Paddle in the Park, Dayton

DAYTON - Outdoor fans looking for a way to get acquainted with water sports will have the chance to get their paddles wet at the 10th annual Paddle in the Park. The Outdoor Recreation Department of Five Rivers MetroParks, Dayton Canoe Club, Great Miami Outfitters, Outdoor Adventure Club, Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Watercraft, and Whitewater Warehouse will host this free event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Eastwood MetroPark, located at 1385 Harshman Road.

Make a splash with instructional clinics, boat demos from top manufacturers, and learn more about canoeing and kayaking on any skill level. American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors will be on hand to provide clinics on a first-come, first-served basis for beginner and intermediate boaters. Smart Start clinics, beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, will teach safety basics and beginning paddling strokes. A three-hour Quick Start clinic will begin at 1 p.m. and will cover safety topics, types of gear/boats, clothing and strokes for those looking for in-depth instruction. Paddlers of all skill levels can enjoy on-water demonstrations, including how to choose the right paddle at 11 a.m., presented by the Werner Paddle, Co.; kayak fishing at noon by Native Watercraft; and safe boating and personal flotation device (PFD) useage at 1 p.m. by the Division of Watercraft. Try out the newest kayaks on the market; manufacturers represented on site will answer questions.

Learn new skills, get outside and have fun at Paddle in the Park. For more information about this event, call (937) 277-4374, send an e-mail to outdoors@metroparks.org, or visit www.metroparks.org/pip.