[GStarkCR]

STICKS IN THE WATER

“Sticks In the Water,” or “SIW,” is a canoe & kayak paddling network, centered around Johnson, Jones, & Linn Counties in Eastern Iowa, working to provide area paddlers with expanded opportunities to enjoy more time on the water, in a safe & environmentally responsible manner.

SIW was organized in February, 2008, and by its first birthday had grown to a list of nearly 190 email address “members.” SIW organized several paddling events through the abbreviated 2008 season, and has a full schedule of SIW-organized and other area paddling opportunities planned for 2009.

Sticks In the Water offers:
- Free membership.
- Monthly email SIW News Bulletin with schedules, reports, features.
- Email Heads Up and Reminder bulletins re special events & issues.
- Schedule of SIW-sponsored gatherings & paddling events.
- Calendar of area paddling opportunities.
- Network of paddlers of all skill & experience levels.
- Access to SIW Yahoo Group email exchange.
- Promotion of volunteer cleanup and construction projects.
- Voice on paddling & environmental issues.
- Opportunities to socialize & share information.
- Links to other Iowa paddling groups.
- Links to county & state recreation programs.
- SIW forum on PaddlingIowa.com.

To Join Sticks In the Water:.
email sticksinthewater@yahoo.com
Please include your first & last name and email address.
SIW does not share members' email addresses with other groups or businesses.

Safe Paddling:
Sticks In the Water embraces the “Common Adventure” philosophy, under which individual paddlers recognize that paddlesports & other outdoor activities inherently include some risk of injury or death, and assume responsibility for the safety of themselves & the members of their party. The “initiators” of SIW events are not necessarily outfitters, instructors, or paddling experts. That said, SIW strongly encourages all paddlers to wear PFD’s, avoid on-water alcohol, & utilize proper equipment, training, & procedures in pursuit of a safe & enjoyable paddling experience.
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