August 17, 2018 at 4:06 p.m.
Kayaking builds lifelong bonds
Kayaking builds lifelong bonds
Kayaking builds lifelong bonds
While all of them are bound by a love of nature and the outdoors, their friendships run much deeper, as is evidenced at the launch ramp. As kayakers arrive, others already waiting run to help take kayaks off of vehicles and trailers and carry them and other belongings down to the water's edge. Still others help direct traffic and help their friends get parked and ready for the event.
"The group is so diverse," former president Janet Alesauskas said. "But it's the best group of ladies. It's the best group I've ever been with. We all help each other and look out for each other."
According to Alesauskas, the group started back in the late 1990s when canoeing was very popular. Many of the women did not want to take out big, bulky canoes without the help of their husbands. At that time, kayaks were just starting to become popular. So, several women got together and started a kayaking group. These smaller crafts were easier to carry and transport, yet they offered the same nature experience. The group eventually split into two groups, the Lady Yakkers and the Lady Yakkers Too.
The Lady Yakkers Too paddle every Monday morning, weather permitting, in June, July and August. Each month a new set of volunteers become leaders. They pick the lakes the group will paddle, are in charge of the signage to help others find the boat landings or areas where they will take off, and are also in charge of lunch or some sort of snack for all who will paddle that day.
Alesauskas said they occasionally choose to dine at an area restaurant, but usually look for one that will offer a buffet for the group. Any restaurant interested in hosting them is more than welcome to let them know, she added.
Jean Wiggins is the current president and is serving a three-year term. She and her husband retired to the area for the skiing. When she heard about the kayak group, it was a natural fit for a former physical education teacher. She has been with the group since 2005 and loves not only the time on the lake but also the camaraderie she enjoys with the other women.
"After the season ends, those of us that are still in the area get together to play games at the senior center," she said. "In fact, we have even gotten members that way. One of our members knew someone that was interested in playing Mahjong (a game the group plays often), so she came to the senior center to play and is now a member of the kayaking group."
The diverse group is made up of women of all skill levels. Some want to paddle as fast as they can as far as they can while others paddle at a more leisurely pace and focus on the serene atmosphere.
Safety is always a concern for the Lady Yakkers Too. Everyone must wear a life jacket while out on the water. There is a "sweep" at each paddle who is in the back of the pack. That person ensures that all of the paddlers are accounted for. The women all look out for each other on the water. If a paddler decides to break off to explore a bay, for instance, they must take at least one other paddler with them and let the "lead" of the group know of their plans.
The group also helps out at area events when they are able. They help with the triathlon in Minocqua and have participated in the Dragon Boat Race in the past as well. The group is capped at 50 members, and usually has a waiting list of 12-13 people. Those interested may paddle as a guest of a member twice during the season. Many guests return for more than one year and may paddle one or two of the lakes when they are in the area. The Lady Yakkers Too will head to most any lake suitable for kayaking in the Northwoods. They have been to lakes in Presque Isle, Lake Tomahawk, Hazelhurst, St. Germain, Minocqua, Eagle River, Conover and Lac du Flambeau.
Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].
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