With Colorado's frigid snowmelt rushing through mountain streams -- and making things icy and dicey -- why not give kayaking a try under more serene conditions at today's Paddling Expo at the Boulder Reservoir?At the event, sponsored by Wildwasser Sports and the Boulder Outdoor Center, water rats can demo everything from sleek whitewater kayaks to sturdy touring versions of the Eskimo craft. "People can jump into any boat and give it a test drive," says BOC president Eric Bader. "Boats are like cars: There are just so many different models out there. You have to find the one that's right for you."
Experts will also be on hand to lead mini-clinics full of paddling tips and gear advice this evening from 5 until dusk. "There is so much great equipment out there now, it really makes it easier," says Bader. "Hopefully, we can help improve people's paddling and their overall enjoyment of the sport."
But come prepared to get wet: You never know when you might roll your boat, which is why organizers are recommending the expo to those over the age of eight with adequate swimming ability. The expo is free, but unless you're a Boulder Parks and Recreation pass holder, you'll have to pay $5 per adult and $2.50 per child at the reservoir's gate.
"It's definitely a great time of year to come on out and give it a try," says Bader. "For some of us, the boating season never ends."
For more information, call BOC at 303-444-8420 or Wildwasser at 303-444-2336, or log on to www.boc123.com. -- Julie Dunn
Fore Man
A Reilly good account of duff love
TUES, 5/13
Denver author Rick Reilly has put in plenty of time putting around the greens.And while "fairway fanatic" may not be a fair way to describe the senior Sports Illustrated writer, he's gathered a cartful of golf stories and put them together in Who's Your Caddy: Looking for the Great, Near Great and Reprobates of Golf. Although he skipped any mention of his visits to Aqua Golf ("It's hard to tell if you have a slice or a spin. I guess you read the splash," he says dryly), Reilly included a chapter on homegrown hottie and LPGA pro Jill McGill. "She took up golf to meet boys," he says. Seems to have worked: Years later, she finished second in a Playboy readers' poll on women golfers guys would love to see in the buff. "She's a good sport, and almost did it," notes Reilly, who also had yarns to spin about caddying for Jack Nicklaus and others.
The entertaining Mr. Reilly will autograph his latest at the Cherry Creek Tattered Cover, 2955 East First Avenue, at 7:30 tonight. Free signing tickets will be handed out an hour before; call 303-393-7352. Golf tees optional. -- Ernie Tucker
