Have you ever wanted to try kayaking? How about paddleboarding? Morden’s annual Paddlefest set sail last Saturday, June 14th, with a great turnout from all throughout Manitoba. Created as an opportunity for the community to try out the various rentals available at Lake Minnewasta, the water was full of both first-time and seasoned paddlers.
For Anya Djuric, the festival offered an opportunity to bring friends and family from as far as Atlanta to her hometown. “I used to live here,” shared Djuric. “We’re kind of familiar with the area...so we wanted to join”.
Adi Chudasama and his friends drove in for Paddlefest from Winnipeg and were taking advantage of the beautiful weather to further explore Southern Manitoba. All well-versed in outdoor activities like kayaking, the friends wanted to see what Morden and Lake Minnewasta have to offer.
Also present at the event were volunteers from the Manitoba Paddling Association, who brought canoes, kayaks, and dragon boats for participants to try. Based out of Winnipeg, the group works with paddling clubs throughout Manitoba and also offers boat rentals in the city along the Red River.
It’s not just Paddlefest that the City of Morden has coming up. Aquatic programmer Sarah Kagan has been organizing and planning swimming lessons to be held at the lake, particularly Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion level lessons. “If people are interested in becoming lifeguards, I really recommend those courses” shared Kagan. “If you are looking for a summer job, or wanting to be a lifeguard, those are some really good starts.”
Future programming at Lake Minnewasta also includes Swim Smart, an event centered around water safety. With lifeguard demonstrations, contests, and prizes, the event makes water safety fun and engaging for kids and families.
For more information about future programming at the City of Morden and Lake Minnewasta, visit the City of Morden’s website here.
