James Sharp Landing provides perfect spot for kayak, canoe safety class

People looking to bone up on water safety skills ahead of summer can check out an upcoming class in Sharpsburg by Friends of the Riverfront.

The introductory level program will give an overview of kayak and canoe basics, foundational non-motorized safety and general approaches to launching and paddling the three rivers.

“We hope that people deepen their skill set and build up their abilities,” said Alex Toner, Friends’ director of trail stewardship. “We want them to enjoy their experience more.”

The class, Watercraft & Boat Safety, is part of the nonprofit’s Train on the Trail series. It is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon May 18 at James Sharp Landing, 1301 Main St.

The main goal of the program is to educate people on where and how to get on the water and how to do it safely.

“We want people to take advantage of the asset that we have, these three rivers,” Toner said. “A lot of them are surprised at how low the barrier is to get out on the water.”

Led by Jamie Cortese, an American Canoe Association certified instructor, the session will touch on everything people need to consider before setting out on the water.

Participants can learn general techniques that include how to transport a boat, what type of clothes are best, how to check conditions and when it might be best to avoid the rivers.

Class is limited to 15 students.

Participants with their own kayaks or canoes are encouraged to bring them. Friends will provide seats in watercraft for others.

James Sharp Landing is a popular hotspot that draws visitors from the borough and beyond.

New, larger docks were installed in recent years, paid for with $63,000 in grants from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Money also covered paving and improved lighting at the plaza.

Toner said it is a perfect space to host the waterfront class.

The Train on the Trail series includes other topics that might appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, including tree identification, native plants and pollinators, and water quality.

“We’re finding that the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, the land segment, has gotten a lot of the attention in recent years and there’s a lot of opportunity to build out the same enthusiasm for the water trail,” Toner said.

To register, visit the Friends website at friendsoftheriverfront.org/events.