Fairbanks Paddlers

2001 Pool Rules

Pool season is rapidly approaching and will be upon us as soon as we finish wading through all the holiday cheer and season's greetings. Once again Hamme Pool will open its doors to aspiring kayakers and canoers of all ages on the first Monday in January (1/7), and continue every Monday evening through the Monday before Memorial Day (except for the holidays of 1/21 & 2/18) from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. This is the best opportunity for new boaters to start the learning process, develop paddling friendships, and gain an understanding of the type of gear needed for one's niche in the sport.

There is a new pool administration this year and we have been asked to pay particular attention to getting our boats as free of debris and clean as possible BEFORE bringing them into the pool. If your boat has air bags, pull them out. If there may be old leaves or power bar wrappers under the seat, take that out, too. Bring your boat inside a week or so before your first session to get all that frost-adhered moss and twigs off the hull. This is vitally important for the good will of the pool attendants and the health of the maintenance equipment. Failure to keep debris and foreign matter out of the pool can threaten the remarkably liberal attitude the Borough has so far shown to the boating community.

Another issue that will be directly addressed this year is making sure that all participants pay their pool fee. In the past the attendants have been unavailable for checking paddlers in before 7:00, allowing some to go in directly and try to remember to pay later. This year the pool administration hopes to have someone there to collect fees each evening before 7:00 so there is little reason to miss paying your fee. Please respect the unusually fair fee-schedule at Hamme Pool. Many clubs in other cities are forced to pay considerably more, with the addition of insurance and lifeguard fees. Rates this year are: 0-4, Free; 5-11, $2; 12-17, $2.50; 18+, $3.50. 10-punch cards and Monthly rates are available.

And to remind everyone, make sure you bring a lock to protect any valuables you may leave in the locker rooms. History suggests that you are guaranteed to lose any cash you may leave unprotected.