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KAYAK INSTRUCTIONAL PROGAMS :: PowerPLAY SYMPOSIUM
PowerPLAY Symposium
with
Karen Knight and Bob Foote
So you have practiced skills and maneuvers, but are you ready to put those paddling skills into PLAY? Get plugged into the two-day PowerPLAY.
We have crafted the PowerPLAY such that each participant can achieve the most progress towards unconscious competence, the nirvana of skills achievement. When we first start learning a skill, typically we really need to think about it: concentrating on every motion, part and piece. As we become more and more competent in the skill we don’t need to think about doing it: we know we need to get somewhere and the skills and maneuvers are fluidly completed to achieve that goal.
So how do we propose to lead your skills up this path to the Promised Land of Unconscious Competence? Likely there are several ways to approach this, but typically the first step is to know where you are on the continuum of this learning curve. Second, adjust the skill as needed for proper form with practice. Third put the skill into PLAY. Lastly determine how well the skill was accomplished and get a prescription for future practice.
To obtain the most from this event, it is strongly suggested that participants attend all sessions. This program has a limited number of slots available such that each participant can achieve the most progress, so if you are interested, please reserve your spot early & call for pricing.
We are thrilled to bring back several of the great masters of the paddle sports world to assist in this endeavor. We believe you will find their presence and teaching abilities both on and off the water both captivating and motivating.
Bob Foote, influential persona in the paddling world, and among his many accolades, in 2000, Bob was named as one of Paddler Magazines Paddler of the Century and;
Karen Knight, known of by many to be a graceful, yet extremely powerful ballerina on the water. The National Champion in interpretive Freestyle Canoeing from 1996 until her retirement from competition in 2000.
PowerPLAY Symposium Itinerary
Friday Night, July 23, 2010
6:30pm to 8pm
Cost: Free.
As ACA Instructors and an ACA Pro Paddlesports School we believe smart paddling with good rescue techniques is so important for all paddlers we are offering this session at no charge.
Skillful Paddling & Rescue Scenarios Demonstrations
In this session we will delve into some of the core elements of skillful paddling. We will also use this session to demonstrate several rescue scenarios and how skillful paddling is an essential skill for most rescues. Karen and Marshall will chime in on the balance of an effective rescue with efficient paddling strokes. We encourage session participants to wear comfortable clothes and footwear and to bring a towel or other sit-upon cushion to this dry land session.
Karen Knight: Freestyle Canoe Demonstration
Karen will dazzle us with her grace and power with a freestyle canoe demonstration. This is a unique opportunity, do not miss it.
Session 1: Assessment & Refinement
Saturday Morning Session, July 24, 2010
9am to 12 noon.
(We do what we know)
We will kick off the event with a simple skills assessment. This will involve a quick review of strokes with some drills to help everyone determine where they are at skills wise.
Other notes: For all sessions, participants should be prepared to be wet, so dress for immersion.
Session 2: Skills in Motion
Saturday Afternoon Session, July 24, 2010
1:30pm to 4:30pm.
(Learn some new stuff)
We will start off this session with a brief review of the principals of fine blade control, along with some balance drills. From there we will learn how to combine paddle placement and angle together with boat tilt to develop needed skills for the more advanced strokes and maneuvers. We will also work through some skill scenarios using buoys, boats, floating objects to help hone those skills. This will be the first few steps into scenarios.
Other notes: For all sessions, participants should be prepared to be wet, so dress for immersion.
Saturday Open Paddle
Saturday Late Afternoon Session, July 24, 2010
4:30pm to 6pm.
Fee: Free for PowerPLAY attendees & River Connection Boat Owners
Open Practice session in the Harbor with your kayak or one of our fleet kayaks. Bob and Karen will be available for fine tuning during this open session.
We will have a variety of edibles from some of our local favorite eateries.
Session 3: Putting it into PLAY
Sunday Morning Session, July 25, 2010
9am to 12noon.
What is a powerful stroke? Likely one that both efficient and effective at getting the goal done.
To be a skillful paddler, you do not need to be a certain height or build, nor do you have to have a lot of muscle mass or upper body strength. Kayaking is a sport about technique, good judgment, and knowledge of your environment.
In this session we will work through Scenarios, for example:
One of the members of your paddling group capsized. The weather is not cooperating and the capsized paddler cant seem to get back in their kayak. To make things worse after several self rescue attempts the paddler and their kayak became separated. Consider this, could you maneuver your kayak easily and efficiently to get to the capsized paddler or their kayak? Secondly, could you assist them back into their kayak?
Mastering these techniques will allow you to become confident, comfortable and connected paddler. Come prepared to get wet, so dress for immersion. Helmets are required for this Session. A tow-rope is also recommended for this session.
Session 4: Summation & Prescription
Sunday Afternoon Session, July 25, 2010
1:30pm to 4:30pm (or later)
So, how did I do? More importantly, what can I do better next time?
We all need some practice with skills but guidance as to how to practice is the best next step. Consider this session as not just another assessment but a prescription for future practice. This session will involve video review of each participant working through a scenario. Video review can be a heartbreaking but exceptionally fruitful learning tool.
Other notes: For all sessions, participants should be prepared to be wet, so dress for immersion. Helmets are required for Sessions 3 & 4. A tow-rope is also recommended for this session.
If you wondering "Is this class for me?" please do not hesitate to call The River Connection 845-229-0595 or email marshall@the-river-connection.com for more information.
These are all BYOBoat, paddle and PFD programs. If you are in need of equipment arrangements can be made with The River Connection for any equipment that you may need for this program. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call ahead for additional instructions and clothing requirements, thanks.
Important Notes: Each of these classes will be at The River Connection Boathouse in Hyde Park, NY. Prior to attending the class please check in at The River Connection Showroom, 9 West Market Street, Hyde Park, NY and plan enough time to get your kayak off your vehicle and gear together prior to the class. Classes will begin promptly so plan your arrival time accordingly. There will likely be insufficient time to go off site to grab lunch between sessions, previous participants have brought a bag lunch with snacks for the days activities.
All PowerPLAY participants must meet the Essential Eligibility Requirements listed on our website. For more information about the PowerPLAY Symposium or any of our other Programs, please contact us by email or phone.
CURRENT OFFERINGS
- Sorry you could not attend the PowerPLAY Symposium. Please call to find out about other programs.
Submit a Reservation Request
Learning to kayak safely, effectively and efficiently is best done with the help of a qualified instructor. The lead instructors for River Connection Kayak Instructional Courses are American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Instructors.
Skills development courses are worth months of just paddling around. After your course, get out and practice your strokes. If you are interested in sightseeing and going places, consider one of our
guided Kayak Tours.
See our Policy Page for additional information.
We have put together a FAQ for our guided kayak tours and instructional programs that answers most quesions about these programs. If you need additional information or make a reservation, please Call our showroom at 845.229.0595.
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- Sorry you could not attend the PowerPLAY Symposium. Please call to find out about other programs.