Downunder Kayaking

• Stand-up Paddle Boarding
• Sit-Inside and Sit-On-Top Instruction
• Family Fun Programs
• Birthday Parties
• Eskimo Rolling

As of January 2010 you can paddle in the Greenwich YMCA olympic sized pool.  Below is our press release on this program and information on registration.  Downunder will also be holding summer programs in conjunction with the YMCA for families and individuals.

Instructor Owner Kim Beaumont with a private SUP kids class.
 

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding at the Greenwich YMCA

January 9^th 2009, Downunder Kayaking of Rowayton CT, will start winter kayaking classes at the Olympic sized Greenwich Family YMCA pool.

Sit-on-top kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and sit-inside kayaks will be utilized in a variety of programs including: Instruction, family fun paddles, teen social nights and Eskimo Rolling classes.  Programs will be offered on Saturday afternoons, Friday nights, and Sundays.  Little or no experience is required. All participants will be outfitted with lifejackets, paddles and boats and receive instruction from Downunder Kayaking staff.  The programs will be supervised by YMCA lifeguards. 

The first program to be offered will be ‘Family Fun’ from 4-6pm on Saturday January 9^th and then again on Saturday February 6^th.  Tandem and single sit-on-top kayaks will be available for this program and Downunder staff will be on-hand to assist and engage children and parents in water games.  This is a great way for novices just wanting to check out the sport to get ‘their feet wet’.  The program is broken down into one hour sessions 4-5pm and 5:15-6:15pm allowing participants to learn the basics and have some fun in the pool without getting tired.  Ages 3 years and up (in a tandem with an adult).  This activity is also appropriate for seniors.

The teen program is offered on Friday January 29^th and Friday February 26^th 7-9pm.  10-16 year olds will have the pool to themselves as they engage in water games and paddling. 

ACA Certified Kayaking instructors will be offering classes in both sit-on-top kayaks and sit-inside.  In this two hour class students will learn the fundamentals of kayaking including proper attire, basic equipment, safety protocol and paddling skills. Techniques including basic maneuvering, bow/stern rudder, self-rescues, and assisted rescues will be taught.  Sit-on-top classes are on January 23^rd and February 23^rd, sit-inside classes are on January 30^th and February 27^th.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding is a new service and program that Downunder Kayaking offers.  This is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage dating back to the early days of Polynesia.   Essentially, they are oversized surfboards that are long enough and wide enough to support stand-up paddle propulsion. Stand-up paddle boarding can help improve balance and coordination as well as provide a core workout. The one hour classes review basic equipment, safety protocol, and paddling techniques – whilst offering time to play on the water.   Dates: Saturday January 16^th and February 20^th.

Eskimo Rolling clinics will be offered on Sundays from 2:30-4:30pm from January 17^th and Thursdays 7-9pm from January 14^th for three, three week sessions.  In these classes students will learn at least one method to successfully roll in a sit-inside kayak. This is a skill favored amongst sea kayakers as it saves them having to exit the kayak should they capsize. 

Downunder Kayaking is well known for their innovative programs that include activities such as yoga, meditation, fishing, sunset and moonlight tours, corporate programs and birthday parties.  Their focus is on making kayaking achievable, interesting and fun.

A schedule, information and registration for these programs is online at http://www.gwymca.org/aquatics.php, registrations under the category ‘aquatics’.  For more detailed information/enquiries email downunderkayaking@yahoo.com or visit downunderkayaking.com.

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Rebecca Fretty, President and CEO of the Greenwich Family YMCA

NEW ~ BIRTHDAY PARTIES

and schedule

FAMILY FUN EVERY WEEKEND
4-5pm Family Fun every Saturday.  $20pp members, $30 non members.

3-9 yrs must be accompanied by an adult in the pool, 10-14 an adult must be present.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES or PRIVATE GROUPS

5-7pm Saturdays

March 20th, April 3, 10, 17

reserve by calling Betsy Culeman in Aquatics 203-869-1630x306.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding party (ages 10 years+) includes 1 hour class and games, and 1 hour party room.  Regular price $400, Family member price $350.  Up to 7 children.

Kayaking Party (ages 8+) includes 1 hour class and games, and 1 hour paryt room.  Regular Price $425, Family Member Price $375.  Max. 10 children.

INSTRUCTION

Stand-up Paddleboards

Saturday March 27 5:15-6:15pm

Members $35, non $45.  Ages 14+

Min 3 Max 5 

Kayaking

Saturday April 24th 5:15-6:15pm

Members $45 Non $55.  Ages 14+

Min 4 Max 10

Eskimo Rolling

Sunday March 7-21, 3 classes, 2:30-4:30pm.  $300 members $350 non.

Thursdays March 25-April 8, 7-9pm.

Terms:

1 week cancellation policy

If we do not meet the minimum class requirement you will be notified at least 24 hours prior to class and class will be cancelled.