Want to Learn to Canoe, Kayak, Sail or Fish?

The Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO) wants to help you enjoy the local waterway this summer by offering a series of courses including canoe and kayak classes to fishing skill.

IGO is currently offering the following canoeing, kayaking and fishing-related courses:

Canoeing I: Canoeing Basics; Thursday, July 7 · 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Hinckley Lake · Hinckley Reservation

Discover the pleasure of cruising in-land waters by canoe. This program includes all necessary canoeing equipment and covers canoeing basics, boating safety and proper boat control. Participants may be required to complete a capsize drill. Ages 16 and over. There is a $30 fee.

Canoeing 1.5: Supplemental Skills; Tuesday, July 12 · 7-9 p.m.; Hinckley Lake · Hinckley Reservation

This special class is designed as a continuation of the Canoeing I course. Learn more advanced paddling strokes, capsize drills, rescue techniques, and practice previously taught skills. Ages 16 and over. There is a $25 fee (equipment included).

 Kayaking 1.5: Supplemental Skills; Wednesday, July 13 -OR- August 17 · 6:30 8:30 p.m.; Hinckley Lake · Hinckley Reservation

This class is a continuation of the Kayaking I course. Anyone who has completed a Kayaking I or II class is invited to learn more advance paddling strokes, boat exits and rescue techniques. Ages 16 and over. There is a $25 fee (equipment included).

 American Canoe Association Level I: Introduction to Canoe & Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop; Wednesday through Friday, July 20-22 · 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Hinckley Lake · Hinckley Reservation

Pre-requisite: previous paddling experience is required. Completion of ACA Intro. To Canoe/Kayak course preferred. For certification, all participants must be members of the ACA * SEIC prior to the program. To become a member, visit www.americancaone.org.. There is a $225 fee per person (includes equipment, books, and lunch on July 20 and 21).

 Accessible Adventures - Kayaking Class; Wednesday, July 27 · 5-8 p.m. OR Sunday, Aug. 28 · 4-7 p.m.; Hinckley Lake, Hinckley Reservation 

Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, adults and children both can enjoy learning to kayak. This entry level course will teach basics for paddling safely on in-land lakes and rivers. Class covers kayaking basics and paddling skills. Bring clothing to get wet in. There is a $25 fee (equipment included).

 Kayaking I: Introduction to Kayaking; Sunday, July 31 · 4-7 p.m.; Hinckley Lake · Hinckley Reservation

Learn basic skills and paddling strokes. Have fun practicing boat exits and rescue techniques in a safe, water environment.  Ages 16 and over. There is a $30 fee (equipment included).

 Accessible Adventures - fishing; Sunday, Aug. 7 · 9 a.m.-noon; Wallace Lake · Mill Stream Run Reservation

Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, adults and children both can enjoy a day of fishing and learning new skills. Enjoy learning basic casting skills and fishing knots while trying to catch some fish. All participants, ages 16 and over, require a current Ohio fishing license and must bring it to fish. A one-day fishing license is available for purchase at www.wildohio.com. This program is for ages 5 and up with participating adults.  There is a $3 fee for the first person and $2 fee for each additional sibling (equipment and bait provided).

Basic Sailing Course; Tuesday, Aug. 16 · 1-4 p.m. AND Wednesday, Aug. 17 · 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Hinckley Lake · Hinckley Reservation

This entry-level course to small boat sailing will consist of both, classroom and on-water instruction. Learn how to sail in pairs and solo in small 14-foot sailboats. Boats and safety equipment are provided, but be dressed to get wet as there will be practice on righting a capsized boat. Ages 16 and over. There is a $35 fee (equipment included).

 Fly Fishing Classes; Wednesday, Aug. 17 · 6-9 p.m.  · Rocky River Nature Center  AND Saturday, Aug. 20 · 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. · Sunnybrook Trout Fishing Club

Join instructor Bill Grake for an evening class followed by a full day at Sunnybrook Trout Fishing Club. Learn how inexpensive fly fishing can be and discover knot tying, lure selection, casting basics and more. There is a $150 fee (equipment included).

Family Fishing; Thursday, Sept. 1 · 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Wallace Lake · Mill Stream Run Reservation

Bring the family to enjoy a few hours of learning basic casting skills, knots and bait selection while trying to catch some fish.  All participants 16 and older require a current Ohio fishing license and must bring it to fish. A one-day fishing license is available for purchase atwww.wildohio.com. This program is for ages 5 and up with participating adults.  There is a $3 fee for the first person and $2 fee for each additional sibling (equipment and bait provided).

 IGO offers equipment adaptation and assessment to make outdoor recreation opportunities available to all individuals, regardless of ability.

For more information, a complete list of IGO courses and trips, detailed trip fact sheets, and to register, call 216-341-1704 or visit the Cleveland Metroparks online.