AUBURN - The pool at the YMCA isn't a roaring torrential river with the high crests of white water and fast breaking rapids commonly associated with kayaking, but it is a good place to learn.

Last Saturday marked the first of what students and instructors alike hope will be more classes with Art Miller of Cascade Falls Kayak Adventure.

Miller is an accomplished kayaker with more than 28 years experience; he has been involved as an instructor, competitor and Junior Olympic coach.

"A friend got me started," Miller said. "It is a great sport. There is a lot of opportunity for individual achievements."

Miller hopes this first class will help establish a program in Auburn.

"We'd like to build a program like in Rochester," Miller said. "There, it is huge, we do something every day, year-round. We'd like to build something like that here."

Miller said in his 12 years of instruction, it can be a slow process to build a program, but is well worth it.

"The first class we ever did at Monroe College we had eight students," Miller said. "The next year we had 150, now we have over 800. We put over 2,000 new people in the water every year."

If the students' response Saturday is any indication, it shouldn't be hard for Miller to get things going.

"This is just the beginning," Sam Volo, of Auburn said. "It takes months and months of teaching, maybe years before taking on some of the bigger water. I'd like to do some of the bigger water and do it safely and have fun. And it is important before embarking to get the proper instruction."

Miller's first and most important focus is safety.

For the class's first hour, the students didn't even have paddles in their hands.

"We want them to get wet and get comfortable with the boat," Miller said. "We put a strong emphasis on safety. It takes time, so we don't give students paddles."

The slower pace is fine with students who are just beginning to find their way around the boat.

"It is a great way to build up your confidence," Ellen Faulkner of Weedsport said. "It is a way to get rid of fears and be able to do this with confidence and go out and feel safe."

There are safety concerns that are unique to kayaking as opposed to other types of boating, in particular, the splash guard that keeps water from getting into the boat and keeps the kayaker braced in the boat.

"They've been showing them how to escape," The Y lifeguard on duty Danielle Gleason said. "If you tip, you are under water with the splash guard holding you in and you need to know escape while you're under water and get out quickly."

Miller said in his experience, people who are drawn to kayaking are unique.

"The class today is a good example of the type of people we attract," Miller said. "They are generally happy people with a sense of adventure and are always willing to help."

For many of the students this was a chance to try something new.

"I've been a runner for 21 years," Faulkner said. "So I went out and bought a kayak and went out with a friend and was happy I didn't fall out. This is something different than running. It is a nice chance to get out and get back to nature."

After everyone has a good feeling for the boat and feels comfortable getting in and out, the class shifts focus to paddling, running students through a series of exercises to get them comfortable with forward, backward, turns, spins and the rocking of the boat from side to side.

"You need to get a personal feeling for what we do so we do a lot of stroke drills," Miller said. "Stroke technique is very important to control of the boat."

Miller's approach and pace really appealed to the students.

"There is a right way and wrong way," Todd Reilly of Skaneateles said. "This class really reinforces the basics. It is pretty straightforward, a really good class. I have a daughter and I want to make sure that I am around for her, so I want to know how to go out and do this safely. It is a really good class."

For several years, there has been talk about creating a kayaking park in Auburn, something Miller has played an important role in designing.

"We are still two or three years away," Miller said. "It is something that the community needs to understand all about to support and so far the community has been very good."

Given the close proximity to so much water, Miller believes this would be a great area to bring the Junior Olympics.

"I'd like to make a place for this," Miller said.

" And bring in more kids and start a grass roots program with kids under 18, they are the future of the sport. And then bring in the Junior Olympics. I think it would be really good for Central New York."

These are opportunities Miller's students are excitedly looking forward to.

"I heard there was going to be a park," Volo said. "I think it is a great idea. It would be a real plus to the local economy. This is very fun and I think it is a great idea."

"It would be awesome," Faulkner said. "There are so many lakes, it would be a chance to dedicate time to the environment. I think it would be wonderful."

For more information on Miller's program and classes visit www.kayak-adventure.org