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Kayaking CertificationsMost recreational sports have advocate organizations (ie. clubs, associations, and professional organizations) which promote certain sports and create standardized teaching methods, safety standards, rules for competition, and maintian a host of other services for participants involved in the specific sport. Collectively, paddle sports in the United States have several organizations of this type. The two most recognized being: the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the British Canoe Union (BCU). These organizations have regional chapters as well as local clubs. They service paddlers of all disciplines, including: flat water canoeists, coastal sea kayakers, river kayakers and river canoeists. They both offer a standardized curriculum for all of these disciplines and certification programs to become certified to instruct each discipline. Trek & Trail has ACA and BCU certified instructors on staff and we offer programs from both organizations. As you look through our paddle school offerings you will notice more BCU programs than ACA. This is because the BCU has an older and more developed scheme. While the ACA has been involved in coastal kayaking for 10 years and offers two basic courses, the BCU has been offering more than 10 programs specific to sea kayakers for over 30 years. Trek & Trail sponsored and organized both the first ACA and BCU sea kayaking instructor training and certification programs in the United States during June of 1988. The ACA currently offers a 12 hour Fundamentals of Coastal Kayaking and an Instructor Training and certification course. The BCU programs are somewhat more complicated; basically, the programs break down to a two part system with five levels in each. Kayaking and expeditionary skills are taught in a Star Award series of 5 levels. These star awards focus on skill proficiency for different paddling environments and can be given to complete novices or world class expeditionaries. The coaching scheme also has 5 classifications (Coach 1 to 5). These ratings prepare and ensure that BCU instructors have the adequate teaching skills to instruct and assess the star awards. Each star award has a specific coaching level required to make certain that standards are maintained. The ACA and BCU both have strengths and weaknesses, and both have their share of politics. At Trek & Trail we try to eliminate the politics and keep our focus on straight-forward, quality instruction, while utilizing the best aspects of both systems.
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Where To Meet: All trip participants should meet at Trek & Trail’s outfitting center at the Old Cooperage building in Bayfield on the day of your course Accommodations: If you want to arrive early in Bayfield or stay a day or two after your trip,Trek & Trail has cabins available from $115 to $130/night. If you’re looking for something other than cabins, we also recommend contacting the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce for more accommodation information: 800.447.4094. Weather: Weather is always a factor that demands attention when going out on Lake Superior. In terms of weather, sea kayaking is a very versatile activity; if you’re prepared it’s easy to enjoy the more mystical lake atmosphere provided by light rain or cloud cover. In fact, inclement weather provides a better learning environment for this course. Prior Conditioning: Trek & Trail strives to provide you with an enjoyable experience. Pre-trip conditioning and physical activities will help prepare you for your trip. Suggestions for conditioning include: sit-ups, push-ups, cycling, rowing, canoeing, swimming, and calisthenics that strengthen your shoulders, arms, and abdominal muscles. Persons with health problems, particularly heart problems, are required to consult their physician prior to participating. Your Account: Any remaining balance on your account is due 45 days prior to your course. Please be sure you have an accurate understanding of our cancellation policy. A Little About Bayfield: Bayfield is a comfortable town with the look of a New England fishing village. While here, take time to visit Bayfield’s museum and some of the local shops. The ferry ride to Madeline Island is an excellent day excursion. Ask the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce (800.447.4094) for information about potential evening activitys. Great views and magnificent sunsets, vast orchards and exciting charters make up part of the beauty and special allure of this area -- while you’re here take time to enjoy it! |
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From the junction of Hwy's 2 and 13 on the outskirts of Ashland, WI, turn onto Hwy 13 North. Bayfield is 21 miles north of Ashland on Hwy 13. Once in Bayfield, Hwy 13 becomes Rittenhouse Avenue, the “main street” of Bayfield. Trek & Trail's main store, reservation center and outfitting center is located in the Boothe Cooprage on 7 Washington Ave. Next to the Madline Island Ferry. A Few Other Considerations:*Please make your guide aware of any pertinent medical conditions you may have -- i.e. allergies, medications you’re taking, etc. If you have any questions concerning your personal fitness or your ability to participate, please be sure to consult your physician. *We ask that all minors are accompanied by an adult on all of our tours and expeditions. *Please remember that if you are late for a trip you are not the only one affected. Our trips are normally fully booked. Your promptness affects everyone’s allotted time on the water. Please plan accordingly. *We cannot control the weather. Occasionally we are forced to alter our trip routes. Please be understanding. *We recommend that all participants acquire travel insurance to cover emergency medical situations, evacuations and unforeseen last minute cancelations. Please refer to enclosed brochure. |
Paddlers Expedition Course Itinerary:Day 1: 9am-5pm: The first day of this 3 day workshop will cover intermediate/advanced stroke tune-up; proper use of hips, knees, and feet; intermediate/advanced braces and sculling; eskimo rolling, rescue scenarios, and practice. Day 2: 9am-overnight: The second day will begin with a route & expedition planning and equipment selection lecture/discussion. A surf launching and landing workshop will lead off an aggressive paddle to Rocky Island (or similar destination, dependent on weather) for an overnight. Plenty of opportunities will present themselves for practice, as well as discussions of paddling hazards, ruddering, and boat control in wind and waves. Evening will allow an opportunity for testing our mariner’s knots, chart reading skills, navigation, and discussion of handling on-water emergencies. (Trek & Trail will provide the food starting at lunch of this day through lunch the last day.) Day 3: Sunup-4pm Breakfast will start with discussions on tide, current, wind effects, and first aid at sea. After breaking camp, the paddle to the takeout will provide ample opportunities for rescue scenarios, towing, and out-of-boat experiences. We'll stop on Raspberry Island for lunch and look at one of the area’s historic lighthouses. 3 p.m. should find the group on a shuttle back to Bayfield, with just enough time for debriefing and individual skill evaluations before departure by 4 p.m.
Equipment & Clothing ListDuring the course you will participate in wet-exits and rescues. Trek & Trail provides your wetsuit, but for your safety and comfort you should come prepared with a change of clothes for after your course, as well as the following: __Rain or Paddling jacket (and rain pants) We offer a 10 % discount for all Trek & Trail trip participants on general kayaking items (gear, clothing, supplies, etc.) that you might find useful while on the water. Ask about our participant merchandise discount packages: 800.354.8735. For more information or Reservations call (800) 354-8735 or
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Trek & Trail, Inc. 7 Washington Ave. Bayfield, WI 54814 |
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