Maine Paddling Connection Blog
Back in November last year Tim Chandler of TRY Standup and myself started talking about an ACA L3 Surf SUP Instructor Certification Course in California. California is known for surf and this course has never been delivered in this state. A few months of back and forth emails and Tim was at work organizing and hosting the course.
Read MoreWhen three days disappear in a blink, you know it's fun. We had a solid group of eleven made up of eight candidates and three Instructors. The real kicker for this weekend is that every single person brought something to the course, most notably their fun personalities and willingness to learn and contribute.
Read MoreFifteen years ago when I was in my first year of paddling I got some great advice from a mentor. "Don't worry about the certifications" he said, "focus on your paddling." From that point on I've never taken an assessment until I was absolutely, positively sure I was ready and able to pass.
Read MoreAwesome course! A great venue, a great assistant and ten qualified, well experienced standup paddlers added up to one fun weekend. I think everyone walked away super stoked on standup paddling with a bunch of new friends and energy for our sport. For three solid days we worked on personal paddling skills, teaching skills, rescue skills, safety, judgement, leadership and ambassadorship for sup.
Read MoreTomales Bay is an incredibly beautiful Northern California paddling destination loaded with wildlife on land and in the water. It's a spectacular hiking and paddling destination with a diverse climate and weather conditions. Wind is usually on the menu after 11am and downwinding is one of the best activities on the bay. Jeff Burton paddles Tomales Bay a ton and runs a great paddling blog called Paddle Standing Up.
Read MoreOn Wednesday we began a 3-day SUP Instructor Workshop in Newport Beach with 9 Instructor Candidates with a wide range of skill and educational background. Candidates came from all over California for three intensive days of paddling, teaching & learning.
These courses are designed for experienced standup paddlers with solid Level two skills. Over the course of the workshop we attempt to progress each candidates skills by breaking strokes & maneuvers down into pieces and reinforcing paddling concepts.
Read MoreWhat a fun weekend on San Francisco Bay! Cindy & Steve Scherrer came down from WA to help me run an American Canoe Association Level 1/2 SUP Instructors Certification Workshop for 6 potential candidates. We had a great team of paddlers with a ton of learning going on and super support from all. In the end, we certified four new Level 1 Instructors and two new Level 2 Instructors - success!
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