My Paddling History
The paddling experience I have received throughout my life has been involved and informative. I have paddled various boats, in various environments. I have taught others, guided rafts, and led backcountry living, whitewater kayaking, kayak and canoe touring trips. Prior to Expeditionary studies, I graduated from Adirondack Community College with a Major in Adventure Sports which focused on backcountry leadership as well as paddling. And before that I was a simple canoeist with my father. I believe that I have been able to enjoy my passion more immensely due to the knowledge I have acquired and shared.
Adirondack Community College Adventure Sports
Before I came to Expeditionary Studies I was strictly a whitewater kayaker and flat water canoeist. I had taken swift water rescue courses in Whitewater 1 and 2 for ACC and also was trained by whitewater challengers ( The whitewater Rafting Service I work for). I was trained in the fundamentals of kayaking in whitewater, taught a role, and the basic forward, sweep, and brace. I was then sent to the river where I was able to teach myself through experience and questioning more experienced paddlers. This sufficed and allowed me to successfully kayak class 3-4 whitewater with ease. Eventually this blossomed into safety kayaking for the rafting company I work for as well as me feeling confident enough to lead my friends on various whitewater rivers.
I had also taken various canoeing courses through ACC. In these courses I learned the forward stroke, the jay stroke, and simple canoe rescues. We took many flat water trips on the local lakes and rivers. We also took a 5 day wilderness canoe trip through the classic stretch of long lake to Tupper lake. At the end of my time here I was given the opportunity to be a co leader on a trip for lower level students. Leading them through the same path I took a year earlier.
Expeditionary Studies
Although my experience at ACC was good for foundational skills, I found EXP to have the funding to allow for more equipment and better coaching, allowing my foundation to grow even stronger. Throughout my intro level courses at Plattsburgh I was able to experiment with paddling various boats and paddles in varying environments. This includes Whitewater canoes and kayaks on the Saranac River, as well as flat water race kayaks, canoes, touring, and wave surfing boats on Lake Champlain. I have also been able to experiment with different paddles, from greenland, to whitewater, bent shaft, to racing. I enjoyed playing with the feather and working with different lengths and designs to determine what works best in each condition, for me. After experiencing these differing styles of paddling I have found that paddling in its most basic form is still paddling; grabbing a chunk of water with the blade and propelling my body past that chunk of water. The things that seem different are the aspects of teaching and rescuing, these experience oriented skills take more time to hone, understand, and enact in a functional way. Luckily the chance to practice is always present, the fact that I attend a program focused on practice makes it even easier.
Sophmore Expedition
During the EXP process the student is required to take a sophomore expedition, which is meant to be a precursor to the senior expedition process. For my Sophomore expedition I decided to take a 5 day whitewater trip. I planned a route on the class 3-5 Cedar river for 20 miles to the Hudson River class 3-4 for 20 miles, to the Indian River class 3-5 which I hiked up and paddled down for 3 miles, to the Boreas which I hiked up 8 miles and paddled down, back to the Hudson for 20 more miles. I had planned to have a partner but he bailed, so I decided to do it solo. This was a good experience for me because I was able to connect with myself, allowing thoughts to come into my mind that wouldn’t have if I was with someone else. The trouble with solo paddling is that no one can really know if your safe unless they are there with you. On this trip I was using a SPOT locating beacon and it did not function correctly, this device allows for an email to be sent to the people of my choosing telling them that I need help or I am ok when I press a certain button. My device didn’t function and no email was sent. This resulted in my teacher and a friend coming out to find me. This was a good learning experience informing me that I need to learn my equipment better before using it. However, I was happy to know that my emergency action plan would have worked if a real emergency were to occur.
Paddlesport Touring
Being able to put into action all of the skills learned is extremely important, EXP understands this and created expeditions to test and hone our skills. We became introduced to sea kayak touring after this. Most of this class entails day trips to strengthen our bodies, as well as practice in rescues, packing, and navigation. These trips were preparing us for a 5 day wilderness paddling trip from Long lake to Tupper lake. This trip allowed us to practice even further. We were exposed to challenges such as group dynamics and staying dry in a cold, wet environment. I learned that struggling can be a part of learning, but with proper planning and thought it doesn’t have to be. This trip greatly influenced future paddling trips, most directly, the 375 expedition to Scotland.
Scotland, Whales, and Ireland
One thing I love about kayaking is the ability to put myself in locations that few are able to be. This sport allows for travel and movement making my goal of exploring the world possible. My professor Steve Maynard has chosen to create sea kayak journeys to fascinating places. For my 375 trip he made it possible to get a view into the culture and paddling of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. For my Sea Kayaking in the Ocean environment class I was exposed to some of the most powerful currents in the world. Surfing a tide race called the Bitches in Scotland presented an eye opening experience for me. We were also given the opportunity to paddle around the Outer Hebredes which is a remote set of Islands considers to be in Scotland. These islands are very far north and it was a funny experience to go to sleep and wake up before and after the sun had set and risen. It was a powerful 3 weeks that really opened my eyes to the fact that, not only are the rivers my playground, but the ocean is to. This beautiful and vast desert has some of the most treacherous obstacles known to man. I was pleasantly surprised by the power of the moving current of the ocean and am excited to feel the power of the ocean beneath me again.
