Presenters & Sessions

Significant Updates / Changes to the Instructor Trainer Process

Over the past year, the Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) has worked on a series of changes to the process of becoming an Instructor Trainer. These new policies and procedures will go into effect on January 1st. This is crucial information that every IT and ITE needs to know. ACA Chief Operating Officer, and multi-discipline ITE, Chris Stec will provide the overview.

Chris Stec serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the ACA, the oldest nonprofit paddlesports organization in the U.S., focusing on paddlesports education, stewardship, recreation and competition. In addition, Chris holds numerous paddlesports instructor certifications and enjoys spending time on the water with his wife and two kids, whether it’s racing downriver canoes, kayak fishing, or surfing SUPs in the ocean.

The Role of Mental Rehearsal and the Body’s Energy Systems in Paddling Performance

ACA / USACK Coaching Partnership Initiative (session 1)

Join legendary Olympic coach Bill Endicott as he puts a unique spin on paddlesports. In addition to the topic title, he will also provide an overview of the Coaching partnership initiative between USACK and the ACA.

As coach of the U.S. slalom team from 1977-'92, Bethesda, Md.'s Bill Endicott has had more influence on the U.S. slalom scene than any other person in the world. A successful competitor in his own right, with C-2 appearances in the 1971 and '73 World Championships and a ninth- place showing in the '71 C-2 Wildwater Championships, it is his coaching that remains his legacy. In his 15 years at the helm of the U.S. Canoe & Kayak Team, Endicott coached athletes who won 57 medals in World Cup, World Championship and Olympic competition, 27 of them gold. Never one to steal the limelight, he naturally downplays his contributions: "We just started getting athletes who started at a really young age and who could train year-round," he says. Bill Endicott has the unique distinction of being inducted into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame twice: first with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and then again as an Advocate in 2007. He is also an ACA Legend of Paddling Award recipient.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

The Challenges of Evaluating Instructor Candidates Consistently

How do ITs and ITEs from across the country and across various disciplines provide fair and consistent evaluations of Instructor Candidate’s? It’s not as easy as you think, aka does an Instructor Candidate truly earn a Level 3 certification or do they just barely squeak by? Do they 'Pass' at Level 3, but get 'Continued' at level 4? How do you decide on the last day of an ICE or IDW? If you’ve ever wrestled with this decision, join a panel of fellow ITs and ITEs to share how you determine what to write down on your Instructor Certification Course Report Form: Pass, Fail, or Continued

Panelists:  Cindy Scherrer, Shellback Paddle Experience o L2: ESUP IT  Anna Levesque, Girls at Play o L4: WWK IT; L2: ESUP IT  Laura Liebel, WEKANU o L3: FSC IT; L2: ERC IT; L2: EKT IT; L2: ERK IT  Trey Knight o L4: AWWSUP IT; L4: WWR IT  Jeff Liebel, WEKANU o L3: FSC IT; L2: EKT IT  Charlie MacArthur, Aspen Kayak & SUP Academy o L3: WWSUP ITE; L3: SSUP ITE; L4: WWK IT

ITEs - Pitfalls to Avoid while Mentoring new IT Candidates

This is a crucial session for ITEs and aspirant ITs to attend in order to get a ‘refresher’ on things to do, and not do, in regards to mentoring new Instructor Trainer Candidates. Better to know ahead of time, than have a supposedly ‘final’ IT Application sent back…

For 25 years, paddling canoes and kayaks has been both passion and profession for Steve Hutton. He began teaching paddlesport in 1988, and over the years has shared his love of all things water with students and Instructor Candidates, as well as his two young sons. Steve is the Director of Recreation for Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission in Charleston, South Carolina. He served for many years on the Board of Directors and as President of the Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education, and received their Jim Rennie Leadership Award. Currently, Steve is an ACA Instructor Trainer Educator for Coastal Kayaking and Essentials of Canoe Touring, and is the Chair of the ACA's Safety Education and Instruction Council. 2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

Robin Pope presided as the President of the ACA Board of Directors and was the chair of the Safety Education & Instruction Council. He is a Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer Educator and a Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Instructor Trainer Educator. In addition to his Board and SEIC responsibilities, Robin volunteers a significant amount of time teaching a range of paddlesport courses. He is an active and long time member of the Carolina Canoe Club and resides in western North Carolina where he is teaching his son the art of kayaking.

