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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Local club teaches canoe, kayak skills

Rich Landers Outdoors Editor

Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club is the local do-it-yourself paddler’s constant connection to the region’s lakes and rivers. In addition to a year-round group trip schedule, the club also offers several summer courses for canoeing, whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking.

The club has a “No Partner? No problem!” policy of providing paddling partners if needed during the instruction for tandem boats. Class size is limited and membership and pre-registration are required for these classes:

“Paddling Solo and Tandem Canoes intro, a prerequisite for the moving water course, June 2 at Medical Lake. Cost: $25 per boat. The class covers all the basics, from getting equipped and transporting the boat to paddling strokes and rescue.

“Moving Water Canoe Clinic is more involved, with classroom session July 5 and instruction on the Spokane River July 14-15. Cost $65 per boat, solo or tandem. This highly respected annual course recognizes there’s no half-day shortcut to learning river-running canoe skills.

“Whitewater Kayak Clinic, June 2-3, is for beginners as well as experienced boaters who want a refresher. The clinic starts with a flatwater session at Medial Lake followed by a whitewater session on the Spokane River.

“Sea Kayaking Intro, June 2-3, for beginners and seasoned paddlers who use sea-worthy kayaks (not recreational kayaks). Both sessions are at Medical Lake, emphasizing techniques, self rescue, navigation and touring, with an optional overnight camping weekend offered.

Pre-registers with Travis Nichols, (509) 838-7519 or e-mail travis.nichols@gmail.com.

Spokane Parks and Recreation has scheduled to two courses for whitewater kayakers:

“Intro to Whitewater Kayaking, June 4, 6 and 8, for ages 18 and over, with roll practice at Witter Pool and paddling on the Spokane River. Cost $68.

“Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking, June 12, 14 on the Spokane River starting in Class 2 whitewater to work on wet exits, braces, and reading the river. Cost: $68.

Pre-register: 625-6200 or online www.spokaneparks.org.