Florida paddlers teach youngsters the art of canoeing

Organisers and committee members of the Florida Lake Canoe Club (FLCC) introduced an amazing opportunity for learners to learn the art of canoeing.

Canoeing is a very popular water sport that has participants around the world. It involves a little boat made for the sport, and using a single-bladed paddle to steer the canoe and try to travel in the river.

According to the Gauteng Canoe Union’s public relations officer, Jennie Dallas, they organised boat rides to show the visiting children around the lake, and the bird breeding island spot. The children also had the opportunity to partner with professional canoeists to learn how to paddle, which was a thrilling experience for the little ones.

Children whose families are members of the club also showed their skills and partnered with the visiting school children to introduce them to the sport of paddling kayaks.

One of the highlights during this time was when nine-year-old Luna El-hage took her school friend, Amadea Mndebele, for a paddle in the big yellow flatboat, out and around the bird island. While six-year-old Bailey Sams demonstrated the enjoyment of sit-on-top paddle skills to show others how easy it is.

This happened under the watchful eyes of adult paddlers and coaches like David Brown. Brown partnered with Bokang Matshekga to show him the balance, steering, and paddle stroke techniques, which youngsters learn quickly and easily. Within an hour, Bokang was paddling around on his own.

According to the Dallas, lessons are available for learners of all ages on Sunday afternoons. Children require the ability to swim since they tend to fall out of the racing kayaks.