Paddlesport Institute
Jordan Taylor
Meet PSI Founder, Jordan Taylor
Jordan Taylor began instructing in whitewater in 1993. Since then work in paddlesports has included multiple college outdoor programs, as senior faculty in the North Carolina Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School river programs, as Head Instructor at Ontario’s Madawaska Kanu Centre, as a Senior Instructor at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center, as a guest Instructor at Zoar Outdoor in Massachusetts, as well as with Precision Paddlesports, the Canoe, Kayak and Paddle Company (CKAPCO), and most recently the Calleva River School as the Director of Professional Development programming.
Jordan is certified as an ACA Instructor Trainer Educator in Whitewater Kayaking (L4), as a Solo and Tandem Instructor Trainer in Whitewater Canoeing (L4) and in Swiftwater Rescue. They are certified as an Instructor in Advanced Swiftwater Rescue (L5), and in Advanced Whitewater Kayak (L5). Jordan’s medical certification is currently as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) through NOLS Wilderness Medicine.
“As water moves through the bed of a river it flows and surges along its shortest available path to something larger than itself. Rocks, ledges and constrictions may create turbulence in that path, but in that same turbulence, whitewater paddlesports find their home. I have been making the river my home for decades and I consistently feel blessed by the ways each stretch of river is both novel and familiar. Each stroke, each maneuver, each splash in the face or shriek-giggle-whoop reminds me that in the water’s mandate to follow gravity, I am uplifted. The only question I have been unable to answer clearly for myself is which I prefer more: boating on rivers myself, or instructing others. Either way, the river demands an acuity of focus in the moment. Our mind cannot be elsewhere. In that focused moment, we benefit from preparation and training, which are their own kind of structured turbulence. At the confluence of preparation and presence in the moment, we find our own poise under pressure.”
Testimonials
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"Jordan is actively transforming mainstream whitewater culture by creating truly positive learning environments for students at all levels. On this [ACA Instructor Certification Workshop], Jordan effectively designed spaces and classrooms on the river that say, “this place was designed with you in mind.” They effectively balanced rigor in training with fun and silliness on the water. Jordan spreads calm on and off the water and [sets a tone] where it is safe emotionally and physically to ask questions, make mistakes and take social and boating risks."
Teresa Miller, NOLS Rocky Mountain River Base-Program Manager, Participant-ACA Instructor Update
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"Jordan is one on a very short list of paddlesport instructors that I recommend to paddlers that I work with. Jordan's sincere, thoughtful, and mindful approach for connecting with the learners he works with is inspiring, unique, and impressive. Additionally, Jordan is a skilled practitioner and applies a theory-based approach to his instructional practice."
Ben Morton, ACA Instructor Trainer Educator
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"Jordan is not just an excellent kayaking instructor, but an exceptional educator. Their instructor course offered great structure that transferred really well to working on the water with students. They also offer the opportunity to fine tune personal boating skills, all in an environment that invited sharing of a wide array of lived experience and techniques. I found the use of a consistent feedback structure and video review particularly impactful. I will continue to value the opportunity to train with an amazing mentor like Jordan."
Hallie Holland, ACA Kayak Instructor Course participant
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"It was an absolute joy having Jordan provide polished, professional instruction for whitewater kayaking and swiftwater rescue students at our outfitter last summer. He has the ability to read a situation and educate with elegance, always keeping risk management and fun for all at the forefront! Jordan’s extensive educational background also lends to his instructional prowess- working with him always provides insight into the teaching process. Any student of whitewater will learn something from Jordan on the river."
Kate Stepan, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center - River Instructor and Guide Manager / NOLS- River Instructor
More Resources for your learning outside of Paddlesports:
For men who have experienced sexual mistreatment: 1in6.org
For training on systemic racism: racialequityinstitute.com
To better understand Indigenous and Ancestral Lands: native-land.ca
To better understand gender expansive use of pronouns: mypronouns.org
Jordan Taylor’s Paddling YouTube Channel
Other Trusted Paddlesport Educators:
Ben Morton with Precision Paddlesports
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