[GStarkCR]

SIW “Ready, Set, Paddle”
Saturday, May 16!
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The “Sticks In The Water” paddling group invites you to its first on-water event of the 2009 paddling season:

Saturday, May 16, 2009 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kent Park, Hwy 6 West of Tiffin, IA (West of Iowa City; see “Driving Directions” below)

· Dust off your boats & paddles.
· Refresh your safety & paddling skills.
· Trade test-paddles with willing boat owners.
· Make new paddling friends.
· Share info about a variety of boats & equipment.
· This is a small lake, so no shuttles or flood concerns.
· Stretch your legs on some of the trails.

Lunch at Noon: We supply grilled hot dogs, buns, & condiments, you bring a side dish & your own beverage (no alcohol, please).

Registration: No fee, no registration required. Please send an email to sticksinthewater@yahoo.com, if you have any questions.

Driving Directions: From intersection of I-380 & I-80, take I-80 West 1.5 miles, take Exit 237 toward Tiffin .3 miles, turn right at Ireland Ave. NW .7 miles, turn Left at Grant St. .2 miles, turn Left at W Marengo Rd/US Hwy 6 for 3.6 miles, turn right at Kent Park sign, follow signs to boat ramp at Fisherman’s Parking Lot.

Safe Paddling: The Sticks In the Water paddling group 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, we strongly encourage all paddlers to wear PFD’s, avoid on-water alcohol, & utilize proper equipment, training, & procedures in pursuit of a safe & enjoyable paddling experience.

050109

[GStarkCR]

Over 20 paddlers braved very windy conditions to share some paddling and socializing at Kent Park. One of our newer members drove down from Independence. There were a couple of new boats on hand, so we're doing our part to stimulate the economy. Naturalist Brad Friedhoff had some of the new Johnson County canoes on hand, but it wasn't a day that brings out "newbie" paddlers. Turned out to be a beautiful sunshiny day, good exercise heading upwind, and "a breeze" paddling downwind.

Thanks to Dave & Janice Bell, our event initiators, Joe Trumm for the hot dogs, and everyone else for the great side dishes and deserts.