Kelly is an ACA Open Water Instructor and your BCU Regional Coaching Officer here in the Midwest.

Kayaking One:

Running Time: 4-5 hours

Class Size: 4

This course will cover the fundamentals of propulsion, support, and maneuvering strokes as well as rescues and towing. Also covered will be basic gear and safety needs. Students should come prepared to work and get a little wet. I provide the challenges and fun.

Kayaking, Too:

Running Time: 4-5 hours

Class Size: 4

You have the basics down, so what’s next? Taking those skills and applying them to real situations to see if they work. With the introduction of wind, current, and boat movement, we will work on making your strokes effective. Kayaking One got you started—Kayaking, Too will keep you going.

Expedition Workshop:

Running Time: 3 days on the water; 1 day of classroom

Class Size: 4

Ever wanted to set out on your own? Live, self sufficient, from your kayak and ride the waves to your next destination? Do you worry about coming back to tell anyone about it? Well, now you can. I am proud to offer an Expedition Workshop which trains you on the water as to the “in’s and out’s” of overnight sea kayaking. The focus will be on crisis management, effective gear, efficient paddling techniques, and, of course, an enjoyable paddling experience. Other topics covered will be navigation, weather, packing for tripping, and environment.

Rescue Workshop:

Running Time: 4-6 hours

Class Size: 6

Staying dry is not an option in this class! Participants should be prepared to be the “hero” and the “damsel in distress” while learning the latest techniques of self and group rescues. Since the vast majority of kayakers experience the necessity for an efficient rescue within the first few months of paddling, this class will help you become a vital member of any kayaking group.

Paddle Smart Workshop:

Running Time: 5-7 hours

Class Size: 6

Requirements: Must have boat, standard paddling kit recommended, open mind optional

If you think that kayaking is only for the strong or the paddlers with the coolest, most expensive gear, then you have some learnin’ to do! This class is designed to separate the cavemen and gear-heads from the paddlers. We will be on the water dissecting the most effective strokes and the most popular gear to find out what works and what does not through a series of “what if” scenarios. Expect to get wet, have a laugh, and learn a ton about yourself, your boat, and your gear. It’s fun to break things even if it is just common misconceptions.

“Make Do” Sea Kayaking Course:

Running Time: 5-7 hours

Class Size: 6

This is an expedition class based on a minimalist attitude. Traveling light allows you to focus on what is important…the experience. We will cover survival skills, most valuable gear, thinking out of the box with what you have, and crisis management in worst-case scenarios. Also covered will be effective paddling technique basics and how to maximize your energy-to-efficiency ratio.

BCU Classes

BCU 3 star

Description:

The 3 star award signifies that the paddler is of an intermediate level in kayaking, possessing a full range of well-developed strokes, effective braces, and solid rescue skills. This is a prerequisite for the BCU Level 2 Coach Training.

Need an official syllabus?

3 Star Training

Running Time: 15 hours (2 days)

Class Size: 2-6

Requirements:

            None

3 Star Training- Quick Start

Running Time: 8 hours

Class Size: 2-6

Requirements:

BCU 3 star assessment:

Running Time: 6 hours

Class Size: 2-4

Requirements:

            None; BCU 3 Star Training recommended.
 

BCU 4 star Sea

Description:

A 4 star Sea Kayaking award is applicable to people interested in journeying on open bodies of water and camping. A 4 star paddler should be comfortable on 2 to 4 foot seas.  Also, this award means that the paddler has a solid understanding of environment, navigation, and group dynamics within the confines of a day paddle.

This is a prerequisite for a BCU Level 3 Coach Training.

Need an official syllabus?

4 Star Training

Running Time: 15 hours

Class Size: 2-6

Requirements:

            BCU 3 star

4 Star Sea Training- Quick Start

Running Time: 8 hours

Class Size: 2-6

Requirements:

            3 star

Need an official syllabus?

BCU 4 Star Assessment

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

Requirements:

            BCU 3 Star. BCU 4 Star Sea Training is recommended.

BCU Canoe Safety Test (Training and Assessment)

Description:

This one-day training and assessment covers the basics of rescues and safety for kayaks and canoes. The course will cover basic first aid, group and self rescues, and environmental issues common to the sport. An excellent course for anyone interested in kayaking and a prerequisite for BCU Level 2 Coach Training.

Need an official syllabus?

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

BCU Level 2 Coach Training

Description:

This is the appropriate award for someone wishing to introduce beginners to paddling in placid water such as inland lakes or protected bays in the Great Lakes or oceans. This class covers various teaching methods, learner types, and group management. Students will be expected to have solid 3 star skills that are “text book” enough for a visual learner.

Need an official syllabus?

Running Time: 15 hours (2 days)

Class Size: 2-6

Requirements:

            BCU 3 Star, Canoe Safety Test, and First Aid & CPR

BCU Level 2 Coach Assessment

Description:

This is the appropriate award for someone wishing to introduce beginners to paddling in placid water such as inland lakes or protected bays in the Great Lakes or oceans.

Need an official syllabus?

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

Requirements:

            BCU Level 2 Coach Training

ACA Classes

ACA Quick Start

Description:

This class is designed for a beginning paddler to familiarize himself with the basics of kayaking. The course will cover everything from getting into a boat for the first time to effectively paddling with confidence and safety.

Need an official syllabus?

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

ACA Flat Water Workshop

Description:

For those newer paddlers of the world, we offer this class that builds on existing skills to raise the competency level of the kayaker. A perfect class for someone who is interested in getting into more aggressive paddling situations and would like to polish and refine abilities.

Need an official syllabus? (coming soon)

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

ACA Coastal Kayaking Workshop

Description:

Interested in getting out in the Great Lakes or oceans? Here is the training course for you. The student will be taken out into more exposed conditions and paddle some miles.

Need an official syllabus? (coming soon)

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

ACA Open Water Workshop

Description:

If you are interested in getting out with the big boys (and girls!) in waves, wind, and current, then you are in the right place. The conditions for this award are 2-3 foot waves with winds up to 25 miles per hour. If you want a true kayaking experience, this class will offer it up to you.

Need an official syllabus? (coming soon)

Running Time: 6-8 hours

Class Size: 2-4

INSURANCE

Under ACA sponsored events, Kelly will handle all issues related to insurance. Any charges will be passed directly to the clients. If the event is not booked ten days prior, there will be a $25.00 late fee. It is free for all ACA members, and $6.00 per event for non-ACA members, due before the start of the class. This is the standard ACA policy, and is subject to change. There is also a charge for a named third party. Please visit the ACA website for the most current information.