Learning POOL SESSIONS CWA sponsors pool classes which introduce the students to whitewater boating in kayaks. Strokes, braces, the eskimo roll and safety considerations are all taught in these classes, unless otherwise noted. The following locations sponsor these classes and anyone interested in taking a class should visit the website for exact dates and contact information. Most classes start in October and again in January. This page is now updated dynamically with the most current pool sessions available.. Conant High School - Fall Intro to Whitewater Kayaking, Schaumburg 9/30/2010- 11/11/2010 (7 Weels) Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 PM student , 9:00- 10:00 instructor Cost: $95 Contact/Registration: R326-01 http://www.d211.org/ContinuingEd.shtml Notes: This class will cover the basics of whitewater kayaking with a half-hour of classroom work prior to practice in the pool. Students should bring swimsuits, towels, glasses guards, and nose plugs. The class and equipment are supplied by members of the Chicago Whitewater Association. Conant High School- Room 114/Pool Contact Steve Paolini if you want to aid for this class Oak Park YMCA - Fall Intro to Kayaking, Oak Park 10/10/2010- 12/12/2010 (10 Weeks) Sundays, 6pm - 7:45pm Cost: $65 members/125 non Contact/Registration: Register: West Cook YMCA at 708.383.5200 Notes: Ten-week sessions also begin at the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park on Sunday, October 10 at 6 p.m. Classes run from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and are taught by Chicago Whitewater Association volunteers. All gear is included. This is NOT an open pool session. It is instructional. *Kayaking (Ages 14+) AQ998* Learn the fundamentals of this great water sport. Participants will learn how to roll, change direction, stop, exit the craft and much more. YMCA Info Page - Under Kayaking and Scuba Lattof YMCA - Fall Intro to Kayaking, Des Plaines 11/2/2010- 12/21/2010 (8 Weeks) Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 Cost: $$80M/$160 NM (Club Discount available) Contact/Registration: 847-296-3376 http://chicagoymca.ebookview.net/lattof/aquatics.php Notes: Tuesday night, Nov. 2nd, is the start of 8 lessons to be held at Lattof Y in Busse Pool from 7:30 to 9:30. Busse Pool is also open for those wanting to tune up their skills prior to the paddling season. Bring in your own clean boat and paddling gear for $10/ session. Call the Y to register for these sessions.   CWA BEGINNER TRIPS Learn to paddle safely and responsibly at our Fall and Winter pool classes offered at locations in and around the Chicago area. More experienced boaters can use their pool time to join us for a game of kayak polo or fine-tune new moves. During spring and summer months, the CWA offers learning opportunities on local rivers. We also offer special workshops for our members, including instructor development, certification and safety. All classes require advance registration and many are available to CWA members only.  Visit our Beginner trips page or our full Calendar page to see what is coming up. Please contact individual organizers for more information.

Tips Pool tips Bring bathing suit, towel, eyeglass guards (if you wear glasses), nose plugs (you’ll be upside down a lot), synthetic sweater or similar garment for warmth, some pools are cold. Leave jewelry at home, it can break, or fall off; there’s no time to search the pool for lost charms! Bring a lock for the locker room. Leave valuables at home. You do not need to bring your own equipment, unless you have your own whitewater kayak you wish to learn in. Please be on time for all classes, especially the classroom session, as topics will not be repeated, come a few minutes early.