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26 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 23, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com K is for kayaking in the pool at the YMCA I t's the time of year to think of spring -- to new challenges, adventures and sports that we can do in the great outdoors. Why not try your hand with a kayak, and take advantage of specialized in-pool kayak classes available right here to both members and non-members of the YMCA of Oakville? Although it might seem a bit out of place, learning to kayak in a pool has many advantages, not the least of which is access to training in the off-season. But the pool is actually the perfect place to learn to kayak, as outlined by Susan Andrews, staff member and kayaking teacher at the YMCA of Oakville. "The pool is a controlled environment, so it's safe and there are lifeguards and other trained staff right there to help you," said Andrews. Andrews finds that many people approach the sport of kayaking with great caution. "People are afraid of being upside down in the water, especially adults who know too much about potential dangers. By learning to kayak in the safety of a warm and comfortable pool environment, they can overcome their fears and learn not to panic. They know that they will have the training that they need to face a difficult situation if one comes up ­ they will just know what to do," she said. This training did come in very handy for one couple who faced a situation in Lake Ontario last spring, as recounted by Adventure Centre Coordinator and wilderness expert, Steve Turner. "We had a couple who came in to learn to kayak. They later went out in Lake Ontario and were about 500 metres off-shore when one of them was flipped as they turned into a wave. They were able to both work together to get that person back into the kayak, and called us to say that they credited our course with ensuring their safety. They both just knew what to do." Turner has a great line-up of kayak programs for the spring, to get people ready for the water. First, he will run two youth kayak nights on March 12-19 (March Break time) for youth aged 11 to 16. Kayaking' and `Lakewater Kayaking'. The classes include both classroom and pool time, and teach everything from the basics of the kayaking equipment to wet exits and rolls. Right from the first introductory lesson, Turner is teaching people how to overcome their fears by learning how to get in and out of a boat - including a `wet exit'. His main objective is to teach people to kayak safely and help them to enjoy the great outdoors. "I want people to leave their lesson knowing how to rescue themselves or rescue themselves with the aid of a partner. You must know how to get back in the boat. There are also many local waterways in Oakville and Halton that are perfect to explore from a kayak." For more information about in-pool kayak classes at the YMCA of Oakville, go to www.ymcaofoakville.com and look under Programs/Adult, or call the Y at 905-845-3417 and speak to Steve Turner at ext. 311. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville. Normally, the programs are only offered to adults aged 16 and up, but Turner has recognized the demand, and likes to work with the kids. "Kids are much more adventurous when it comes to a kayak, and they learn quickly. They learn more from games and fun exercises, so their program will be very active." Monday night is kayak night at the Y, with most programs running at that time. A variety of courses are offered, including `Introduction to Kayaking', `Kayaking Safety', `Rolling & Rivers Clinic', `CRCA Flatwater Sea Free tax clinics for low-income earners You may be eligible to have a chartered accountant fill out your tax return for free. This offer is open to lowincome people with a total household income less than $22,500 with dependents or less than $15,000 without dependents. To find out more about clinic times and locations, call the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario at 416-962-1841 ext. 462 or toll-free at 1800-387-0735 ext. 462, or visit the Institute's website at www.icao.on.ca. Mediterranean food & wine festival Inspired by the Mediterranean regions around the world -- indulge in some fine food samples paired with the tastes of local wineries (FEES APPLY). Plus demonstrations and entertainment: · Zorba: Mediterranean guitar duo · Panagia youth dancers FR PARKEE ING · Habeeba belly dancers Plus admission to Glass under Glass OFFICIAL NOMINATION ENTRY CARRIER OF THE YEAR! Your Name Address Saturday, February 24; 12 to 10 p.m. Sunday, February 25; 12 to 5 p.m. RBG Centre 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington Admission: $6 adult, $4 students and seniors, $2 children under 12, RBG members FREE 905.527.1158; events@rbg.ca Phone Yes, I would like to nominate my carrier: EN David Thai EEK AE W INS FLBRUARY 25 FD glass under glass Now that 2006 has ended, The Oakville Beaver is looking for their Carrier of the Year, and would like your input! If you think your present carrier is providing excellent delivery service, and is friendly and courteous, then please fill in the attached ballot. The winning carrier will receive 2000 BONUS POINTS from the paper, plus a $100 Gift Certificate from Philthy McNasty's, and his or her family will be treated to dinner by The Oakville Beaver! One lucky reader who sends in a nomination will also receive a $100 Philthy McNasty's Gift Certificate! Name for Oakville Beaver Carrier of the Year! Comments: "The glass pieces end up looking like frozen moments in nature, organic yet poised." Laura Hollic, View Magazine Over 40 installations of blown, stained, etched and painted glass by top Ontario artists (visit www.rbg.ca for details). FEATURED ARTISTS: Sudarshan Deshmukh, Matt Dyszkiewicz, Shirley Elford, John Kepkiewicz, Kelly Lowe, Tara Marsh, Sue Obata, Michelle Prosek, Paull Rodrigue, Alison Rose, Lucy Roussel, David Thai, Norm West, John Wilcox, Heather Wood January 26 to February 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. RBG Centre 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington Admission applies. 905.527.1158 Please mail nominations to: The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Road, Oakville ON L6K 2S4 or Fax to: (905) 337-5557