It is getting warmer around the lake and the water is getting more attractive every day. If you are the type of person who prefers a paddle behind the wheel, the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance (LOWA) can organize the event for you.

LOWA will be hosting a series of free kayaking lessons for the public starting May 8 and running on the second Saturday of each month through September. The group will lend and participants a kayak to use for a peaceful morning paddling session in the spring area of ​​Ha Ha Tonka National Park. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Life jackets will be provided.

Donna Swall, CEO of LOWA, says the main goal of the group is to preserve the quality of the lake’s water. One of the most important elements of this goal is the rip-rap of the shore. Riprapping helps keep sediment out of the lake, which can create a table for bacteria to grow.

By hosting these kayaking clinics, LOWA members will not only teach participants about kayaking techniques, but also the importance of riprap. Swall says the easiest way for them to teach it is to get people on the water to see it up close and personal. She says their goal is to promote water quality and teach people to appreciate the best feature of the Ozarks.

Swall says about half a dozen LOWA members will be in attendance at each event and will be happy to teach everyone in attendance. However, the event is also open to experienced kayakers who wish to bring their own equipment and just enjoy the camaraderie. If there is a line of people waiting to get in the water, kayaking tours may be time-limited.

Swall says LOWA is thrilled to bring this opportunity back to the community and is thrilled to give people a great morning on the lake while teaching the science and importance of rip rap.

“It was such a pleasure working with people around the lake,” said Swall.

For more information or questions, call (309) 838-5564 or visit the LOWA website at www.Lowatershed.org.

Full schedule of kayaking dates:

May 8

June 12

July 10

August 14th

September 11th