By JASON SHREDER
What is the future of kayaking? None of us really know where it’s going and that’s what makes it exciting. Who sets the boundaries and what are the limits? The only thing holding us back are ourselves. Get out on the water and find out what is possible, both physically and mentally for yourself. Anyways, I will quit ranting and get to the point of this blog: Youth Kayaking
The future of whitewater kayaking, and most other sports, lies in the hands of the youth. The younger generation of kayakers keep pushing the limits of kayaking and are discovering what is possible in a kayak. Kayaking is a great sport for teenagers in Missoula for several reasons.
1) The Clark Fork River runs through the heart of downtown Missoula
2) We have a ton of water within a half hour drive
3) You don’t even need a car (build a bike trailer) to go surfing or kayaking with Brennan’s wave
4) It’s a team sport and kayakers take care of each other. It’s not about who is bigger or better
5) It’s a lifelong sport that you can do forever
6) Awesome Youth Kayak Club
7) Possibility of another wave downstream (The Max Wave)!
8) It’s Fun
9) Supportive atmosphere
10) Parent’s love the sport because it’s a healthy lifestyle activity
11) Future summer job?
Now with all of the reasons listed above doesn’t everyone want to learn how to kayak? Below are a couple of resources for youth kayak programs:
Tarkio Kayak Adventures (summer camps)
Zoo Town Surfers (youth kayak club)
See Jason Shredder’s “Go With the Flow” archive.
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Jason Shreder, owner of local whitewater company Zoo Town Surfers. I love Missoula, the great community, and all the awesome water that surrounds it. I’m constantly moving and 90% of that movement involves kayaking, rafting, working, and hanging out with my awesomely supportive girlfriend and dogs.