Local children enjoy paddling lessons at Florida Lake Canoe Club
Local children enjoyed the water during their introduction to canoeing fun at Florida Lake Canoe Club
Recently, local young paddlers, and their families, had fun on the water at Florida Lake Canoe Club learning how paddle.
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16-year-old Randpark Ridge resident Thando Qongo took the opportunity to learn, racing around the lake for a couple hours after the lessons.
Bailey Sams (7), and little sister Caelynn (4), from Boskruin, were among the group who thoroughly enjoyed their fun on Florida Lake, along with school friends Canna van Vyfer, and Chelsea and Sophie Scheepers.
Jennie Dallas, Gauteng Canoe Union PR and media liaison, explained that learning to paddle a kayak is not always easy. It involves balance, and steering, as well as paddle strokes and confidence, which comes with practice.
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“Very young children are often too nervous to try, as the boat wobbles as it moves on the water, making them feel unstable and insecure. Flat boards, or boats the children can sit on top of while they learn to master paddling skills, are a great introduction to hook them on the sport.”
To this aim, the day started on a windsurfer board, taking the group out to the breeding bird island, to watch the baby birds hopping and climbing in the trees, while parents and large birds watched over their young.
“The children were able to throw feed to the birds and thoroughly enjoyed their experience, dipping their feet in the water and collecting water lily flowers to bring back for their moms. A great time was enjoyed by all, and many skills and abilities were mastered.”
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