YMCA Water Exercise Leads to Friendship, and Kayaking and Volunteerism

By: Mollie Shauger | Friday, March 28, 2025 | Our Cause

Helen Pfeifer, far left, and Susan Cooper, second from left enjoy a kayaking trip with friends.

Eighteen years ago, Helen Pfiefer moved to a farm in Wantage, in Sussex County. She didn't know anyone at the time, and joined the Y to keep up with exercise. She began attending water aerobics classes at the Sussex County YMCA and quickly formed a bond with other members in the class.

“I mentioned to one of the ladies that I had a desire to kayak. She responded that she kayaked and offered to let me try. During a few classes we arranged to get together and she would help me try it out on a lake by her house. We met and it was a great experience. We talked about our kayaking experience in the next few classes,” Pfeifer said.

Soon after, more women started to join in the conversations around kayaking. 

“Within four months we had a group of eight and tried out kayaking together,” Pfeifer said. “It is 18 years later and we are still kayaking together when possible.”

The group consists of Pfeifer and six other members including Susan Cooper.

“We call ourselves the ‘Yackers’ because our social conversations at the Y brought us together and are an integral part of our kayaking, Y activities, hiking and even golf,” Pfeifer added.

Cooper estimated that they have visited between 15-20 rivers and lakes in the area, including the Delaware River. Experiences vary between peacefulness and exhilaration.

From Friends to Volunteers

Pfeifer credits Cooper with starting the group. Cooper is a longtime Y member and volunteer who leads YSWIM, a recreational water therapy program offered free by the YMCA to adults with muscular or mobility impairments. Participants in the program can use the Y pool, equipment and locker room for an hour on Mondays at no charge. A Y membership is not required.

Participants have a range of conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease. Some are recovering from surgeries. The pool helps to provide buoyancy for balance and the natural resistance needed for exercise.

Currently, about 15-20 participants and eight volunteers are involved with YSWIM. Many “Yackers,” like Cooper, have become YSWIM volunteers. The participants and volunteers in the YSWIM program have shown their appreciation through their enthusiasm and, most recently,  by donating $1000 to the annual YMCA Support Campaign.

“I found something I can see very, very clearly makes a difference in my life. I’m helping people get stronger, while getting stronger physically and mentally myself.…It doesn’t get any better than that,” Cooper said.