the Indianola YMCA to offer an opportunity for people to try out paddling in the comforts of a nice warm pool.  We introduced over 30 adults and children to Stand Up Paddle boarding, and kayaking.  Classes were held on the weekends, and fun was had by all. 

We ran a 5 week course of stand up paddle board yoga.  This class sold out weeks before it started.  Y members got to practice their downward dogs while trying to not fall into the water.  In the end everyone ended up in the water at least once.

CSO ran an introduction to stand up paddle boarding class.  Members learned about the various types of boards and paddles, basic terminology, how to stand up on a board, and how to perform basic strokes.  The pool is a great way to expose people to this fun sport.

We also ran an Introduction to Kayaking class.  We had 2 younger members (7 and 8) who by the end of the class were out maneuvering their mom who was also participating.  We covered paddling terminology, wet exits, and basic strokes and maneuvering.

On April 25th, the YMCA hosted their annual Healthy Kids Day.  We offered a kids version of the Stand Up Paddle boarding class.  We had so much  interest in this class, we had kids on the waiting list.  This class was a lot of fun.  We covered the main skills as in the adult class, but skills were taught through games and play.  At the end of this special kids session, all we're asking when they could paddle board in the pool again.  We will be having boats available during some of the Indianola YMCA Saturday Night Live nights.  For more information about SNL, call the Indianola YMCA at 515-777-7746.

We have 2 upcoming Family Paddling Adventures this summer.  One will be held at Lake Ahquabi State park.  This family paddling trip is designed to introduce families to the sport of paddling.  Students will learn about different types of paddling crafts and which will work for them, how to safely enter and exit the water, and proper paddling technique.  We will also take a tour of the lake.  After they have completed the Lake Ahquabi Adventure, they can sign up for the Red a Rock Adventure.  Families will get more practice time on this larger body of water.  We will explore the caves, and shoreline of Elk Rock State Park.

Learning how to kayak on the shores of Lake Red Rock

Our first session of Paddle and Play at the YMCA was a huge success.  We hope to continue offering high quality paddling programs in the pool starting this fall.  For more information, or to be notified when the classes become available, please call CSO at 515-961-6117 or the Indianola YMCA at 515-777-7746.

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SUP Yoga Class

What does the Indianola YMCA, yoga, and stand up paddling have in common? SUP Yoga in the pool! Awesome idea right! CanoeSport has teamed up with the YMCA in February to offer SUP Yoga in the pool. Normally done out in calm water SUP Yoga is a calm and relaxing way to combine the art yoga with the water. In Iowa in February this means pool time instead of a snowy lake shore!

All lined up ready to launch!

 20 people showed up for 2 sessions and after getting oriented to class and boards students were launched into the pool. We set up the boards to have an anchor to help keep students grounded and not float around the pool. 10 students in each class eagerly awaited the moment of departure from the stable deck of the pool to the deck of a floating board!

Happy students before class.

We started off with poses that were low to the board to allow everyone to get comfortable and practice their stability. This was the first time on a SUP for the majority of people.

Sitting allowed students time to practice balance before standing!

Then with the warm pool water calling our name and people ready for the extra challenge we began to lift our bodies from the board! Starting with standing people began to notice that slight shifts side to side sent their board slipping along the surface. From standing warrior poses were introduced. Students had the option of doing warrior poses standing or from a kneeling position.

Working on our balancing!

Those in standing quickly learned that lining their feet up one in front of the other left no ability to balance left to right. Many quickly found the water and others were left looking like a windmill trying to stay upright. The yoga flow kept going with people falling into the water as muscles began to fatigue. With a low profile boards are very easy to re-mount and jump back in.

Going from sitting to standing took courage and a lot of laughter!

No headstands were attempted at this time (due to safety to self and others) but many are looking forward to upping their yoga ability to the next level. SUPs offer a great challenge because unlike land you now have to have the ability to balance left to right. All the major and minor muscle groups that get a break on land now have to engage to keep your body centered on the board. Looking for a great all body workout? Try SUP Yoga!

Plenty of room to stretch out and work out

CanoeSport is excited to offer another round of SUP Yoga courses through the YMCA in February. During the summer CanoeSport offers SUP Yoga at Lake Ahquabi Tuesdays in June and July 6:30-7:30pm. ($5 for board rental, no reservation required.) For more information on stand up paddling or SUP Yoga please visit www.canoesportoutfitters.com!