Jackson Kayak & New Belgium team up with Devon Barker’s Dare to Kayak

By Devon Barker

This fall was great in the Basque Land at the World Surf Kayaking Championships but upon my return I had serious business to attend to. New Belgium’s philanthropy committee awarded me with a grant to teach my Dare to Kayak program in Cascade, Idaho. Jackson Kayak matched their funding to insure I would be able to reach all of the kids in grades 3rd- 12th in Cascade, Idaho. Cascade, Idaho is in the final phase of raising funds for their Whitewater Park. Cascade is surrounded by whitewater but the opportunity for all students to be able to walk down to the river to kayak is about to be a reality.

Dare to Kayak promotes students to get out and find an activity they love that occupies their time to insure they do not abuse alcohol or become involved with drug use. They even urge people to look out for outpatient alcohol rehab centers near me so that family members can be close to one another while getting the treatment. I shared my video presentation showing the students all about kayaking and how they can learn to catch air in their kayak right in town, just down the block from the school. Students were able to try out my kayaking gear and my kayaks. They all had lots of great questions and are excited to learn to kayak.

Next step, some pool time so they can see first hand how it feels to paddle a kayak. In January I will be sharing my presentations in New Meadows, Idaho with Meadows Valley School District and hope to travel to Riggins, Idaho in 2008 as well.

I have two presentations. Dare to Kayak is for grades 3-6th grade and Dare to Kayak- Extreme Challenge is for grades 6-12th. Please contact me at devobarker@yahoo.com if you would like to bring one of my presentations to your school or youth group.

For more check out these links and information:
Dare to Kayak
New Belgium Grant Program

Cascade Whitewater Park, City of Cascade- 208.382.4279

Dare to be who you want to be.
Always do an activity you love.
Risk losing so you can accomplish your goals.
Everything can be achieved with hard work, dedication, clear vision, & a deep down drive, which says, “You can do it!” Ms. Devon Barker