Writes Life Academy Principal Erik Rice:

"Our students start the kayaking program with a combination of excitement and anxiety. Most of them do not know how to swim and have not had access to kayaks or other water sports. I have watched students go from being scared of the water to jumping in at the end of class. I have watched students who were normally very quiet become vocal leaders on the water. I have watched students step out of their comfort zones and try something different. In addition, our teachers have indicated a much higher level of focus from students in the classroom on days that they had previously gone kayaking. It is rare for students from our demographics in East Oakland to have access to such an exciting resource. In the last few years the Jack London Aquatic Center has been one Life Academy's most impactful partners."

KAYAKING

YOUTH
ADULTS
GROUPS

YOUTH

DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
Many of the new small public high schools in Oakland do not have the on-site space in which to hold their own P.E. classes. Life Academy and MetWest high schools both �outsource� their P.E. classes by having their students learn to Kayak at the Jack London Aquatic Center.

If you are a student, teacher or administrator at an Oakland school and are interested in working with us, please contact us.

 

Scholarships: Please do not let money stop you from joining our programs. JLAC's goal is to include all youth who have a genuine interest in water sports. Partial scholarships, payment arrangements, and work exchange are available. Please contact DeDe Birch at 510.208.6060 or email director@jlac.org.

ADULTS

Friday Twilight Kayaking
Need a healthy way to unwind after a brutal workweek? What better way than to come down and paddle on the Estuary with us! We will explore parts of the Lake Merritt Channel and the Estuary. JLAC provides kayaks, equipment, PFDs, a guide, and inspiration! Some of the best kayaking in the Bay Area.

Cost: $25 per session

Private Twilight Kayak

Looking for an activity for you work group, or want something to do with family and friends. A Private Twilight Kayak is a great option for those wanting an active alternative to your group event. Please call 510-208-6060 or email info@jlac.org to book your own event. 

Session 1:
June 13, 2008		 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm FULL

Session 2:
June 27, 2008

 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm CLOSED
Session 3:
July 11, 2008		 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Open 10 spots remain as of 7/2
Session 4:
July 25, 2008		 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Open
Session 5:     
August 8, 2008		 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Open
Session 6:     
August 22, 2008 		 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Open 8 spots remain as of 7/2
Session 7:     
September 5, 2008		 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Open

Sign me up!

Laney College Kayaking Class
In the spring and summer semesters Laney College (Part of the Peralta Community College District) offers a semester-long kayaking class at the Jack London Aquatic Center to adult students of all ages. You need not know how to swim to sign up. Students will learn the basics of sea kayaking, including paddles strokes, re-entry skills, and rolls. To register or learn more, please go to www.laney.peralta.edu, and look for Introduction to Kayaking under Physical Education on the current class schedule.

GROUPS

Please contact us if you are interested in partnering with us to bring your community- or church- group down to the waterfront to paddle. Groups we have worked with in the past include the following: Oakland Housing Authority; Saint Paul's School's Aim High program; Oakland Park and Recreation's Montclair, Redwood Heights and Lincoln Square Centers and their Radical Roving Recreation program.