Instructional Programs
Poudre Paddler classes teach strokes and skills for levels from beginning paddlers through river enthusiasts.
All class participants must . . .
All class participants must . . .
- have their club dues current to begin classes.
- have or rent your own boats and gear
- must be a competent swimmer
ACA Certified Canoe Instructors
Other Poudre Paddler Instructors
River Canoeing - Tandem and Solo
Mike O'Brien |
Sea Kayak - Camping
Randy Knauff |
River Kayaking - Camping
Karen Roth |
River Canoeing - Tandem and Solo
Richard Ferguson |
2022 Training Schedule
Poudre Paddlers Essentials of River Canoeing
Flatwater & Basic River Canoeing Skills (Tentative based on Covid)
Note: As of March 1, I’m developing this class. We’re aiming at the weekend of May 14 on Riverbend Pond and May 15 on the Poudre River, with a back-up date in early July if weather or unkind river conditions interfere. At this stage the class is limited to ten students. I’m keeping a waiting list as well.
Poudre Paddler membership must be current and swimming skills necessary!
Course is mainly for tandem canoeists, though solo boats are ok too.
You will need your own boat, life vest, and equipment.
Dates :
Saturday, May 14, 2022: 9:00am - 3:00 pm
Sunday, May 15: 9 am – 2 pm (if safe river levels permit)
Location: Fort Collins Area, Northern Colorado. Details TBA
Instructors: Eric Hermann and Mike Koliha, maybe others
Cost :
$40 per person for the two-day class
$25 per person for the first day only
$10 per person American Canoe Association insurance (for Non-ACA members only)
$10 per household for Poudre Paddlers membership (for Non-current Poudre Paddler members)
This course is an introduction to canoeing and to canoeing rivers. You will learn the proper paddling techniques for the bow and stern paddlers of a tandem canoe or solo techniques if you paddle alone.
Saturday: The first day is Basic Canoeing, including strokes to be used in lakes or 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. We will work on communication and coordination between tandem partners.
You may decide to attend for only the first day. However, for day two, day one is a prerequisite.
Sunday: The second day will be on the river, again specific spot to be announced. This day will build upon the Basic class. We’ll apply the basic strokes to moving water (up to Class I+). We’ll use ferry moves to zip across current and learn to duck safely into eddies and then peel out from them. And we’ll work on braces and boat tilts to help you stay upright.
Please register or send questions to: Eric Hermann: ehermann@frii.com
Please tell me the following when you register:
Flatwater & Basic River Canoeing Skills (Tentative based on Covid)
Note: As of March 1, I’m developing this class. We’re aiming at the weekend of May 14 on Riverbend Pond and May 15 on the Poudre River, with a back-up date in early July if weather or unkind river conditions interfere. At this stage the class is limited to ten students. I’m keeping a waiting list as well.
Poudre Paddler membership must be current and swimming skills necessary!
Course is mainly for tandem canoeists, though solo boats are ok too.
You will need your own boat, life vest, and equipment.
Dates :
Saturday, May 14, 2022: 9:00am - 3:00 pm
Sunday, May 15: 9 am – 2 pm (if safe river levels permit)
Location: Fort Collins Area, Northern Colorado. Details TBA
Instructors: Eric Hermann and Mike Koliha, maybe others
Cost :
$40 per person for the two-day class
$25 per person for the first day only
$10 per person American Canoe Association insurance (for Non-ACA members only)
$10 per household for Poudre Paddlers membership (for Non-current Poudre Paddler members)
This course is an introduction to canoeing and to canoeing rivers. You will learn the proper paddling techniques for the bow and stern paddlers of a tandem canoe or solo techniques if you paddle alone.
Saturday: The first day is Basic Canoeing, including strokes to be used in lakes or 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. We will work on communication and coordination between tandem partners.
You may decide to attend for only the first day. However, for day two, day one is a prerequisite.
Sunday: The second day will be on the river, again specific spot to be announced. This day will build upon the Basic class. We’ll apply the basic strokes to moving water (up to Class I+). We’ll use ferry moves to zip across current and learn to duck safely into eddies and then peel out from them. And we’ll work on braces and boat tilts to help you stay upright.
Please register or send questions to: Eric Hermann: ehermann@frii.com
Please tell me the following when you register:
- Name(s) of attendees Email and cell numbers
- Type of canoe (tandem or solo, make and model is helpful)
- Brief note of canoeing experience if any
- Are you a Poudre Paddler Member?
- Are you an ACA Member?
Intro to River Safety and Rescue
When: Tuesday, March 22, 7:00pm – 8:30pm via Zoom
Your presenters are Debbie Hinde and Randy Knauff.
Our topics will be:
Getting to the water safely
Selecting the waterway
Finding information
Selecting the right gear
Paddler roles & responsibilities
River signals
Scouting
Self-Rescue Techniques
Assisted Rescue Techniques
If you paddle or row on rivers, learning the fundamentals of safety & rescue is the first step. Start with this class and then continue with a Swiftwater Safety & Rescue class as your paddling skills and river classifications advance.
Contact Debbie Hinde at dhinde1@msn.com for the Zoom link if you'd like to attend this class.
Your presenters are Debbie Hinde and Randy Knauff.
Our topics will be:
Getting to the water safely
Selecting the waterway
Finding information
Selecting the right gear
Paddler roles & responsibilities
River signals
Scouting
Self-Rescue Techniques
Assisted Rescue Techniques
If you paddle or row on rivers, learning the fundamentals of safety & rescue is the first step. Start with this class and then continue with a Swiftwater Safety & Rescue class as your paddling skills and river classifications advance.
Contact Debbie Hinde at dhinde1@msn.com for the Zoom link if you'd like to attend this class.