Can Teaching Paddling on Land be as effective as Teaching on the Water?

Of course it can - join Ben Lawry, Confluence Outdoor's National Technical Instructor and multi-discipline ACA Instructor Trainer Educator to find out how...He will relate key aspects from his famous 'Dry Land Rolling' presentation and his infamous 'On Land Forward Stroke' presentation.

Ben has been paddling for over 35 years, and teaching/guiding for over 25. He has taught paddling on five continents and competed on three. Presently he works as the National Technical Instructor for Confluence Outdoor. He also is head instructor/owner of Kayak Camp with his wife, Elizabeth. Ben presented at the National ACA Conference in 2010, 2012 and 2013 and at the National WW Symposium in 2010. Ben presented at the ACA Europe Conference in 2013 and 2014. He has led trips and traveled extensively in South America, South Africa, Europe and North America. Ben splits his time now teaching paddling and working with stores. His work takes him to symposiums, shows and paddling rendezvous all over the United States. As the National Technical Instructor, he is involved with kayak design in sea, touring and white water kayaks as well as helping in designing paddles, accessories and clothing for all disciplines. His rich experience has led to an in-depth knowledge of instruction/guiding practices and procedures, a strong commitment to quality service, as well as excellent organizational and problem solving skills. He has competed in sprint, sea kayak, slalom, rodeo, marathon canoe and kayak, outrigger, surf ski and wildwater events. He presently ride a bike, runs and does the odd multi-sport event.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

Motionize - Stroke Analysis Technology

The kayak forward stroke. Dependent on the discipline and situation we make use of it 50-99% of the time out on the water but it’s also the one stroke that most people do poorly. Sure we can get from A to B with little difficulty but as soon as you need power or efficiency most paddlers don’t know how to fix it without coaching and serious practice. Motionize is a new product to help make your kayak forward stroke better by using of technology as a virtual coach. It works with the help of a lightweight, waterproof sensor that attaches to your kayak paddle shaft and transmits information about your stroke by Bluetooth to an iPhone app which in-turn displays that key information to you live. It could appeal to any paddler who is looking to be better on the water. It could also be an interesting tool for kayak instructors or coaches working with students. During a lesson you could easily slap it on a student’s boat while on the water and evaluate it with them afterwards. It could go hand in hand with video coaching. On Friday morning, there will be a classroom presentation on this technology, followed by multiple on-water sessions to try it on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.

Guy Aharon, Motionize CEO, will be on hand to showcase this product as well as provide participants with the opportunity to try out the technology on the lake at James Island County Park.

Meet with your respective Discipline Chairs

Have you ever wondered how the sausage is made? There will be time on Friday afternoon for you to meet in small groups with the current chair of each ACA Discipline Committee. They will provide specific updates in regards to changes in curriculum or policy that directly effects your discipline. Plus - bring your ideas to share on how to make your discipline better. The Intro to Paddling Committee(IPC) information will be covered under each discipline, but if you’d like to know additional specifics of the IPC, you can join Mike Aronoff, IPC Chair, for a hosted dinner on Friday evening, just sign up at the registration table. Since so many of ya’ll are multi-discipline ITs and ITEs, there are two back to back sessions so you can meet with multiple Discipline Chairs for the latest and greatest!

Disciplines:  Coastal Kayak – John Browning  River Kayak – Larry Ausley  Surf Kayak – Nigel Law  Canoe – Beth Wiegandt  Stand Up Paddleboard – Josh Hall  Safety & Rescue – Robin Pope  Rafting – Marcel Bieg  Adaptive – Joe Moore  Intro to Paddling – Mike Aronoff - hosted dinner Friday evening 2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

What all Competitive Paddlers Need to Know

This presentation will cover the rights and responsibilities that athletes have in regards to: the testing process, the red flag warnings of supplements, whereabouts filing, Therapeutic Use Exceptions, the prohibited list, and the WADA code.

