Downunder Kayaking

Kim Beaumont Paddling for the Cause

Photocredit:  Allen Clark, The Photoboat

Pod Leader Powerpoint Presentation

this pdf is the Pod Leader Bible.  All paddlers should read it as well.

• ACA Quickstart Classes:  Sundays 2:30-5:30pm and Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm.  $125pp is the usual rate, KFAC participants $100.  4 person minimum.  642-3660 to reserve. Classes start Sunday May 23rd, and Tuesday May 25th. Sunday classes depart from the public boat launch.
• Safety Certificate Review:  If you feel you have the skills - basic strokes, can capsize with a sprayskirt on and recover yourself, self rescue (a decent attempt will suffice), successful assisted rescue and how to do a T rescue.  THIS IS NOT INSTRUCTION - IF YOU DON'T SHOW CONFIDENCE IN ALL THESE AREAS YOU WILL NOT PASS.  Reviews are offered on Sunday afternoons 5:30-6:30pm, cost $50.  Check with the store for availability.
• Pod Leader Training:  Instructors available by appointment to train Leaders and Co-leaders.  $50pp for a 3 hour session, 4 person minimum. 

Dry Run Clinic for Pod Leaders, Co- leaders, and non-certified paddlers

1-2 weeks before the event we offer a dry run using the Kiwi Pod paddle model.  9-1pm $50, $70 if you need a kayak.  This 4 hour clinic is a dry run of what you can expect on the day.  For Pod Leaders and co-leaders, you will learn how to manage a pod, and practice scenarios that may come up.  Basic navigation, emergency handling, equipment review, rescues.  

Other Training Facilities:

• USA Canoe and Kayak  KFAC's Sanctioning Organization
• Sea Kayaking Skills and Adventures Ltd. (SKSA)  KFAC's Safety Trainers, led by Elizabeth O'Conner
• American Canoe Association
• Appalacian Mountain Club
• Atlantic Kayak Tours
• Connyak
• Ct Coastal Kayaking  Lyme CT
• Downunder Kayaking Rowayton/Norwalk CT 
• Manhattan Kayak  
• New Haven Parks and Rec  Martin Torresquintero
• New Jersey Kayak
• New York Kayak
• www.ospreyseakayak.com  Westport/Cape Cod, MA 
• Sheldon Penn Kayak Adventure School  Wilton CT 
• Small Boat Shop  Norwalk, CT
• Sound Kayakers Michele Sorenson, Norwalk CT
• sweetwaterkayaks.com  Florida
• Waveology Greg Paquin, Northeast CT
• Wilton Outdoor Sports  Wilton CT
• HV Pack and Paddle  Mark Price, Beacon NY    
• Empire Kayaks - Island Park, NY

GEAR/PREPARATION

Things KFAC provides renters:

• Kayak, pfd, paddle and spray skirt

Things you MUST bring:

• Drinks – way more than you expect to need, and full of electrolytes – water will just go through you

Things you might want to bring:

• Camelbak – forget reaching for your drink bottle (which was under the bungy and then fell off), and wasting time and energy on your stroke.  Wear this under/over your lifejacket
• Snacks – fruit, snack bars, trail mix, chocolate – anything that will get you going again
• Ideal clothing and accessories:  acrylic clothing -  layers ideal, windbreaker just in case; booties or appropriate sandals – without straps (may catch on foot pedals); hat that will not blow off your head; sunglasses (croakies help you not to lose them); gloves
• Whistle or some form of noise maker
• Sunscreen (apply when you get up, and wash your hands, skip your forehead – wear a hat instead)
• Chapstick, bug spray, shark repellant (just kidding)
• Change of clothes – for when you get there;
• Towel – there is an outdoor shower (hairdryer, make-up kit… you’ll be surprised - people actually bring this stuff)
• Dry bag to keep those ‘just in case’ things in
• Just in case things: windbreaker, polar fleece, cell phone (double zip lock, or phone pak), extra snacks, bug spray, first aid kit (neosporin, bandaids, advil, tape for blisters), gloves, extra hat – they DO blow off
• Bilge Pump
• Paddle float
• Tow belt / knowledge of how to use one
• Compass (for the fun of it)
• Camera - waterproof
• Money – for the bar on the boat back

Night before:  lots of carbs - pasta etc., not fatty or rich foods.  Loads of electrolyte rich beverages.  Get in a yoga class, or a massage!  Early to bed. 

Day of:  more electrolytes, light breakfast - cereal.  Remember to apply suntan lotion when you get up.

Safety Certification

To participate in KFAC you need to be a proficient paddler, know how to wear a sprayskirt, how to capsize and get out of it, how to self rescue and assist others with rescues. 

KFAC offers two clinics (Norwalk June 6th, Long Island June 26th) where you can learn how to do all these, although you should already have paddling skills.  Cost $50.  Proof such as a certificate (even an email) from a certified instructor (ACA/BCU) is required before you can paddle.  This is to be provided to the Safety Director.   Register for the clinics at KFAC.com.  Boats are included.

Only past paddlers are exempt.  A list of Instructors/Third Party Trainers is below.

There are a limited number of KFAC boats available for paddler use at the clinics.  You must pre-register to get one.  

Pod Leaders have a separate clinic, which is mandatory unless you have led a Pod before.  Sunday June 13th 8:30pm-1pm, departs public boat launch.  One free spot, additional spots $50 - recommended for co-leader. 

KFAC Safety Clinic FAQ

Clinic Outline

Pod Leader Clinic Outline

Pod Leader Packet 

KFAC - PADDLER INFO - FAQ

POD TRAINING:  Several KFAC Instructors are on call to train you privately or as a pod.  Consider hiring a guide/instructor to just get out there with you, and establish some pod management. 

KFAC INSTRUCTION:  All paddlers have to be at the ACA Intro to Kayaking level of instruction AND have experience capsizing from a kayak whilst wearing a sprayskirt as well as self and assisted rescues.  A calendar of scheduled classes is on the left.  A class is available via KFAC on Sunday June 6th - for those that have pre-registered.  Space is limited, and there is a subsidized fee of $50.  If you didn't preregister, email to check on availability.  Another one is being held on Long Island on Saturday June 26th.

TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS

The course is approximately 13 miles.  In addition to skills and experience, paddlers need to be fit, flexible, hydrated, and rested.

• Exercise regularly to build up your stamina - the trip is about endurance, not speed e.g. Swim, bike, run, walk, climb, row, paddle
• Focus on abs, triceps, lats, glutes and deltoids.  Ask a trainer/gym rat to help you plan a routine involving resistance exercises (your own body or weights) to build muscle and strength.  Ask for stretching exercises as well.  Use the cable machines - row, row, row - pulling exercises will strengthen your back (use your abs to protect it).  A stability ball will improve balance, and core strength. Push ups, pull ups, squats & lunges. 
• Cardio – get your heart pumping (exercise lungs, energize brain, condition body) 3x30mins/wk ideal. 
• Warming up and cooling down prevents injuries. Walking, easy jumping jacks, arm circles, any type of movement that raises your body temp so the muscles can prepare for a workout.

Fit paddlers have staying power, paddle at an even and consistent pace, and don’t crap out.