I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to a new program that is available for youth paddlers in Colorado. Kyle McCutchen, Nick Hinds, and I have started a Junior kayaking league to provide young paddlers with an avenue to develop their paddling skills, participate in freestyle competitions and races, run rivers, and meet other young paddlers. The program is open to ages 10-18 and all skill levels.
Here is some more information on the program (our website will be up shortly, but is still in production
www.downstreamedge.com). We are currently enrolling for teams in Denver, Boulder, and Steamboat Springs. If you live somewhere else and are interested, please let us know. If we have enough demand, we will start teams in any town.
If you have kids or know people who have kids, be sure to tell them about the program. We are confident that it will be a fun thing for young people to do in Colorado. We hope to eventually have teams in all of the paddling towns in the state.
Downstream Edge Junior Kayak Team and League:
The Downstream Edge Junior Kayak Program and team is a great way for kids and teens to get involved in kayaking. It provides a fun after-school and summer activity that promotes friendship, fitness, outdoor education, leadership, and respect for the environment.
The goal of our youth program is to develop young paddlers into safe and confident kayakers. All aspects of kayaking are taught in the youth program including paddling skills, safety and rescue skills, on-river communication, leadership and organization, teamwork, fitness, logistics, and of course FUN. Only the best and most qualified coaches are employed to provide our teams with excellent instruction and a safe experience.
Team members can compete in the Colorado Kayak Rodeo series as well as downriver and slalom races. Downstream Edge teams throughout Colorado will compete against each other in several friendly competitions each season. We will have competitions for paddlers of all abilities. The purpose of these events is to get to know members of other teams and to provide a fun competitive atmosphere. All members are not required to compete.
The Downstream Edge Junior Kayak Team meets throughout the kayak season. We practice twice a week from June through August. All skill levels are welcome including those who have never paddled a kayak. We will divide groups based on skills, age, fitness, paddling goals, and schedule. We are currently enrolling teams in Denver, Boulder, and Steamboat Springs.
Downstream Edge has partnered with Jackson Kayaks and their Colorado retailers to provide our team members with affordable gear. Team members can buy full gear packages for a discount or lease gear for the season. When gear no longer fits, it can be traded in for the next size up. We understand that it is hard for parents to buy expensive gear that their kids are going to quickly out grow. Our program helps parents to keep their kids in current equipment that is safe and fits well.
For more information, contact:
Nick Wigston
c)303-809-8942
o)303-642-8823
downstreamedge@gmail.com
Linear Mode
