kayak polo

Summer temperatures look like they will start returning later this week, so let's take an after-work a jaunt up the Patuxent at Brown's Bridge before it gets too toasty. I haven't been downstream at all this year, so we'll make a right from the ramp and head downstream for about a mile and a half before turning around. There is no discernable current in this section. We have to be off of WSSC property by sundown at 8:27, but launching by 6:15 should give us plenty of time for a three-mile round trip. Give yourself enough time to drop your gear off at the water and park across the street. This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I think you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. WSSC requires a watershed use permit. Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at: [https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)

Come try underwater hockey! We are open to new players. You just need to bring a bathing suit. If you have a mask, snorkel, or fins bring those, but we have extra to borrow. We are at The Saint James Sport Center. Go in the main entrance, walk past the front desk. Take the first right down a hallway. Follow the hallway to a set of stairs, take the stairs. Take the first right down another hallway. Locker rooms on the left.

Doubles Volleyball - Competitive BB-A level @Bluemont Park Let's get together to play some fun A level Doubles games at Bluemont. Format: Doubles COST: FREE Court Type: Outdoor grass Minimum Skill Requirements: A level (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is not always on a first come, first served basis. Those who can bring a net and ball, may get priority over others on the waitlist. 1. Since skill levels are self-reported, some attendees may not meet the expected level in reality, so we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this is a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 1. Since people arrive at different times, each group of 1. Players will set up and claim a net as they arrive, and may continue playing without rotating until all nets are set. ——— Smiley Social documents: [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/mobilebasic) [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco/mobilebasic) [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/u/2/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic)

If you've never played volleyball but want to learn, start playing, and add a fun new hobby to your list, this event is the perfect place to begin! **What to expect:** We will warm up and then host will demonstrate the skill of the day and run drills to practice the skill. Afterwards we will play and host will be assisting the attendees to correctly implement the techniques they just learned. Level: Beginners Cost: Free Field Type: Outdoor grass Notes: 1. If you can, please **bring a volleyball ball** and write your name on it. We usually play with [WILSON AVP OPTX ](https://www.amazon.com/Wilson-Official-Volleyball-Yellow-WTH00020ID/dp/B0812JPZFT)ball, but other cheaper balls are acceptable. 2. This event is **exclusively intended for beginners**. 3. Our goal in this event is to help participants develop their skills to reach the **Advanced Beginner** level. Here's a description of what an advanced beginner player looks like: [Smiley Social Volleyball Skills](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/) We host this **4 session** training annually over 4 wednesdays where attendees can learn the following skills: 1. Basics: How to warm up and volleyball pepper, How to play safe and Rotation 2. Passing: Bump pass, Over hand pass and Setting 3. Serving: Under hand serve, Overhand float serve and Overhand Topspin serve 4. Spiking: Arm swing and Footwork 5. Blocking: Blocking and Defense techniques **Dinner after the game:** We will go to dinner after the game if more than 5 people like to join. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