Tammy Hanson is the Education Manager for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Warm to Perform: Pre-Paddle Warm Up Drills

Often overlooked, but oh so important…come prepared to both loosen up and be entertained. You might even have the opportunity to share your favorite method!

Roger Schumann of Eskape Sea Kayaking has been leading custom classes and tours on the California coast since 1992. Roger is a top-level ACA Instructor-Trainer in several disciplines, who is known for his local expertise as well as being a featured coach at paddling symposiums across the country and around the world, for his articles in Sea Kayaker and other magazines, and for co-authoring 2 books.

Strength and Conditioning for Paddlesports & Sports Nutrition for Paddlesports

Dr. Brad DeWeese, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science in the Claudius G. Clemmer College of Education, has spent the past eight years preparing athletes for the Olympic Games. He was the strength, speed and conditioning coach for nine athletes and two alternates who went to Sochi. DeWeese began coaching athletes while serving as head sport physiologist for the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Winter Division in Lake Placid, N.Y. In addition, he has overseen the physical preparation of world-class athletes for international competition in various other sports, including track and field, freestyle ski, biathlon, karate, canoe/kayak and the marathon. He currently serves as head strength and conditioning coach for the USA Canoe/Kayak National Slalom team. Collectively, his athletes have achieved six world championships, 12 national championships and 100 medals in international bobsled, skeleton, track and field, karate, canoe/kayak, luge and freestyle ski competitions.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

High Performance Technique Demonstrations

ACA / USACK Coaching Partnership Initiative (session 2)

Join legendary Olympic Coach Bill Endicott, 3-time Slalom Olympian Scott Parsons and Sprint Olympian Michele Eray for an in-depth look at techniques that truly make boats go fast! They will demonstrate high performance techniques in both slalom and sprint boats.

Michele Eray is the USACK Sprint High Performance Director. Originally from South Africa, she currently coaches in Oklahoma City. She started paddling through the Life Saving movement as a natural progression from Nippers. With help from Daniel Conradie and her brother Laurent, she started paddling a life- saving spec ski. This led to a canoe as part of Oakhill School’s program run by Chris Storey. She enjoyed 2 Junior Canoe World Sprint Championships, and then headed off to Stellenbosch University, followed by Natal to study Biokinetics. After a quick stint in London (the weather is not for me!) The chance at achieving a lifelong dream, the Olympic Games, presented itself, so I moved to CT to train with a crazy (7 times World Champion) Hungarian called Robbie Hegedus. Now, the Olympics have come and gone. Our goals of a Top 6 in the Final was achieved (well we finished a tight 7th, 1.5 secs off a medal!) Now I am taking on the world of Surf Ski. The Best Thing I have Ever Done: Every day is the Best Thing. Personal Mantra: You regret more in life the things that you didn’t do, than the things you did. You can have anything, just not everything!

Scott Parsons has been in and around canoes and kayaks for most of his life. His draw to the water began at the age of six in Toledo, Ohio. What started out as basic kayaking lessons at a YMCA for his father, Bill, mother, Mary, and older brother, Brian (an accomplished whitewater paddler and slalom racer), turned into a family obsession that would last for the better part of three decades. Though a competent whitewater paddler, Scott excelled in slalom and would eventually end his competitive career in 2012 after having been a member of the US National Team for nearly twenty years during which time he raced his way to a handful of high-level international medals and three US Olympic Teams. Scott’s passion for boating and especially slalom has led him to the coaching side of paddling. He is an assistant for the legendary Dana Chaldek at the Potomac Whitewater Racing Center as well as having assisted both the US and Canadian National Teams. He currently lives in Cabin John, Maryland with his ten year old black lab, Kona, and works as a prosthetic technician when he’s not out on the Potomac River.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

How to use a Bellyak as a Teaching Tool

A Bellyak is a quick and easy way to get on the water, explore and play! Low risk + high reward = big fun for everyone. Longer than a riverboard, more stout than a surfboard and shapelier than a standard SUP, a Bellyak is a boat designed to be ridden lying down, without restricting straps or a confining spray skirt. Think of it as a belly-on- top instead of a-sit-on-top! Designed with a planing hull, much like a kayak, Bellyaks cut through the water, while holding the rider above the water, providing a responsive ride and good maneuverability. Bellyaks are approximately 8 feet long and 24 inches wide, with a stable and secure riding area. Weighing in at approximately 30 pounds, they are easy to transport to your favorite beach, river or lake.

