The sun shone brightly and the mosquitoes were bitey as a group of paddlers carried their kayaks down to the west bank of Hay River.
Corin Thompson wasn't anxious about the two-plus-hours voyage up the river to Great Slave Lake, even though it was her first real kayak ride.
"Nope, not at all," said Thompson, when asked if she was nervous.
In fact, Thompson was so sure she would enjoy the sport that she bought her own little green kayak that day.
"I've just seen a couple friends doing it, and the work out and whatnot, so I wanted try it out," she said.
Thompson was one of about 10 paddlers who gathered at Bob McMeekin Chamber Park on the evening of July 3 for the first Social Paddle of the season.
The public is welcome to the weekly group paddle, hosted by the Town of Hay River.
Paddlers can rent a one-person kayak, which comes with a personal flotation device, for $20. They also get a ride back to the park at the end of the trip.
Sidney Cohen/NNSL photo
Corin Thompson stands by her green kayak, which she christened at Tuesday's social paddle.
July 3, 2018
Kayakers who bring their own boat and lifejacket can join for free.
Lots of experience is not necessary, said Dale Loutit, Hay River's recreation programmer, "just be prepared that it's two hours down a river and no real place to stop."
Loutit does recommend that paddlers be at least 13 years old and know the basics of kayaking.
There are no rapids on the Social Paddle route, but the water can move quickly.
"I would suggest," she added, that paddlers "be comfortable with a boat and OK to get wet."
Having two guides as part of the group made Thompson's inaugural trip seem less daunting.
"I'm excited," she said.
"I'm hoping my arms don't give out," she added, with a laugh.
Dale Fisher came out with his wife because they both enjoy kayaking and they are considering investing in a couple vessels of their own.
"We figured we'd rent them a couple times," he said, "We've been thinking about (buying kayaks) for a long time."
That evening's paddle was the couple's first of the summer.
"We've done kayaking on Vancouver Island, Alaska, Costa Rica, just little trips, for a couple hours," said Fisher.
Loutit said one need not play a sport or hit the gym to get in some physical activity.
The Social Paddle is an "all-in-one package," she said.
"Socializing, being physically active and being in nature – it's like a trifecta of amazingness."
Loutit hopes to keep the evening paddles going every Tuesday through mid-September.
Kayakers who are interested in renting are asked to register with the town by the 1 p.m. on the Monday before the ride.