Kayak racing is available in the region.

One local kayaking club — headed by Susan Przybylek of Sarver — isn't interested.

“I don't see us going in that direction,” Przybylek said.

“Count me out of that,” said Ruth Fertelmes of Cabot.

“Not for me,” said Donna Mastascusa of Saxonburg.

These ladies aren't into kayaking for the competition. Peacefulness, companionship and activity are among their reasons for hitting the water.

Przybylek is 77 years old. Fertelmes is 68, Mastascusa 67. A fourth member of the group, Odessa Garlick of Sarver, is 80.

Przybylek formed the informal kayaking club through a Tuesday book club she belongs to at the Saxonburg library. She has been kayaking for years now.

“I've always enjoyed being out on the lake,” she said. “We don't do the rivers because we like the calmer water.

“I wanted to find other women near my age to join me, to form a club. It's good exercise and it's always a fun time getting together. There's only four of us right now and I'm hoping to find more.”

The women get together once or twice a week once the weather warms up, have lunch, then go on the lake for an hour to 90 minutes.

When they pack up their kayaks and head home, they'll often times stop somewhere for ice cream beforehand.

“We just enjoy each other's company,” Garlick said.

They used to rent kayaks at North Park, but each owns her own now. They use 27-pound kayaks approximately eight feet in length. They dock, load and unload the kayaks from their vehicles themselves.

“That was my concern when I first joined the club,” Mastacusa admitted. “Would we be able to load and unload these things, get them in and out of the water ourselves? But these are compact and light. It's really not difficult at all.

“I only started this last year, but kayaking is something I've always wanted to do. Now it's something I can scratch off my bucket list.”

The women kayak at North Park and have since added Glade Run as a destination since that lake reopened recently. Przybylek is one of the eight people who started the Glade Run Lake Conservancy.

She said the group may try Lake Arthur this year as well.

Garlick bought her kayak only last year. She said the paddling isn't very physically taxing.

“We're not about speed or going fast,” she said. “We're out there spending time together on the lake in a very peaceful and calm atmosphere. We'll glide through the water side-by-side, almost as if we're walking.

“Beung out there with nature is just a beautiful thing.”

Garlick remains physically active besides kayaking. She swims at the YMCA in Natrona Heights three times a week and rides a bicycle.

“I've got a big dog, too, who likes to go to the park quite a bit,” she said, laughing.

Fertelmes described the kayaking ckub as “a very positive experience.”

“It's good exercise and good company ... and it's fun,” she said. “You can always rent one, but buy a kayak, use it for a year and it's paid for itself.

The quartet is looking to increase its company.

Anyone interested in joining the group may inquire at the Saxonburg library or call Przybylek at 724-353-1359.

“Anyone is welcome. We're not limited to older women,” Mastascusa said. “We just won't race. It's peaceful on the lake and we like it that way.”