June 25, 2011
Cleveland Metro-parks IGO

Adaptive Paddling Clinic

The Cleveland Metro-parks, Akron University, American Canoe Association and Ohio Division of Watercraft
hosted the 2011 Adaptive Paddling Clinic at Akron University and Hinkley Lake.

This event has been hosted for over 25 years, and it teaches both new instructors and adaptive paddlers 
a working partnership to make the sport of paddling easily adaptable and fun for anyone  - no matter the special needs.

Below are some of the scenes from the event!

(Click on any image to enlarge.)

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Practice loading the paddlers from shore is easy in the pool.

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Each student has special needs and is custom fit for a fun and safe adventure

 

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Teamwork makes this look easy - the pro's are successful

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Paddling Canoe or Kayak takes skills with the adaptive technologies added

Pool Session at Akron University Swimming Pool 20110625IGOKayak2.jpg (67073 bytes)

Some students will never learn - thus is why the teachers use these outcasts for "bad" examples

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Rescue Training is part of the program

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Styling in the Kayak - this student is perfecting the paddling technique

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Full recovery from the dump - now it is time to practice 

     
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Jen cant wait to try her paddling skills in the lake.

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The group of paddlers head out into the lake for a tour.

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Instructors watch the students practice the new skills from the pool session in the real world enviroment

 

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Skills are honed with several game type activities

Lake Session at Hinckley Lake 20110625IGOKayak15.jpg (93243 bytes)

Our team leaders enjoy a moment of peace as this day successfully ends without any casualty

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The worst student of the day apologizes to his teacher for such  bad paddling skills

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The ducks did not mind our paddling.

20110625IGOKayak17.jpg (136592 bytes) At the end of the day - each student received recognition of successful completion of the course and appreciation from the instructors for participating.

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