Wednesday, August 6

Beginner Paddle Safety Workshop: Learn to Kayak with Confidence

Learn everything you need to know to paddle safely and with confidence from a certified and experienced instructor!

By Friends of the Chemung River Watershed

Date and time

Location

Grove Street Boat Launch Elmira, NY

36 Grove Street Elmira, NY 14905

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Event lasts 2 hours

Come join us for a FREE beginner kayak paddle lesson from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Grove Street Boat Launch in Elmira. Certified instructor and co-founder of Chemung River Friends, Jim Pfiffer, will teach you how easy, safe, and fun it can be to paddle on the river! No experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided, including snacks and water for all participants. This fun, hands-on class is perfect for first-timers and curious beginners. You’ll learn the basics of paddling, including:

· Loading and transporting boats

· Identifying the parts of a kayak and a canoe

· Proper paddle strokes

· Safety tips and river etiquette

· How to get in and out of a boat smoothly

· Planning a river trip

· What to wear and pack for weather and water conditions

· How to handle changing river and weather conditions

· Rescues and what to do in an emergency on the water

· Environmental ethics

Meet us at the concrete boat launch in the parking area near the pavilion. Instructions will be provided within sight of the boat launch and life jackets are mandatory. We will provide life jackets and kayaks, or you can bring your own if you have them!

Children are welcome and encouraged to participate! Parents/guardians must remain with their child at all times. Any children under age 8 must accompany you in a tandem kayak (we have 2 available). Children older than 8 may use a single kayak.

Pre-registration is required and donations, while very appreciated, are completely optional.

Frequently asked questions

What's the minimum age?

While we don't have a minimum age requirement for this FREE safety class, we do require children under 8 to be accompanied by their parent/guardian in a tandem kayak. We have had children as young as two attend our safety paddles and enjoy a first, safe paddle experience.

My child is younger than 8 but is very mature. Do they need to be in a tandem?

We go on a case-by-case basis, but find that children younger than 8 generally require an adult on board to feel safe when out on the water.

I don't like pizza, is there another option?

We're very sorry, but to keep this program free, we only offer sheet pizza as the dinner option. You are welcome to bring a dinner with you, though.

Organized by

Friends of the Chemung River Watershed

Chemung River Friends is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Elmira, NY. Our mission is to protect and promote and preserve the 45-mile-long Chemung River, its tributaries (the Canisteo, Cohocton, Cowanesque, and Tioga Rivers), and watershed through education and providing resources that allow our community to better use, enjoy, and respect our natural resources. We provide guided tours, hikes, and cleanups as we work to make our rivers easier, safer, and more fun to use and enjoy. We build boat launches and add and improve river trails. We also provide riverside education and safe boating programs for all ages.

Free