Did you miss it? You can watch this online discussion, and many others, on the club’s youtube channel HERE. Access the skills quiz HERE.

In this talk we’ll be exploring how to know when you are ready to “step it up” to the next level, whatever that next level might be for you. There’s no magic formula and knowing when to “step it back” is equally important. This will be a far-ranging discussion about the myriad indicators (skill level, fitness, crew, swift water rescue training, etc.) that can help you make the decision that is right for you.

Jess Matheson on the Callaghan River (Photo credit: Dan McQuoid)

We’ll discuss necessary skills and review techniques for assessing your readiness with Jess Matheson, the co-owner of the New Zealand Kayak School. Jess holds NZOIA Kayak 2 certification, is an NZOIA Kayak Assessor, and has been helping students accomplish their progression goals for more than a decade.

And because it would be far easier if there *were* a formulaic path, Teresa Gryder, the LCCC’s Safety Chair, has developed a 10+ question quiz you can take to help guide your decision making.

Here’s a sample question from our Progression Quiz: FERRYING

A. I can get across mild currents but sometimes I flip over.

B. I’m confident doing a ferry across moderate current with turbulence.

C. I can jet ferry across intense current and hit the other side where I want.

D. I am comfortable using waves and holes to cross a rapid upstream from a dangerous obstacle.

Come ready to take the quiz and join us for a discussion about progression.

Pictured above: Jess Matheson and Teresa Gryder.