The weather could not have been better on April 25th at Sunset Lake in Braintree, Massachusetts. Right here in my home state, a perfect setting for the REI Demo Day. It was colorful, exciting and loaded with knowledgeable folks to help anyone wanting to try out the kayaks and learn a few kayaking basics on site.

There were plenty of life jackets and paddles for all the happy paddlers eager to try out the array of kayaks.

Oh, so many kayaks; sit-on-tops, singles, tandems, touring kayaks, folding kayaks and more.

The staff was everywhere in and out of the water to "yick yak" with everyone.

So why would you be interested in a Demo Day?
Because it's great fun (and free).

You can see and experience the different types of kayaks.

Learn kayaking basics from the pros and yick yak!.

Bring a friend - enjoy the camaraderie of other outdoor enthusiasts.

YOU CAN ...

Paddle;

Learn;

Get discounts
(very nice);

Meet paddlers; and

Find paddling groups in your area!

You can also meet other interesting folks, Like ...

Brian McMahon - he's the Rear Commodore of the USCG Auxiliary in Massachusetts.

The Auxiliary is a volunteer civilian arm of the United States Coat Guard. These dedicated individuals donate their time to perform non-profit services such as teaching public boating courses twice yearly in most parts of the country. They also offer an on-line course: Americas Boating Course.

The Auxiliary assists the US Coast Guard in search & rescue and patrol navigable and state waterways.

For their boating and safety course info, call 1-800-368-5647 or visit their website at: www.cgaux.org.

I love REI and here's why ...

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) reaches out to communities with Demo Days, like this one, in various parts of the country. The demonstrations are an opportunity to try out different kayaks, learn some kayaking basics, safety and enjoyment of the outdoors. They're a fun event for the whole family. Since Demo Days are usually at a scenic location, you can bring a lunch and enjoy the water and sights. Take a paddle or just learn from watching or talking with other paddlers.

As a cooperative, they return dividends they call an "Annual Member Refund" to customers at the end of each year. How do they do this? They offer a (get this) $20 one-time (yes, one time) lifetime membership fee. Members get discounts on the equipment they purchase, classes (which are sometimes free to members), and adventure trips that they offer. This certainly beats any deal that your local sports equipment store offers.

REI extends itself way beyond the products it sells. They really stand up to the motto on the back of their business card that reads: "We inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure".

But that's not all they do ... to learn more about REI's impressive commitment to conservation, click here.

Learn some more kayaking basics, to find a Demo Day in your area - click on REI.com

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