Course: Essential Skills for Solo Whitewater Canoeing
Instructors: Alyse and Jeff Oxenford
Cost: $100 per day
Max Participants: 10
ACA-certified instructors Alyse and Jeff Oxenford will return this June to teach solo canoeing to our beginning and intermediate canoeists. Their teaching is informed by their interest in slalom. This involves mastering fundamentals and translates into smooth and effective river running. Kayakers, if you've ever had a hankering to try canoeing, this is the class for you!
Dates: Part 1 -June 22 & Part 2- June 23
Please note: Beginning solo paddlers have the option to attend only the first day of the class on June 22. All Day 2 students must attend Day 1. Experience on Class 2 whitewater is recommended in order to participate on day 2. Eligibility for Day 2 will be determined on a case-by-case basis
Location: to be determined, Portland or Eugene area
Cost: $100 per day for members. Non-members: $130 a day or join the LCCC for $25 and get the member rate.
Instructors:
Jeff Oxenford: Jeff is an American Canoe Association Level 4 Whitewater Open Canoe Instructor Trainer and L2 ACA River Canoe Instructor Trainer Educator. He has been paddling and teaching canoeing for 40 years. He has worked with all levels of paddlers from recreational to racers, adults and children.
Alyse Oxenford: Alyse is an LCCC member and is an ACA Level 4 Whitewater Open Canoe Instructor, she has been paddling since she could walk. She has competed and been a medalist at the Open Canoe Whitewater Slalom National Championships.
What to Expect: This two-day class (June 22-23) will address essential skills for whitewater solo canoeing. Participants will improve their boat control so that they can safely and efficiently play the river.
The first day will be held on flat water and will focus on skills development. It will include strokes, basic maneuvers, and other keys for efficient paddling. Day two will apply these skills on a Class 2 river. You'll practice maneuvers such as ferries, peel outs, eddy turns, attainments, and front surfing. We'll also discuss rescue and river running strategies.
(Note: Intermediate paddlers may wonder why the class starts on flat water, and how it could possibly be of use to them. Yours truly thought this too last year before the Introductory Class to Canoeing. Let's just say that he was surprised with how much not only the beginners, but also the more advanced paddlers (himself included) got out of that first day!)
Overall Health: Participants should be in good physical health and should be in condition to paddle for long hours. Class days are long yet invigorating.
Canoes: If you do not have your own solo canoe, please contact Will Gehr, the canoe librarian. The club has a limited number in its loaner fleet, and we'd be happy to set you up with one of these, or to connect you with a club member who is willing to lend a boat.
Equipment: Dry suits are recommended on Day 1, and required on Day 2.