Paddle Power

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- More than a dozen of the yellow oblong objects moved

steadily across the Back Bay in an unorganized clump. The farther they

chugged along, the farther the last one fell behind the rest.

It was the Newport Aquatic Center’s paddle camp making its way to Spider

Island in bright yellow kayaks Monday for an afternoon of frolicking in

the summer sun.

Behind the rest of the group, 8-year-old Lili Otto, trying a kayak for

the first time, struggled to keep up with the rest of the campers.

Although her smaller stature caused her to trail behind the group on this

first trip out, camp counselor Grant Brakesman predicted greatness by the

end of the week.

“You see it every time. The littlest ones end up being the fastest,” said

Brakesman, 24, who has been working at the center for 10 years.

Before they headed out this first day, students were given safety tips

and rules along with their life jackets. Those who had not paddled a

kayak before got a crash course on how to use the double-sided oar. Then

off they went.

The camp has a five-day program that runs for 10 weeks. Although the

schedule is the same each week, counselors see the same children

returning every week for years.

On Monday, some children were a quick study, slicing through the water

and keeping pace with the counselor leading the pack. Others were more

awkward.

Cory Vitalo, 8, and his buddy, Michael Katz, 9, decided to take a two-man

kayak. As they moved along, their paddles consistently formed an “X”

above the water -- a clear indication that they had not yet found a

rhythm.

And when their paddles were not at odd angles, it was because crafty

Michael had his oar laying across his lap. He knew Cory could not see

when he took a little break behind him.

The kayakers quickly made it to Spider Island, where they immediately

threw the boats onto the shore and leaped back into the water -- life

jackets and all.

FYI

* Who: Campers ranging in age from 8 to 12 (a teen camp is also offered)

* What: Paddle camp

* Where: Newport Aquatic Center

* Why: Fun and fundamentals of kayaking

* Call: (949) 644-3151