Sport Studies, Recreation & Athletics 250-A
Intermediate Kayaking
Spring 2013
Thursdays from 1pm to 6pm and 1 required field trip (paddling on a river). The trip will be from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon April 26th to 28th.
Class meets at the Pool.
Instructor: Stuart Chapin, Assistant Director of the Outdoor Program
Contact Info: 509-527-5791 office
Office: G22 Reid Campus Center, in the back of the OP rental shop
Assistant Instructor: Devin Kuh, student and motivational leader 301-931-0274
Objective:
1. To build on the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking while minimizing risks and having fun.
2. To gain an appreciation for paddling options near Walla Walla.
3. To acquire life-long skills that lead to healthy and happy living.
4. To enjoy the bonding within the group and to build lasting friendships.
Prerequisites:
Students must already have some whitewater paddling experience and specifically, should be able to execute a roll in the pool and an eddy turn on the river. Students should also feel comfortable in the water, both swimming and boating.
Topics to be covered:
Paddle Strokes and Technique
Equipment and Clothing
Safety and Rescue
Hydrology and the River
Rapid Classification
River Running Skills
Present and Future of the Sport
Rolling in challenging situations
Gear:
You’ll need a swimsuit and towel for pool sessions, and I recommend investing in some nose plugs (available at the OP rental shop). Your whitewater paddling gear will be provided at no extra charge from the OP rental shop. You will need to check it out prior to class each week that we are on the river and check it back in the following day. You will need to provide your own weather appropriate clothing and camping gear as needed. There are also multitudes of kayaking videos, including instructional ones, available at the OP and library.
Equipment Needed for Class Trips: (Available from the Outdoor Rental Shop)
Paddle Spray Skirt
Farmer John/Jane wetsuit Fleece Top
Paddling Jacket Neoprene Booties
Neoprene Pogies Head Warmer
Helmet PFD (Life Jacket)
Floatation Bags Throw Bag
Other equipment you will have to get for yourself: sleeping bag, ground pad, and clothing
Grading and Attendance:
Intermediate kayaking, like most SSRA classes, is graded on a credit/no credit basis. In order to pass the course, you can have no more than 1 excused absence, and must participate in the river trip, and pass the written final exam. You will be asked to make up any additional absences by attending open kayak sessions.
Fees:
The fee for this class is $180. This fee will be taken directly out of your student account. The fee will cover transportation, permits, and free Outdoor Program rental equipment for classes and trip. This does not include food!
Class Schedule:
River Trip: April 26 to 28th
Final Exam: May 2nd
You must attend 2 open kayak sessions (see below)
Note: We have no class April 4th
Class River Trip:
River Trip : The class will choose a river to go and run over the weekend. This will allow us to travel farther afield and take in some new rapids and develop different skill sets. This trip is REQUIRED, so make sure you can go!!
HOMEWORK: Open Kayak ( Mondays and Wednesdays: 7:30-9:30)
Like any class, you need to do homework! It is highly recommended that you practice your skills outside of class. There are two Open Kayak sessions per week at the pool.
You must attend at least 2 open kayak sessions.