Professional Paddler Clinics for PPWC and American Whitewater in 2006

As a benefit for American Whitewater, we are fortunate to provide a series of clinics for PPWC members who are also current members of American Whitewater in 2006. We plan to offer five on water clinics in the upcoming season. Don't be left out of this outstanding opportunity to develop or enhance your skills with some of the best paddlers in the world and just have fun, if you are not yet a member, join American Whitewater today. Some details are still to be worked out so check back frequently for event updates.

Developing Class 5 and Creeking Skills with Tommy Hilleke, June 10, 2006

Location is TBD, but most likely South Main River Park. Tommy, is one of the top expedition and creek boaters in the world. He is best known for winning the Green Narrows race a record five times. In the last year, he paddled the Stikine River in British Colombia three times. The last time as one of four paddlers who did the normal three day run in one day. Tommy was a member of the "7 Rivers Expedition" in 2004, and can be seen regularly in LVM where he has his own Tommy's Top Ten feature in each issue.

This clinic will help intermediate to advanced paddlers begin to learn the on-river skills as well as preparation, evaluating river features, decision support in class 5, and safety considerations, that prepare you to move towards class 5 water and steep creeks. These skills will help you become a better boater no matter what level water you will paddle.

Progressing to Advanced Playboating Skills, May 19, 20, & 21

A three part series, with Katie Selby, Jed Selby and Andre-Spino Smith as instructors, which focuses on advanced playboating skills. The dates are May 19, 20 and 21. The location is South Main River Park. The clinic will coincide with PaddleFest and the opening of the three new features of South Main playpark.

Katie, Jed, and Andre are well known in the kayaking world. Katie and Jed are members of Team Wavesport while Andre is a member of Team D (Dagger). All three spend much of their time these days developing the South Main Traditional Neighborhood development in Buena Vista on the river at the new River Park. Katie won the Colorado Cup series of freestyle events in 2004, and won the inaugural Pine Creek Boater X time trial in 2005. Jed was the FIBARK Men's Professional Freestyle Champion in 2003, and Andre was the Immersion Research Triple Crown winner in 2002.

These three clinics will be held at the South Main River Park and are designed to establish and build on a foundation of play boating concepts and skills.

Session one is targeted to beginner to intermediate freestylers and will cover getting in and out of features, surfing, spinning, and how to set up the advanced moves.

Session two is aimed towards intermediates to advanced. The focus will be spinning, carving, and setting up for advanced moves.

Session three is for intermediates and above and will emphasize how to perform and set up for more advanced freestyle moves

Come take advantage of learning from world class paddlers at a park they helped design.

Strokes & Concepts, with Eric Jackson & Team JK, May 27

The location is TBD.

EJ, the current world Freestyle Champion, is considered the most well known kayaker in the world, and Team Jackson Kayak includes other world class paddlers such as Clay Wright, Jay Kinkaid, Dane and Emily Jackson.

EJ's Strokes and Concepts clinics provide a foundation that give you the tools to move from beginner to expert boater. Just be prepared, no matter what your current skill level, to feel awkward as you learn to improve the basic strokes and to layer compound strokes on top of boat control concepts. To maximize your learning experience in the clinic, you can study EJ's Strokes and Concepts DVD available at EJ's website. This clinic will be taught by EJ, Dane, Emily and other members of Team JK, so we can accommodate all AW/PPWC members who want to participate and learn from the best.

The Jackson family plans to join us on May 25 for our LVM Premiere and show a Jackson Kayak video, so this is a chance to come out and meet them before the clinic. Everyone is welcome for this evening.

Katie Selby		Katie throwing an Air Blunt

*All photos used with permission