Get a life aquatic

Marisa O’Neil

Thousands of commuters speed past the scenic Back Bay on Coast

Highway every day in the air-conditioned comfort of their cars.

But just below the bridge lies a whole aquatic playground filled

with luxury yachts, multimillion-dollar homes and unique wildlife.

The Newport Aquatic Center at North Star Beach has plenty of ways

to commune with nature and even get a little exercise in to boot.

KAYAKING

The center offers introduction to kayaking clinics on alternate

Saturdays throughout the summer for anyone 8 years and older at 10

a.m. No experience is necessary, but it’s best if you’re comfortable

around water, said Laurie Keys of the Newport Aquatic Center.

“A lot of people go and see the birds, particularly in the Upper

Bay,” Keys said. “Others like a workout and go around Linda Isle.

Some just go to Balboa Island to get a Balboa Bar and paddle back.”

The clinic costs $40 for two hours.

OUTRIGGER CANOES

People who are up for more of a physical challenge and fitness

commitment can sign up for the outrigger canoe team.

Paddlers practice in single and six-person canoes. The team

practices two nights a week and often travels to races -- including

to Catalina and Tahiti -- on weekends.

Contact the center for more information and pricing.

ROWING

High school students ages 13 to 18 who want to give competitive

rowing a try can sign up for the center’s summer rowing camps.

The two-week camps teach boating safety, basic technique and

teamwork in four- and eight-person rowing shells.

Adults can sign up for private sculling lessons in one-person

shells. They also have a “Women on the Water” team of mothers,

professionals and others who practice and race in eight-person boats.

Junior novice rowing camps cost $200. Contact the center for

pricing on other programs.

The Newport Aquatic Center is at 1 Whitecliffs Drive in Newport

Beach. Call (949) 646-7725 for more information or go to

https://www.newportaquatic center.com.