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������’s Department of Recreational Services received a 2014 Boating and Safety Education Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft. The grant will enable the department to implement a variety of new courses and programs through the Adventure Center at Kent State.

The grant provides $17,594 toward the institution of a Stand Up Paddleboard Safety and Education program. The funding will furnish the purchase of 12 stand up paddleboards, as well as additional equipment and different educational materials. The grant also covers the required certifications for instructors.

“The Outdoor Industry Association identifies stand up paddleboards as the most popular new outdoor activity,” says Jared Skaggs, Outdoor Adventure program officer for Kent State’s Department of Recreational Services. “More participants tried stand up paddling than any other outdoor sport in 2012.”

Interested participants are encouraged to take advantage of the following paddleboarding programs, debuting late spring 2014: Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding, Essentials of Stand Up Paddleboarding, River Stand Up Paddleboarding and Surf Stand Up Paddleboarding. The paddleboard courses will provide a new way for the Department of Recreational Services to serve the paddle sports community while offering an educational experience. 

The new courses will be facilitated by the Department of Recreational Services’ Adventure Center. The first course will be held on May 4 and will continue through the summer months. More information regarding the courses is available on the Recreational Services website at www.kent.edu/recservices.

The Department of Recreational Services previously received the Boating and Safety Education Grant in 2008, 2009 and 2012. The money from previous grants was vital to the success of the current kayaking and paddle programs.
 
The Department of Recreational Services at Kent State provides exceptional recreational facilities, programs and services to a diverse university community. Recreational Services employs more than 200 students in an effort to foster professional development and provide real-world experience. A variety of specialized program areas are offered such as the Adventure Center, Aquatics, Fitness and Wellness, the Kent State Ice Arena along with Intramural and Club Sports. The Department’s cutting-edge facilities include the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the Kent State Ice Arena, the Allerton Sports Complex, the Student Recreation Fields and Crooked River Adventures. For more information about the Department of Recreational Services, visit www.kent.edu/recservices.