Posted on 1st May 2012 @ 3:47 PM

VailWhitewaterParkdemonstration to start May 15

(Vail) --- Fix up your Phonix, master your McNasty or simply learn to surf: Beginning May 15, the Town ofVailis sponsoring free kayak demos Tuesday evenings from5 p.m.to7 p.m.at theVailWhitewaterParklocated beneath theInternationalBridgein the Gore Creek Promenade.

The demos are presented by Alpine Kayak School where instructors and professional kayakers will be on hand to demonstrate the best of freestyle kayaking to spectators and those just learning to surf. Participants in the demo will also have free access to all of the latest 2012 freestyle kayaks.

“The demos are a great way to showcase Vail’s Whitewater Park. It brings locals into the village during a slower time of the year and provides some entertainment for Vail’s out-of-town guests,” said Sean Glackin, owner of Alpine Quest Sports. “It is also a free way for kayakers to try different boats and get some tips from the pros.”

Participants in the demo are asked to maintain an intermediate level of kayaking and be comfortable with repetitive rolling. Beginner kayakers can find their place in one of Alpine Kayak’s beginner kayaking lessons going out on a daily basis.

Non-kayakers can stay high and dry – and warm - by watching from the shore or bridge. The grassy area lining the shore of the whitewater park has been a common place for family picnics or after-work relaxation in years past.

“The whitewater park has an integrated natural amphitheater,” Glackin said. “Spectators can get up close and personal to the kayakers, take pictures and really feel the excitement of the sport. The kayakers definitely get motivated by crowd interaction, too.”

To ease the low-water woes haunting the 2012 season, Alpine Kayak instructors will be adjusting the unique bladder system built into the whitewater park. Above the main feature are a variety of inflatable bladders that push the water around to maximize the features potential.

“We can really get in and change things around, even at low water,” Glackin said. “We can make things optimal for the aggressive boater looking to boost out of the water, or mellow things out for a group learning introductory moves. The Town of Vail really heard the request from our boating community and the result has been spectacular.”

The demos will take place every Tuesday in the Vail Whitewater Park from May 15 through June 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For any questions, call Alpine Quest Sports/ Alpine Kayak in Edwards at 970.926.3867 or visit them at www.alpinequestsports.com.