Adam Masters runs Bellyak, Inc. from Weaverville NC. Countless hours of research and testing have gone into the Bellyak’s patented designs to ensure ultimate comfort and safety on the water. The designs are tested and refined on the French Broad, Pigeon, Ocoee and Chattooga rivers by a dedicated and growing group of talented bellyakers… pushing the limits of fun. Innovation in boat design and being on the water is part of the Masters family. In case you haven’t made the connection, Adam’s dad is Bill Masters, founder of Perception Kayaks. Bill’s innovations & application of rotomolding to kayak manufacturing allowed kayakers to progress the sport at a much quicker pace, and made boats widely available and more affordable. Adam continues the family tradition with Bellyak.

Intro to Surf SUP Clinic

If you’ve always wanted to try it, now’s the time! Meet at Edisto Hall and you’ll be transported to nearby Folly Beach to spend some time on the waves! Multiple sessions will be offered over the course of the conference, please sign up at the registration table.

T.J. Turner is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the ACA. He grew up in the Lower Shenandoah Valley, where he gained appreciation for the outdoors and the mountainous terrain and the waterways of Virginia. In 2001, he started his career in recreation by obtaining a snowboard certification through the Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania. In 2006, he attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia to study kinesiology focusing on sport and recreation management. While attending JMU, he worked with the University Recreation Center Outdoor Program running programs all around the Shenandoah Valley area and even some paddling trips through West Virginia and Maryland. In 2009, he traveled to Macomb, Illinois to pursue his outdoor recreation education at Western Illinois University. In May 2010, he graduated with a Master’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. In May

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions of 2010, he interned at the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission to continue his outdoor recreation training with a water-sports focus. In the fall of 2010, he moved out to Wyoming and directed a ski school in the Medicine Bow/Routt National Forest. In April 2011, he took his first ACA course with Josh Hall, Charlie MacArthur, and Roger Schuman for L-2 Stand Up Paddleboard. Since that date, he has been pursuing his passion for teaching and educating others about watersports. In May 2011 and 2012, he helped manage the CCPRC camp program and helped train incoming summer staff. He currently holds an L-2 certification for Stand Up Paddleboard, helped to write the L-3 SUP surf curriculum for the ACA, and paddles mostly in the greater Charleston area and Folly Beach.

Advanced Surf SUP Clinic

If you’ve SUP surfed before, but want to work on your ability to maneuver on the wave, this session is for you. Meet at Edisto Hall and you’ll be transported to nearby Folly Beach to spend some time on the waves! Two sessions will be offered over the course of the conference, please sign up at the registration table.

Keith Keller, "Timucuan Waterman", was born in Miami Florida and was raised in Coastal North East Florida in Jacksonville and in St. Augustine. He grew up Surfing, Skateboarding, Sailing, and Paddling the Coastal Waters of Florida and the South Eastern States. By age sixteen, he was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, which allowed him to explore many different outdoor activities including becoming a certified scuba diver at age thirteen, as well as a whitewater canoeist and wilderness leader. Keith has spent many hours enjoying multiple activities which have included travelling and surfing the East Coast, Florida, Central America, Oregon to San Diego, The Caribbean, and Bahamas Islands, Mexico, and the South Coast of France. Most of all he carries over fifteen years of specialized Outdoor Retail Management, as well as fourteen years of Paddle Sports Education and Guide Business Management. He has an extensive history within his teaching affiliation the American Canoe Association. Keith currently has over thirteen years of Open Water Sea Kayak Instruction and now serves on the ACA’s SUP curriculum development committee.

