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  Channel NewsAsia, 26 Mar 05
Paddle Lodge offers kayaking on pristine waters of MacRitchie Reservoir
By S Ramesh

MacRitche Reservoir has always been a popular spot for avid joggers and brisk walkers. But from now on enthusiastic paddlers too can make their way there to the new Paddle Lodge, rent a kayak and hit the waters. Water-lovers can now give crowded beaches a miss.

As part of the PUB's initiative to open up reservoirs for water sports, the new Paddle Lodge now offers kayaking on the pristine waters of MacRitchie.

"It's very good, very relaxing here, they will enjoy here," said one paddler. "The atmosphere is different and we get to experience a reservoir instead of the sea where there is current," said one student.

Even Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim couldn't resist giving it a shot. It's not the first time the reservoir has seen water sports action - the Singapore Canoeing National team has already been training there for more than a year.

Chua Kee Huat, President, Singapore Canoe Federation, said: "For our paddling community, it's a great response. Schools have been very interested to move in here for a long. This is going to be training ground for some of our schools and the national team."

A public survey done amongst 2,000 people last year showed that nearly 80 per cent of them were interested in recreational activities in reservoirs. So the PUB has opened up the Bedok and MacRitche reservoirs for these activities for now and more such reservoirs are in the pipeline.

Amidst the enjoyment, the environment watchers also have an important message for all Singaporeans - just remember to keep the waterways and the surroundings clean. - CNA

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