Summer Starts Here

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A GREAT SUMMER ACTIVITY, ONE WINNIPEG ENTHUSIAST SUGGESTS KAYAKING – A SPORT HE SAYS PROVIDES FITNESS, FUN AND ONE HECK OF A VIEW. "Paddling on the Red River provides a completely different perspective of our amazing city that most people don't get a chance to experience," says Jordie Smallwood, club manager of the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre. "I would urge anyone who has not experienced our rivers to get out on the water. I find being on the river is a very relaxing experience. In fact, I would say it's almost therapeutic." If you're interested in kayaking but aren't sure how to get started, the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre is the perfect place to visit. The centre offers introductory kayaking programs for anyone who would like to learn how to kayak and even those who have already tried their hand at the sport "Anyone who's even remotely interested in kayaking could come out and give our courses a try," Smallwood says. "Many people kayak and canoe, however many of these people do not know how to paddle properly or efficiently, and what to do when they capsize. Our program teaches individuals how to do all of these things and is also a great stepping stone into our paddling community. Paddling is part of our heritage in Canada and our programs help to continue this historic tradition." The centre offers two Intro to Kayaking programs. Smallwood says the programs are not very physically demanding and can accommodate all ages and abilities of paddlers. Intro 1 (Tuesdays from 7 to 9 pm) teaches people the very basics of kayaking like how to find the right paddle length, where to place your hands on the paddle, how to take the different strokes and how to get in and out of a kayak. The course uses sit-on kayaks, which are extremely stable. Intro 2 (Wednesdays from 7 to 9 pm) trains kayakers to use sit-in kayaks, which are much faster and slightly less stable than the sit-ons. These kayaks also have a rudder that paddlers will learn how to use when steering. The courses run from June until the end of August, although Smallwood noted July and August are the most popular months. With each class having 10 spots available per week, he suggests signing up earlier rather than later, especially since people who sign up early can pick up skills that will allow them to enjoy kayaking all summer long. Each course costs $30. For up to two weeks following the course, if participants purchase a membership, this $30 will be deducted from the fee. After completing Intro to Kayak 1 and 2, Smallwood notes participants will know how to choose the right paddle for them, kayak with proper technique, stay up in the kayak and what to do in the event of a capsize. He noted that the intro courses are only the beginning for kayakers. He says, "the full extent of the program is huge" and opens up new doors. "It allows for participants of all ages to enjoy the sport at our club, but also outside of our club," he says. "The safety and knowledge about water and capsizing learned in this course aids so many people and will saves them from future disasters. As for the known impact within the club, it's a great stepping stone into our many other programs. It's essentially an 'ice-breaker' into the sport and the amazing world of outdoor water adventures. One single participant may bring their whole family out for our drop-ins, sign up their kids for our summer camps, or join our Dragon Boat program." ONE GREAT VIEW Kayaking provides a different perspective of the city BY PAT REDIGER If you're interested in kayaking but aren't sure how to get started, the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre is the perfect place to visit. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (www.bluebombers. com) will play their first home game of the 2017 CFL regular season on Fri., July 7 when they host the Calgary Stampeders at Investors Group Field. Expectations are high this season after the Blue and Gold posted an impressive 11-7 record in 2016 and earned a playoff berth. A number of key players are back from that team including quarterback Matt Nichols, running back Andrew Harris, defensive lineman Jamaal Westerman and kicker Justin Medlock and Bomber faithful are looking for another successful year. If horsepower is more your thing, check out Assiniboia Downs (www.asdowns.com). One of Canada's most storied horse racing tracks features live racing Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays until the second week of September. One of the highlights of the race season is the prestigious Manitoba Derby which has been run since 1930. This year's event will take place Mon., Aug. 7 and will offer a purse of $75,000. If you are planning to check it out make sure you bring along a stylish chapeau, a must- have for Derby goers. Red River Co-op Speedway (www. redrivercoopspeedway.ca) is home to another kind of horsepower. Located five minutes south of Winnipeg on Highway 75, it's the largest oval dirt track in Central Canada and offers bumper-to-bumper auto racing from the end of May until the first week of October. The 2017 American Association season is already well underway for the Winnipeg Goldeyes (www. goldeyes.com). Manager Rick Forney and Co. are looking to defend the league championship they won last fall in thrilling fashion with a series win over the Wichita Wingnuts. With slugger Reggie Abercrombie and several other key returnees back in the fold, the Fighting Fish are expected to contend once again this season. Photo by Darcy Finley THE SPORTING LIFE Starts here! 12 Starts here! 14

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