FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAY 4, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI OR KAREN FREEDMAN
216-635-3200, EXT. 3263 OR EXT. 3253
Enjoy activities that are both recreational and educational,
through Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO),
from boating classes to adventure trips to other outdoor skill
classes ranging from A to Z!
IGO provides a wide range of outdoor experience to people of all
abilities. Participants will enjoy the knowledge and
expertise of seasoned instructors with all IGO courses and have fun
at the same time. IGO helps people develop or enhance their
outdoor skills, knowledge and environmental ethics.
With the warmer weather, being on the water is always a fun way to
enjoy the season. IGO is currently offering the following
boating-related courses:
Kayaking on LaDue Reservoir
Friday, May 28 � 6:30 - 9 p.m.
LaDue Reservoir � GeaugaCounty
Spend an evening in a kayak along LaDue Reservoir. This
leisurely float will offer an opportunity to discover birds,
insects and other exciting wildlife. Search for eagles and osprey
while enjoying the serenity of being on the water.
There is a fee of $20 (equipment provided).
Ohio Boaters Education Class
Mondays, June 7 & 14 � 6 - 10 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park Reservation
This two-day class, approved by the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), teaches tools to become
a better boater. Topics covered, include handling boating
emergencies. Successful completion of this course meets the
mandatory education requirement for people born on or after January
1, 1982, planning to operate a watercraft of 10hp or greater. Ages:
16 years & over. There is a fee of $15.
Kayak Float and Lunch
Saturday, June 19 � 9 a.m. - noon
Westbranch Reservoir � Portage County
Enjoy a lazy Saturday morning of kayaking on Westbranch
Reservoir in Portage County. Explore the shoreline and work up an
appetite for lunch served by staff. There is a fee of $30
(equipment & lunch provided).
Canoeing with Dad
Sunday, June 20 � 9 a.m. - noon
Hinckley Reservation
Bring dad out for Father's Day to enjoy a relaxing day of
canoeing on HinckleyLake. Take in the natural beauty of Hinckley
Reservation and learn a little history along the way. New at
canoeing? Learn some basic strokes to make you look like a
pro. Ages: 10 years & over. There is a fee of $20.
Kayak I: Kayaking Basics
Tuesday, June 22 � 6 - 9 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
Interested in learning to kayak, but not sure where to start?
Learn the basics for paddling safely on in-land lakes and rivers.
This class includes all necessary kayaking equipment and will cover
kayaking basics, boating safety, proper boat control, and wet
exits. Ages: 16 years and over. There is a fee of $40.
Kayaking 1.5: Supplemental Skills
Tuesday, June 29 & Wednesday, July 7 � 6 - 8 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
This special two-day class is designed as a continuing
education branch to the Kayaking I course. Learn more advanced
paddling strokes, wet exits, rescue techniques, and practice
previously taught skills. Prerequisite:must have completed either
IGO Kayaking I or II course in 2009/2010. Ages: 16 years &
over. There is a fee of $25.
Women in the Great Outdoors: Kayaking Basics
Wednesday, June 30 � 6 - 9 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
Here's a women's only class for those interested in learning to
kayak, but not sure where to start. Learn the basics of paddling
safely on in-land lakes and rivers. This class includes all
necessary kayaking equipment and will cover kayaking basics,
boating safety, proper boat control, and wet exits. Ages: 16 years
and over. There is a fee of $40.
Canoeing I: Canoeing Basics
Thursday, July 1 � 6 - 9 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
Discover the pleasures of cruising in-land waters by canoe.
This program includes all necessary canoeing equipment and covers
canoeing basics, boating safety and proper boat control.
Participants may be required to complete a capsize drill. Ages: 16
years and over. There is a fee of $40.
Canoeing 1.5: Supplemental to Canoeing
Thursday, July 8 � 6 - 8 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
This special class is designed as a continuing education branch
to our Canoeing I course. Learn more advanced paddling strokes,
capsize drills, rescue techniques, and practice previously taught
skills. Prerequisite: must have completed either IGO Canoeing I or
II course in 2009/2010. Ages: 16 years and over. There is a fee of
$25
IGO also offers equipment adaptation and assessment to make outdoor
recreation opportunities available to all individuals, regardless
of ability.
Some classes have prerequisites, including a level of proficiency
and knowledge.
For more information, a complete list of IGO courses and trips,
detailed trip fact sheets, and to register, call 216-341-1704 or
online at clevelandmetroparks.com.
Learn new boating skills and discover the outdoors, and yourself,
with IGO and Cleveland Metroparks - part of your life,
naturally.
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