Evergreen Outfitters will offer its annual kayak roll classes starting Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.  at Chautauqua Health and Fitness Center, Route 394, Chautauqua, N.Y.

Classes are non-sequential — it’s not necessary to attend every session — and continue every Tuesday night through February and March. Cost is $15 per session, and includes boat, paddle, spray skirt, and one-on-one instruction.

Spots are limited. Reserve your spot or ask questions by calling (716) 763-2266 or visiting the outfitter shop at 4845 Route 474, Ashville, N.Y.

The second annual Canoe/Kayak Poker Run to benefit the Youngsville Recreation Committee is Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will paddle the Allegheny River from Kinzua Dam to Betts Park in Warren. Each paddler gets a card at registration and collects three more cards along the route. The fifth card is delivered at Betts Park. Participants can buy as many as two additional cards at $10 each to improve a hand.

There’s a 50-50, $250 cash prize and a raffle for an Emotion Kayak.

Registration is $15 in advance of $20 the day of the event. Call (814) 563-4604 or (814) 563-7788 for information.Canoe and kayak rentals will be available through Allegheny Outfitters.

Proceeds will be used to improve the Youngsville baseball field.

Rain date is Sept. 9.

The Paddle for Chautauqua Lake is scheduled to start Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Mayville Lakeside Park.

The event is a fundraiser for the Chautauqua Lake Association, which manages the weeds and cleans debris to keep the lake healthy.

Registration will run 8-9 a.m. Entry fee is $10 per person. Entrants also are challenged to collect 10 pledges of $10 each.

There will be a free continental breakfast before the launch and a free BBQ lunch afterward. Donate or collect pledges of $50 or more and you’ll get a T-shirt. There also will be prizes including a drawing for a kayak.

Evergreen Outfitters is taking reservations for kayak rentals. The $25 fee includes kayak, paddle, PFD and transportation of kayak to Lakeside State Park. Call (716) 763-2266 to make a reservation.

Volunteers also are needed to act as safety boats. Knowledge of open water rescue is required.

For information and registration forms, visit Paddle for Chautauqua Lake.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and Maurice K. Goddard State Park will host a family paddling program July 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Lake Wilhelm, Mercer County.

The program is designed for families with children ages 8 and older who are new to paddling. Participants will learn about regulations, equipment, and paddling safety skills during a brief on-shore lesson. The remainder of this will take place on the water in canoes practicing paddling strokes, self rescue, and other safety skills.

Canoes, kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided. Participants should be prepared to get wet, and should pack water, lunch, sun block, sun glasses, and snug-fitting foot protection — flip-flops are not permitted). Foot protection and life jackets must be worn at all times

Pre-registration is required and will be accepted until June 30. Space is limited.

For information, call Chad Foster at (814) 683-5126 or e-mail chfoster@pa.gov .

Try out a kayak, canoe or paddleboard for free Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakeside Park in Mayville, N.Y.

Evergreen Outfitters‘ annual Kayak, Canoe, & Paddleboard Demo Day also will put you in touch with factory reps, introduce new gear and give you demonstration opportunities. Or try stand-up paddleboarding for the first time.

Andy donations will to to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

All the seasonally unexpected open water around northwestern Pennsylvania might make it tempting to break out the Jon Boat, canoe or kayak.

If you do, remember to put on your personal flotation devices, even in small craft that do not legally require you to do so.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said that, over the past 15 years, cold-water incidents added up to just 8 percent of boating-related accidents, but to 24 percent of fatalities. A life jacket can be a live saver.

Starting Nov. 1, 2012, boaters will be required by law to wear life jackets on boats under 16 feet and any canoe or kayak during cold-weather months from Nov. 1 to April 30. That obviously will include the opening weeks of trout fishing season.

Why not get used to the jacket starting now?

Evergreen Outfitters in Ashville, N.Y., is putting on kayak roll classes starting in February.

Beginners and advanced paddles are invited. Classes are non-sequential, and instruction is usually one-on-one.

Cost is $15 per session from 6:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday from Feb. 7 through March 27. Sessions take place Chautauqua Institution’s Turner Community Center.

Reservations are required. Call (716) 763-2266 for information.

Here’s a wonderful opportunity for paddlers and volunteers in June 2012 from the Chautauqua Blind Association, via Evergreen Outfitters:

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Get a look at the Presque Isle State Park boat livery and lagoons and a kayak paddling lesson all in one video: