Upcoming Events: Boating & Paddling

Summer is right around the corner and kayaking is a great way to enjoy Virginia's beautiful outdoors! The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the certified paddlesports instructors of ACA Virginia are teaming up to get you started!

As part of National Safe Boating Week, DWR and certified ACA Kayak instructors are volunteering their time to offer you a special opportunity to take these classes for just $15 (kayak rental and parking). Typically, these same classes would cost approximately $100! We are limited to 15 slots per class so sign up now! All types of kayaks are welcome.

If you are new to paddling, looking to meet paddling friends or are looking to learn a better way to go about it, sign up now.

Below is a short list of the types of things that will be covered in the class:
* Trip planning, preparation, and prevention
* What equipment you should carry
* Parts of the boat, parts of the paddle
* Understanding how bulkheads/floatation help make you safer
* How to properly carry & transport your boat
* Basic posture for full body paddling and boat control
* Basic paddling strokes
* How to get in and out of your boat properly
* How to re-enter a kayak if you capsize in deep water
(multiple methods for self and assisted rescue)
* How to empty a swamped boat
* How to tow a swimmer

More details about what to bring and what to wear are available on the registration page.

Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) is excited to offer a VOW @ the Outdoor Adventure - Intro to Kayaking! Come learn from certified DWR boating instructors and get to spend time on the water! All equipment is provided, but if you have your own life vest, you are strongly encouraged to bring it!

There is a strict 10-person maximum for this event. Please do not register unless you are sure you can attend!

Registering for VOW events and not showing up ("no-shows") prevents other women from participating in the VOW Program. DWR makes every attempt to offer free/low-cost educational opportunities, however, no-shows waste valuable state resources/staff time and continued no-shows may result in implementing participation fees and other increased event costs. Please help DWR/VOW keep our free/low-cost educational programming!