To help with the training program, we have launched a website specifically for training information. It even helps us with electronic registration forms!

To check it out, visit www.wtckayak.com.

The WTC kayak training programs are for anyone over 12 years of age who are new to paddle sports, or who would like to extend his or her current skills.  Instructors are registered and certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA), and provide instruction in accordance with ACA standards.

Open House

If you are interested in learning more about the training program, please consider joining us for our open house!

Goal: Introduce interested new paddlers to the sport of kayaking.

Date: Friday April 20, 7pm-9pm

Location:

Ashland Nature Center

3511 Barley Miss Road

Hockessin, DE 19707

(302) 239-2334

Prospective students and guests will not be paddiling or getting in the water for this event. We are there to answer all of your questions and introduce you to the club.

WTC offers two different kayak training programs designed to meet your needs: Recreational/Touring and Whitewater.  Please see below for the different training skills and program requirements. To register for the training classes, please visit our training site at www.wtckayak.com.

Safety Session

After registering for the training and before participating in the training courses, students are required to take the safety session. In this event, students will have a hands-on introduction to gear and equipment, as well as complete two skill tests - swimming proficiency and wet exit.

Date: Tuesday May 15, 7pm-9pm

Location:

Cab Calloway School fo the Arts

100 North Dupont Road

Wilmington, DE 19805

The recreational/touring kayak training is designed as a two course progression. The progression takes the kayaker from paddling on a pond to paddling on moving water. White water, Ocean/ Sea/Coastal or Recreational/ Touring kayaks would be suitable for this training. You do not have to take the two courses. The dates for the 2012 Training Program are:

• May 19     Quick Start your Kayak                                                   
  

Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues. A paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water.

• May 20     Essentials of River Kayaking                                              
  

The prerequisite is Quick Start your Kayak or equivalent experience meeting with the instructor’s approval. This course is designed to give students tools to travel down a moving river. A local river will be selected for the course.

In addition to the training programs listed above, we have follow up trips for graduates. These follow up trips are regular, club paddling trips that give you a chance to safely practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of WTC experienced paddlers. To check out future paddling trips, view the Paddling > Sea & Rec > Trip Calendar section or the Paddling Forum.

The whitewater training program is designed as a three course progression. The progression takes the kayaker from paddling on a pond, to paddling on moving water, to paddling on whitewater. Whitewater kayaks would be suitable for this training. You do not have to take all three courses. You can just take one course, Essentials of River Kayaking or you can just take two courses, Essentials of River Kayaking and River Kayaking. The dates for the 2012 Training Program are:

The whitewater kayaking courses includes Friday and Saturday night lodging and a BBQ dinner on Saturday night.

• June 2 and June 3          Essentials of River Kayaking                       
  

This course is designed to give students tools to travel down a moving river. The first day is on flat water and the second day is on moving water.

• June 23 and June 24      River Kayaking                                            
  

The prerequisite is the completion of Essentials of River Kayaking. In this course, the current will be faster moving water. The course will build on the tools presented in the Essentials of River Kayaking course. You will spend the both days on moving water.

• July 7 and July 8            Whitewater Kayaking                                   
  

The prerequisite is the completion of River Kayaking. This course emphasizes additional skill acquisition for paddling on fast moving water and/or whitewater.

In addition to the training programs listed above, we have follow up trips for graduates. These follow up trips are regular, club paddling trips that give you a chance to safely practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of WTC experienced paddlers. To check out future paddling trips, view the Paddling > Whitewater > Trip Calendar section or the Paddling Forum.

If you have more questions, call or email one of the following people:

Name	Phone	EMail
Sharron Laas		wtcpaddling AT yahoo.com
Janice Fiore	856-467-8932	wtcpaddling AT yahoo.com
Shannon Lavelle	610-809-1763	wtcpaddling AT yahoo.com