Josh Hall has been paddling and teaching for over 18 years for Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, an American Canoe Association Pro School, where her serves as the agencies Outdoor Program Manager. Josh is most happy when he is teaching in the outdoors and sharing his knowledge with both youth and adults. His coaching adventures have taken him all over the continental US, Hawaii, Europe and Japan. Josh’s credentials include: American Canoe Association (ACA) L5 Advanced Open Water Instructor Trainer Educator, ACA L2 SUP

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions Instructor Trainer Educator, ACA L5 Whitewater Kayak Instructor, L-4 Whitewater Canoe Instructor, and is endorsed as an ACA Traditional Skills and Adaptive Paddling Instructor. In 2012 Joshua was awarded the ACA’s Excellence in Instruction award for his teaching and curriculum development contributions. In addition, Josh has served as a Board of Director for the American Canoe Association (ACA) and chair of the ACA’s Coastal Kayak committee. Josh was the first ACA SUP ITE and is credited with authoring the first curriculum adopted by the ACA. He now serves as Chair of the committee and with many other talented trainers has helped the program grow leaps and bounds. As the current chair of East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival, he has continued the tradition of establishing this event as the premier paddlesport event, not only on the east coast but the country as a whole.

Surf Kayak Clinic

This is primarily for short boats, but we’ll let a few long boats slide,..maybe even a sit on top. If you’d like to work on your ability to maneuver on an ocean wave, this session is for you. Meet at Edisto Hall and you’ll be transported to nearby Folly Beach to spend some time on the waves! Two sessions will be offered over the course of the conference, please sign up at the registration table.

Nigel Law is the chair of the ACA’s Surf Kayak Committee and owns Savannah Canoe & Kayak which he and his wife Kristin built from the ground up, starting in 2003 with two boats in the backyard. Today he strives to offer a quality experience for his customers using certified guides who have a vested interest in the community and are stewards for protecting the coastal environment. We bring our on-water expertise into the retail store to make SC&K a hub of paddlesports information. Our retail store offers one of the largest selection of boats and gear in the South East. We endeavor to maintain integrity with all our customers. Come on by - we'd love to meet you!

Sean Morley is the Program Director at California Canoe & Kayak. Certifications: ACA Level 5 Advanced Open Water Kayak Instructor, Level 4 Instructor Trainer, Level 3 Surf Kayak Instructor and Level 2 SUP Instructor. PADI Rescue Diver. Ambassador for Kokatat Watersports Wear and a Team paddler for Werner Paddles. Sean originates from the UK and is now a resident of Marin. He began kayaking at the age of ten and even as a youngster often paddled alone, exploring the relatively sheltered waters of the south coast of Cornwall. He was always curious to see what he would find beyond the horizon and dreamed of a continuous journey around every headland and across every bay until eventually he had paddled all the way around Great Britain. In 2004 he achieved his childhood dream by completing the first solo circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland by sea kayak; the first ever to

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions include all of the inhabited islands. The 4500 mile expedition took 183 days and is the longest kayak journey ever undertaken in British waters. In 2006 Sean competed at the Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival as a way as a way to promote a new surf kayak he helped design. There he met Gina who became his wife and the mother of their two fantastic kids. In 2008 Sean attempted to break the record for the fastest circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. He completed the 700mile (1000km) circumnavigation in 17 days, 4 hours and 49 minutes taking over 6 days off the previous record. Sean’s record breaking days are over but he still loves to explore and surf and share his passion for all paddlesports with CCK’s customers.

SUP Yoga

Start Saturday and Sunday mornings off right with SUP Yoga on the lake at James Island County Park. Sign up at the registration table at Edisto Hall.

Seth Cantley is an ACA SUP Instructor who also holds the ACA SUP Yoga Endorsement. Seth does just about everything he’s capable of too, which includes SUP races, 50K trail runs, Ironman triathlons, even attempting to connect drainages and SUP 300 miles across all of South Carolina this September before low water halted the trip five days and 130 miles in. To support his endurance habits, he splits hours between work as a medical care architect and instructing for CCPRC and at Charleston’s Half-Moon Outfitters.