*Update: As of 5/31, all of the kayaks/canoes are reserved. We can only accept those who have their own kayaks. In April, I led a walk at this park through the forest. Now, we are headed back but to the water to kayak the Patuxent River. To participate, you must first register through **[ParksDirect](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=graphical&module=RN&primarycode=PRP%20Rentals&_csrf_token=Vk6K030V0O093O2Z1Y3Q3Z5M5C59725S0Y5M4W5E441O6W5U5A5I015F474O5G6N595Y5G6H6A044K51551S5S4K4R4E1T695I6N57054J655B511H605Z584N6L603X4S)**. 1. Create an account 2. Click on the* "Browse" *tab and see* "Boat Rentals" *and click* "Patuxent River Park"* 3. Reserve your kayak or canoe online by searching for June 7th and selecting the vessel of your choice. Choose a 9:00am start time. 4. There are 10 single person kayaks, 2 two-person kayaks, and 5 canoes. When all the kayaks/canoes are reserved, we have reached our attendee limit. 5. Bringing a friend/partner? You will need to add them as a "family member" on ParksDirect. **When you make your reservation, message me to show that you have reserved a kayak/canoe. Then, I will move you from the *Wait List* to *Going.*** We will see some great water vegetation and birds, along with turtles and some fish. We will stop for lunch by pulling up to a small beach and dock with a picnic area at Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park. Make sure to pack lunches and valuables in sealed bags "just in case." Then we'll head away from the main river and down the western branch. Total time on the water will be approx. 4 hours. Please be in physical shape to paddle for 4+ miles. Bring sun block, a hat, sunglasses, and water. Wear footwear that can get wet (water shoes preferred). You are required to wear a life jacket (provided) the entire time on the water. Costs: You will pay for your kayak via the ParksDirect website (33); The Adventuring's trip fee is 5; and, pay your carpool driver $3. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Kiss & Ride lot of the Largo Metro station or at 9:05 a.m. at the Visitor's Center parking lot. Afterwards, those who are interested will stop for lunch on the way back. Please click [here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Ruggers! It's that most glorious time of the year! Please save the date for our annual Old Boy / Young Boy extravaganza. Details and logistics to follow.

If you’ve already learned the basics of volleyball and want to keep improving your skills while having fun, this event is for you! **Skill Level:** Advanced Beginner (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details). **Reminders** 1. Attendance: We’ve noticed that the waitlist is growing, so please make sure your name is on the Going list if you plan to play. Our number of nets is limited so this helps avoid too many rotations. If your name is on the list but you don’t show up, it will count as an absence according to Smiley Social rules. Please update your RSVP at least 12 hours in advance if your plans change. 2. Injuries: Play safely and be mindful of others on the court. Respect positions and avoid risky moves that could lead to injury. If you’re not sure the ball is yours, call it before going for it to avoid collisions. 3. Game Rules: Let’s follow the basic volleyball rules, especially the three-touch rule so we can play properly and improve as a team! 4. Waitlist: The waitlist is not first come first serve. We prioritize regular attendees, and will fill empty spots with new faces closer to the event date. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Hosted by Licking County Parks Registration opens at 9am on April 9th. Ladies are you ready? It's back! Every other year we hold the Women's Outdoor Skills Workshop! The day is a chance for women to relax, enjoy exploring new skills in a welcoming environment, and make new connections! Session topics this year include: archery, kayak, stand up paddleboard, outdoor cooking, firemaking, knot tying, foraging, forest bathing, orienteering, nature photography, nature journaling, intro to disc golf, yoga, Tai Chi, birding, intro to backpacking, and more! Lunch is provided. Fee: $75 * Event Address: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park, 4309 Lancaster Rd, Granville, OH 43023 * Ages 16+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. * Cancellation: Cancellation deadline is May 20, 2026. Cancellations before this date will receive a refund. There will be 4 sessions: three 1.5 hour sessions throughout the day (9am-10:30am, 10:50am-12:20pm, 1:30pm - 3pm) followed by the final 1 hour wellness short session (3:20pm - 4:20pm). Each session will have 6 or more classes to choose from. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM TO BE FULLY REGISTERED - The link will be in your receipt email. It determines your sessions. Sessions assigned FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026)

Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.

**Weather permitting**, we’ll take a casual ride from Pickerington Ponds (Glacier Knoll) to Three Creeks and back. Distance is **18–25 miles**, depending on where we turn around and whether we add a side loop. Pace is around **12 mph**, but this is a fun, no‑drop ride — we can slow down as needed. Here’s the **map** showing Glacier Knoll (bike), Confluence Park (flag), and BrewDog: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit..). Text or call Scott at **614‑975‑4458** if you’re coming. Columbus ski club membership not required for this event. CSC assumes no responsibility for the event or any injuries as this is organized by a third party.

Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.