RideAway Kayak Camp and Graduation Day

Every week RideAway kayak holds a five day camp for ages 7-14. The camp usually caps out around sixteen kids. It is a great introduction to the fundamentals of kayaking and the basic maneuvers you can use while navigating through different types of water conditions. The skill levels within the groups always vary but we always manage to have the camp mesh and with a variety of kayaks and games it is always a very fun and action packed week, you put sixteen kids in kayaks and I can guarantee pure entertainment.

We hold our camp in Wakeby pond located in Sandwich, Ma. We start there to make sure the kids get a grasp of the concept and feel confident with all the equipment, motions, and more importantly one another. Once I feel they have all progressed enough we give them the rigorous RideAway Kayak test, which let me tell you is no joke, it involves paddling backwards, paddling while standing up, jumping off and climbing back into the boat, distance kayaking and speed kayaking all combo'd into one EXTREME relay race that is probably the most entertaining thirty minutes anyone will get to enjoy. With a prize of the candy bar of their choice the hussle factor is a non issue.

Once this test is passed and behavior is at a controlled level as a whole for the group they are ready to GRADUATE. So every Friday we have our camp at Scorton Creek where they are able to show off their new skills to parents and the regular beach goer (anyone within a mile ear shot basically). They also learn about the birds, plants, and animals of the marsh. Most getting to experience the hunting habits of the Osprey and Sanderling for the first time and understanding how a daily tide schedule affects a tidal flat like Scorton Creek. The highlight is always the jump contest off the highest point of the marsh, and not to toot my horn but I've only been bested three times this year. It is always a very exciting day for the kids and even more for US. Its one of my favorite activities that RideAway Kayak is involved with and I am very thankful that we are lucky enough to get to work with such great kids in such a beautiful environment.