My first Sunday of the summer was devoted to canoe/kayak training for the physically disabled, courtesy of Maine Handicapped Skiing's paddling program.

A group of instructors from Maine Handicapped Skiing's paddling program watch as an overturned kayaker practices a rescue.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

I was among a group of 10 volunteer instructors who gathered at the beach yesterday at Range Ponds State Park. We were led by Nate Harvey, who runs canoe and kayak trips for Great Glen Trails, in Pinkham Notch, N.H. Great Glen Trails also provided half a dozen canoes and kayaks.

Nate Harvey, who runs canoe and kayak trips for Great Glen Trails, was our instructor.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Talking through a rescue scenario.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Practicing re-entry after an intentional capsize.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

In addition to practicing several capsize/rescue scenarios, we also reviewed basic paddle strokes: sweep, reverse sweep, draw, cross-draw and figure-eight.

The actual program with students starts this Wednesday, also at Range Ponds State Park. Also with lots of help from the good folks at Great Glen Trails.

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