The Kirk Family YMCA Offers Indoor Paddleboard Clinic

Published January 24, 2023

Roanoke, VA (January 4, 2023)- The Kirk Family YMCA is partnering with Roanoke City Parks and Rec to offer a winter series of Indoor Beginner SUP (stand-up paddle board) clinics. Three classes will be offered in the near future: January 14th, January 28th, and February 11th, and are available to YMCA members and non-members.

What you will learn & what’s provided:

            Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a sport that involves a long, wide board that you can stand, sit, or kneel on. You use a long paddle to move through the water and steer the vessel. The class will teach the basics of balancing on the board, the different positions you can paddle from, and basic paddling instruction. 

Why YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Parks and Rec are collaborating:

        The YMCA and City Parks and Rec decided to collaborate out of a desire to grow people’s passions for outdoor activity in the area. Folks at the YMCA want to grow programs that reflect the region’s natural assets and Parks and Rec provides plenty of the opportunity to do so.

What makes SUP so popular in our area:

      Roanoke and the surrounding region have many bodies of water that provide recreation to many in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Carvins Cove, Smith Mountain Lake, and various other bodies of water provide a natural playground. SUP has grown in popularity in recent years due to its ease, versatility, and fun activities that can be done atop a paddleboard (like SUP yoga!). 

Benefits to learning in winter months:

      The YMCA provides an ideal space to learn in the winter because we utilize our heated pools and we provide a safe environment for paddleboarders of all levels to practice and learn.

Classes are offered for ages 12+ and the cost is $30 for Y members and $40 for non-members. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets and paddleboard equipment are provided. Try out this fun activity in a warm and safe environment! Register at the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s website: https://bit.ly/3H5RR8d