PADDLE UNIVERSITY
2012 date to be announced!
Join us for a day of seminars and demonstrations
geared towards all types of paddling.
No registration is necessary, all seminars
and demonstrations are FREE!
Highlights from 2011
10:30AM – 11:30AM: COLD WATER BOOT CAMP
Mark Chanski from the CT DEP
Cold Water Boot Camp USA takes eight hardy volunteers from across
America and puts them into cold water to see what really happens.
Mark was one of those volunteers. He'll talk about his experience
as well as show the entire film "Cold Water Boot Camp".
11:30am – 12:30PM: CHOOSING THE PERFECT KAYAK PADDLE
Danny Mongno, Werner Paddles
The sure fire way to guarantee more fun while paddling is to use
less energy. The best two ways to get started is to assure you are
using the proper fitting paddle and to learn how to perform strokes
more efficiently. In Choosing the Perfect Kayak Paddle, join kayak
instructor Danny Mongno as he starts you on this quest. Starting
with the paddle, we will define low angle and high angle paddling,
paddle fit options, proper lengths and prescribe the perfect fitting
paddle for each individual. From there we will dissect some every
day strokes and see how, along with matching a better fitting paddle,
you will be using less energy and have more fun on the water. Whether
you a sea kayaker, fisherman or quietly exploring the waters in
your back yard, this seminar will talk to you.
11:30AM – 12:30PM: PADDLE FITNESS
Paula Saaf, CCK Instructor
Get those winter bodies ready for kayaking. Learn how to strengthen
those paddling muscles plus watch some great paddling videos to
get inspired.
12:30PM – 1:30PM: STAND UP FOR YOURSELF
Brian Good, Werner Paddles
Kayaking “and” stand up paddling. Canoeing “and”
stand up paddling. SUP, as it is referred does not force you to
make a choice; it does not have to be one “or” the other.
By including SUP in your repertoire you will find you can infuse
simplicity and an amazing fitness element into your paddling lifestyle.
Join Werner Paddle’s Brian Good as he helps you understand
these key elements of stand up paddling. This will be a quick, interactive
look at this great new sport, so come join in as Brian acts it out
on land and water and you follow along high and dry. Bring an open
mind to something new and get ready to have some fun.
12:30PM – 1:30PM: HOW RIVERS FLOW
David Sinish, CCK Instructor
Everyone knows that water flows downhill. Where do different t waves
come from, let alone the swirling dangerous currents? How can I
find the best route? The answers are here. Come play on the “Small
Sandy (or snowy!) River”.
12:30PM - 1:30PM: THE COMPOSITE ADVANTAGE
Bill Swift, Swift Canoe & Kayak
Looks aren't everything! Yes, those composite boats are gorgeous
but there's other reasons to paddle a fiberglass or kevlar boat.
None of us is getting any younger and those plastic boats just seem
to be getting heavier! Want a boat that simply glides through the
water with very little effort? Join Bill as he goes through all
the advantages of these lightweight and sturdy boats.
1:30PM – 2:30PM: DRESSING RIGHT FOR COLD WATER PADDLING
Suzanne Hutchinson, Kokatat
Join Suzanne Hutchinson, Kokatat representative and Maine
Sea Kayaking Guide to learn about dressing for paddling. A layering
approach that will take you from the sunny days of summer to the
coldest days of winter. Learn how to avoid hypothermia with appropriate
clothing choices.
2:30PM – 3:30PM: PERFECTING YOUR BOOF STROKE
Danny Mongno, Werner Paddles
In 1999 Werner Paddle's, Danny Mongno, packed up his Long Island
home and moved to Asheville, NC for one reason…the Green River
Narrows. The allure of the Green is attributed to its uniqueness,
dam release class 5 creek boating. As we progress as paddlers and
look to enjoy more of southern New England's steeper runs the most
important stroke you will need to master is your Boof stroke. In
today's class join Danny as he provides tips for beginners to experts.
Of course a failed boof stroke can lead to all sorts of on water
action, so together we will work through and solve some of the situations
you have encountered on the river. Whether you are just starting
out in white water kayaking, advanced or somewhere in between, this
interactive on land seminar will be informative, keep you moving
and be lots of fun.
2:30PM – 3:30PM: LIFTING & LOADING
David Sinish, CCK Instructor
Those muscles may not have been used for a few months, and along
with the wet suit being tighter your boat seems heavier. Come and
learn some good energy saving tips for getting that boat on and
off your vehicle. In addition we will discuss the three directions
that your boat can move once it is loaded, and why they are crucially
important.
3:30PM - 4:30PM: FUN ON THE WATER - GEOCACHING Brian Cooper, ACA Level 2 Kayak Instructor Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure.
All you need is a hand held GPS device to find the treasure. There
are many types of treasures hidden. Some are hidden in places that
can only be reached by a canoe or kayak. How cool is that! This
presentation will explain geocaching and how to use a GPS. A GPS
is also a great tool to have when you go paddling even if you are
not geocaching. Fisherman use a GPS to come back to a location where
the fish are. If you find a nice area while you are paddling and
you mark the coordinates on your GPS then you can return to that
exact location years later.
3:30PM – 4:30PM: SUP RACE TRAINING
Danny Mongno, Werner Paddles
With the second annual Collinsville SUP Cup scheduled for August
20th you will want to work now on developing strong principles of
the forward stroke as well as training techniques that will help
you place high in your class or at worst beat your friends. Join
Werner Paddle's Danny Mongno as he helps you with key elements in
stand up racing technique and gets you on pace for your spring and
summer training program. This course will speak to flat water paddlers
looking to improve efficiency and use less energy while paddling
as much as it helps aspiring and elite racers. Come join in the
fun.
