River Reflections: Classroom to Kayaks

For the past several years, Wolf River Conservancy staff has endeavored to connect small groups of young people to the joys of paddling and the outdoors.  Though opportunities are limited by weather, safety requirements, and the availability of staff, boats, and other equipment,  the stars sometimes align to allow kids to have a great experience on the water.  Recently, for example, 14 students from Crosstown HS and their determined teacher, Tamara Kley-Contini, met WRC staff and volunteers at Epping Way for a morning of kayaking on the 20-acre lake. This activity followed a classroom program a few weeks earlier by Director of Education Cathy Justis, during which the students learned about the Wolf River and the work of the Conservancy.

On a beautifully clear and cool morning, WRC River Guides Michael Dale, Sandy Stacks arrived at the Epping Way facility to prepare for the event. For the next hour, they unloaded the equipment at the lake and prepared for the arrival of the students. Cathy met the group at the Epping Way trailhead and escorted them to the lake, where the students were each fitted with a life jacket for safety on the water.  Then Jim provided basic instructions on paddling, the movement of the kayak on the water, and water safety before the team began to assist students with boarding and launching the kayaks into the lake. The river guides continued their supervision on the water, providing individual instruction to each student as needed. Students paddled around the lake with no particular destination, just enjoying the experience. At times, the students merely floated on the water in close proximity to each other, talking and laughing.  

Unlike many of our past groups, most of the Crosstown students were very comfortable being the captain of their individual watercraft. Often, we have a student who is reluctant to participate due to a fear of being on the water and alone in a kayak. We both acknowledge and respect this fear, working with anxious kids by offering options which make them more comfortable, such as a tandem paddle in a canoe with one of the guides.  The guide is then able to gently encourage them while teaching them what to expect. Knowing what to expect allays their fear somewhat, and the student will usually begin to relax and eventually enjoy the experience.  So far, we’ve been 100% successful in overcoming fear and building confidence, with every kid learning to paddle a kayak alone by the end of the session.

‍