There are three new adventures waiting for patrons at the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre - and they are included with the regular admission.
The programs include some instruction in the basics of water polo, canoeing and kayaking, and underwater hockey with ample practice time.
The water polo takes place between 1 and 2 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Aug. 6. Participants will learn the basics of one of the most demanding games in the world. It's played in deep water with a slippery, wet ball and opposing team members trying to stop you. Water polo has been an Olympic sport for many years, dominated by Eastern European teams who make it look easy. Physical conditioning, strength, and excellent hand-eye co-ordination are the hallmarks of a good water polo player. This program won't turn participants into international stars, but it will start them on the long road.
Participants will learn to pass and receive that wet slippery ball, to dribble the ball, to shoot the ball while on offence and, while on defence, how to block shots, how to strip the ball from another player and to defend against an attacking player. Drills and scrimmages will allow for an abundance of practice and conditioning.
Participants must be deep water confident and able to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping. People who might be interested in teaching or coaching are welcome to come out and take part.
Water Polo Saskatchewan will be at the pool Aug. 6 to offer a clinic that will add to the knowledge and abilities of the players and will certify some community coaches to foster the development of the sport in the Battlefords. The coaching portion of the clinic starts at 11 a.m. that same day and will take about three hours to complete. At a future date, the water polo personnel will come back to begin training some of the coaches under the NCCP program. Anyone interested should register at the Aquatics Centre (306-445-1745) be it as players or as coaches. There is no charge for the clinic.
Canoes and kayaks hit the water Wednesday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. each week. Basic paddling strokes, safety practices and maneuvering of the craft will be taught to beginners and there will be opportunities for more proficient craftsmen to refine their skills and to mentor.
Canoes and kayaks have become a popular means of enjoying the water in a quiet and enjoyable way. Participants will learn proper techniques for getting into and out of the craft in a variety of situations. They will learn a variety of paddle strokes to propel and control the canoe or kayak in different applications. They will learn about making rescues with the two types of craft. Throughout the program, the emphasis will be on safety.
Plans are being made for a still water and possible moving water clinic later in the season through Canoe Saskatchewan. This will be an excellent introduction to the safety awareness and the skills needed to be comfortable in either or both of these crafts. Part of this clinic will be developing some basic level instructors and coaches to bring along new enthusiasts.
Thursday afternoons between 1 and 2 p.m., swim fins replace hockey skates for underwater hockey. Underwater hockey is a relatively new sport, played in some of the major centres and making inroads in skin-diving circles as a means of conditioning and developing breath-hold capacities while having fun. Players with small sticks chase a two-pound puck across the bottom of the pool while wearing a mask, fins and a snorkel. Teamwork is essential to maintain control of the puck as divers at the surface attempt to relieve the puck carrier on the bottom of the pool.
Players will practice snorkel diving skills - kicking, surface dives, clearing a snorkel and clearing a mask of water - as well as puck handling skills. Practice will increase the stamina and endurance as well as the breath holding capabilities for the players.
Participants must be deep water confident and able to swim two lengths of the pool non-stop.
In the long term, if there is sufficient interest in any or all of these activities, an independent club may be formed to take over the operation of the activity. For the present time, the drop-in sessions will be conducted to develop interest and enhance the skills of those interested.
Persons interested in taking part can drop in at the appropriate time and give the activity a try.