Social Media Primer for Instructor Trainers - Become the Social Guru You Are

Everyone knows social media skills are key to driving new customer acquisition in 2016, but who has time to manage it all?? While a plethora of tools promise an easy road to success, how we apply/manage social media matters when our primary goal is to stay on the water with students. We'll cover the 'rules of the road' for social media ethics when working with students/groups, and have a quick overview of three top social media marketing platforms (HootSuite, SproutSocial, and IFTTT) designed to simplify managing multiple profiles and multiple social media networks. You'll walk away with tips and tricks designed to kick start new social media interaction for the beginner along with serious shortcuts for more seasoned social media mavens and those wishing to supercharge their own social media management. Presented by Tim Chandler of TRY Standup out of Dana Point, CA.

Tim Chandler is an ACA L3 Surf Instructor who grew up on the lakes, rivers, and coast lines of Texas and has been in or on the water his whole life. After moving to California in the early 1990's, Tim co-founded an early subscription website called SurfCheck.com which delivered

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions swell data, live images, and videos that became the backbone of media giant Surfline.com, where Tim served as VP Technology until 2007. Turning from consumer websites to public sector work in 2008 - Tim started and spent six years as GM of Coastalwatch Australia's CoastalCOMS division, utilizing coastal sensor systems to turn big data from the surf zone into information that empowers life guarding, first responders, and public safety organizations around the world. Working with surf media and lifeguards afforded him the opportunity to surf and paddle his way around the world, from waves at Bondi Beach to touring and surfing in the North Sea. When not at his day job as a Technical Solutions Architect - Tim is surfing, teaching, and guiding for local shops around his home in Dana Point, CA or paddling with his family and friends in the lakes and canyons of the US Southwest.

Should Instructor Trainers pre-teach a Topic or let Instructor Candidates Prepare and Try?

Join the ACA’s Western States Outreach Director and multi-discipline IT, Marcel Bieg for this facilitated discussion on a topic that affects almost every IDW / ICE we teach.

Marcel has been instructing and guiding for over 15 years from Alaska to the Florida Keys. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Marcel holds a M.S. in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato along with Several Instructor Certifications from the AMGA, ACA, AIARE, LNT, ACCT and the PSIA. Marcel has a wide range of experience in the outdoor field and has been employed in several outdoor professions including Higher Education, U.S. Military, K12 and Expedition Education. Marcel is also part of several non-profit organizations that focus on Resource Protection and Outdoor Education. He holds numerous ACA certifications, including Instructor Trainer in Whitewater Rafting and Whitewater Kayaking. He is also a certified Instructor in SUP, Surf Kayak, Coastal Kayak, a Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Instructor and he holds the Adaptive Paddling Endorsement. “I owe so much to paddle sports; my character, passions, personality, relationships and even my life. I have always believed in a balanced life so for me if I owe something or someone one I better make good on it. This may be by repaying my teachers by continuing their teachings, honoring a mentor by becoming a mentor, or simply trying to convey the joy I have felt within an activity to others who could grow their lives through the activity. This is why I became involved with the ACA.”

Improve your Precision Paddling

ACA / USACK Coaching Partnership Initiative (session 3)

Imagine receiving feedback on your paddling technique from legendary Olympic Coach Bill Endicott, 3-time Slalom Olympian Scott Parsons and Sprint Olympian Michele Eray…well that’s what this session is all about! Multiple offerings on Saturday and Sunday morning.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

Gender Communication in High Stress Situations for Effective Learning & Teaching

There's more and more science to back up the neurological, hormonal and biological differences between men and women...improve your learning and teaching ability across the gender spectrum. Join Anna Levesque, a leading expert on whitewater kayak instruction and yoga for women for this can't miss presentation that will truly enhance your ability to connect with members of the opposite sex.

