FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
ERIC BARNETT - 216-635-7014
Enjoy water recreational activities that are both, recreational
and educational through Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great
Outdoors (IGO).
IGO provides a wide range of outdoor experience to people of all
abilities. Participants can enjoy the knowledge and expertise
of seasoned instructors with all IGO courses & trips and have
fun at the same time. IGO helps people develop or enhance
their outdoor skills and knowledge and environmental ethics.
With the warmer summer weather approaching, being around water
is always a fun way to enjoy the season. IGO is offering the
following water recreation courses and trips this spring and
summer:
Ohio Boaters Education Class
Saturday, May 12 � 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River
Reservation
Before boating season starts, learn tools to becoming a safe
boater. This 3-part class teaches topics, including fundamentals of
safe boating, state boating laws and more. The last session
includes a test for certification of completion and the course
meets the mandatory education requirement for those persons born on
or after January 1, 1982 who plan to operate a watercraft of ten
horsepower or greater. The certification may also save money on
boat insurance. Ages 16 & over. There is a $15 fee.
Stand Up Paddleboarding - Introduction
Thursday, June 7 � 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Wallace Lake � Mill Stream Run Reservation
- or -
Wednesday, June 20 � 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Hinckley Lake � Hinckley
Reservation
- or -
Saturday, June 23 � 10 a.m. - noon
-or- (Adu1ts Only, 18 & Up) 1 - 3 p.m.
Lake Erie � Huntington
Reservation
Catch the fever of stand up paddleboarding (SUP). SUP is a great
workout and a lot of fun. Lessons teach participants how to balance
and maneuver on a board that looks like a surfboard. Anticipate
spending some time in the water. Participants must be able to tread
water in a PFD. Ages 10 & over. There is a $20 fee for adults
and $8 for kids (ages 10-15) (equipment included).
Kayaking I: Introduction to Kayaking
Sunday, June 10 � 2 - 5 p.m.
LaDue Reservoir
- or -
Saturday, June 23 � noon - 3
p.m.
Baldwin-Wallace College
Learn to kayak with confidence this season. Instructors
introduce participants to equipment, basic paddling stroke and more
through a combination of classroom and on-the-water practice. Be
prepared to get wet. Ages 14 & over. There is a $35 fee
(equipment included).
Explore Ohio Kayak Tours:
Cuyahoga River - Cleveland Section
Friday, June 8 � 6 - 9 p.m.
- or -
Saturday, June 16 � 4 - 7 p.m.
Rivergate � Cuyahoga River
Discover Cleveland's history by kayak. Tour sections of the
Cuyahoga River from Rivergate and hear stories about Cleveland's
rich industrial history. Previous paddling experience is
recommended.Ages 16 & over. There is a $30 fee (equipment
included).
American Canoe Association Level 1: Introduction to
Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop
Thursday through Saturday, June 14 - 16 � 8 a.m. - 5
p.m.
Hinckley Lake � Hinckley
Reservation
This adult workshop follows standards established by the ACA.
Designed for individuals and programmers interested in offering
certified canoe classes. Upon successful completion of the
workshop, participants can receive instructor certification through
the ACA.
Pre-requisite Previous paddling experience is required.
Completion of ACA Intro To Canoe/Kayak course preferred. For
certification, all participants must be members of the ACA &
SEIC and meet ACA instructor requirements prior to the program. To
become a member, visit www.americancanoe.org. There is
a $225 fee per person (includes equipment, books, and lunch the
first two days).
American Canoe Association Level 2: Essentials to Stand up
Paddleboarding Instructor Certification Workshop
Thursday through Saturday, June 14 - 16 � 8 a.m.
- 5 p.m.
Hinckley Lake � Hinckley
Reservation
This adult workshop is designed for individuals and programmers
interested in offering SUP classes. This three-day workshop
combines classroom and on-the-water skill development. ACA
certification for Level 1 or Level 2 can be received during the
workshop.
Pre-requisite: Competition of SUP course preferred. For
certification, all participants must be members of the ACA &
SEIC and meet ACA instructor requirements prior to the program. To
become a member, visit www.americancanoe.org. There is
a $300 fee per person (includes equipment, books, and lunch the
first two days).
Youth Watersports Camp
Monday through Thursday, July 16 - 19 � 9 a.m. - 3
p.m. (ages 12-15 years)
-or-
Monday through Thursday, July 30 - Aug 2 � 9 a.m. - 3
p.m. (ages 10-12 years)
Wendy Park and Rivergate � Cuyahoga River
During this 4-day camp for youth, learn to kayak, standup
paddleboard and row; build a boat using only cardboard and duck
tape; and make a water quality monitoring system. Spend the first
two days of camp at Wendy Park on the water, then the last two days
at Rivergate, along the Cuyahoga River, learning to row with the
Cleveland Rowing Foundation. Bring packed lunches. There is a $195
fee (equipment included).
Basic Sailing Course
August 6 � 4 - 7 p.m
-and-
August 7 & 8 � 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hinckley Lake � Hinckley
Reservation
This entry-level course to small boat sailing consists of both
classroom and on-water instruction. Learn how to sail in pairs and
solo in small 14-foot sailboats. Participants should be dressed to
get wet. Ages 16 & over. There is a $40 fee (includes textbook
/ boats & safety equipment)
Youth Kayaking & SUP Camp
August 8 � 9 a.m. - 3 p.m
Hinckley Lake Boathouse � Hinckley
Reservation
Youth can have fun on the water learning two new sports. Explore
nature from a new perspective and learn to �walk on water� standup
paddleboard (SUP)-style. Then, devote some time learning how to
kayak. Be prepared to get wet as participants will learn paddle
strokes, etiquette and safety. Bring packed lunches. Ages 10 to 13.
There is a $45 fee (includes equipment).
IGO offers equipment adaptation and assessment to make outdoor
recreation opportunities available to all individuals, regardless
of ability.
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 water recreation skills, and discover the outdoors and
yourself with IGO and Cleveland Metroparks - part
of your life, naturally.
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