2013 instruction classes will be posted on Feb 5th. CHECK BACK as there is already a waiting list!
Class UPDATE! 8-31-2012
Only two classes left!
We have finally set some dates for the final two paddling classes of the year. Reserve your spot now for either Saturday, September 8th or Saturday, September 29th. Keep in mind we will probably have cooler weather and colder water at the end of the month. Becasue we will have some rescue training and will be in the water sometimes, it might be better to choose the earler date. My limit for a class is 8 students. You may either bring a solo or tandem canoe, kayak or SUP. Send an email to gutwrencher39@aol.com and reserve a spot today. You will then recieve lists of what to bring, where to meet and what to expect. Payment is not due until class day. Contact me soon before we fill up!
A normal day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but we can adjust this as needed if you have other plans to attend to. This depends on where we need to go to obtain enough river water for training. Normally we can go across the road to Raccoon River but if it’s too low, we will have to locate another stream or section….possibly the Des Moines.
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- do you know the difference between a strainer and a sweeper? Both can kill you! TAKE THE CLASS!
- did you just buy your first kayak, canoe or SUP? TAKE THE CLASS!
- Do you know how to read a river? Judge it’s flow for safety? TAKE THE CLASS!
- are you going to paddle in late fall? TAKE THE CLASS!
- can’t keep your canoe tracking straight? TAKE THE CLASS!
- have kids and want them on the river? TAKE THE CLASS
I am a certified canoe instructor through the American Canoe Association, the leaders in paddling safety, instruction and paddling promotion. I also teach through the Iowa DNR as an instructor on-staff. I will also teach kayak and SUP (stand up paddleboard). I paddle 1,500 miles a year on Iowa waterways. Let me show you some paddling secrets that may help you become a more efficient paddler. Stop wasting your energy being a water swatter. You’ll LOVE this class.
ALL classes through July 15th are FULL. New classes will be announced on Thursday, June 21st. These classes will take place in late July, mid and late August and mid September.
My class for June 9th and 1oth is almost SOLD OUT. I have room for 1 more student. This opening will be filled soon so hurry.
**July and August dates will be announced soon**
June 9th/23rd, Saturday, 9am-2pm We will be in a classroom setting at the Lake Blue Heron Nature Lodge for the first few hours, then we will go out on the lake for 3 hours of skills work.
June 10th/24, Sunday, 9am-2pm We will paddle a section of river and practice stroke skills and some rescues. Normally we will paddle from Walnut Woods to DSM Waterworks, a distance of about 8.5 miles. It takes about 3 hours to paddle this section at a leisurely pace, but we will work on different skills and will be taking breaks. You may opt out of any skill….there is no obligation. The final decision on location for a river trip will depend on weather and river levels. I will be scouting the river with a full paddle a few days prior to the river trip. We do not paddle un-safe conditions. These things you will learn about in your class time the day before.
Do plan on getting wet. You will recieve a complete list on what to bring and a packet of information about what to expect during the class.
BYOB = Bring your own boat
BYOG = Bring your own gear (including lifejacket)
Fee: $25 per student for the one day class
Lifejackets are mandatory!
Email me at: gutwrencher39@aol.com
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** For sea kayaking lessons, contact Canoe Sport Outfitters in Indianola. See their link on the side menu. For whitewater kayaking, contact the Iowa Whitewater Coalition and the ISU Canoe and Kayak Club. See side menu for website information. **
Attention: Paddling is an inherently dangerous sport.
Your best bet is to get in on one of the IDNR Canoe Schools that will take place in 2012. However, keep in mind that these classes are designed more for naturalists and trip leaders. See instruction links in the side menu.
Student learns basic boat control
Don’t be just another water-swatter! Become an efficient paddler and you will be safer on the river. You will enjoy the river more because of a reduced stress level. Paddling more efficiently means wasting less energy! You’ll have more fun! Let me show you how.
Same student runs a whitewater ledge
Look for additions to the 2012 schedule which will be posted here in March. Email me at gutwrencher39@aol.com for rates and more information. I am also available for one-on-one instruction. The one day class features classroom teachings, flat water work and paddling on moving water. Most of these classes take place at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. Blue Heron lake is great for flat water basics and rescues. The Raccoon River is right next door and river activities include rope throw rescues in moving water (weather permitting) and eddy work. You can then use your new skills to practice as we paddle to Water Works Park. I highly recommend this class for those who have just purchased a boat.
Teaching from the SUP
Paddling with confidence
We will be signing up! Can’t wait to buy our boats in April!! Count on a family of 4 for your first class of the year!
Todd lives to paddle and is passionate about our waterways.
Every paddler – experienced and beginner – should consider taking his 2 day paddling course.
Thanks for the kind words, Mary. Well, you should know……you are also a passionate paddler and the Iowa River, if she could talk, would say THANK YOU MARY!!!!!!!
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Keep up the great work. You are a true friend of Iowa rivers.
My wife and I just bought a used tandem canoe off of craigslist. We have only paddled together once many years ago. You were reccomended by a friend at the Des Moines Register who says has paddled with you once on Middle River south of Des Moines. We would like to sign up and will be contacting you. We live close to Raccoon River Park in WDM and would like your 2 day course.
Thanks, Jeff. I received your email. Yes, securing a boat on a vehicle also falls in the “safety” category. we will cover straps and knots in the class, but will not focus more than about 15minutes on it. I suggest picking up “Knots For Paddlers”, A Nuts-and-Bolts guide. There are also you tube videos. See you guys in June.