The Maine Coast
Living in the east coast of America presents me with few tidal currents really worth going for in a sea kayak. However, we were presented the opportunity to practice the skills we learned in Scotland on the Maine coast, playing in slower tide races as well as surfing some awesome swell on Popham beach were among my highlights from these 3 separate weekend trips. The trips entailed surfing and understanding the different types of waves, on the first weekend we got to experience dumping waves as well as spilling waves. Both were great to surf in for their own reason. It was excited to get thrown around in the dumpers, and it was also great to slide across the spilling wave just in front of the tube. The second week we were able to live out of the kayaks and travel to a couple different islands. We camped on these islands and got to practice living out of the boats once again. The ability to pack multiple weeks worth of food in the life supporting capsule is another bonus for me. My teacher opened my eyes up to the idea that we are traveling to an alien planet when we head to the ocean for multi day trips. Our kayaks and equipment packed (space shuttle) being the only thing supporting our life. Without man made equipment we would perish quickly and soon appreciate the power of the universe. The final week of class we went to a 4 star assessment for the BCU. As a class, we participated in the course and got to experience the conditions that the 4 star paddlers were supposed to be leading in. What most of us students recognized through this, was that we are all 4 star paddlers and trained by a strong coach and leader. Steve is a level 5 coach for the BCU and is a Coach trainer. It is comforting to know that he is the one presenting us with all of this important information. I have much respect for my teacher and am happy to be working with him and learning from him.
Outcomes
Through all of the sea kayaking I was able to partake in, I was able to learn a great deal about tides, weather, ocean navigation, kayak packing, training, nutrition, expedition planning, first aid, ocean safety, seamanship, group management, as well as developing my kayaking skills. All of these skills allow for a safer more beneficial trip, they allow for me and my clients to reach our destinations quickly while also being able to do it in a safe manor. A safe client is a happy client.
After partaking in the classes that informed me about paddling, I have also been given the chance to inform others about the beauty of paddling. I have led 5 day wilderness kayak/ canoe trips for Plattsburgh State, as well as Adirondack Community College.
One of the best parts of the kayaking curriculum is that BCU certification is highly possible if the work is applied. I was able to receive my BCU level 1 coach award this past November. This course opened my eyes to the wormhole of information there is out there on paddling as well as coaching. In this course we learned a great deal on the philosophy of teaching alone, this allowed for me to understand how to read people and then use that information to teach them in the best way for them. Helping students learn only helps me to maintain my job because they will come back for more, and then show others the powerful potential of kayaking.
I have found it extremely fascinating that water has been with us for all of existence yet we are still figuring out new ways to effectively move across it. It is a beautiful art in my eyes to move down a river and be a part of the flow of the moment.
Adirondack Community College Adventure Sports
Before I came to Expeditionary Studies I was strictly a whitewater kayaker and flat water canoeist. I had taken swift water rescue courses in Whitewater 1 and 2 for ACC and also was trained by whitewater challengers ( The whitewater Rafting Service I work for). I was trained in the fundamentals of kayaking in whitewater, taught a role, and the basic forward, sweep, and brace. I was then sent to the river where I was able to teach myself through experience and questioning more experienced paddlers. This sufficed and allowed me to successfully kayak class 3-4 whitewater with ease. Eventually this blossomed into safety kayaking for the rafting company I work for as well as me feeling confident enough to lead my friends on various whitewater rivers.
I had also taken various canoeing courses through ACC. In these courses I learned the forward stroke, the jay stroke, and simple canoe rescues. We took many flat water trips on the local lakes and rivers. We also took a 5 day wilderness canoe trip through the classic stretch of long lake to Tupper lake. At the end of my time here I was given the opportunity to be a co leader on a trip for lower level students. Leading them through the same path I took a year earlier.
Expeditionary Studies
Although my experience at ACC was good for foundational skills, I found EXP to have the funding to allow for more equipment and better coaching, allowing my foundation to grow even stronger. Throughout my intro level courses at Plattsburgh I was able to experiment with paddling various boats and paddles in varying environments. This includes Whitewater canoes and kayaks on the Saranac River, as well as flat water race kayaks, canoes, touring, and wave surfing boats on Lake Champlain. I have also been able to experiment with different paddles, from greenland, to whitewater, bent shaft, to racing. I enjoyed playing with the feather and working with different lengths and designs to determine what works best in each condition, for me. After experiencing these differing styles of paddling I have found that paddling in its most basic form is still paddling; grabbing a chunk of water with the blade and propelling my body past that chunk of water. The things that seem different are the aspects of teaching and rescuing, these experience oriented skills take more time to hone, understand, and enact in a functional way. Luckily the chance to practice is always present, the fact that I attend a program focused on practice makes it even easier.
