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Description: 

This is an outdoor Program. Registration required.

Des Moines Parks and Recreation along with the Iowa DNR are offering a Stand Up Paddleboard basic skills course at Grays Lake on June 5th, 1 - 4 p.m. This course is designed to introduce and expose the participants to sufficient skills and knowledge, so that they can enjoy the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding in a flat water setting. Topics that will be covered in the course include launching, board control, different paddling strokes, rescue and more. Registration is $25 and includes all the equipment and instructions.

Participants under 16 years old must have a guardian present.

If you have questions contact Joel at (515) 681 2027.

Course Content (tentative)
Student & instructor course expectations and limitations
PFD policy
Proper etiquette on & off the water Practice Leave No Trace ethics
The Paddling Environment:
*Wind*Waves*Weather*Water
Personal Preparation:
Personal ability - Swimming ability
Water comfort & confidence
Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
Safe paddle and board handling
Safety and rescue considerations

On Shore Presentations:
Persona gear
PFD & Safety equipment
Short history of SUP
Basic Board terminology
Paddle orientation and use
Concepts to paddling
Proper care of equipment
Transportation of equipment
Correct hand placement/relaxed grip
Proper warm up & stretching technique
Board carries: solo & two-person
Launching and Landing:
Entry/exit

Board & Paddle Control:
Prone position: lying down (swim position) with paddle blade under chest/belly
Sitting: on back face of paddle blade
Kneeling: paddling using double overhand & over-under paddle grip
Standing & Balance:
Neutral Stance: toes forward, knees bent, between hip and shoulder width, trim nose-tail
Board wiggle: legs act independently from upper body, head/torso remain over center of board
Modified neutral stance one foot drops back 2-3 inches enhancing rotation while maintaining balance

Maneuvers:
Paddle in a reasonable straight line
Stop in a reasonable distance
Gradual, wide turns
Spin: (sitting and standing)
Adjusting strokes and board trim for wind & waves
Strokes:
Forward Sweep
Reverse Sweep
Forward (Basic forward stroke)
Reverse (back stroke)
Draws (skulling, traditional)
Bracing (High/low, sculling / slapping)
The following are demonstrated by the Instructor:
Exhausted paddler board tow using leash or PFD tow
Conclusion & Wrap Up:
Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience and PRACTICE!
Life sport / Paddling options
Local paddling groups / Clubs / Handouts / Reference materials

Safety & Rescue:
Responsibility of the group, individual, rescuer, victim
Rescue Priorities: People, Boards, Paddles, other gear
Signals: Whistle, Paddle, Hand
Hypo/Hyperthermia
Evaluate water comfort and confidence
Proper falling techniques
Use of board leash
Unassisted remounting of board from side of board or from back of board
Remount board first, then retrieve paddle if it was released during fall