Lee County Parks & Recreation will host a free two-part “Paddle Sports Safety Training” series this November as part of the Calusa Blueway speaker series.
The first session takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers. No registration is required.
The second session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Bunche Beach, 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers. Participants must bring their own paddlecraft or rent one on-site from Kayak Excursions. Registration is required for this portion. To register, contact Calusa Blueway Coordinator Mike Hammond at mhammond@leegov.com.
The training will be led by American Canoe Association instructor Don Rice.
“Having this training in two parts is ideal,” said Calusa Blueway Coordinator Mike Hammond of Lee County Parks & Recreation. “Everyone will be able to relax and absorb the information in the rec center on the first night, then Saturday we’ll get in the water, learn even more and practice. With all of Don’s experience instructing and paddling, this is going to be a great opportunity for paddlers to level up their water safety.”
For more information or directions, contact Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center at 239-533-6850.
The Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is a 190-mile canoe, kayak and SUP trail that meanders throughout Lee County’s waterways. Trail information is at www.calusablueway.com or www.leeparks.org/blueway. Find Calusa Blueway on Facebook. Visit the iTunes store or Google Play to download the free smart-phone app. Visitors can find information at www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.