Grayling Visitors Bureau

Hanson Hills Recreation Area is offering a new program, beginning Thursday, August 9; a Canoe/Kayak Club. This club will introduce the fun of canoeing and kayaking, although it will be geared to different skill levels.

Would you like to learn teamwork, self discipline & a lifelong skill?

Do you like going fast?

Have you always wondered what it would be like to paddle a racing canoe?

Have you had the itch to get competitive at some sport?

Are you looking to join an active group and learn a new skill while having a great time?

Do you just want to get into shape?

Would you like to learn how to Eskimo roll in a kayak?

Check out the new Canoe and Kayak Club with the Hanson Hills Recreation Area. There is no cost to participate, and it is open to ages 10 and up. August 9 – November 1, 5:30pm at McIntyres Landing, Lake Margrethe. See below for more details. To register email graprograms@hotmail.com or call 989-348-9266

COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS

The Grayling Canoe and Kayak club competitive training programs create opportunities for youth in Flatwater Canoeing and Kayaking as well as developing discipline, focus, goal setting and other invaluable life skills. Through these competitive programs GCKC strives to:
• Provide area youth with a unique sport.
• Provide an opportunity for each athlete to reach their maximum potential.
• Develop athletes for local, regional, national and international competitions.
• Develop a sense of “team” among the athletes.
• Athletes will have the opportunity to compete in a singles, doubles and four person boats.

DEVELOPMENTAL 1 PROGRAM The Development team practices twice a week and serves as a stepping stone into competitive racing. To be eligible for this program, an athlete must be between the ages of 10 and 15, and be approved by the Developmental Coach. This team is a great choice for people who want to improve and compete, but are not ready for the full-time commitment of the Developmental 2 Program. During practices athletes will be encouraged to try more challenging boats, improve their paddling technique, and have fun on the water. Athletes may stay in the Developmental 1 Program for a maximum of four months before moving to Developmental 2. All equipment is provided by GCKC.

DEVELOPMENTAL 2 PROGRAM  Members of this team are more serious about and committed to their training and fitness. This team practices 4 times each week during the school year and 5-6 times each week during the summer. To be eligible for this program, athletes must have participated in and completed at least one season of the developmental 1 program within the past year, be between the ages of 10 and 18, and be approved by the Developmental Coach. In addition to paddling, athletes participate in age-appropriate weight training, interval training, running, and other cross-training activities. All equipment is provided by GCKC. While having fun is still on the agenda during a week of training with the Developmental 2 Program, athletes focus more on improving their technique, balance, and speed during workouts on the water. The goal of Developmental 2 athletes should be to progress to the High Performance group before turning 16. Eligibility for the High Performance group will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Developmental and High Performance coaches. Many of the athletes on the Developmental team will have a chance to compete on the national level.

 HIGH PERFORMANCE The High Performance Program continues to refine paddling technique, focusing on the continued development of sport specific endurance, strength, and speed. Athletes in this program will compete locally, nationally and internationally. Athletes strive to represent the USA internationally at competitions such as Junior and Senior World Championships, Pan American Canoe Championships, and the Olympic games.

High Performance trains 10 times per week in the fall and winter, and 14 times per week in the spring and summer.

MASTERS The Masters Competitive program begins at age 25 and lasts a lifetime! Focus on developing and improving balance, paddling technique, and specific racing skills. The program encourages a healthy lifestyle through physical activity; aerobic, weights and body weight exercises as well as paddling. The coaches will work with individual master athletes to help them achieve personal goals. Whether your goal is to race on the local, national, or international level or not race at all, the Masters Competitive group accommodates everyone. This group practices 3 times a week.

The Masters Competitive athlete will have every opportunity to try and improve their stability by trying tippier boats and will see their overall balance improve through paddle sport.