RE:[Paddlewise] (Paddlewise) "ACA Techniques" (was Paddle Float division)

From: A. Hurley <ahurley_at_viewit.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 01:55:03 -0400 (EDT)
Hi Matt,

At some risk in posting (!) (I'm really looking to see what the favorite
GPS is these days after needing my exact position in fog), and maybe this
has been answered, but -

The main thing is that to be certified as an ACA instructor you have to
show you can get in using a paddle float but without the shaft being
attached. The shaft of the paddle rests aft of the coming.

This is what I use as criteria in certifying. My program is modeled after the staff at Univ. Minnesota Diluth as well as
my initial trainers from Maine. I've noticed lately  that California or
West Coast seem to have some methods that vary.

The ACA does allow some leeway between trainers, however - as one person
put it recently it like taking the same class from different professors at
a university - they might have a different emphasis.

To get certified at the most basic level one needs to be able to show the
skill and then also to teach it. In this case, coming up in front of or
behind the shaft is left up to the individual - I know some like it one
way and others like it another - and some can't do it one way but can do
it the other way (esp. in terms of beginners.)

When teaching beginners it is usual, I believe, to show using the paddle
under the bungies, and if you have it, like your design, affixing the
system together....

I certainly teach beginners to look for boats that have the system behind
the cockpit.

How did this all come about, anyway?

Andree

Andree Hurley
Kayak Instruction eXcellence (KIX)
Websites - http://www.onwatersports.com/, http://paddling.about.com
Brochure: http://onwatersports.com/KIX/KixBrochure.pdf
Port Townsend, WA

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Received on Tue Jul 29 2003 - 22:55:08 PDT

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