08.01.24 Kayaking (Multiple Time Slots)

**IMPORTANT FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS: Before registering to volunteer on any Waypoint Adventure program, complete our general volunteer registration HERE. Then, you may review our program calendar and sign up to volunteer on specific programs.**

The Waypoint Outdoor Kayaking program gives access to some of New England's most beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastline. Enjoy the fun and serenity of the water all while being part of a supportive and diverse community. Waypoint Adventure trip leaders specialize in leading accessible adventure education programs for youth and adults of all abilities. Your assistance on these programs help us to provide access to folks who may require physical, cognitive, or social emotional accommodations. As a volunteer on a kayak program, you may be asked to do the following (please note that the following are NOT the volunteer eligibility requirements. We are happy to tailor tasks to your skills and abilities as long as you meet our kayaking eligibility criteria!) :

• Assist in unloading and carrying kayaks to and from trailer
• Review a lesson plan for the program and overview on participants and supports they may need
• Set up materials (lifejackets, water coolers, adaptive gear, paddles, etc) as needed
• Guide participants as needed through proper lifejacket fit, paddle stroke techniques, and other skills
• Paddle in the back of a tandem kayak with a participant. Must be able to steer/ control the boat, and follow WPA instructors' on-the-water commands
• Assist in re-loading kayaks onto trailer
• Clean up of materials

Instructors: TBD ([email protected]; 781-325-7980)

Location/Directions: Use the address 43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA 01760, which is for Cochituate State Park. Here is a GPS pin. You will have to go through the main gates and when you get to the check-in person for the park, tell them you are with Waypoint Adventure and they will let you in free of charge. Parking is limited and there can often be a line, so please arrive to the program early! Look for Waypoint staff/boats/signs of where to go for the introduction/launching of boats.

Parking will be limited as the lake gets very busy on weekends. If possible, we strongly encourage you to consider getting dropped off on this date. 

Conditions: Lake Cochituate is a big lake and is near the highway, so there can be wind and noise from traffic. This is also a popular location for swimming, sailboating, and motor boating, so we may encounter all three when kayaking at this location. Expect some wind and a little choppiness to the water. 

Bathrooms: There will be are accessible flush toilets available. 

What to bring:

• Water bottle
• Sandals with a heel strap or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Snacks