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
Whitewater Canoeing
Tandem & Solo Eric Hermann |
River Canoeing
Tandem & Solo Mike Koliha |
Whitewater Canoeing
Tandem & Solo Debbie Hinde |
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 |
Instruction 2024
Written by Eric Hermann
Poudre Paddlers Essentials of River Canoeing
Flatwater & Basic River Canoeing Skills
Note: As of April 14, 2024, I’m developing this class. We’re aiming at a weekend in late June as the river tames down a bit. We’ll start on a pond one day, the Poudre River the next. At this stage the class is limited to eight students. We’ll keep 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, or borrowed, boat, life vest, and equipment.
Dates : TBD- Perhaps June 22 and 23
Location: Fort Collins Area, Northern Colorado. Details TBD
Instructors: Eric Hermann and others
Cost : The only cost I’m sure about at this point is for Poudre Paddler membership and, unless you are a member of the American Canoe Association (ACA) $10 per person insurance.
($10 per household for Poudre Paddlers membership (for Non-current Poudre Paddler members)
We might do away with required fee (traditionally $40 per person) because, without fees we won’t need a City permit.
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 [email protected]
Please tell me the following when you register:
Safety Classes – Nick Kot is in charge this year: [email protected]
This year the class will be on the river, not on Zoom. The date, likely in late July, is TBD.
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. Swiftwater Safety and Rescue: Refer to Nick’s earlier email to the Club about this, or contact Canyon River Instruction in Salida or Rocky Mountain Adventures in Fort Collins. Both are offering classes.
Knots for safety and general use – “Drag n Dine” April 20. Here’s the notice from Nick (Please respond quickly, as there is a food order):
When: 4-20-24 / 1 PM
What: Knotfest / Lunch provided by club
Where: City Park - intersection of Oak / Roosevelt Street. (More or less the north west corner of the park. We will be just west of the tennis courts). Please see map attached
What to Bring: Beverage of your choice (I will have water jug), your own chairs (slings, ropes, carabiners, and prusics, if you have them)
Food: Mexican food won the vote, so it will be a fiesta. I will bring food / plates / utensils / napkins / table / water jug.
Kayaking -
Scott Rankin ([email protected] ) is considering teaching kayak classes this year. At this point, more info is TBD.
Other Offerings-
As often true, Rocky Mountain Canoe Club and Poudre Paddlers share classes. For example…
May 4, 2024 Bill Ashworth ([email protected] ) Is offering a class in river-trip outfitting and packing. I have announced this in emails to the club.
April 18, 2024, this Thursday, and then on April 20, Bill and Jeff Oxenford are offering a class in Trip planning, coordinating and leadership. Check the RMCC calendar for more information.
Kayaking: RMA teaches rolling, and is offering a class in kayak self-support (how to do multi-day trips with a kayak).
Flatwater & Basic River Canoeing Skills
Note: As of April 14, 2024, I’m developing this class. We’re aiming at a weekend in late June as the river tames down a bit. We’ll start on a pond one day, the Poudre River the next. At this stage the class is limited to eight students. We’ll keep 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, or borrowed, boat, life vest, and equipment.
Dates : TBD- Perhaps June 22 and 23
Location: Fort Collins Area, Northern Colorado. Details TBD
Instructors: Eric Hermann and others
Cost : The only cost I’m sure about at this point is for Poudre Paddler membership and, unless you are a member of the American Canoe Association (ACA) $10 per person insurance.
($10 per household for Poudre Paddlers membership (for Non-current Poudre Paddler members)
We might do away with required fee (traditionally $40 per person) because, without fees we won’t need a City permit.
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 [email protected]
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?
Safety Classes – Nick Kot is in charge this year: [email protected]
This year the class will be on the river, not on Zoom. The date, likely in late July, is TBD.
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. Swiftwater Safety and Rescue: Refer to Nick’s earlier email to the Club about this, or contact Canyon River Instruction in Salida or Rocky Mountain Adventures in Fort Collins. Both are offering classes.
Knots for safety and general use – “Drag n Dine” April 20. Here’s the notice from Nick (Please respond quickly, as there is a food order):
When: 4-20-24 / 1 PM
What: Knotfest / Lunch provided by club
Where: City Park - intersection of Oak / Roosevelt Street. (More or less the north west corner of the park. We will be just west of the tennis courts). Please see map attached
What to Bring: Beverage of your choice (I will have water jug), your own chairs (slings, ropes, carabiners, and prusics, if you have them)
Food: Mexican food won the vote, so it will be a fiesta. I will bring food / plates / utensils / napkins / table / water jug.
Kayaking -
Scott Rankin ([email protected] ) is considering teaching kayak classes this year. At this point, more info is TBD.
Other Offerings-
As often true, Rocky Mountain Canoe Club and Poudre Paddlers share classes. For example…
May 4, 2024 Bill Ashworth ([email protected] ) Is offering a class in river-trip outfitting and packing. I have announced this in emails to the club.
April 18, 2024, this Thursday, and then on April 20, Bill and Jeff Oxenford are offering a class in Trip planning, coordinating and leadership. Check the RMCC calendar for more information.
Kayaking: RMA teaches rolling, and is offering a class in kayak self-support (how to do multi-day trips with a kayak).
Intro to River Safety and Rescue
When: Tuesday, March 22, 2024, 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] for the Zoom link if you'd like to attend this class.