Anna Levesque is a world-class paddler and instructor dedicated to enhancing the lives of women through kayaking, yoga and travel. Anna’s fifteen-plus years of experience as an accomplished international competitor, instructor and guide has placed her as the leading expert in her field. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, having had a steady practice for over ten years and having completed over 300 hours of yoga teacher training. As an athlete Anna was a member of the Canadian Freestyle Kayak Team from 1999 to 2003 and earned a bronze medal at the Freestyle World Championships in 2001. She placed in the top 3 in several freestyle competitions and extreme races during that time and has paddled in over 10 countries around the world.

Boat & Board Design

Sure we talk about boat and board design in our certification courses, but what do you really know about the nuances of boat and board construction and design characteristics. Join Instructor Trainer Educator Steve Scherrer of Shellback Paddle Experience (aka he was involved with the design of the Wilderness Systems Tempest series of sea kayaks) for a unique hands-on educational experience!

It’s been 6 months since Shellback Paddle Experience launched the traveling SUP road show. We’ve driven to thirty four states so far and will go through another seven on the way home. Aside from the expected challenges, life on the road has had wonderful surprises that could not have been planned for. Like the time friends from the Midwest were at the same location in Maine, found out we would be there at the same time and invited us over for lobster dinner. We paid them back with an impromptu SUP outing, which was kind of a big deal as they have two small children! Our mission is to educate. Clinics for dealers, consumer classes, demos, ACA trainings and cert courses, are all part of Shellback Paddle Experience. Thirty years in the paddle sports industry has given us lifelong friends that have extended their support and provided opportunity for our new adventure.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

How to Throw a Harpoon from your moving Kayak

Yep, you read that right, that’s what you’ll be doing if you sign up for this session. It’s a combination of traditional kayaking skills meshed with some good old competition and fun! (we’ll supply the harpoons…please don’t try and carry them on your flight to Charleston)

Chris Raab joined the staff in September of 2015 as the ACA’s Stewardship Director. With degrees in Business Administration, Environmental Science and Conservation Biology, combined with experience with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School, Chris brings a unique skill set to this position. He also has extensive experience with mapping software and holds a Geographic Information Systems certification. In addition, Chris is an ACA Instructor Trainer in kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding and has been active with many local and regional paddling clubs. Chris will oversee all of the ACA’s stewardship related project and initiatives, including the L.L.Bean CFS Grant, Water Trail mapping, the Paddle Green Bag Program, and the Stream to Sea Initiative.

New National Standards that Affect Paddlesports

Yes, there are two other groups that are developing national paddlesports standards. What does that mean for your instruction programs? Learn from former ACA Executive Director Pam Dillon, now the Education and Standards Director for NASBLA, and Brian Dorval, the facilitator for the new On-Water Standards Project.

Pam Dillon serves as director of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Education and Standards Division. In this capacity, she works to fully articulate NASBLA's national role in standards development and conformity assessment, as well as to provide broader and deeper professional development opportunities for our members and the recreational boating community. Previously, Pam served as Boating Law Administrator (BLA), retiring in 2011 as chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft. During a five-year break in service from the state of Ohio, Dillon served as executive director of the American Canoe Association (2002-2007), working to develop strategic alliances with boating, outdoor recreation, and paddlesport education and conservation programs across the U.S. and Canada. Dillon served two terms as a public member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. In 2014 Dillon earned her credential as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from ASAE (American Society of Association Executives).

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

Brian Dorval is a founding partner of Think First Serve®, a research, consulting and training company specializing in the use of creative-thinking, problem-solving and performance-improvement methods to help organizations figure out new ways to grow. Brian has more than 25 years’ experience helping people, teams, and organizations significantly improve their personal performance and business results. He has delivered more than 500 innovation programs, training courses, and management-coaching and performance-improvement sessions for companies in 20 countries. As past vice president of client services for the Creative Problem Solving Group, Inc., Brian worked with many Fortune 500 and Times 1000 organizations to enhance performance in innovation. He is one of the co-developers of Creative Problem Solving (CPS) version 6.1™, publishing more than 60 articles, chapters and books on the topics of creativity, mental imagery and problem solving. In other performance areas, Brian is a USPTA-certified tennis professional, who specializes in the mental game. He has worked with regionally and nationally ranked junior tennis players, as well as adults of all levels, to improve mental toughness and enhance performance in pressure situations. Brian was the lead designer and head tennis professional for Western New York’s specially designed Shining Stars Adaptive Tennis Program™, which brings the experience of tennis to children with autism. Brian has conducted original research on the relationship between creative thinking and mental imagery and uses the results of this and other research to help organizations, teams, and individuals better understand and use their creative talents to solve performance problems in new ways. He is also on the board of directors of the Center for Creative Learning, in Sarasota, Fla.

