City of Oakland Park, Community, Kids, Lifestyle, Oakland Park, Sports, Teens

The Paddle Club: A New After School Program Coming to Oakland Park

School is back in session and parents are always looking for creative ways to keep their children engaged and busy in afterschool programs. Does your child love spending time in the water or trying new outdoor activities? Or, are you interested in teaching your child water safety so they can soak up all of the water sports and activities that South Florida’s waterways have to offer? Well, you’re in luck, because Oakland Park has the best afterschool program for you.

For the first time ever, Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures is working with the City of Oakland Park to educate children on how to kayak and paddle board with proper water and equipment safety. They are even pairing these lessons with valuable education on preserving the outdoor environment and leaving no trace behind so children can learn the importance of protecting local ecosystems. Best of all, the program is entirely grant-funded, so it is completely free to residents of Oakland Park.

Oakland Park Paddle Club Afterschool Adventure

The City of Oakland Park is partnering with Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures to offer an afterschool Paddle Club for residents between the ages of 7-17. The program is free for Oakland Park residents and all necessary supplies, including life jackets, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddles are included.

The after school sessions will be held over the course of three weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays September 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, and 22nd from 4 pm – 6 pm. While attending as many sessions as possible is encouraged so children can get the most out of the program, it is not required. Your child does not have to have any experience, and beginners are welcome.

This is the first time the City of Oakland Park has offered the Paddle Club, but the City says they hope to offer it again in the future.

What to Expect From the Paddle Club Sessions

The Paddle Club sessions are facilitated by Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures, a company that has over 16 years of experience in guided tours and rentals in Broward, Miami, West Palm Beach, and the Florida Keys. They specialize in all things the South Florida waters have to offer, including jet ski tours, equipment rentals, kayaking, paddle boarding, and water biking.

Children who sign up for the Paddle Club will be taught everything there is to know about proper water safety, paddling techniques, and so much more. According to the City of Oakland Park, participants will:

Learn how to demonstrate and communicate effective water safety measures;
Learn how to use both tandem and solo kayaks correctly;
Learn paddle boarding, including sitting and standing positions, proper foot placements, and different strokes;
Learn how to maintain equipment properly;
Learn about local South Florida flora and fauna;
Learn how to preserve the outdoor environment;
Learn about team building;
Engage in fun, fitness activities;
Learn balance;
Learn yoga.

The Paddle Club is so much more than just an afterschool program. Kids can learn how to paddleboard and/or kayak, gain confidence in the water, get physical activity, enjoy the outdoors, and even make new friends.

What To Bring

If you sign your child up for the Oakland Park Paddle Club, make sure they bring :

Clothes they can get wet in
A hat
Suncreen
Water Bottle
Towel

How to Sign Up

Registration for the Oakland Park Paddle Club will close when spots fill up or on the day before classes start. There are only 20 spots in the program, though, so you better hurry! You can sign up and secure your child’s spot now by clicking here. If you have questions or would like more information, you can call the City of Oakland Park at 954-630-4500.

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About the Author

Cassidy Webb

Cassidy Webb is a Texas native and South Florida transplant. She grew up just outside of Dallas, TX, and moved to South Florida four years ago. She now considers Fort Lauderdale her home.

Cassidy is the project manager at a small digital marketing company and she enjoys freelance writing on the side. In her free time, you can catch her exploring local parks or taking long walks through the neighborhood with her dog, Bella.