welshkate

I took my Instructor Development Workshop  and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)  with eNRG kayaking, based in Portland, Oregon.  We were very lucky to benefit from being taught by two very experienced, accomplished paddlers and coaches; Sam Drevo who is an ACA Instructor Trainer and Dave Hoffman, a trainee Instructor Trainer. The ACA ICE was split over two days. The first day we demonstrated our general kayaking knowledge and skills (modeling and teaching). The day was split in two; the first 1/2 was in the pool and the second 1/2 was river-based. We also covered some swiftwater rescue techniques and scenarios. It was a fun but tiring day with students giving presentations throughout the day to other ICE students (who pretended to be novices). At the conclusion of day 1, we stayed a on the river a bit longer for a little play time.

Photos (L to R): Mike about to demonstrate a wet exit to us; Dave’s c’wheel and Nick’s old skool moves in an abysmal hole. Nick you are my new hero (particularly after that paddle move on the Pacific Horizons video)