Although the neoprene-suited kayakers and cyclists zipping around our rivers and roads may look like League of Justice superheroes, at some point everyone needed to take their first step, their first bike trip, cast their first fly. The area offers a remarkable selection of beginner classes.
Tie on the Fly
River Borne Outfitters' fly-fishing classes covers basic terminology, equipment, fly casting and knot tying. Afterward, take your new found skills to the fly casting course in the Old Mill District to practice distance, rolls and accuracy. Beginning Fly Fishing $75. 541-647-2584. riverborneoutfitters.com
Get Wet
You can't enjoy summer without getting a little wet. Learn how to swim or improve your strokes at Juniper Swim and Fitness. Beginning Adult Swim Instruction $40. June 17-July 3 and July 29-Aug. 14. 800 NE Sixth St., Bend. 541-389-7665. bendparksandrec.org
Paddle This
Get off the shore and into a boat with the help of Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe's canoeing and kayaking classes held all summer long. Basic Skills Kayaking $65. 805 SW Industrial Way, Bend. 541-317-9407. tumalocreek.com
What's SUP?
Rent a paddleboard from the folks at StandUp Paddle Bend and learn the basics one-on-one or with a group. Stand up paddleboard Lessons $45-$70. 550 SW Industrial Way #115, Bend. 541-323-3355.standuppaddlebend.com
Make Like a Farmer
Take a Backyard Chicken Workshop through COCC's Community Learning program. Learn everything you need to know about breeds, coops, care, breeding and egg collecting. Backyard Chicken Workshop $39. June 22. 1-4 pm. cocc.edu
DIY Canning
Pickle, preserve or can vegetables from your garden or turn fruit into jams, jellies and spreads at workshops and classes through the OSU Extension programs. Canning Fruits, Fruit Pie Fillings, Jams & Jellies $12. June 13, 6-9 pm
Canning Pickles, Tomatoes & Salsa $12. June 27, 6-9 pm. extension.oregonstate.edu
Summer Bites
Let the Well Traveled Fork show you how to Make the Most of your CSA Box with recipes that utilize locally grown fruits and vegetables, or take your next summer barbecue to the next level with Easy Entrees for Great Summer Parties at Ginger's Kitchenware in the Old Mill.
Shoot It
Take photographs that reveal your hottest summer adventures in the best light by utilizing basic composition techniques taught in the COCC Community Learning class Wildland Photography. $65. August 9- August 10, cocc.edu
Paint the Town
Grab your easel and head outside with the Art Station. Classes held at Shevlin Park, on the banks of the Deschutes River, and on the shores of Elk Lake teach budding artists how to capture the fleeting moments of summer on canvas. Art by the Water $35. June 29, Aug. 10, Aug. 31. 313 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr. 541-617-1317. www.artscentraloregon.org
Monkey See, Monkey Do
Get a firm grasp on the skills needed to climb Smith Rock at Bend Rock Gym. Classes and clinics cover knot tying, climbing commands and belaying designed to get you up and down Monkey Face safely. Climbing 101, $30. 1182 SE Centennial Ct., Bend. (541) 388-6764. www.bendrockgym.com
Kum-ba-ya
An intro guitar or harmonica class at the Cascade School of Music can help you drop it like it's hot around campfires all summer long. Total Beginner Guitar $135. June 17-28. 200 NW Pacific Park Lane, Bend. (541) 382-6866. www.ccschoolofmusic.org
Kick Rocks
Show off your skills identifying flora, fauna and the varied geological features of Central Oregon on your next summer hike, taught by the experts at Deschutes Land Trust and through the OSU Extension Program. Flowers and Forest Ecology, Metolius Preserve, Free. July 6. www.deschuteslandtrust.org. Hiking Newberry Crater Area: The Paulina Series, $85. Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21, Aug. 28. www.cocc.edu
Backpacking Basics
REI offers Backpacking Basics with instruction on planning, preparation and the right gear that will have you trekking along the Pacific Coast Trail in no time. Backpacking Basics free. June 13, 6-7:30pm. 380 SW Powerhouse Dr., Bend. (541) 385-0594. www.rei.com
Biking 101
Want to join the ranks of spandex-clad road warriors or get dirty in your first cyclocross, but not sure where to start? Powered By Bowen offers weekly clinics to get you on the road or the trail in no time flat. Beginner and Junior Weekly Cyclocross Clinics, $50. 225 NE Lafayette Ave.www.poweredbybowen.com
Women Who Shred
Women can learn the skills they need to mountain bike like a pro at Grit Clinics. Sign up at Pine Mountain Sports. Grit Clinic, $250. June 15-16. 255 SW Century Dr. (541) 385-8080. www.gritclinics.com
Running Hot
Learn how to run (or how to run faster) at FootZone's Good Form Running Clinics or try Fleet Feet's 5K and 10K training programs for beginners that include training programs and structured runs and walks. Good Form Running Clinic July 9, Aug. 13, free. 845 NW Wall St., Bend. www.footzonebend.com. Run Happy 10K Training Program July 20–Aug. 24, $60. 1320 NW Galveston, Bend. (541) 389-1601. www.fleetfeetbend.com
Tennis Anyone?
You don't have to be a member of the Athletic Club of Bend to take tennis lessons from the pros. Drop-in clinics and private lessons are available all summer long. One 90-minute clinic, $17. 61615 Athletic Club Dr., Bend. (541) 385-3062. www.athleticclubofbend.com
Eye of the Tiger
Widgi Creek, Tetherow, Pronghorn, Lost Tracks, Rivers Edge, Brasada and Awbrey Glen are a few of the spectacular golf courses in Central Oregon. And each one has a pro on hand ready to take a duffer in the hazards all the way to the sweet spot. SW
