In an effort to introduce youngsters to the joys of the great outdoor sport of paddling in the relative warmth of the indoors, the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre is pooling its resources with the Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club for the winter pool program.

All are welcome to come out and try a few of the boats available at the club, with activities and basic instruction from head coach Peter Majewski.

"This is a great way for people to try out the boats in a fun and safe environment!" says Majewski. "It doesn't matter what your skill level is."

The pool sessions are $10 per hour and run every Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. until March 8.

The Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club offers a wide range of paddling programs suited for all levels of participation. For more information on the club, visit www.rckc.ca.

SYNCHRO SKATING

The Inlet Masters Sapphires Synchronized Skating Team, which includes skaters from Maple Ridge, won a gold medal in the Masters Division at the 2009 BC/Yukon Section Open Synchro Skating Championships held in Westbank, B.C. from Jan. 17 to 18.

The skaters on the team are from Maple Ridge, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam and skate mainly for the joy of it but they also compete and travel once per season to take part in competitions.

The team is currently looking to expand, so if anyone is interested in joining contact Annika Mountain at 944-4446 or e-mail her at annikamountain@shaw.ca. Skaters must be 25 years or older - both men and women are welcome and skating experience is needed.

The skaters are coached by Maple Ridge Figure Skating coach Shannon Balabardin.

They will be performing at the Maple Ridge Figure Skating Club's Carnival on March 14 at Planet Ice.