How many times have you heard someone say this when they would like to be included in a float trip or try paddling?

While there are many formats for a person to obtain an introduction to paddling on individual basis, an effective presentation to a group is not always available. In addition, boating statistics identify paddlesports as the fastest growing segment of boating so the core of entry-level paddlers asking these questions is growing. As an instructor or educator, it’s important that you have the proven resources to meet the growing demand for proper instruction. The American Canoe Association’s SmartStart for Paddlers is a great way for an instructor or educator to teach safe boating practices, the risks, and the enjoyable benefits of paddling to an audience of entry-level paddlers.

Teach the proper way to paddle from the start
SmartStart for Paddlers is a perfect introduction to recreational paddling and also serves as a great “refresher” for experienced paddlers that need to revisit the basics of paddling. The information contained in the kit applies to all paddlesports. The kit covers both high-tech and low-tech class options thus allowing presentation in classrooms with the assistance of a computer or a digital projector to outdoor venues such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and access areas with the use of the easel binder format.

A complete presentation
Here’s what’s included:

• A large-format (17” x 11”) easel binder with 20 flipcharts with speaker’s notes on the reverse side
• A CD with a Powerpoint presentation containing the flipcharts along with a lesson plan and resource list
• A DVD with two instruction videos along with a video on how to use the kit
  Video #1- Quickstart Your Canoe
  Video #2- Quickstart Your Kayak
  Video #3- SmartStart for Paddlers Train the Trainer program

Video #1 and #2 are designed for first-time paddlers and is supplied as supplementary presentation to the audience or solely as background information for the instructor. Video #3 provides a demonstration on how to use the easel binder.

An easy way for future paddlers to learn
The kit has been designed for general audiences with a range of grades 6 through 12 and is also applicable to adult audiences. The grade range target ensures that the content is easily understood and learned by first-time paddlers. This level also provides a flexible format for the presentation to meet the varying demands of the presenter and easily works in conjunction with other formal methods of instruction.

Three ways this presentation works together

1. You’ve heard the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. The large, colorful, visual format of the flipcharts clearly communicates all points of instruction.

2. The concise statements of safety are easily remembered.

3. The speaker’s notes located with the easel binder provide essential details that when combined with the images and statements provide a presentation with impact.

On its own or used with other equipment
While the kit is designed as a stand-alone presentation, many items and equipment are referenced in the presentation. The presentation can be complimented with canoes, kayaks, rafts, dry bags, signaling devices, first aid kits, life jackets, wet suits, dry suits, whistles, guide books, maps and other paddling equipment. Whether used for “in water” demonstrations or as props, the addition of any of these items along with the kit provide emphasis and increases the “how to” knowledge for paddling novices.

Boating safety is at the core
Boating safety education is the first priority of this kit. Whether presented by an instructor with no paddling experience or those with extensive experience in paddlesports, the key objective is to teach entry-level paddlers safe boating practices as a start to an enjoyable recreational experience for what could be a lifetime of boating. ‘SmartStart” conforms to the practice that the best and only way to learn how to paddle is the safe way from the very beginning.

Paddlers and “would be” paddlers are a varied group. A paddler may be someone interested in whitewater kayaking to someone who wants to use a canoe on a placid stretch of water to fish or a sojourn participant among many paddlers. SmartStart for Paddlers teaches all paddlers the essentials of boating safety.

Our goal and yours too
As America’s oldest and most recognized paddlesports organization, the American Canoe Association in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard identifies the goal of SmartStart for Paddlers to teach paddlers safe boating practices and how to manage the risks for an enjoyable paddling experience. It’s this goal that will carry the paddler forward through a lifetime of boating. ACA has had a long history of teaming with organizations, clubs, and local instructors to set paddlers on the right path. As the instructor, it will be rewarding to realize this same goal.

Audience objectives
The learning experience the audience walks away with is defined as the following performance objectives.
To know:

• the importance of wearing a life jacket.
  
• the types, uses, and requirements of PFDs (personal flotation devices)
  
• the hazards associated with paddling.
  
• the procedures for preventing and responding to capsizing and falling overboard while paddling.
  
• the importance of filing a float plan and using charts and maps.
  
• the applicable state and federal laws.
  
• the responsibility for activities to other water users, control waster and litter, obey use zones, and general boating courtesy.
  
• the safety and legal procedures near security zones and powerboat navigation channels.
  
• the need to avoid alcohol and drug use while paddling.
  
• the risks of hypothermia and to safely dress for cold water and other conditions.

Get started now
Why wait? SmartStart for Paddlers is a complete presentation kit proven in extensive use. The growing audience of first-time paddlers deserves the best instruction to start smart in the world of paddlesports. Start smart yourself by ordering this kit from the ACA and begin teaching future paddlers the safest way to paddle.

How to order
Each kit costs $49.95. American Canoe Association members receive a 10% discount.
Order online at: www.AmericanCanoe.org or phone the ACA at: 1-703-451-0141.