May Sea Kayak Memorial Day Weekend on Lake Superior - ACA Instructor Development Weekend - May (26) 27-29, 2023

May Sea Kayak Memorial Day Weekend on Lake Superior - ACA Instructor Development Weekend - May (26) 27-39, 2023

(The training begins on Saturday morning May 27 and concludes on Monday afternoon on May 29. Travel to arrive in Washburn WI on Friday night May 26. Return to Madison on Monday evening.)

Leaders: An ACA Instructor Trainer, a few of my fellow ACA instructors, and I will be leading this specific weekend. 

My goal is to develop skilled paddlers, instructors, and leaders in a safe fun-filled weekend.

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.

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 on Lake Superior and nearby inland lakes.

Who: Solid SK1 rating and seak kayak paddling experience. Standard swim test required. If you are sincerely interested, available for the specific dates, feel free to contact me. 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, Covid-19 booster, and symptom free are 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, teaching, and leadership skills. This also will open opportunities for ACA certification moving forward.

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 here in Wisconsin in and near one of our favorite Great Lakes - Lake Superior.

The expectation is that you will develop and grow your skills throughout the weekend. With a lot of opportunities for mentored hands-on skills development and practice.

When: The Training Dates are May 27-29, 2023 (Most folks will arrive on Friday afternoon May 26, 2023.)

Where: Washburn WI (With indoor classroom activiies and camping/lodging near our water venues for training and practice)

Cost: The final price will depend on number of participants. The goal is to make this accessible and reasonably affordable. (Camping/lodging, instruction, instructional materials, paddling gear, and some food will be included in the cost.)

Boats/Gear: All available through the Hoofers Outing Club at no additional cost.

What: ACA instructor Development Workshop (In preparation for earning L3 Instructor Certification.)

Goals (Learn & Earn):
1. Learn/refine paddling, safety, teaching, and leadership skills.
2. Preparation to Earn ACA Instructor Certification at level that matches the skills you demonstrate.

Let's go and grow as a paddling community.

Note: There will also likely be one or two opportunities this and next semester for paddling and skills practice and knowledge sessions to help prepare and refresh skills and knowledge prior to this trip. The upcoming pool sessions to be posted on the calendar are excellent opportunities to learn, practice, and prepare for the upcoming season.

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!