Instructors
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 (ITE) in Whitewater Kayaking (L4) Instructor Trainer (L5), as a Solo and Tandem ITE in Whitewater Canoeing (L4) Instructor (L5) and an ITE L4, Instructor (L5) Swiftwater Rescue. They currently teach Wilderness First Aid through Sierra Rescue International and hold a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) cert through NOLS Wilderness Medicine.
Founder and Owner
Laura Kurup
Laura Kurup began paddling whitewater in 2006, and spent several years traveling the country to race slalom canoe. While a single blade remains her favorite way to experience the river, Laura now spends time in anything that floats … kayak, canoe, and most recently rowing a raft on the Grand Canyon.
Laura teaches Kayak, Canoe and Swiftwater Rescue for PSI on the Potomac River, Lower Yough and our expeditions. Laura also teaches for Calleva River School.
Laura is certified as an ACA Instructor in Whitewater Kayaking (L4), as a Solo and Tandem Instructor in Whitewater Canoeing (L4) and as a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor (L4). Laura is certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and has completed the Rescue Alliance’s Psychological First Response (PFR) training.
Lead Instructor
PSI Guest Instructors
Growing an Instructor Community
Our courses, clinics and expeditions are often supported by additional ACA-certified instructors. In selecting additional instructors, PSI identifies individuals with ACA certifications, wilderness medicine credentials, demonstrated swiftwater rescue skills, and firsthand experience with the training location.
More than any single credential, we look for instructors who share our commitment to individualized coaching, genuine community, and creating an environment where every paddler feels seen, challenged, and supported from their first stroke to the last eddy of the day.
PSI also offers programming in collaboration with leading paddlesports educators across the country. For more on these opportunities, view upcoming events on our calendar.
Other Trusted Paddlesport Educators:
Ben Morton with Precision Paddlesports
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