Fall Update
Hello paddlers,
So far this week I’ve floated in dead-calm water, raced before 30 knot gusts, and worn nearly every item in my kayaking wardrobe. Fall must be near! Apparently the next 3 days will be in the 80s, so there seems to be a bit of summer left for us as well.
Following a shortened but very busy summer paddling season, I have a few plans for September and October that I wanted to let you know about. Next week I’ll be offering a couple opportunities to sharpen-up skills and expand your horizons in a sea kayak.
September 9th, a half-day Rescues and Bracing Tune-up - improve balance and stability, and expand your skills for getting back in a boat, while also adapting your rescue techniques for social distancing within your paddling group!
September 11th, a Journey from Bass Harbor around the Gotts - During this 10-15 nm adventure, we’ll focus on tidal planning and navigational skills to demystify journeys in areas with faster currents, tidal bars, and exposed shores. A bit of a change from my usual splashy play-oriented courses, this day will be more about getting out there, and expanding your skills to do so confidently and safely.
October 17th-20th, Todd Wright will be returning to Pinniped Kayak to offer an ACA Level 4 Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Update. Our area offers a wide variety of environments for teaching Open Water Coastal Kayaking skills, particularly in the fall, and we’ll have four days to make use of all the challenges that Mount Desert Island presents - tide races, excellent rock garden venues, and dependable swell. Complementing this renowned paddling environment, Todd Wright brings a reflective, state-of-the-sport approach to developing instructors and coaches. With a career spent teaching outdoor sport, and a solid academic grounding in the study of learning, Todd offers unrivaled support for instructor growth and development. As such, existing L4 instructors will find this to be a worthwhile and informative Update (Oct. 17th-18th, or at no extra charge, stay for all four days).
While more of my time is spent working with local college programs in the fall, I also entertain a number of special requests for private or small group programing in September and October. If you’ve got something in mind, please drop me a line, and we can discuss your ideas.
Finally, it’s boat ordering season! Pinniped Kayak has a fairly complete line-up of P&H Sea Kayaks and Pyranhawhitewater kayaks available for you to try anytime. If you think you may be in the market for a new boat next season, I’d be happy to add it to my fall order, so that the boat of your dreams is on-hand when you’re ready to make it a reality.
Take care, and I look forward to seeing you on the water sometime soon!
Thanks, Nate
