4 Star Training
The certificate barely arrived in the mail, and I've already started working on my 4 Star award. Last Sunday, Jen Kleck, America's only 5 Star coach, lead a full day course focusing on 4 Star and 4 Star Leadership awards. 6 of us meet up at Aqua Adventure's docks. The day was brisk from the storm that just past through. Driving down to Mission Bay, I could see the snow upon the mountains. Since a high surf advisory was still in effect, we were limited to some degree (along with the water quality).
The day started with a review of what each of us was looking for. I'm focused on just becoming more comfortable in bouncy water. We spent a fair amount of time, talking over gear and general leadership topics. Having been a student of Jen's for almost my entire paddling career, it is a real pleasure to see her teaching skills really start to shine!
Once we warmed up, we went through a series of towing drills. This was a new skill for some. It went really well. I paired with Jane as we took turns towing each other. Slowly we worked out way out the channel. We continued our discussions of risk assessment and leadership dynamics in groups.
The swell was sending some nice sets into the channel, just short of breaking. We punched through and took a break near the bouy. Here we chatted about what happens in groups as they round a point. Think, cutting corners and straight lines leading to danger......
Earlier in the channel we were given the task of trying to figure out if we could land at Dog Beach. But that was on the other side of the jetty.....hummm.
We split into groups of 3. Our group rafted together, and Joe was then able to stand up with our support to look over the jetty. The other team also employed the same tactic. Jen also took a look. The basic concensus was about 3-5 foot surf. It might be landable.
As we neared Dog Beach, we continued our discussion of landing: water quality, river out flow vs. tides. etc. We opted not to land. Jen then had us return back into channel. This time letting two members of the group manage the return.
Once safely inside the channel, and riding a little of the sweel in, we were then challenged in landing along the south side jetty for our lunch break. One by one, we nudged our boats near the rock (plastic first). The boats were lifted on the flats, and we ate our lunch.
Jen then walked us through what items she carries with her when guiding a trip. More on this in a later post.
We lowered our boats back into water. Jane was first. She swan out with her boat then scrambled back in. Ah, to have a dry suit.
Jane, Joe and I had to head back to the docks as it was nearing 3. The rest headed back out into ocean for some more fun.
Can't wait for next weekend....
The day started with a review of what each of us was looking for. I'm focused on just becoming more comfortable in bouncy water. We spent a fair amount of time, talking over gear and general leadership topics. Having been a student of Jen's for almost my entire paddling career, it is a real pleasure to see her teaching skills really start to shine!
Once we warmed up, we went through a series of towing drills. This was a new skill for some. It went really well. I paired with Jane as we took turns towing each other. Slowly we worked out way out the channel. We continued our discussions of risk assessment and leadership dynamics in groups.
The swell was sending some nice sets into the channel, just short of breaking. We punched through and took a break near the bouy. Here we chatted about what happens in groups as they round a point. Think, cutting corners and straight lines leading to danger......
Earlier in the channel we were given the task of trying to figure out if we could land at Dog Beach. But that was on the other side of the jetty.....hummm.
We split into groups of 3. Our group rafted together, and Joe was then able to stand up with our support to look over the jetty. The other team also employed the same tactic. Jen also took a look. The basic concensus was about 3-5 foot surf. It might be landable.
As we neared Dog Beach, we continued our discussion of landing: water quality, river out flow vs. tides. etc. We opted not to land. Jen then had us return back into channel. This time letting two members of the group manage the return.
Once safely inside the channel, and riding a little of the sweel in, we were then challenged in landing along the south side jetty for our lunch break. One by one, we nudged our boats near the rock (plastic first). The boats were lifted on the flats, and we ate our lunch.
Jen then walked us through what items she carries with her when guiding a trip. More on this in a later post.
We lowered our boats back into water. Jane was first. She swan out with her boat then scrambled back in. Ah, to have a dry suit.
Jane, Joe and I had to head back to the docks as it was nearing 3. The rest headed back out into ocean for some more fun.
Can't wait for next weekend....
Labels: 4 star, leadership
posted by Chris Griffith at
1:57 PM
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