Good people come with kayaks

If you've been following my blog, then you know I'm desperately trying to train for my first triathlon.  I've already got the running down (well, maybe not down, but at least I can run the 6 miles without dying). The biking portion is also kind of under control. That just left the dreaded kayaking -- and making it alive through the San Juan rapids on the American River.

You see...even though I surf, snorkle and do a bunch of water related things, I'm not really a strong swimmer so facing rough water while cruising down a river in a tippy boat was something I wasn't looking forward to.

But then my guardian angel came along and hooked me up with the nicest people in the area.

A GIFT FROM ABOVE...AND IT WAS FREE

For the last three years, Sherri Reese and Steve Holmes have dedicated almost every weekend from May until July teaching new kayakers how to navigate down the American River and safely through the San Juan rapids.

They specifically work with people like me who plan on competing in Eppies Great Race, and believe me these people know what it takes to complete the race. Steve has competed in the Eppies for the last 27 years and Sherri has done it nearly 10 times. But they don't just race, they want to share the fun.

"We love the race. So Steve wrote to Eppies one year and told them we were willing to show people how to kayak," Sherri said. "But even though it's been three years, not that many people know about us yet."

When she told me that, I was baffled.  I mean, the kayak clinics they hold are incredible. They take you down the race route, show you the secrets of getting through the rapids and also the pitfalls of choosing some of calmer water.

But here's the best part. The kayak clinics Sherri and Steve conduct are free of charge and all the equipment is included. They provide the kayak, the lifejackets and the skill to show people of all ages how to paddle safely - and what to do if the boat does happen to capsize. They have 13 kayaks and borrow more from friends if they happen to need them.

And if you are like me and like to perfect things, you can attend more than one clinic, and regardless of how many times you go down the river with Sherri and Steve, there is never any cost. I've attended 3 so far and plan on hanging out with them two more weekends before race day. They are so fabulous and their attitude is "the more; the merrier". They love it when people come out -- especially us newbies.

"We had at least 10 people the first time we did it. For most people who come out, it's their first time on the water. There are a few that have kayaked before, but most haven't. Actually this year, we only had one person who had kayaked before," said Sherri.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PASSION

I admit I feel a little guilty taking all these lessons, but when I asked Sherri and Steve why they do it for free, they said it's because they want to share their passion with others. They don't own a sporting goods store, nor do they sell kayaks. In fact, Sherri works as an infection control nurse at UC Davis and Steve is a high school teacher at Hiram W. Johnson. They say they don't want to charge for the lessons because they don't want money to be the reason people don't learn how to kayak safely.

"The race itself costs money. If you had to rent a kayak and then pay someone to teach you how to do it, it adds up," said Steve.

Sherri says one of the reasons they started giving the free lessons was because she was hit a few times on the water during the race in the middle of the San Juan rapids. She says some of the racers don't know how to steer their boats or they are unfamiliar with the course. They often end up ramming into other racers, capsizing on the river or putting others in danger.

"It's hard to believe people would do the kayaking portion of the race without any practice, but it does seem when I get out there, there are some people who have no idea what they are doing. They just get in the kayak and go," Sherri said.

While the couple won't accept payment for their lessons, they are being rewarded in other ways. They say there is nothing like seeing the look on people's faces when they find out they can kayak -especially when they make it through the rapids the first time.

"People always say they've heard about how scary and how awful and rough the San Juan rapids are. We show them how they can get through them. They just need skirt around the left side and it's no big deal," said Steve. "The best part is when people realize they can do it and the rapids aren't going to stop them."

NOTHING LIKE SHARING A LITTE JOY

Sherri agrees. She sees the free lessons they give as a gift. It's a way for them to share the good times they have on the river with others.

"During the race it's so fun to hear someone calling your name from across the river. Sometimes when I'm paddling, I'll catch up with some of our students. It is so nice to see them doing it and succeeding," Sherri said.

Sherri 's teaching doesn't stop with her students. If she sees someone struggling during the race, she'll give them some hints to help them out.

"They always seem so appreciative. Certainly I am passing them as I give them the hint. It is a race," she said, laughing.

Sherri and Steve are planning to hold clinics the weekends of June 27 and July 11. To sign up for one of their free kayak clinics or to find out more, email Sherri and Steve at kfitness01@yahoo.com.
For more information on Eppies Great Race, visit http://www.thegreatrace.org/.