RE: [Paddlewise] Taking some kayaking lessons

Hi All,

This has been an interesting thread for me to read as an instructor.  I
would say don't be surprised if your experience is different from everyone
else's even if they have taken lessons from the same instructor.  I think
that a good instructor tailors his instruction to the students.  Given that
there is a limited amount of time the instructor needs to decide on the
priorities for that particular lesson and do his best to teach them.  In
addition each student "hears" things differently and will remember different
aspects of a lesson.  That to me is the challenge and reward of being an
instructor, finding a way to reach each individual student and work with
their learning style rather than expecting them to work with my teaching
style.

Students learn at different rates.  I have students that absorb each facet
of a particular skill as quickly as I can dish them out.  I have other
students that struggle with even the most basic of concepts.  This in part
explains some of the difference in experience of the students.  If I have a
student that is struggling with the most basic coordination of the forward
stroke, then I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about starting my
stroke with my feet, or how important it is to relax the hands.  A good
forward stroke has so many individual components it's like asking students
to walk, talk, chew gum, juggle, and compose a symphony all at the same
time.  I like to build a foundation and then add to and refine the stroke
from there.  I mention the components during my pre-paddle talk but that may
be the end of it.  Sometimes this results in one student saying to the next
"oh well he never mentioned that to me" and to me that's part of giving
appropriate information at the appropriate time.  There is no sense in
teaching a cross bow draw before a sweep.

In a short lesson (2 hours) on basic paddling technique I would expect the
following.

An on shore discussion that covered basic strokes:

Forward, Back, Sweep and Draw.

A discussion about wet exiting and capsize.

Adjusting fit and footbraces.

Ease of entry and exit without capsize (and yes I teach using the paddle for
entry).

Introduction to the J-lean or hip control of the boat.

When on the water there are a couple of things that I really want the
student to learn above all else.  I want them to get a sense of wearing the
boat and controlling it with their hips.  This helps teach them that they
are responsible for keeping the boat right side up.  I want them to have a
really nice sweep stroke and a sense of how to apply it to going straight.
I would rather have a student leave with a good sweep and a weak forward
stroke than the other way around.  They will work on their forward stroke
every time they are in a boat, some of them will never think about the sweep
again until they really need it.  I never allow the use of a rudder during
class.  And I want to see as efficient a forward stroke as is possible in
this period of time.

I hope that when a student leaves that I have given them tools to work with
to advance beyond what they have learned in the lesson.  I hope that they
understand what the elements of the skills we worked on are so that they can
continue to refine them.  I hope that they have got the message that taking
rescue classes is a must do, and that they practice them regularly.  I try
to suggest some appropriate resources that will allow them to progress
beyond where they are at present.  I hope that when all is done that the
students leave enthused and inspired but with a realistic idea of their
present skill levels; that is, just because you did a successful rescue in
the lake doesn't mean it will work in rough water.

And oh yeah, I like all of this to happen in an atmosphere that is fun safe
and as controlled as possible.  I'm sure I've forgotten something here but
those are the basics.

Enjoy your lessons and give your instructor feedback good or bad.

Cheers,

 "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin



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