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 will 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 soon to come, being around
water is always a fun way to enjoy the season. IGO is currently
offering the following water recreation courses and trips:
American Canoe Association Level I: Introduction to Canoe
& Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop
Thursday through Saturday, June 14 - 16 �
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hinckley Lake � Hinckley
Reservation
This workshop follows standards established by the ACA. Designed
for individuals and programmers interested in offering certified
canoe and kayak 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 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 2 days).
Kayaking I: Introduction to Kayaking
Saturday, March 10 � 9 a.m. -
noon
Baldwin-Wallace College - or -
Sunday, March 18 � 9 a.m. - noon
Lakewood High School
Learn to kayak in the comfort of a pool. A combination of
classroom and on-the-water practice is used to introduce
participants to equipment, basic paddling strokes and more.
Participants should be prepared to get wet during the pool
session. Ages 14 & over. There is a $35 fee (equipment
included).
Kayak Rescue
Saturday, March 24 � 9 a.m. -
noon
Baldwin-Wallace College
It's a great time of year to hone kayak rescue and re-entry
skills. Join trained kayak instructors for an in-depth pool session
of kayak safety, including solo and tandem rescue techniques.
Practice previously learned strokes while improving advanced
skills. Ages 16 & over. There is a $30 fee (equipment
included).
On Land Kayaking Basics
Thursday, March 22 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m
North Chagrin Nature Center � North Chagrin
Reservation -or-
Thursday, May 3 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m Rocky River Nature
Center � Rocky River Reservation
Interested in kayaking, but nervous about getting in the water
for the first time? Learn the basics to have a safe and enjoyable
kayak experience without investing in expensive gear. During this
classroom session instructors discuss types of kayaks, gear,
safety, and trip planning. And, participants can test their balance
and have fun in the kayak �on-the-water� simulator. Ages 14 &
over. There is a $10 fee.
Ohio Boaters Education Class
Thursdays, April 5, 12 & 19 � 6:30 - 9:30
p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park
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.
Explore Ohio Kayak Tours: Chagrin
River
Saturday, April 21 � 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, April 10 � 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. �
Garfield Park Nature Center
Join staff to paddle a section of the Chagrin River. After a
short introduction to kayak basics, participants will be ready to
explore the waterway, including sections designated as a State
Scenic River. Varying river levels and conditions will determine
the sections paddled. Previous kayak paddling experience is
required as well as appropriate cold water paddling clothing. This
trip is dependent on sufficient rainfall during the spring months.
Adults only. There is a $35 fee (equipment included).
Kayak the Upper Cuyahoga
Sunday, May 6 � 1 - 4 p.m.
Eldon Russell Park� Upper Cuyahoga River
This tour takes participants along a StateScenicRiver, the Upper
Cuyahoga. Enjoy a relaxing 3 miles looking for beaver, river otters
and listening to the sounds of spring. No previous paddling
experience required, but warm weather gear may be needed. Ages 16
& over. There is a $30 fee.
Explore Ohio Kayak Tours: Grand
River
Sunday, May 13 � 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, May 2 � 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. �
Garfield Park Nature Center
Carry away the weekday world on the Grand River. After short
instruction in kayak basics, participants paddle their way from the
scenic covered bridge in Harpersfield to HiddenValleyPark. Travel
along this National Wild and ScenicRiver known for its corridor of
high shale cliffs, tiny waterfalls and rich flora and fauna. Adults
only. There is a $35 fee (equipment included).
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.
