Local kayakers gathered at Bender Swimming Pool to practice their skills in a controlled environment on Sunday evening.

Ryan Dusil of Iowa City practices rolling around in his kayak during an open kayaking session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. The sessions allow people to refine their skills in a controlled environment. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Community members use the pool to practice for the open water season during an open kayaking session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Dan Goldberry of Amana smiles as he flips around during an open kayaking pool session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Instructor Dave Hillman surfaces after doing a roll during an open kayaking pool session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Shane Neuhaus of Cedar Rapids watches other kayakers dive into the pool as he puts on his helmet during an open kayaking session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Instructor Dave Hillman of Cedar Rapids gets ready to push off into the pool during an open kayaking session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Owen Soenen, 17, of Marion surfaces after doing a roll during an open kayaking sessions at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. Soenen hopes to get out on the open water this season after practicing at Bender pool. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Instructor Dave Hillman tips over Shane Neuhaus of Cedar Rapids to practice his rolls during an open kayaking pool session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. The controlled environment allows newcomers to practice skills before going out on the open water. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Ryan Dusil of Iowa City talks with Gerald Tegeler of Fairfax before getting in the pool during an open kayaking session at Bender Swimming Pool in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Photos in this gallery are available for purchase, both print and digital download for personal use. Click the image, then click the 'buy photo' button to view options and pricing.