Instruction

All levels of instruction share the common goal of excellent education. Everything we know about a learning or a growth mindset has been tracked to a sense of belonging. As a client, you can expect support in discerning what level of instruction is best for you as a boater and that you have the proper equipment to be comfortable in that environment. You can also expect the social environment in the courses to go beyond the idea that “all are welcome”. A PSI course environment is designed with many kinds of people in mind. My courses are designed with you in mind. Finally, good education comes from many modes of engagement. You can expect to learn through:

Trying new stokes, techniques, maneuvers and mindsets.

Formal Instruction and Demonstration

Coaching, as in “Yes! That! Do more of that!” and adjustment. “Keep that and that, but try changing this.”

Self analysis and guided reflection.

Video Analysis (only for private or multi day instruction, or instructor development)

A social environment in which trying hard enough to tip over is celebrated!

A responsive course environment. You will be asked for goals, about how the course is going, about what you might like more or less of, and you will be invited to help set boundaries for yourself and as a group.

Introduction to Paddling

venues: flatwater and gently moving current

You can expect skill development, water venue selection, and pacing of activities to meet your learning style and risk tolerance. The focus will begin with comfort, learning how to adjust the fit of your boat and your gear to your body. After one day of instruction you will have tried all of the fundamental skills—many of them multiple times!—and you will be on your way to boat, body and paddle blade control. 

Introduction to Moving Water

venues: flatwater and introduction to rapids

Perhaps you have already worked with me at the introductory level, or have been away from the sport for a while. Instruction at this level will review fundamentals on flatwater before applying them to current, and then to rapids up to Class I-2. At this stage we will focus on comfort and control, but also on composure when things don’t quite go as planned. Getting out of an upside down boat in moving water, and both self rescue and assisted rescues are covered here with the idea that you will increase self sufficiency as a boater.

Intermediate Instruction

venues: drills in easy rapids and running harder rapids

This level of instruction supports boaters who already have experience in rapids and want to polish technique for effectiveness, efficiency or elegance! This course can also help aspiring instructors polish demonstrations. Venue selection will include moving back and forth from easier rapids and features, to flatwater drills, and back to running more challenging rapids up to Class II. Working on rescuing others from your boat, introductions to bracing and rolling your boat, and making hard moves in easier water will prepare us to move into more challenging river terrain.

Beyond Intermediate

venues: drills in harder rapids, preparing for specific rivers

This type of instruction is for boaters who have a roll and are beginning to work on it in moving water. Skills like surfing waves and holes for fun or to get where you want to go, catching micro eddies, using slackwater and backferrying are all covered. Maintaining composure and elegance during harder maneuvers or heavier rapids is emphasized. Drills and training will be in flatwater, Class I and II. We will run rapids up to Class III.

Advanced

venues: training in moderate terrain, in preparation for difficult and expert terrain

Boaters seeking Advanced instruction should have a reliable moving water roll and composure in Class II-III water, including during long swims. Like all other instruction offered, this course will use flatwater and easier moving water venues to develop good habits before testing them in the most challenging parts of rapids, or in selecting skill appropriate routes through very challenging terrain. Venues up to Class III-IV may be explored depending on availability.

Swiftwater Rescue Training

venues: easy and moderate moving water terrain, as well as flatwater and dry land preparation

Chance favors the prepared boater. 

We practice river rescue to know what our limits are in responding to a real emergency. We practice because it’s fun! And we practice because we might need it.

These skills are just as important for us to keep sharp as our boating skills! Even if you have covered these skills somewhere before, use this training as an opportunity to refresh, to train in a supportive environment, or simply to experience the skill taught in a different way or practiced in a new environment.

Skills covered include:

Swimming, Throw Rope Use, Wading, Boat Based Rescue, Tethered Rescue, Rigging/Mechanical Advantage, and Leadership/Scene Management.

Instructor Development and Certification

Some of the best boaters make only fair instructors. Teaching is a specific skill set that takes practice and a clear understanding of cultivating a learning mindset, especially in people different from us. 

Instructor development and certification will be modeled on ACA standards, and will also draw on extensive experience training faculty in the river program at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Expect to be supported and challenged in: boating skills, teaching/coaching skills, technical knowledge of paddlesports, and risk management/rescue.

Here is more information on American Canoe Association standards for courses and Instructors.