08.06.24 Kayaking (Multiple Time Slots)

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: Do not park in the general parking area for Walden Pond. It costs money to park there. Instead use the address listed (1000 Walden Street Lincoln, MA) as an estimate and park in the staff lot next to the stables at the visitor center. If you are coming from Rt. 2, turn onto Walden St (Rt 126). You will pass the entrance to the paid parking lot on your left, then the visitor's center also on your left. Look for a half-circle pull-off and a small Waypoint sign pointing to the staff parking lot. From there, please walk across the street and down the ramp to the boat launch area. If you need accessible parking, please drive directly to the boat launch parking lot. See pictures on the side for a visual, and call us if you need directions!

Conditions: Walden Pond is a calm pond with a gradual slope to the kayak launch. The parking lot is compact gravel/sand and the beach near the water is sand. At times rain may have washed away some of the parking lot and boat ramp.

Bathrooms: There will be an accessible portable toilet at the boat launch site.

What to bring:

• Mask (optional)
• Water bottle
• Sandals with a heel strap or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Snacks 
• Lunch (if doing full session)

**IMPORTANT FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS: If you meet the requirements, you should complete our general volunteer registration HERE. Then, you may review our program calendar and sign up to volunteer on specific programs.**