Sophmore Expedition
During the EXP process the student is required to take a sophomore expedition, which is meant to be a precursor to the senior expedition process. For my Sophomore expedition I decided to take a 5 day whitewater trip. I planned a route on the class 3-5 Cedar river for 20 miles to the Hudson River class 3-4 for 20 miles, to the Indian River class 3-5 which I hiked up and paddled down for 3 miles, to the Boreas which I hiked up 8 miles and paddled down, back to the Hudson for 20 more miles. I had planned to have a partner but he bailed, so I decided to do it solo. This was a good experience for me because I was able to connect with myself, allowing thoughts to come into my mind that wouldn’t have if I was with someone else. The trouble with solo paddling is that no one can really know if your safe unless they are there with you. On this trip I was using a SPOT locating beacon and it did not function correctly, this device allows for an email to be sent to the people of my choosing telling them that I need help or I am ok when I press a certain button. My device didn’t function and no email was sent. This resulted in my teacher and a friend coming out to find me. This was a good learning experience informing me that I need to learn my equipment better before using it. However, I was happy to know that my emergency action plan would have worked if a real emergency were to occur.
Paddlesport Touring
Being able to put into action all of the skills learned is extremely important, EXP understands this and created expeditions to test and hone our skills. We became introduced to sea kayak touring after this. Most of this class entails day trips to strengthen our bodies, as well as practice in rescues, packing, and navigation. These trips were preparing us for a 5 day wilderness paddling trip from Long lake to Tupper lake. This trip allowed us to practice even further. We were exposed to challenges such as group dynamics and staying dry in a cold, wet environment. I learned that struggling can be a part of learning, but with proper planning and thought it doesn’t have to be. This trip greatly influenced future paddling trips, most directly, the 375 expedition to Scotland.
Scotland, Whales, and Ireland
One thing I love about kayaking is the ability to put myself in locations that few are able to be. This sport allows for travel and movement making my goal of exploring the world possible. My professor Steve Maynard has chosen to create sea kayak journeys to fascinating places. For my 375 trip he made it possible to get a view into the culture and paddling of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. For my Sea Kayaking in the Ocean environment class I was exposed to some of the most powerful currents in the world. Surfing a tide race called the Bitches in Scotland presented an eye opening experience for me. We were also given the opportunity to paddle around the Outer Hebredes which is a remote set of Islands considers to be in Scotland. These islands are very far north and it was a funny experience to go to sleep and wake up before and after the sun had set and risen. It was a powerful 3 weeks that really opened my eyes to the fact that, not only are the rivers my playground, but the ocean is to. This beautiful and vast desert has some of the most treacherous obstacles known to man. I was pleasantly surprised by the power of the moving current of the ocean and am excited to feel the power of the ocean beneath me again.
The Maine Coast
Living in the east coast of America presents me with few tidal currents really worth going for in a sea kayak. However, we were presented the opportunity to practice the skills we learned in Scotland on the Maine coast, playing in slower tide races as well as surfing some awesome swell on Popham beach were among my highlights from these 3 separate weekend trips. The trips entailed surfing and understanding the different types of waves, on the first weekend we got to experience dumping waves as well as spilling waves. Both were great to surf in for their own reason. It was excited to get thrown around in the dumpers, and it was also great to slide across the spilling wave just in front of the tube. The second week we were able to live out of the kayaks and travel to a couple different islands. We camped on these islands and got to practice living out of the boats once again. The ability to pack multiple weeks worth of food in the life supporting capsule is another bonus for me. My teacher opened my eyes up to the idea that we are traveling to an alien planet when we head to the ocean for multi day trips. Our kayaks and equipment packed (space shuttle) being the only thing supporting our life. Without man made equipment we would perish quickly and soon appreciate the power of the universe. The final week of class we went to a 4 star assessment for the BCU. As a class, we participated in the course and got to experience the conditions that the 4 star paddlers were supposed to be leading in. What most of us students recognized through this, was that we are all 4 star paddlers and trained by a strong coach and leader. Steve is a level 5 coach for the BCU and is a Coach trainer. It is comforting to know that he is the one presenting us with all of this important information. I have much respect for my teacher and am happy to be working with him and learning from him.
Outcomes
Through all of the sea kayaking I was able to partake in, I was able to learn a great deal about tides, weather, ocean navigation, kayak packing, training, nutrition, expedition planning, first aid, ocean safety, seamanship, group management, as well as developing my kayaking skills. All of these skills allow for a safer more beneficial trip, they allow for me and my clients to reach our destinations quickly while also being able to do it in a safe manor. A safe client is a happy client.
After partaking in the classes that informed me about paddling, I have also been given the chance to inform others about the beauty of paddling. I have led 5 day wilderness kayak/ canoe trips for Plattsburgh State, as well as Adirondack Community College.
One of the best parts of the kayaking curriculum is that BCU certification is highly possible if the work is applied. I was able to receive my BCU level 1 coach award this past November. This course opened my eyes to the wormhole of information there is out there on paddling as well as coaching. In this course we learned a great deal on the philosophy of teaching alone, this allowed for me to understand how to read people and then use that information to teach them in the best way for them. Helping students learn only helps me to maintain my job because they will come back for more, and then show others the powerful potential of kayaking.
I have found it extremely fascinating that water has been with us for all of existence yet we are still figuring out new ways to effectively move across it. It is a beautiful art in my eyes to move down a river and be a part of the flow of the moment.