New outfitter to Berks County, Aqua Om Paddle combines paddle boarding with a holistic approach to recreation with their one-of a kind SUP (stand-up paddle board) yoga and other programs that connect participants to a mindfulness experience.
Owners Kami Kiritsis and Melissa Uhniat brought some of their boards and program demos to Get Outdoors Day at Blue Marsh Lake on Saturday, June 9, and started promoting their summer public programs with Berks County Parks and Recreation Department.
Aqua Om Paddle offers programs in guided meditation, yoga, a high intensity strength and flexibility workout while on a paddle board, as well as rentals. Aqua Om Paddle will also be bringing some of their paddle boards to a couple of the park’s concerts, where participants can enjoy the music while floating on a SUP along the shoreline of Gring’s Mill Park. These programs bring an exciting new element to the outdoor recreation programs that Berks County Parks and Recreation Department have to offer
June 21: 9-10 am Stand Up Paddle Beginner Yoga at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Celebrate the Summer Solstice and National Yoga Day with and intro to SUP Yoga! Come experience the beauty of this thousand-year practice while building strength, flexibility and connecting mind, body and spirit. For ages 16 and up.
June 28: 5:30-8 p.m. Free Stand Up Paddle Demos at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Each session includes: 15 minute water safety discussion, 5-10 minute demo of basic SUP instruction, paddle out to designated location, paddle back to launch destination. For ages 12 and up.
June 28: 8:30-9:30 p.m. at Full Moon Paddle on SUP at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Paddle Blue Marsh Lake under the full glow of the Strawberry Moon; named by the Algonquin Indians who were avid paddlers. For ages 12 and up.
July 12: 6-8 p.m. SUP Float & Concert at Gring’s Mill Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a concert in the park while on the water, paddling around the Tully or just anchor up and float while listening to the Celtic music of The Launies. For ages 12 and up.
July 31: 9-10 a.m. AO Float at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Experience the bliss of centering and connecting to self while floating on a SUP board in nature. For ages 16 and up.
July 31: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Stand Up Paddle Demos at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Each session includes: 15 minute water safety discussion, 5-10 minute demo of basic SUP instruction, paddle out to designated location, paddle back to launch destination. For ages 12 and up.
Aug. 9: 6-8 p.m. SUP Float & Concert at Gring’s Mill Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a concert in the park while on the water, paddling around the Tully or just anchor up and float enjoying the sounds of Jimmy Buffet & beach music with The Landsharks. For ages 12 and up.
Aug. 14: 9-10 a.m. Stand Up Paddle Beginner Yoga at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Come experience the beauty of this thousand-year practice while building strength, flexibility and connecting mind, body and spirit. For ages 16 and up.
Aug. 14: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free Stand Up Paddle Demos at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Each session includes: 15 minute water safety discussion, 5-10 minute demo of basic SUP instruction, paddle out to designated location, paddle back to launch destination. For ages 12 and up.
Sept. 6: 9-11 a.m. Stand Up Paddle Flight at Blue Marsh Lake- Church Road parking area. Get ready to take flight! Soar into a SUP experience by sampling four different Aqua Om services: Paddle Pump, Intro to SUP Yoga and AO Float, a guided meditation done while relaxing on the board. For ages 18 and up.
For more details and costs for each program, contact 610-374-2944 or visit www.AOPaddle.com. Spaces are limited for each program, and pre-registration is required to Berks County Parks and Recreation at 610-374-2944. No experience is necessary.
These programs are presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department and Aqua Om Paddle. For more information, call 610-374-2944, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks or find us on Facebook or Instagram under Berks County Parks and Recreation.
