PFBC education specialist Andy Fedor shows attendees of a paddling course some kayak techniques.
BY KEVIN WOODRUFF
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will sponsor and introduction to family paddling course on Saturday atLackawannaState Park.
This program is geared towards people eight years and older interested in learning the ropes of how to paddle in a canoe or kayak.
The program is run by Andy Fedor, Northeast Region Education Specialist for the Fish and Boat Commission, who said the program is to make paddling an all-around enjoyable experience for the family.
On Saturday, participants will meet at theSouthShoreboat mooring at the park at9 a.m.to start the four hour program.
Fedor said there is a classroom portion of the program to start the day where participants will learn rules and regulations of paddling.
“We will cover the rules and regulations and then go into what equipment they will need,” Fedor said. “The course will also go over safety precautions, and then into paddling skills.”
After the classroom portion of the program, participants will then get to try out their newly discovered skills onLackawannaLake.
Fedor noted that in addition to basic paddling skills, there will also be a lesson on how to get back into a canoe that has been swamped with water.
While the PFBC provides all the boats, PFDs and equipment, Fedor said it is important for those attending to bring water to drink, clothes and shoes that can get wet, sunscreen and a bagged lunch.
This program is now in its third year, but has evolved since it was first held.
“We started similar programs two years ago, and they keep evolving,” Fedor said. “We really try to gear the programs towards the public’s interest.”
Fedor said the programs have generally been well attended by the public.
“It really depends on the situation, but we’ve generally had a pretty good turnout,” Fedor said.
Fedor said this program is mostly geared towards paddling canoes, but there will be some kayaks on hand for those that are interested.
The main goal of the program according to Fedor is to make sure people are knowledgeable and prepared before entering the water.
“The goal is to make sure people are equipped with knowledge of paddling to make sure they have a good experience,” Fedor said.
He noted that there is room for more than 20 paddlers in the program, and that people can visit www.fishandboat.com, and scroll to the web calendar to signup online. Those interested can also call 477-2206 and ask for Andy or Walt to sign up.
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