GBCC Beginners Class - June 2&3, 2012

[GBCC Beginners Class]

Signed up (21/50):

[Nick Bowley]

Leader: Steve Baker

The Beginner's Class is lots of fun, a great place to learn new skills and make longlasting friendships.  Attending the roll sessions gives you a good start, but is not necessary to take the class.  Our goal is to give you the basics you need to boat safely, in a fun and supportive way.

First day is flat water day on June 2nd.  We'll learn wet exits, paddle strokes, river signals, braces, other items and answer any questions.  At the end of the day, you'll be able to move your boat, comfortably and safely, where you want.  I plan to hold this within 20 minutes of the Baltimore beltway, and am confirming the location now.

Second day is moving water/whitewater day on June 3.  We'll learn how to read water, do an eddy turn, a peel out, more river safety, other items and answer any questions.  I expect to do this on a river within 1.5 hours of Baltimore (Probably the Muddy Creek into Susquehanna).  The exact location will depend on the size of the group, number of support boaters, skills learned and the water levels. If we end up on the Muddy, you can pick up gear at the local kayak shop near the takeout (Starkkmoon Kayaks).

We'll use the ACA curriculum as a basis for the class.  The class is free.  Instructors and support boaters are volunteers who remember what it was like to learn to boat.  I don't know about the paperwork/waiver, but will find out.

You'll meet lots of great people, have a ton of FUN and will start some long and happy friendships that will make boating a great experience.  These new friends (both new and experienced boaters) will be your future boating partners.

You may direct any questions to me on the forum or you may private message me.  Looking forward to seeing all of you in the class.

Steve

BTW, we have 2 loaner boats available for use during this class. First come, first serve.  Sizes limited.  Let us know in advanced if you need one.

A weekend trip oriented toward those who have attend this class will also be organized at a later date.

[Nick Bowley]

Any experienced boaters willing to help either day would be appreciated.  Let Steve know if you can help out.

[Jackie Klein]

I'm interested!   

[Dave K]

I should be able to if I don't have drill.

[Nick Bowley]

Great, cya guys there.

BTW, Dave I still have your Sweet Cheeks if you still want them.

[Eric Ruhl]

Dana and I will be there and we are insured

[floyd]

 Hey, I have a new girl named Donna that would love to go. (I just want to watch her swim)

[Dave K]

Oh yes Nick, I definitely still want those sweet ass cheeks!

[Stacy Geis]

Forgive me if I misread the description for this class. But, it sounds like this is mainly for kayakers? My husband and I have our own canoe and gear...but are beginners. Trying to find a good course in river canoeing, not white water, but moving water. Want to learn how to read rivers, etc... We have done the flat water course elsewhere, but would be a good refresher. So, is this something we could join in on?

[Nick Bowley]

This class is welcome to canoeist and kayakers alike as is every pickup and scheduled trip. Some trips might have a limitation based on skill level when it come to whitewater though.  Ill see if one of our perfomance canoeist might be able to come out to give some canoe specific instruction like last year (Chris, Pete, Chip?).

The first day is on flatwater, but skills learned are an introduction to moving water.

The second day will be on moving water.  Location is TBD.   Depending on the location, it maybe be suitable for what you are looking for.  Last year the second day was on the Upper Gunpowder which would be perfect for what you are looking for.

BTW, there is an Antietam paddle and dinner this weekend which sounds like something you might like.
http://baltimorecanoeclub.org/smf/index.php?topic=9670.0

Also a pine barrens camping trip on May 12&13 which is what I grew up canoeing on since I lived in that area.  It is a very scenic winding stream with a pleasant current.
http://baltimorecanoeclub.org/smf/index.php?topic=9668.0

[Eric Ruhl]

Nick, I can always bring my canoe if you need a canoe support boater.  I might try and get my dad to come down river also so he will be with Dana then

[Stacy Geis]

Thanks for the info. We will have to get back to ya...gotta check out our schedule. But sounds great if we can make it. Thanks again for the clarification! Much appreciated!

[kellylsimmons]

I'd love to come out and I should have my boat-or a new one-by then.  Depending on skill levels I may be able to help out with some novice boaters.   Is there a place to camp out there?

[Eric Ruhl]

No real need to camp out as the flatwater day will be in the Baltimore area and Muddy Creek is about 45mins from Baltimore.  However you can camp at Muddy Creek, at least I have seen people do it, but parking your car overnight or at all may get it towed

[Ben Jenkins]

Nick,

I've added my daughter Katie to the roster.

I'll be happy to help out.  And my son John may be available to help as well.

Ben