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Learn to Kayak This Summer

Savannah State University students learn to kayak at Butterbean Beach on the Isle of Hope, just 20 minutes South of downtown Savannah. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

With a 201-acre campus uniquely positioned on the Georgia coast, being a student or employee at Savannah State University (SSU) has its perks. One of those is the ability to learn to kayak, and even to take a kayak to class! If you don't have experience kayaking, don't worry - lessons are available. 

Just in time for summer, we caught up with Joline Keevy, assistant director of the International Education Center, to learn more about this exciting mode of transportation. 

Who can learn to kayak and how?
Students, faculty and staff now have opportunities to go kayaking off the dock located on our campus.  Last fall and this spring, we saw the addition of many new kayaks, thanks to a $25,000 HBC-You Mobility Challenge grant from the Ford Fund, obtained by Dr. Carol Pride, professor and chair of the Department of Marine and Environmental Science. 

During the one-hour training, students learn about first aid and water safety. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

Wow! How did winning this grant impact our campus?
The grant will provide a new equitable and sustainable kayak-based transportation option for those needing access to the university’s waterfront Marine Science Research Center and Outdoor Learning Laboratory. Taking a short kayak commute to class provides connectivity to nature and opportunities for reflection and physical activity. The grant funds also allowed us to add more than 12 new kayaks, a trailer to pull them and an amazing kayak launch that was recently installed at the dock. This launch makes it so easy and safe to get our kayaks in and out of the water! 

A certified kayak instructor teaches an SSU student how to launch her kayak into the water. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

So, how can others learn to kayak?
We were fortunate to recently offer Kayak Coaches Training, an intensive two session hands-on workshop to teach our students not only how to kayak, but how to teach others how to safely maneuver on the water. This training was taught by a certified kayak instructor and held at Butterbean Beach, located on the Isle of Hope. If funding is available again in the fall, we may offer another session in late August 2022. Seven student coaches have completed the training and can now take other students out on kayaks to enjoy life on the water. 

Students learn rowing techniques during the kayak training course. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

What will students, faculty and staff learn when taking the course?
You'll learn about first aid and water safety. The most exciting part of the training requires each participant to tip over his or her kayak and demonstrate the ability to get back in their water-soaked kayak. 

Learning to kayak is a must when you live on the coast! Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

How long does a typical kayak session take? 
Most trips take about an hour, unless you are enjoying the view, then it can take a bit longer. 

Assistant Director of the International Education Center Joline Keevy enjoys teaching students how to navigate life on the water. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

Count me in! What's next?
We would love to help you experience kayaking where you will enjoy the peaceful feelings of nature, see some amazing birds and maybe, if you are really lucky, a dolphin or two will pass by! 

If you or your office staff would like to experience the absolute best place to kayak, complete the Kayak Adventure form to be matched with a kayak coach. View the calendar to schedule your appointment.

Study Abroad Coordinator Melanie Smith also helps teach students how to kayak. She and Joline Keevy developed this experiential learning opportunity during COVID, when they were looking for ways to engage domestic and international students. Photo credit: Sarah Peacock

Get in Touch
Email me, Joline Keevy at keevyj@savannahstate.edu, or Melanie Smith at Smithm@savannahstate.edu, or call our office at 912.358.4152. You can also stop by Gardner Hall on campus during regular business hours.

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