Kayaking

• Waiver: All participants must sign a waiver at registration (on file for the season) prior to participating.
• Arrival Time: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time at Lynnville Park.  We will work to have an identifiable area for all participants to rally.  The entrance worker should be able to direct you to our set up area (please ask).  Also, look for our RED YMCA Kayak docking flag (this also serves as our launch,  return and land rally point identifier).
• Lynnville Park – The YMCA will prepay your entrance and launching fee (included in your registration fee).  Just tell the worker at the gate you are with the YMCA and your entrance fee has been prepaid. If you have additional individuals that are traveling with you, but not participating, know that the YMCA has paid for your vehicle entrance which includes others in the vehicle that are not participating on the water.  FYI – The park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle (your fee is covered by the YMCA).
• Clothes: Wear comfortable clothes (ones you don’t mind getting a little wet from the splashing of your paddle).
• Shoes: Wear tennis shoes or water shoes.
• Equipment: The YMCA will provide the kayak, life jacket, and paddles.
• Water: We recommend that you bring your own water bottle for the 2 hour class so you can stay hydrated.
• Sun Screen: We advise you to apply (and/or bring) sunscreen.  You will be out on the water for about and hour and a half so we want you to have a great experience and be protected from the sun.
• Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather please check your email for notification no earlier than one hour prior to the start of your program.
• Safety:  Our kayak coordinator will provide a safety briefing and do a complete walk through of the kayak (on dry ground), equipment orientation, paddling technique, all safety protocols, and a policy review, prior to first time launch (provided the day of workshop). It is a requirement for you to wear a coast guard approved type III PFD at all times (provided by the YMCA).  We have the following sizes available: Adult S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXL.  All participants are required to follow all safety guidelines and instructions.  Our kayak coordinator will provide all participants with a safety whistle and compass. A first aid kit is onsite if needed.
• Additional Safety Focus:
  -No swimming from kayaks.
  -DO NOT purposely tip kayaks.
  -If you find yourself in the water, your first priority is to get back to your craft.
  -Our kayak instructor will assist you if you are observed struggling to self-rescue.

Your safety is paramount so thank you for adhering to all program instructions.