September - Sea Kayak Rough Water Training & ACA Skills/Instructor Development - Lake Superior

September Sea Kayak Rough Water Training & ACA Skills/Instructor Development - Lake Superior

Dates September (23)24-27, 2021

(The training begins on Friday morning September 24 and concludes on Monday afternoon on September 27. Travel to arrive in Washburn WI on Thursday night. Return to Madison on Monday evening.)

There is an option to choose to attend part or all of the weekend.

Leaders: I will be co-leading a portion of this training trip with an ACA Instructor Trainer and a few other ACA instructors.

My goal is to develop skilled paddlers, instructors, and leaders.

Please sign up on the wait list if you are sincerely interested. Final participant list will be at the leader's discretion. Space is limited by class size & lodging/campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.

This rough water sea kayaking event is for capable paddlers looking to advance their knowledge/skills of navigation, weather, wind, and waves to safely develop in more challenging coastal and open water environments. Points of emphasis will include adapting paddling skills to rough water conditions, safety/rescue skills, group leadership, and risk management.

Paddlers will benefit from expert ACA training on Lake Superior between the Bayfield Peninsula of Wisconsin and the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan. Venues include the Apostle Islands National Shoreline (including the Meyer's Beach Sea Caves), Porcupine Mountain State Park, and Black River Harbor. Each day will include an integration of classroom didactic instruction with on water training in conditions on Lake Superior.

Who: Ideally, SK2p/SK2 rating and recent paddling in rough conditions. Standard swim test required. A strong SK1 with whitewater experience may also be possible. If you are sincerely interested, available for the specific dates, and are aware of the rough/cold conditions involved, feel free to contact me. (If you are solidly moving towards the SK2 and are interested (but not quite there yet), we can discuss on a case by case basis. I would be happy to discuss my previous experiences with you.)

COVID-19 Precautions: Full Covid-19 vaccination is required prior to the event date.

Boats/Gear: Most of the needed boats and gear can be made available through the club and/or through our local host in Washburn WI. Please email me directly to make arrangements. Wearing wetsuits with synthetic underlayers (your own), paddling jacket, helmet, and other essential personal paddling gear of pfd, spray skirt are required.

Personal Gear: Synthetic under-layers (no cotton), paddling gloves/pogies, thermal cap. A drysuit is strongly recommended. For a drysuit, I would highly recommend that you contact Kayak Academy and arrange to have a rental dry suit. (Details below.)

https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/rental-dry-suits

https://www.kayakacademy.com/pages/drysuit-guide

Future: I am hoping this type of training event provides an incentive for each of us to increase/improve our paddling and leadership skills.

Participants will also have an opportunity to earn:

(A) ACA Sea Kayak L4 Skills Assessment.

(B) Training Leading to L4 Instructor Certification.

The American Canoe Association (ACA) is the industry standard for paddle sports in North America and is a recognized standard worldwide.

Why: ACA training/certification in paddling, teaching, safety, and leadership skills is essential and highly valued for those who intend to work and/or play in the outdoors. 

Here is your opportunity close to home in one of our favorite Great Lakes.
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Please sign up on the wait list if you are sincerely interested. Final participant list will be at the leader's discretion. Space is limited by class size & lodging/campsite capacity and by leadership safety considerations.

Costs: Will be determined based on number of participants. I expect those who participate will also commit to teach and lead others in the club. You must demonstrate a commitment to lead and serve others.

This is a terrific opportunity to learn and earn in one of the sea kayaking national treasures. Let's go!