Summer Starts Here

By Todd Lewys IN NORMAL TIMES, SUMMERS MEAN GETTING TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO ENJOY THE WARM, SUNNY MANITOBA WEATHER. But these aren't normal times. Like it or not, summer has commenced under the ominous shadow of COVID-19. Consequently, people are looking for activities that will allow them to do something together while staying a safe distance apart. Jordie Smallwood, club manager of the Manitoba Canoe & Kayak Centre, which operates out of the Manitoba Paddling Association's home base at 80 Churchill Dr., says an increasing number of people have been out on the water of late. "We've noticed more people exploring the option of canoeing and kayaking over the past few weeks," he says. "They've realized that this is a great option for the times we're in." Canoeing and kayaking naturally lend themselves to social distancing, Smallwood notes. "If you use a canoe, two people can use it by sitting at the front and back. That way, you're spaced out better than two metres apart, which means you're more than fulfilling distancing requirements. You can also take out a single kayak, which means two or more people can easily stay spaced well apart while on the water." Jerome Seremak, the Manitoba Paddling Association's technical director, concurs. "It's a good activity where you can get away from others, while still sharing time with them on the water," he says. "If you're just starting out, we provide introductory lessons for $30 Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. It's great for all beginners, both youth and adults alike." Smallwood says no matter whether you're a beginner or advanced paddler, the experience is exhilarating. "Once you're on the water, you have all the space in the world to spread out. You can go downtown (to The Forks), or go upstream to the bridge at the BDI (Bridge Drive-In) and get an ice cream. When you come back, you're returning downstream, which is great if you're a bit tired. You can go for a round trip of about eight kilometres. You see so much while you're on the river." People often come back raving about the sights they've seen, Seremak says. "In just one trip you can see wildlife like ducks, eagles, deer, beavers and more. If you go early in the morning, it's almost a mystical experience with the quiet and fog rising up off the water and nature all around you. You can't buy such peace." And peace is what we all during these stressful times, he adds. "Paddling allows you to get away from life and release the stress that it can cause. When you're out on the water, much of the city disappears and your stress level immediately goes down. You just forget about everything else when you're on the water." At the same time, the on-water perspective leads to new discoveries, Smallwood explains. "Because you're not in a car or even on a bike, you're going along at a slower pace when you paddle. That allows you to explore the city, and discover wildlife. It's a great getaway from stress." Not only is that getaway safe and serene, it's also affordable. A season membership costs just $225 for unlimited use, with group lessons available, and private lessons available upon request. Paddling camps for kids are also reasonably-priced at $150 per individual. "That fee includes access to all boats, and also includes storage if you have your own canoe or kayak," Smallwood says. "All you need to do is come down, get in your canoe or kayak and go. It's such a simple way to get some exercise and safely enjoy time with family or friends." Whether you haven't tried paddling or have gotten out of practice, Seremak says now is an ideal time to get on the water. "It's a safe, affordable activity that's basically right here in your own backyard. Our location (80 Churchill Dr.) is excellent and easy to access. Try out a canoe or kayak and see which works best for you. If you try it, I think you'll like it. Then, you'll have a safe, fun activity that you can do with your friends or family not only for this summer, but many summers to come." For more information on what the Manitoba Canoe & Kayak Centre and the Manitoba Paddling Association have to offer this summer, visit mpa.mb.ca or call 204-925-5681. Starts here! 07 ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY Canoeing and kayaking offer an exhilarating experience for newcomers and experienced paddlers alike. CAMP IS ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE BE T TER Go to camp. Everyone. Get your kids to camp. An accredited camp. Can't afford it? We can help you. No kids to go to camp? Help us by donating. Send a deserving kid to camp. CAMP eryone. one. t your kids to camp. your kids to camp. accredited camp. accredited camp. n't afford it? 't afford it can help you. can help you kids to go to camp? kids to go to camp? p us by donating. us by donating mbcamping.ca Summer Starts here 2020.indd 1 2020-06-15 1:42:14 PM make this your year to EXPLORE CHURCHILL cometochurchill.com 1 204 949 2050 Experience what's been in your own backyard all along: curious beluga whales, mighty polar bears, shimmering northern lights and a culture all its own. Come to Churchill. ©micah kvidt of @wanderthemap

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