World Class Kayak Academy’s (WCKA) Summer Sessions are designed for students
who want to improve their kayaking skills along with like minded peers in small group
settings, while experiencing travel to a selection of the world’s most famous paddling
destinations. For 2010, two Sessions have been scheduled: Competition Tough and
Skookumchuck. These Sessions are available for teens with intermediate to
expert
kayaking ability between the ages of 14-18. Each Session is limited to only eight
students, facilitating a fun and supportive team atmosphere with focused instruction
The instructional goals of all our athletic programs are to teach fundamental kayaking
technique and mindset, proven to provide a sound foundation for a lifetime of advanced
kayaking. Since its inception in 2001 WCKA has established a reputation for ushering in
many of the current leaders in whitewater
kayaking, given the capable and experienced
coaching staff of 2010; the upcoming
summer will be no exception.
Competition Tough: May 29 – July 3rd
This program has been designed for students whose primary goal is to develop in the freestyle kayaking discipline. By emphasizing technique, fitness and performance the coaching staff will help students identify their own individual strengths, weaknesses and long term goals. The itinerary includes Colorado’s famous kayaking events and ends with the U.S. Team Trials in Missoula, Montana. This Session will allow students to paddle with the nation’s top freestyle talent, while enjoying the fun atmosphere of the competitive freestyle circuit. The Session will begin and end in Missoula, with alternative pick up and drop off dates available in Denver or elsewhere, for students who would prefer a shorter commitment. Fundamental skills necessary for visiting the region’s rivers, competitions and festivals include the ability to: front surf, side surf and roll repeatedly when play boating - without swimming. Events currently planned in the itinerary include: Teva Mountain Games, Animus River Days, FIBArk, and U.S. Team Trials.
Skookumchuck: July 19 – August 1st
This program has been designed for students who want to take their freestyle kayaking
technique, fitness and performance to the “big wave” level. More fondly known to
kayakers around the world as Skook, this tidal rapid forms as fluctuating tides force
ocean water through a constriction between the Sechelt Inlet and the Inland Passage.
This wave is a favorite for kayakers because of its easy access and friendly nature. As
tides change gradually, the wave slowly builds out of flatwater, progressively increasing
in height and speed. This consistent and predictable change in size and power allows
paddlers with intermediate to advanced skills the chance to enjoy the wave, which has an
extremely smooth and tall face. Ideal conditions for freestyle kayaking tricks. Due to
strong currents downstream of the wave, which students may find themselves in on
occasion, a sound combat roll is a requirement for the Skookumchuck session.
Alternative dates are available for students who wish to fly to Vancouver, BC to attend
the session. With affordable flights available to Vancouver; students will want to
schedule arrivals for the afternoon of July 20th and departures on the morning of July 31st.
For students who choose this option our staff can also assist with kayak logistics, if
necessary. Depending on the baggage restrictions with the airline you fly, it may be
necessary to send and receive the kayak separately. Rentals are also available if desired
at the rate of $140/week.
Lodging:
For the majority of the time during our 2010 Summer Sessions students will be staying at
designated campsites. During Competition Tough, this will require moving from one
location to another, since the program will be following the competition circuit in
Colorado. When not staying in designated competitor camping at an event, the group
will seek Forest Service campsites or potentially be invited to stay at the home of a
WCKA family. In doing so, tents are necessary and may be shared depending on
preference. Skookumchuck students will set up their camp for the duration of the session at a nearby campground. The campground is along a nearby lake, has designated sites,
and is within easy reach of the feature.
Food:
Unless a local restaurant is visited while traveling, all meals eaten during Summer
Sessions are purchased at the local market or grocery store and prepared by the students
and coaches. In the US and Canada the group travels with the WCKA traveling camp
kitchen. When planning meals, students are divided up into cook crews and the dietary
needs and wishes of the group are considered. These students, paired with a staff
member, are then responsible for preparing and cleaning all three meals on their given
day. During this process students are encouraged to learn cooking, cleaning, and serving
skills, while also welcomed to bring favorite recipes from home. The only requirement is
that the group be provided well-balanced and nutritious meals while training!
Training:
Students train on the water seven days a week and are expected to participate in cross-
training activities when structured by the coaching staff. Cross-training workouts will
include hiking, running, Frisbee, stretching and strength training. On water training
involves everything from river safety and awareness to river running and freestyle
practice. The primary objective of each session is to help students identify their athletic
kayaking goals, while providing resources and instruction for reaching those goals in an
effective manner. The on-water and off-water workouts will serve to teach students
fundamental technique, alternative approaches, strategy and mindset. Approaches toward
gaining fitness and progressively honed technique are also introduced to show students
how to obtain their goals in both the short and long term. With WCKA’s established
athletic curriculum our coaches fuel paddlers' passion for kayaking in a fun atmosphere
where progression is always emphasized before placement.
Supervision:
Students are with coaches 24 hours a day, whereby they are guided through daily
activities and assisted with adjusting to the challenges of the program. Depending on the
student this may range from challenging whitewater to learning how to keep track of
personal belongings while away from home. Or maybe it involves learning how to cook
and clean for oneself or a group. Students and parents should be well informed that
World Class operates with a 4:1 minimum student to instructor ratio and a strict zero tolerance
policy toward drug and alcohol use. Any student found using or in possession of prohibited
substances will be put on the next flight home at the parents’ expense.
Competitions:
The emphasis of Summer Sessions is to learn the fun and reward of friendly competition.
Students are taught to focus on individual performance over rank and order. In
Competition Tough students will learn how to assess their own performance in executing
freestyle maneuvers and furthermore, how to choreograph a ride that scores
competitively. Given the number of competitions attended, students will learn how to do
this in a variety of features and with repetition. Depending on group composition and
location coaches may also help students organize informal competitions or drills to
emphasize specific skills or teach the freestyle point system. During the Skookumchuck
session students will put together their own freestyle event where they compete, judge,
and score the entire competition; whether by traditional format or by video review.
Available Space & Enrollment:
World Class has a reputation for quality instruction, teamwork, and positive peer
interaction - to accomplish this we limit the number of participants in every session to
eight. To enroll, students and parents may find additional information and registration
materials by Applying Now. We are also happy to help you over the phone or through
email at 406.829.8071 or info@worldclassacademy.com.