CCC&TI offers courses to motivate movement

News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 14—HUDSON — Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is offering several physical education opportunities to help motivate movement this fall, including a brand new course, Intro to Kayaking.

The six-week flatwater kayaking class is designed for people new to kayaking and includes an introduction to basic techniques with plenty of time to practice without performance pressure.

No swimming skills are required, as students will wear life vests at all times. The course number is PED 163-200C.

The first day will be Thursday, Aug. 17, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hudson Campus, Room A207. All other class meetings are on consecutive Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Lake Rhodhiss, meeting at Castle Bridge Marina, 6131 Connelly Springs Road, Granite Falls, near the bridge and across the road from the public boat launch.

Students are urged to bring a hat, sunglasses, closed-toe shoes/water shoes, and comfortable fitness attire or quick-dry clothing, such as hiking shorts, pants or long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.

Leading the class will be April Nelson, a certified American Canoe Association L-1 Kayaking Instructor and Wilderness First Responder, with a master's degree in recreation administration and outdoor pursuits, bachelor's degree in health promotion and exercise science and 23 years of kayaking experience.

Nelson creates a fun learning environment where students feel comfortable learning new skills to safely explore paddlesports without pressure to perform or compete while enjoying nature and celebrating their abilities.

This course offers a fun way to relax and rejuvenate at the end of the week. The class is free for students over age 65 with an N.C. tuition waiver.

Those who are interested but can't attend in-person on one or two of the class dates should contact Nelson.

Other physical education courses are also offered during typical lunch hours.

Starting Aug. 14, for eight weeks:

—Disc Golf, PED219, Tuesday and Thursday from 11-11:50 a.m. at Hudson Recreation Center.

—Lifetime Sports, PED142, Monday and Wednesday, noon to 12:50 p.m., Hudson campus, includes pickleball and disc golf.

Starting in October, for eight weeks:

—Yoga, PED122/123, Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 12:50 p.m., Hudson campus.

—Volleyball, PED 143, Monday and Wednesday, noon to 12:50 p.m., Hudson campus.

Physical Education classes are valuable, life-long learning opportunities which help foster a sense of community, build self-esteem, and empower people to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

For more information, Nelson, coordinator of Health and Physical Education at CCC&TI, can be reached at anelson@cccti.edu or 828-726-2405.