The Whitewater Basic Class was a great success again this year from 2/28 thru 3/21. Lots of learning, experience, and growth seemed to occur for all – students, instructors, and helpers alike. The students were a cohesive and supportive group for each other. Many students came with some experience and even had rolls before class. And they got some chance to use them. Many students had their first swim; a few are waiting for theirs! Sea kayakers learned rivers and the boats are different. Many of the students were total novice and had steep learning curves. By the end of the course we had many surfing, catching eddies, leading rapids, and helping each other. We spent time on the Sammamish river, Powerhouse, Headworks, and Big Eddy stretches. Wahoo! A most excellent class! We hope to see many or all on the rivers.
This year we had an expanded instructor group with recent newly certified instructors: Aamie Benson, Chad Coker, Jeff Hunt, and Rick Schoen along with our tried and true Shanna Gachen, Matt & Nicole LeBlanc, Anne Brindle, Sybille Fleishmann, Ed Hand, Dave Bowman, and Jon Almquist. The new instructors learned a lot about the behind the scenes work and chipped right in. Seth Fitzsimmons was our photographer and a big help in general. Thanks to JR Weir of SunDance Kayak for the most excellent instructor training!
Helpers (who were very, very helpful- can’t do it without them!) were John Kelly, Ken Stallman, Johnston & Jaimie Corey, Derek & Michelle Rippe, Chris Knorr, Cort and Erin Bouldin, Corey McCartney and Calvin Cheng! The helper training day was well attended and enjoyed. Many thanks!
Enjoy your rivers,
The WKC WW Instructor Crew