This course becomes more rewarding from an instructor's perspective
with each new class! Objectives?
1. Have FUN! After all, this is a multi faceted sport enjoyed
on many levels.
2. Safety! Speaks for itself with the CCC
3. Skills, learning how to be more aggressive and decisive regarding
eddy entries and exits, ferrying for desired river feature position,
water reading, scouting and planning one's route both from shore
and from boat. Emphasized is the importance of watching one another
in your group, and non-verbal river communication. How to dress
for different weather conditions.
4. NOW TO THE IMPORTANT STUFF…..Where to eat after paddling!
5. Knowing who packs the BEST snacks in their dry bags……can
you say "CANDY MAN"?
6. How to shop for the cheapest gas!
7. People and gear consolidation….see number 6
8. Seek the privilege to become a member of an "elite"
camping group….can you say "KOTY CREW"? ( certain
new learned skill sets are required for consideration such as
knowledge of trailer hookups and setups, backing into tight spaces,
cleaning and detailing of said equipment, although our leader
gets the short end of that stick all too often )
9. How to recognize the wildlife…..DO NOT PET THE BLACK &
WHITE KITTIES, or feed the bears.
10. Hole hogging and jousting
11. Showing your entire "skill set" in front of raft
pods…( or herds )
12. Knowing the proper excuses to pass FIRE building to other
campers while you relax in your chair.
13. Maintaining your pecking order status for campfire stories……we're
ALL equal here!
14. Did I mention having FUN???????
We again saw our group on the Lehigh River for both days of
the class as there we were not blessed with local rain for our
beloved Codorus run. But I must say that I have been very pleased
with what the Upper Lehigh has to offer as a teaching tool. By
no means overwhelming, while challenging enough for those entering
the realm of intermediate paddling. We had a release level both
days of 750 cfs, enough to pad the rocks so to speak. A few swims
at the start till people got comfy with the way this river flowed……….OK
time to fess up! I, yes ME, yes the LEADER of this class earned
the right to have the "FISHY" passed onto me this day……OH
THE EMBARRASMENT. First swim in a long time, but I ask, WHY does
it always happen in a place several classes below your skill level?
Now that said, of course it is better to be out of one's craft
in class II, yep! I said class II!!!!!, than on class IV or V,
but it lacks the potential for a GREAT epic of heroic proportions!
I shall still accept that "fishy" proudly and with humbleness!
OH, OH, it gets better……I learned the VERY NEXT DAY,
that without ever actually being handed said award; it was to
pass hands AGAIN! I will leave it up to the discretion of the
new recipient to come forward in some fashion. Which leads to
one of my adages…we are all between swims. But in true CCC
fashion, we are always there for each other, and often as was
my case on Sunday, I was able to help several people who were
not even members of our group, it's a universal thing with the
CCC.
This year I was able to find an outfitter to assist with a shuttle
for Sunday's lower Lehigh trip, what a blessing. As those familiar
with this section, it is a long day to begin with, tag the two
hour round trip shuttle onto that and…..you get the picture,
WELL worth the bulk price of $75. split umpteen ways. We had that
15 passenger van loaded to the gills, even having picked up a
straggler along the way, who also asked to join our pod of paddlers.
Somewhere down river we also picked up another lone paddler who
wished to take advantage of our group……we must simply
exude a sense of safety and well being when we're on the water…ready….now
everyone……ohmmmmmmmm, ohmmmmmmmm.
The students all handled themselves very well, each with slightly
different personal goals for this weekend, of which we broke apart
into smaller groups and met quite well from my view. After lunch
stop, upon her request, and my having confidence in her growing
abilities, I had Channon take the lead with me right behind her,
paddle ahead of the group, and choose the lines through each rapid…..her
leading. Very fine job of it she did! I had a lot of support people
and instructors aiding in guiding students through these rapids
as well, Kim Montage always does an excellent job of calming and
leading new paddlers, and hubby Pat is the absolute GURU of explaining
and picking a rapid apart, having it make sense to someone learning
the art of "READ & RUN".
I've left out much, but the appreciation I feel for each and every
participant, student and especially the support for this class
is ever growing and admired! Special thank you to Frank Werts
for always making our shuttles easy events ( and keeping out sweet
tooths happy ), AND for all the running around for the "boys"
our young raft guides this weekend.
Thanks to ALL who helped make this another successful CCC course!
PS…Julie's swim gets chalked up on MY list! I tried to bow
rescue her while in the midst of her roll attempt….oooops!
ALL K-1
Mike Betts……………."glub glub glub,
gimme that fish!"
Brenton Petrillo………."check it out, I'm a raft
guide now!"
Pat Montagne…………."Your BEST friend on
any river"
Kim Montagne………..."Partner of your best friend
on the river….still prettier too!"
Shirley Koty………….."CCC archiver and sweetyaker"
Evy Stauffer…………..."Queen of Chinese
fire drills" You were late for Dinner!
Jeff Beard……………..."gotta love the
blue suit," what was that Kim?
Dave Gibson………….."Safety First, follow
me!"
Chris Iverson…………."White Cap Captain
and still prez"
Don Fiesta…………….."Apprentice White
Capper"
Bruce Stanrah…………."Officiall fish passer"
Frank Werts……………"No, give ME that
fishy" uh oh, cats outta the bag now!
Sally Gajecki………….."Can you help me with
this drysuit?
Eric McClary…………."Check out this move!"
Lee Plate………………"I love my Micro!"
Channon Koty……….."I wanna lead, I wanna lead!"