On July 29, Bellevue College’s Wellness Center Program offered a tandem sea kayaking event from 4 to 6 p.m. Students and faculty met at the Northwest Outdoor Center. Paddlers were asked to bring weather dependent clothing, water and a snack, sunscreen and a camera for personal use. Dry bags were provided for on boat storage.
The day started out with everyone gathering in a circle to introduce themselves and explain why they decided to join the kayaking event. Next was a brief introduction to paddling and then all paddlers were in life vests and standing in line to get into their kayaks. Employees at the Northwest Outdoor Center stood by on the docks and showed students how to get in and out of their kayaks as well as teach them how to steer.
Paddlers spent about an hour and forty minutes paddling along Lake Union. Peter Prescott, Bellevue College’s Wellness Center program manager and Fitness Center Director led the event. As an avid surfer and water sport enthusiast Prescott led the group safely around Lake Union. Paddlers were able to kayak by the Sleepless in Seattle house and the Fremont Bridge while enjoying the sunny warm day.
All in all it was a great event to participate in especially in the summer quarter while the weather is great. For $5 paddlers were able to be on the water for over an hour as opposed to the 18 dollars an hour someone would have to pay going through the Northwest Outdoor Center. My only complaint is wanting to be out on the water for a longer period of time.
Bellevue College’s Wellness Center Program has a variety of events during the spring, summer and fall quarters as well as gear rentals that are available to BC students, faculty and staff members. The rental fee for outdoor travel equipment is $5 per item for a weekend and equipment must be returned by the return date. Online gear rental is available.
In addition to the tandem sea kayaking event Bellevue College Wellness Center program during the summer also offers a geocaching race, which is a worldwide scavenger hunt that combines navigation skills, hiking and problem solving and there are prizes for both winners and participants. The geocaching race will take place on Wednesday, August 5 from 3 to 6 p.m.
The Wellness Center also hosts a guided hike through Rattlesnake Ledge where both first time and experienced hikers alike can enjoy a day outside with other outdoor enthusiasts. Prescott hosts all Wellness Center events. For more information on wellness center activities visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/pe/wellnesscenter.