KIX Newsletter February-March, 2003

Folks from the Fall Coastal Kayak Instructors Course

Kayak Instruction Excellence
Folks from the Fall Coastal Kayak Instructors Course

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February-March 03

Newsletter, February-March 2003

Just Some Quick News

Our last instructor development workshop introduced me to some great new people, as you can see from the photograph! I hope to see several from this workshop and the spring workshop in our May certification course!

Darker days of fall and winter - unable to engage in morning gardening I've switched over to sewing new fleece clothes! My goal is to wear as little as possible under my drysuit and stay as warm as possible. I've have tops, pants and a vest made from various Polartec fabrics - all from http://www.seattlefabrics.com or http://www.maldenmillsstore.com/. They have some very simple patterns for leggings and bicycle jersey tops anyone can figure out.

After running two tours a day last summer I was glad to take a bit of time off and work on my own stuff. My shoulder has improved enough that skill work on whitewater and in the surf has been fun! The La Push Surf Pummel (http://www.kayakinstructionexcellence.com/LaPush.html) was too nasty (as it often is) but we had a great evening surf - perfect three to six foot waves at Crescent Beach - the sunset on the little bluffs was beautiful, and fresh snow highlighted the Olympics behind us.

I'm going get serious about pool slalom and bring an "English Gate" to the pool next time I go.

Last but not least I am about to become the "guide" for this web site: http://paddling.about.com. Check it out! (For one thing, I need the click-throughs!)

Upcoming Dates

February 8,9 and 15, 16 - Beginning Whitewater, Redmond - Fall City

April 4 - 6 ACA instructor development workshop, Coastal Outdoor Center(http://www.coastalkayaks.com/), St. Augustine, Florida

April 11 - 13 Port Angeles Sea Kayak Symposium (http://www.raftandkayak.com/specialevents.html ) (I'll be giving these clinics: how to demo a kayak, women and kayaking, forward stroke, figuring tides/currents, travel slide show (Baja, Bolivia, Chile, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vancouver Island.)

April 26, 27 - Whitewater for Sea Kayakers, Mountaineers Club (for club members)

March - Two day ACA Instructor Update, Seattle - write if interested

May 2 - 4 American Canoe Association Instructor Development Workshop

May 10 Strokes update with video work, rescue practice - Bowman Bay

May 11 Deception Pass - boat control and scenarios (prerequisite above)

May 16 - 18 American Canoe Association Instructor Certification Exam

May 31, June 1 - Intro to Kayak certification course

July 24th - 27th or 28th - San Juan Tour - Instruction based we will all contribute to gourmet food while we navigate about the outer islands. Begins on San Juan Island.

*deposits needed to hold spaces in above courses


NEW

Plans are in the works for corporate team building! The work I have been doing on the ropes course has given me some great ideas on how to integrate the techniques with kayaking courses and tours Write if you are interested.

Paddling Tips

Strokes - Pool Drill Stirring the paddle in the water

How to put this in words? My favorite pool (or outdoor ) drill- best done in a whitewater kayak. To start one needs to learn a stroke that reminds me of stirring a cauldron, like a big witches caldron. Rotate to the side and set-up as if to do a draw stroke. Now work on drawing a circle underwater, with the circle extending under the boat...the purpose being to turn the boat in circles using just this stroke. Use your torso as you would in the sculling draw. Keep the boat flat. Find that perfect placement, maybe a bit forward.

Now - paddle a straight length working on good torso rotation in the forward stroke. When you are ready (or before the end of the pool) slice the blade from the stern to the bow, do the cauldron move to spin the boat 180 degrees, and slice the blade to the front, and take a forward stroke. Repeat on other side at other end of the pool.

It is all done without taking the blade out of the water - promotes balance, the feel of the blade controlling the boat under the water using different angles, and it's good for the obliques and lats! If you really work up to speed and maintain it, it can be a good little workout.

Comments? Write and I'll choose some to print next time!


Instructors and instructor candidates

Remember that some of you can progress by sending in a video! Find a friend, a camera and some flat water to practice your modeling and perfect it with this immediate feedback tool.

Sale on Demo Kayaks

Last years demo Millenium and Vivienne are up for sale. I'll have them at the Port Angeles Sea Kayak Symposium if they are still available. This year I am looking to add a couple of Current Designs models.

Images/Movies

Movie clips of paddling! Movies You will need the Quicktime player from the Apple: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.


The On-line Store!

Click Here

paddling.about.com. Check it out! (For one thing, I need the click-throughs!)

My article on whitewater kayaking - City Sports NW - Whitewater Kayaking

Andree Hurley Kayak Instruction Excellence <http://www.kayakinstructionexcellence.com>http://www.kayakinstructionexcellence.com 211 Taylor Street, Suite Five Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 379-4182 (206) 669-1622 cell

Brochure - Brochure

              
              
              

Download the Course Schedule and Brochure. (PDF)

Sign-up sheet. (PDF)
Deposits are required for each course. If an attendee cancels within two weeks prior to the course, we will refund all but $50.00 kept for processing. After two weeks no refund will occur due to scheduling of instructors, rooms and other costs associated with logistics.
A signed liability waiver is required before each class begins.
Visa and Mastercard Accepted through our sister website, viewit.com

Map to Port Townsend
The green area to the northeast is the area Fort Worden is in. You can use your mouse to make the map larger.
Once you get to Port Townsend, you will see signs to Fort Worden.

Directions to Oak Bay Park

*Note: If you are flying in and need kayak rental, we can arrange that for you in Port Townsend. Please let us know in advance. You can also check Kayak Port Townsend

Lodging: As many are on a budget, recommended lodging is the hostel, ((360) 385-0655), which is adjacent to the building we like to use. The hostel is $17.00 per night, add on $8.00 if you get a private room (reserved for couples except during a slow season.
We have also recently recommended the Quimper Inn Bed and Breakfast. The phone number is 800-557-1060.

Kayak Instruction Excellence (KIX)

Location: 211 Taylor Street, Port Townsend, WA, 98368
Phone:

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