Self assessment can be challenging, so if you need help deciding if you are best suited for the Advanced Track, give us a call at (518) 524-4117. Assuring that you are on the correct track not only helps you get the most out of the classes, but also helps the entire group move at a similar pace. Please know that we have an excellent team of instructors, so no matter the track you take you are getting great instruction.
Rolling. This class is intended for intermediate paddlers who have strong edge control and bracing skills (“Bracing and Rolling Development” would be a great prerequisite). Students must feel competent capsizing and exiting their kayak with a spray skirt on. The goal of this class is to work one on one with students to have them go through the entire rolling process. This is a challenging skill, needing stroke efficiency and body control, all while performing under water. We ask students to understand that many do not succeed in rolling initially. However, we are certain you will walk away with a better understanding of the skills needed and leave with homework to work on to increase your success rate. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info. Nose plugs or a swim mask is suggested for this class.
Open Water Adventure. This class is intended for those who have intermediate skills and are comfortable with edge control, bracing and rescues. This class also will take place over the course of a 4-6-mile paddle, so consider your stamina level. The goal of this class is to take what you have learned in the past and at the Symposium and put it to the test. While on our adventure, a series of scenarios will test self and group management skills along with a variety of paddling skills. We also intend to introduce some new skills to add to your tool box for when you are out on longer group journeys. Students will be required to have sufficient water and food to make it through this class, as we will not be close to shore. This class tends to take exertion, and we suggest planning this for the afternoon so all you have to look forward to is a shower and a lawn chair. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
Rescues and Towing 3.0. This class will give you the skills required to handle more Advanced situations that come up. We will work with scenarios that cover injured paddlers, multiple boats, damaged boats and create scenarios that mimic wind. The goal is to leave this class having confidence in using all of your rescue and towing skills in a variety of obscure situations. Prerequisites for this class are a minimum of “Rescues 2.0,” “Towing 1.0” and “Boat and Body Control 2.0.” If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
Masters Class. “Masters” class will be a 1-2 instructor to student ration max. Prior to the Symposium an agenda will be laid out over the phone between student and our Head Coach. This agenda will enable us to focus on the specific needs of the student, in building on the skills they have developed in prior Symposia or through private instruction. Along with the agenda topics, we will throw in a few challenges to see how prior developed skills are put into use on demand. This is designed for students paddling at an above intermediate level and looking to drill down to the very specifics of their paddling skills. Immersion in this class is possible, but we expect paddlers looking at this class to have the essential gear to make that manageable.
Intro to Whitewater. This class will be held on “Tour Monday,” as it will be an all day class. Why Whitewater? For starters even if you never plan to become a serious whitewater paddler, working in current will challenge all of the advanced flatwater skills you have developed through the Symposium. Are you rotating enough? Are you edging enough? Let’s see what happens when the environment becomes dynamic. How is your brace? Let’s see when it is tested in a real situation. The challenges of working in current translate well to what you see in the wind and waves of your local body of water. All of the gear needed for the class will be provided. All you need is your PFD, sturdy footwear that attaches to the foot securely and paddle clothing to accommodate multiple and sometimes prolonged immersion. A prerequisite for this class is “Boat and Body Control 2.0,” “Bracing and Rolling Development,” and “Rescues 1.0." This class will have an additional cost of $75, which includes the 3rd day at the Symposium along with all of your whitewater specific gear.
Rolling. This class is intended for intermediate paddlers who have strong edge control and bracing skills (“Bracing and Rolling Development” would be a great prerequisite). Students must feel competent capsizing and exiting their kayak with a spray skirt on. The goal of this class is to work one on one with students to have them go through the entire rolling process. This is a challenging skill, needing stroke efficiency and body control, all while performing under water. We ask students to understand that many do not succeed in rolling initially. However, we are certain you will walk away with a better understanding of the skills needed and leave with homework to work on to increase your success rate. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info. Nose plugs or a swim mask is suggested for this class.
Open Water Adventure. This class is intended for those who have intermediate skills and are comfortable with edge control, bracing and rescues. This class also will take place over the course of a 4-6-mile paddle, so consider your stamina level. The goal of this class is to take what you have learned in the past and at the Symposium and put it to the test. While on our adventure, a series of scenarios will test self and group management skills along with a variety of paddling skills. We also intend to introduce some new skills to add to your tool box for when you are out on longer group journeys. Students will be required to have sufficient water and food to make it through this class, as we will not be close to shore. This class tends to take exertion, and we suggest planning this for the afternoon so all you have to look forward to is a shower and a lawn chair. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
Rescues and Towing 3.0. This class will give you the skills required to handle more Advanced situations that come up. We will work with scenarios that cover injured paddlers, multiple boats, damaged boats and create scenarios that mimic wind. The goal is to leave this class having confidence in using all of your rescue and towing skills in a variety of obscure situations. Prerequisites for this class are a minimum of “Rescues 2.0,” “Towing 1.0” and “Boat and Body Control 2.0.” If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
Masters Class. “Masters” class will be a 1-2 instructor to student ration max. Prior to the Symposium an agenda will be laid out over the phone between student and our Head Coach. This agenda will enable us to focus on the specific needs of the student, in building on the skills they have developed in prior Symposia or through private instruction. Along with the agenda topics, we will throw in a few challenges to see how prior developed skills are put into use on demand. This is designed for students paddling at an above intermediate level and looking to drill down to the very specifics of their paddling skills. Immersion in this class is possible, but we expect paddlers looking at this class to have the essential gear to make that manageable.
Intro to Whitewater. This class will be held on “Tour Monday,” as it will be an all day class. Why Whitewater? For starters even if you never plan to become a serious whitewater paddler, working in current will challenge all of the advanced flatwater skills you have developed through the Symposium. Are you rotating enough? Are you edging enough? Let’s see what happens when the environment becomes dynamic. How is your brace? Let’s see when it is tested in a real situation. The challenges of working in current translate well to what you see in the wind and waves of your local body of water. All of the gear needed for the class will be provided. All you need is your PFD, sturdy footwear that attaches to the foot securely and paddle clothing to accommodate multiple and sometimes prolonged immersion. A prerequisite for this class is “Boat and Body Control 2.0,” “Bracing and Rolling Development,” and “Rescues 1.0." This class will have an additional cost of $75, which includes the 3rd day at the Symposium along with all of your whitewater specific gear.