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Pool Practice (OPEN)

Practice Session

Pool Practice (OPEN) - Curtis Aquatic Center

Hone your skills in a controlled environment.

Contacts

Heidi Schutz
Heidi Schutz
Primary Leader
  • Easy

Tacoma Mountaineers hosts kayak practice sessions in local pools. NOTE: NO FORMAL INSTRUCTION IS PROVIDED. This is a practice session only for individuals who are competent at wet exits and who bring their own boats.

Individuals not holding the Basic Sea Kayak badge will need to ask for the leader's permission to attend and will be asked to demonstrate a wet exit  from a normal paddling position (both hands on the paddle while going over) while supervised in the shallow end of the pool before being allowed to participate. 

ONLY CLEAN KAYAKS WILL BE ACCEPTED INTO THE FACILITY

Entry into the facility happens via a few stairs and side door on the west side of the building.

Location:  Curtis High School Aquatic Center University Place. 8805 40th St W, University Place, WA 98466

Time: 12:00-3:00pm * You may want to arrive 15 minutes early to unload boats,  but the facility opens to us exactly at 12:00pm

Route/Place

Curtis Aquatic Center

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring your CLEAN boat, nose plugs, and towel

*If you have a knife in your PFD, please consider leaving it at home. Schools are very sensitive
about what they consider a weapon.

Suggested Gear:  

  • A PFD
  • Although some folks just wear polyester shirts and shorts and are just fine many of us like the following:
    • A wetsuit or shorty - highly recommended as the pool can feel quite cold, especially after a few hours and these can protect you from getting banged around during rescue practice.
    • We do not recommend that you use a dry suit. The chemicals in the water may potentially degrade the GoreTex and latex gaskets. <we have had this question come up various times>
    •  Another option are lightweight neoprene shorts/pants and shirts. -Footwear - (If your shoes have laces, put some duct tape around them to prevent them from catching on foot braces)
  • Goggles and nose plug, or a dive mask - These will greatly increase your comfort level during rescue and rolling practice.
  •  Snacks and hydration
  • If you are prone to seasickness or vertigo, you may want to consider taking some motion sickness medication before heading to the pool. Some people with vertigo issues may also benefit from ear plugs. The vented kind will keep water out and also allow you to hear.
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