W
ill Crimmins likes to put people on the water. A native Hoosier, Crimmins discovered a love of paddle sports during a 2001 college class in Auburn, Ala. “I had to have a PE credit and ended up taking a whitewater kayaking course,” said Crimmins. “During that course I ended up finding one of my biggest passions in life.” This passion for paddling would later inspire Crimmins to found a paddling club at Indiana University in order to share adventures with fellow enthusiasts. It would also shape his career, guiding him to a position as paddle sports buyer at JL Waters in downtown Bloomington and certification by the American Canoe Association as a whitewater kayaking instructor. Crimmins has noticed a rising interest in paddle sports that he believes is caused in part by changing economic conditions. “Because of gas prices skyrocketing, folks are looking for ways to stay at home,” he said. “Instead of fueling up a big powerboat or spending high dollars to go on a cruise, folks are looking at ‘How can I invest my money so I can get outside and not pay top dollar to get out and recreate?’” He believes that paddle sports fill that niche perfectly. The three main “flat water” paddle sports in Indiana are canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Canoeing and kayaking are more established sports using boats based on traditional designs. “Everybody has canoed. Lots of people have kayaked,” Crimmins said. “Right now, though, the major thing, MORE | Page 26
America’s Most SPECTACULAR Underground Adventure. Squire Boone Caverns
White River Bowhunters, Inc. I.B.O TRIPLE CROWN NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIP
The caverns were discovered by Squire and Daniel Boone over two centuries ago! Beautiful stalactites and stalagmites decorate the cave ceilings, walls and floors.
(1st JEWEL)
MAY 17-19, 2013 Hwy 50W at 4-H Fairgrounds, Bedford, IN. For more information, call (812) 277-0187. www.whiteriverbowhunters.com HT-6183149
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SPONSORED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LAWRENCE COUNTY TOURISM COMMISSION
Mauckport, IN • Near historic Corydon 812-732-4381 www.squireboonecaverns.com
$2 OFF Cave Tour Bring in this coupon & receive $2 off per person on Squire Boone Caverns tour.
Not valid with any other discounts and group packages.
AIM
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