Paddleboarding Program Draws A Dozen Visitors

A demonstration was given on Saturday on how to use a paddleboard. Attendees were then able to try it themselves.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Nearly a dozen people flocked to the pond 1 at Russell Wildlife area north of Oskaloosa Saturday morning to learn more about paddleboarding.

Paddleboarding is often done from the standing position and the participant propels themselves through the water with an ore. Some also choose to paddle from the kneeling or sitting positions. The sport has become popular in recent years as a cross training workout.

Boards come in various widths, with narrower boards often being used by those with more experience.

Mahaska County Naturalist Laura DeCook hosted Warren County Naturalist Logan Roberts, who was there to teach about the sport. Roberts started the paddleboarding program in Warren County.

Roberts has worked for Mahaska County Conservation on a seasonal basis in the past, and returned to help her friend DeCook with Saturday’s program. “We share different programs. We help each other out,” said DeCook.

Roberts said many are familiar with canoeing and kayaking, and she is “excited to get people trying a new kind of paddling in Iowa”.

“The paddling technique is just a little bit different than a canoe or kayak,” explained Roberts.

Paddleboarding is done on most forms of water. Lakes, ponds and even rivers can be places to paddleboard.

Roberts explained that paddleboards can be easier to transport as well.

You can visit http://www.mahaskaconservation.com/ for more information and for upcoming events.