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Would you like to learn the basic skills of kayaking before traveling on the waters of Tioga County? That has been the mission of the Kayak Club of Mansfield University for the past sixteen years. Mike Sidell, one of the instructors of the Kayak Club said that “it is a university club and we try to teach university people and we do anyone from the university family that wants to learn. And we have had people from Provost, all the way down to freshmen. It is also open to the community.”

Many from the community are a part of the Club, such as Bill Vickery and his fiancé Jean Palmer. They joined to learn skills such as rolling over, uprighting themselves in deep water and other measures to make their time on the water more safe and enjoyable. Clayton VanDusen, who has a fear of water, conquered his fear to learn how to safely correct his flipped kayak. Those who are taking the instruction offered in the Kayak Club are experiencing a greater measure of confidence maneuvering in the water.

In today’s feature, the instructors – Mike, Robin and Deb – take some of the students out on the water to allow them to use the skills that they have been learning while attending class. This is a great way to learn – having those around you who have the experience that comes from years of doing kayaking. Deborah Dom, a member of the university’s adjunct faculty, heads up the kayaking club. She is an American Canoe Association Level 4 instructor, which allows her to teach flat water, river water and class 2-3 whitewater. The last class of the Kayak Club for this year is May 3rd at Decker Pool, starting at 6:00 PM. If you would like to come to observe what they are learning you are welcomed.

For more information, you can call instructor Mike Sidell at (570) 724-4021.