Every year in gym, there comes one exciting, and maybe a little bit dreadful, week.  This is the week where we decide on what sort of physical challenge will be induced over the course of the next 9 or 18 weeks, challenges like circuit training, jogging and biking, yoga, etc.  But even with all of these tough classes, there is one that can be as much fun as, if not more fun than, the work put into it.  The course I’m referring to is called Kayaking.

Simple enough name right?  For those who don’t know, kayaking is a water based sport where one or two people are put in a small boat called a kayak.  The students seated in the boat are given a two sided paddle and use it to maneuver the kayak around the water.

A lot of people look at this class and ask, “Why would I wanna kayak in a pool, there’s no room?”  Trust me there is enough space for everyone.

I won’t lie though, in the beginning, this class is a tad bit boring.  Students learn basic maneuvers and must take turns paddling through the pool.  However, about halfway through the course, you learn more advanced techniques and things get a little more fast paced.

The main reason why I’ve taken this class for the past 3 years is due to the fact that the gym instructors take all of the students out on a kayaking trip at the end of the nine weeks.  The kayaking trip takes place at Peters Lake, and each year the teachers have a different goal for the students.  Goals such as collecting colored bands from around the outskirts of the Lake, or who can find the most interesting thing.  Even though it’s just one day out of the school year, I can guarantee that it is worth it.  It’s an incredible feeling just sitting out on the Lake, drifting with the gentle wind current and just taking in the fresh air.

I would highly recommend taking this class for anyone who enjoys the outdoors; it’s an incredible experience and a jump-start to taking an interest in many more outdoor hobbies.