helen2o

I love kayaking so much I want to share it with others. And, while you don’t have to be certified to teach I felt it important to seek my Level 4 whitewater kayaking certification from the ACA about eight years ago. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of sharing my passion for this sport. I’ve taught husbands and wives, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. The biggest compliment anyone has ever paid me is when I see them back on the river the next year. That means my introduction to the sport sparked something inside them.

My philosophy in teaching beginners is to teach them to stay upright. Others may focus on the kayak roll, but I figure you need to learn how to stay upright first… then learn to roll. Also, teaching rolling can take time and I feel is best done one-on-one. I also think a good basic whitewater course is good for anyone new to the sport. The ACA requires that river safety and river reading skills be taught as part of their curriculum and I’m a big believer in education.

Below are the classes I’m scheduled to teach this summer through the Birmingham Canoe Club. I’m also available for private instruction — just use the contact form.

2012 Instruction:

July 20 – 22, 2012 – Location Hiwassee River, Reliance, Tenn. Three days of instruction taking you from the lake to whitewater in a day.

August 18 – 19 – Intermediate Clinic – River TBD Optional half-day roll session on Aug. 17. Students for this class need to have at least a 50/50 combat roll. The course will work advanced strokes, fast water ferries, “s” turns, elevator moves, and much more.

August 31 – Sept. 2 – If I have enough interest I will put a third beginner class on the calendar. So if you didn’t get in a June or July class let me know and I’ll put your name on the list.