Forms – what is required by the SEIC? What is the purpose of the Instructor Candidate Evaluation Form?

If you have any questions about paperwork or the nuances of the SEIC Policy Manual, join the SEI staff for a session to help clear the air and cut through the confusion.

Kelsey Bracewell is the ACA’s SEI Coordinator. After building her love of the outdoors in the mountains of northern Georgia, Kelsey graduated from Brevard College with an undergraduate degree in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education. She also graduated with a Master's degree in Recreation and Sport Pedagogy from Ohio University and enthusiastically joined the ACA as a part of the Safety Education and Instruction Department. She has recently completed her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Prior to joining the ACA staff, she worked at several outdoor adventure summer camps in Western North Carolina, specializing in whitewater paddling. Kelsey holds a Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking Instructor certification, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and has taken an ACA Swiftwater Rescue course.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

New Paddlesports Coaching Program

ACA / USACK Coaching Partnership Initiative (session 4)

In conjunction with USACK, the ACA is developing a Coaching program tailored for our Instructors, Trainers, and paddling clubs. Join legendary Olympic Coach Bill Endicott for the latest details of the program and its roll out in 2016. You will also get a sneak peak at the new Coaching Manual and curriculum.

Instructor Trainer Team Relay Race

Oh yeah – a blast from the past – remember the relay race at the 2012 conference…

Let the enthusiasm of Relay Race Host Marcel Bieg flow as you partner up with four(4) others to compete in the following events on the lake at JICP:

 Solo Canoe leg  Kayak leg  SUP leg  Swiftwater Rescue Skill  Old School Field Day Event o Prizes will be awarded!

Awards Ceremony, BBQ, Beer & Music!

On Saturday night, join the ACA and USACK Board of Directors and fellow paddlers for an evening of awards, socializing, and networking at Edisto Hall at JICP. Dinner and beer, provided by Jim & Nicks BBQ and Palmetto Brewing, is already included in your registration fee, so we’ll see you there.

The Bluestone Ramblers, a Lowcountry traditional bluegrass ensemble with a relaxed and friendly, yet energetic stage presence, will provide the sound for a fun evening of BBQ, beverages, and the telling of tall paddling tales!

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC Presenters & Sessions

USACK Sprint Coaches Meeting

Join USACK Sprint High Performance Director Michele Eray for a session focusing on current issues involving the Sprint Discipline. This is an open session for all interested individuals.

USACK Board of Director’s Meeting

The USACK Board of Directors will meet at the Holiday Inn Riverview (301 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC) on Friday afternoon and Saturday.

ACA Board of Director’s Meeting

The ACA Board of Directors will meet at the Holiday Inn Riverview (301 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC) all day Saturday and Sunday morning.

ACA Annual Membership Meeting

All ACA members are encouraged to attend. The meeting will take place from 8:00-8:30am on Sunday morning at the Holiday Inn Riverview (301 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC) with the ACA Board of Directors.

Adaptive Paddling Workshop

This is a post conference course that begins on Sunday evening and concludes on Tuesday evening. Additional registration is required. The ACA is proud to partner with Adaptive Expeditions who is both instructing and hosting this APW.

Joe Moore is the Founding Executive Director of Adaptive Expeditions. He is an Adaptive Paddling Instructor Trainer, SUP Instructor & Coastal Kayak Instructor. Joe leads Advocacy, Training, Paddlesport, Swimming & Aquatic Safety programs. He is passionate about working to improve the world we live in through education, advocacy and sharing positive life experiences with others. His love of the natural world and his drive for excellence guide most of his life choices.

2015 ACA Instructor Trainer Conference Charleston, SC