FIBArk partners with RMOC; register now for intro level kayaking course
FIBArk has entered a partnership with Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center to sustain the local paddle club with multiple courses and instruction levels being planned for this spring and summer.
The partnership calls for RMOC to design and facilitate the logistics of the kayak club with support from FIBArk in certain areas. The first course, an intro pool session for all ages, begins April 19. Registration closes for that course on April 17.
FIBArk leaders re-energized the paddle program in 2009 to provide kayaking instruction and skills at the local level primarily for youth. In recent years FIBArk board of directors have pledged to grow and expand activities. By partnering with RMOC the program will have increased stability, offer more courses and set the stage for future development.
Over the years, the intro level course has attracted an overflow of youth participants at the pool to learn kayaking basics like rolls, strokes and river etiquette.
RMOC has designed additional river transition courses for participants that have finished the pool sessions which will focus on river techniques and downriver running techniques. Dates for those courses are in August and September when river flows are friendlier for instruction.
In the future, the paddle program may develop a team for advanced training of playboating and slalom techniques for locals interested in competitions and events.
“FIBArk is building fleet of boats and associated kayaking gear like helmets, paddles and spray skirts and we’ve tried to grow that over the years through donations and purchases,” said Christopher Kolomitz, FIBArk board president. “With RMOC coming in it really takes some of the pressure off the volunteer board of directors to handle the program and it allows the concept to grow into something pretty special.”
Owned by Brandon Slate, the Salida-based RMOC has been in operation since 1982 and offers professional instruction and guided adventures for a variety of activities, including: kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddling, inflatable kayaks, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
"I am really excited to get local kids out on the water and enjoying the sport of kayaking,” Slate said. “Hopefully this program will continue to grow and one day we will have a local team that can compete at a national level."
For more information about the program visit http://rmoc.com/fibark-paddle-club or call RMOC at 719-539-2420 or visit FIBArk.com.