Prairie State Canoeists
A Northeast Illinois Canoe and Kayak Club
Date(s): August 6, 2022Leader: Tracy HuntCo-Leader: Paul Klonowski Location: Lake Atwood, The Hollows Conservation Area, Cary IL Skill Level: Advanced Beginner Category: Training Details: FreeStyle Canoeing is the "art and science" of quietwater paddling. It emphasizes smooth, efficient flatwater paddling and precision boat control. FreeStyle techniques can be applied to all canoeing situations, from goofing off on a local pond to whitewater. FreeStyle canoeing requires no special equipment: just a canoe, a straight-shaft paddle, a life jacket (PFD), and for most folks, a kneeling pad. Prerequisite to this class is the ability to make your solo canoe travel in a straight line. This class will focus on Introductory FreeStyle technique for the solo canoeist. Bring your own solo canoe, PFD, paddle, and kneeling pad if you have one. Also bring lunch, plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to drink, and dress for the weather – we paddle unless there’s lightning. Bring a couple of complete changes of clothing – we all may get wet. FreeStyle technique is also used in conjunction with music, creating an expressive, interpretive art form. You can search YouTube for “Freestyle Canoe” for sample videos of this. While Interpretive Freestyle is beyond the scope of this class, we may include short demos as time permits. This class will be led by Certified Instructors from the United States Canoe Association. To learn more about Freestyle Canoeing, visit http://freestylecanoeing.com/ Cost of the class is $55 to be paid on-site the day of the class. Class size is limited to 10 participants. To register, contact: Tracy Hunt or Paul Klonowski tracyhunt077@gmail.com pklonowski@comcast.net 630-329-4669 847-687-2477