Yak n’ Yoga 2010

Get Outdoors this summer and enjoy fresh air, nature and good health with us. Yak n’ Yoga merges the benefits of kayaking with yoga. These 2.5 hour sessions focus on the importance and ease that stretching can bring to the physical and mental aspects of kayaking. Likewise leisurely kayaking often calms the body in a similar way that yoga helps us release our stress. Prior Kayaking experience is not necessary to attend the classes. However the classes will take into account the kayaking and yoga experience of the group at all levels.

Classes held in Galena and Mines of Spain cost $40    more details. . .

Classes held at Chestnut Mountain Resort cost $45     more details . . .                                         

Yak n Yoga Schedule

Advanced Reservations are always required. Click on reservation button, or call Fever River Outfitters at 815-776-9425

Think you may want to attend a series of classes? Join our Yak n' Yoga Season Pass Program.

By enrolling in the program you’ll receive several benefits. We offer two packages:

4 class Season Pass $130
* 4 group classes including kayak and accessories use
* You may use one punch for a friend
One punch may be used for a Saturday Class
$5.00 extra for any Chestnut Class; $5 extra for additional Galena Saturdays after ‘freebie’ is used.
(Depending on Class date, additional charges might apply)
*Variety of class locations, including Mines of Spain,
Galena River, and Chestnut Mountain.
*Discounts from local business partners

Own your own kayak Season Pass $70
* 4 group classes. You bring your own gear.
Unlimited Saturdays, but $5 extra for any Chestnut classes

How it works

1. When you register for a Yak n’ Yoga, either by email (yaknyoga@gmail.com) or phone, you’ll be given a Yak n’ Yoga Season Pass Card and a schedule of classes. Bring your card to every session you attend. Anyone who purchases a Yak n’ Yoga card will get their card punched once, every session. You may use one punch for a friend. Yak n’ Yoga cards may be used for weekday or weekend classes, however there is an additional $5 charge for weekend classes. You may attend one weekend class, at no additional charge. Any class you attend at Chestnut will require an extra $5.00.

Classes have a minimum and maximum attendance, therefore it is imperative to let your instructor or Fever River Outfitters know you will be attending the class. Reservations must be made by 6 pm, the night before for a morning class; and by noon for a 6 pm class. You may reserve by calling or emailing your instructor or by calling Fever River Outfitters. Instructor phone number is listed on schedule. Early registration will hold your place in a class.

2. You will be required to sign a release waiver prior to every session.

3. No Refunds will be given. However, if you’ve paid for a Season Pass and are unable to attend more than two sessions, you’ll be allowed to transfer the other two sessions to the next year.

Register online for Single Class event  or call Fever River Outfitters at 815-776-9425, a min of 12 hours in advance of class to make your reservation.

Season Pass holders, email yaknyoga@gmail.com, list the day and location you plan to attend, or call Deb May at YogaCare  563-556-7141.

FAQs

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather, with the possibility of getting just slightly wet from River. Long shorts or capris are a good idea (you’ll be sitting with knees open to help brace your legs for more stability). Shoes or sandals with some grip to the sole (Not flip flops!) Shoes may get dirty. Hat, sunscreen, bug spray are nice items to have for protection. Bring a change of clothes, just in case.

What if I’ve never kayaked before?
The locations we’ve chosen for classes are ‘beginner friendly’. Please tell the instructor that you are a beginner, who will be happy to give you basic kayak instruction. Make sure to read Kayak Hints below.

What if I’ve never taken a yoga class before?
These yoga classes are also ‘beginner friendly’. Tell the instructor that you’re new to yoga. You’re encouraged to respect your body limits, stretch and strengthen within your comfort zone.

Should I eat before class?
Eat a filling meal, (but not too heavy) before kayaking. We suggest including some protein, carbohydrates, and fruit or veggies for energy. Make wise liquid choices before kayaking, to limit bathroom necessities. You will want a bottle of water for your kayak trip, to prevent dehydration. It’s advised that you take small drinks of water about every 20-30 minutes.

What about the weather?
Please call the instructor 1.5 hour before the class starts. She/he will have a voice mail message to notify you of plans. Please call before EVERY class, sometimes the weather looks fine, but river conditions may be an issue. Instructor phone numbers are listed on schedule.

Where do I park and go for the class?
Galena River: Meet at the Boat Landing, below the bridge (& to the right) at Hwy 20 & Galena Main St intersection. (This is South of the Bridge, by the Galena Gazette). At the light before the bridge, turn Right, you’ll see a small building (Galena Gazette), a sign for Kayak & Canoe rentals – drive past Galena Gazette, take first left, & then first left (into parking lot by river, below Galena Gazette) Park here. You’ll see a rack with Kayaks – this is where we meet.
Mines of Spain: Canoe Launch – There is a parking lot.
Chestnut: Chestnut Mountain Main Lodge

What is the class format?
Varies, depending on location. Classes include about 1 hour of paddle time and 45 minutes yoga (Bring a beach towel or mat for yoga). The rest of the time is spent prepping for trip and putting away supplies. (It’s Exercise to be involved with this also!) Depending on group size, there may be 1 person working as an assistant, helping to get kayaks ready. If you are physically able to help, please join in this process. The sooner we get the kayaks ready, the more time we will have on the river. Please DO NOT drag the kayaks across any pavement. Dragging on grass is OK.

What if I want to try a class before buying a punch card?
You may try your first class for $32.50, as an intro to the program.

What if I want to continue to take more than 4 classes?
You’re certainly welcome to purchase another Season Pass. Each Season Pass includes 1 punch for a friend; 1 punch for a Saturday Class.

What if I can’t make it to a class I reserved?
Please call the instructor if you’re unable to attend. Please do your best to give 12 hour notice. We understand that last-minute conflicts occasionally happen. You will not be charged a punch; if you are paying for a single class, your check will be applied to another day of your choice. If this policy is abused, it will be reviewed for change.

What if I lose my Season Pass card?
Please contact Fever River Outfitters if you lose your card. They will verify the use of your card by signed waivers. There will be a $5.00 processing fee.

Where is the nearest bathroom?
Galena Classes: Bathroom is located at Fever River Outfitters, 525 S Main, Galena, IL about 1.5 blocks from Boat Landing. Other bathroom options are to use a gas station once you come into Galena, or the Tourism Info by the River.
Mines of Spain: Murphy Park
Chestnut Resort:  Main Lodge

KAYAK HINTS

• Have FUN – OK to be Creative! Won’t always be paddling alternate sides (sometimes 2 or 3 times on Right, before going Left)
• Sit Tall and centered.
• Frame Self to Center- Elbows bent at 90% angles, lined up with shoulders – Label on curved part of paddle blade faces you
• Relaxed grip
• Twist from core to paddle (look at 1 bank, then the other)
• As a group, we’ll pretty much stay together, but not too close together – don’t let your paddle go under your kayak or someone else’s.
• While you get the hang of steering – you might bump into someone else – this happens - try to lightly bump – give them a “Heads Up” & watch your paddles as you part
• Don't lean side to side. Don't lean into turning.
• If you veer 1 way, back paddle on the other side
• Keep paddle in front of hips (to keep from fishtailing). Short, smooth strokes
• Vertical strokes to go forward; Horizontal sweep strokes to steer
• If you need to take a break from paddling, that’s OK, Meditate & enjoy scenery
• Use the body awareness we cultivate during yoga to stay comfortable during your kayaking. Relax tense areas . . . Breathe!