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Instructional Program (2010)
Poudre Paddler classes teach beginning canoeists basic paddling strokes and river enthusiasts enhanced skills for bigger water. A fee of $10 per non-ACA member will be added to classes taught by certified instructors to cover insurance cost.
All class participants must have their club dues current to begin classes.
You will need to have or rent your own boats and gear. You must be a competent swimmer!
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| Eric Hermann | 970-482-8339 | Solo and Tandem Whitewater |
| Debbie Hinde | 970-669-6247 | Basic Solo & Tandem River and Whitewater Tandem |
| David Karan | 507-206-4768 | Solo and Tandem Whitewater |
Other Poudre Paddlers Instructors
| Steve Cassells | 303-684-9252 |
| Katie Christensen | 970-484-7857 |
| Randy Knauff | 970-663-4598 |
| Mike O'Brien | 970-482-2623 |
| Karen Roth | 970-482-4360 |
| Joe Schmid | 970-484-7857 |
To Sign Up for Poudre Paddlers Classes
Check fees and insurance in the listings below. Many classes are free. To sign up, just follow the two easy steps below:- Contact the instructor. You must register at least 14 days before the class begins. Otherwise, classes may be cancelled due to a lack of sufficient students. So everyone has the best possible experience, registration for any particular class is by instructor approval. He or she can help you select the class to fit your learning goals and skill level. The instructor can also offer preparation details, directions to the training location, and suggestions for the class.
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Bring a check made out to Poudre Paddlers when you arrive at the training location to cover fees.
Include in the check:
- course fee
- ACA insurance fee if applicable for the course ($10 for each non-ACA member)
- Poudre Paddler membership fee ($20) if not a current member
Training Schedule
Tuesdays on the Pond (during May)
At Riverbend Ponds on Timberline. Parking lot is just north of the Timberline Road Bridge over the Poudre. Folks just practice and play—strokes, jokes, braces, maybe rolls—in kayaks and canoes. See calendar on website.
Thursdays on the Poudre (all season)
Informal gathering of river boaters in Poudre Canyon. Mentoring possible if you call leader ahead of time. We run Filter Plant (Class II, with a Class III rapid) and Bridges (Class III). Must have helmet, pfd, flotation, etc. See calendar on website.Introduction to Canoeing (Flatwater) and Basic River Canoeing
| Date/Time: | Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16 |
| Location: | Riverbend Ponds (May 15) & Poudre River @ Shields Street (May 16) |
| Instructors: |
Debbie Hinde & Eric Hermann
Contact Eric: ehermann@frii.com or 970-482-8339 |
| Fee: | $10 per paddler per day & $5 ACA insurance for nonmembers (covers both days) |
| Description: |
May 15 is Basic Canoeing, including strokes to be used in rivers: Forward and reverse strokes, turning strokes, side-slipping, stability, and safety, as well as equipment choices. Your strokes will be refined through demonstration, practice, individualized feedback and instruction. Communication and coordination between tandem partners will be discussed. The May 16th class will build upon the lessons learned in the Tandem Flatwater class. The basic strokes will be applied on moving water (up to Class I+). The sequence of moves to accomplish eddy turns, peel outs, and ferries will be introduced and practiced. Boat tilts and other methods that also help you stay upright will be discussed and demonstrated. We may opt for more time on flatwater if conditions and student preferences/abilities suggest it. |
Beginning River Rescue and Safety Class
| Date/Time: | Sunday, July 11 |
| Location: | TBD |
| Instructors: | Debbie Hinde (970-669-6247) & Randy Knauf (970-663-4598) |
| Fee: | Free |
| Description: | Safety and rescue skills are essential for any paddler. This class is for Poudre Paddlers wanting to run rivers. Fundamental safety equipment, basic boat rigging for safety, understanding and recognizing hazards, reading rapids, self-rescue skills, and on-shore rescue of swimmers will be covered. Other safety and rescue issues may be addressed including: minimizing the risk of capsizing, safe boat entry and exit, and boat-to-boat rescue. If you attend this class, you will get wet! Please wear suitable clothing and bring extra dry clothing too. Consider renting a wet suit or dry suit. |