JANUARY 17, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

General News & Notes: Events & Programs: Kayak Rental: Kayak Polo News: New & Used Kayak Sales & Information: General Equipment News: Question & Answer Corner: Added Value Deals: Question & Answer:

Notes From Dave:

NO WINTER BLUES FOR PADDLERS: Our Friday Night Flips have paddlers beating the winter blues. Come work on your skills & hang out with fellow paddlers. See more details below – bring a friend & join the fun. THE PAN AMERICAN GAMES were held in December on the San Marcus River. Marie participated & had a chance to visit with friends from all over the world who were also in the games. The US Under 21 Team took second place. There were great paddlers on all the teams. KAYAK FISHING TEAM: We have a new page on the web site devoted to kayak fishing. This growing sport has good following in Texas & across the country. CLICK HERE . This page is still being developed so check back often. For more information Mark’s Web Site and Jackson Kayak Fishing Team KAYAK INSTRUCTION has 30 of the new 2012 models in stock with another 100 due at the end of January. This is the perfect time to look at a new kayak for the spring paddle season. GOING FAST: Thanks to a grant received by the Kayak Instruction Foundation we updated our instructional fleet. As we made room for the newer models we are offering individuals & groups a chance to to update their equipment affordably. Contact for more information. 972 -412-7691 USED EQUIPMENT LISTING is now updated. Save on quality equipment & hit the water in style. CLICK HERE DALLAS & FT. WORTH submitted a joint proposal to host the ACA National Paddle Sports Conference. The ACA executive staff is coming to tour the area so a final decision can be made. We will keep you posted. ACA MEMBERSHIP HAS MANY BENEFITS – One of the benefits is that ACA members now receive their choice of one of the four paddling magazines published by Rapid Media. Members choose from Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots, Kayak Angler or Rapid. For more about ACA membership CLICK HERE. FRIDAY NIGHT FLIPS are in full swing. Don’t let cooler weather keep you from paddling. Friday nights from 7:30 to 9:30pm all skill levels welcome, indoor heated pool, come work on your paddle & roll skills. CLICK HERE for more information or call 972-412-7691. OUR QUICKSTART PROGRAM is being offered at least twice per month during the fall & winter. This is a good way to get introduced to kayaking or for experienced paddlers who have not been on the water in a while to freshen up their skills. Classes are taught in an indoor heated pool. CLICK HERE. ROLL CLASSES are available in private sessions so paddlers can gain the skills needed very quickly. Contact us to schedule your session. KAYAK INSTRUCTION is developing new GIRL SCOUT badge for their kayak programs. This is going to be a good addition to their high adventure programs. THE BOY SCOUTS are not being left behind… a new kayak badge program is being developed & will be in place soon. KEEP UP-TO-DATE on the latest news & photos. Visit us on: CHECK OUR CALENDAR what ever your schedule or skill level we have a class or paddle opportunity for you. CLICK HERE JOIN OUR MAILING LIST: We send out an electronic newsletter from time to time. To join our mailing list CLICK HERE. We send out details on upcoming events & activities. Note: We NEVER share our mailing list with other companies, groups or organizations! STOP DREAMING . . . START PADDLING T-SHIRTS The Kayak Instruction T-Shirt is NOW available for purchase on line OR at any class / event. Go to the accessory page of this web site to purchase on line. This highly sought after apparel item will complete your wardrobe. Let the world know to STOP DREAMING …. START PADDLING! KEEP CHECKING THIS NEWSLETTER for the latest Kayak Instruction news! See you on the water ~ Dave

EVENTS & PROGRAMS:

UPCOMING PROGRAMS: See the CLINIC SCHEDULE for a complete list of classes & events. JANUARY 20 & 27 / FEBRUARY 3, 10, 17, 24 – FRIDAY NIGHT FLIPS – The Colony 7:30 – 9:30pm JANUARY 21, 22 / FEBRUARY 4, 18 – QUICKSTART - See Clinic Schedule for details. Visit our Clinic Schedule for many paddle events… more will be listed soon! FRIDAY NIGHT FLIPS are in full swing. Don’t let cooler weather keep you from paddling. Friday nights from 7:30 to 9:30pm all skill levels welcome, indoor heated pool, come work on your paddle & roll skills. CLICK HERE for more information or call 972-412-7691. PRIVATE POOL SESSIONS: You can have a private two-hour event for six paddlers or more in a heated indoor pool. The plan includes equipment rental & instructor. Plan a birthday or other party, girls-night-out, church event or group lesson. Prices start at just $100.00 for a session. Contact for more information: E-MAIL or call 972-412-7691 PRIVATE POOL SESSIONS FLYER CLICK HERE CHECK THE FLOWS! Check flows at various river points: Ft. Worth District Reservoir Control Office American Whitewater River List Buffalo National River ANY TIME YOU ARE ON THE WATER please collect a little “trash” to bring in for proper disposal. It helps everyone when the waterways are kept a little bit cleaner. FREE ACA INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP: was a great success. We certified FIVE new instructors that will be volunteering their time working with children’s kayaking programs. We are proud to have helped make this possible. JUNE 2012 WE WILL OFFER a similar workshop & include Level 2 & Level 3 as well. We will keep you posted on exact dates. TAKE A LOOK at this Youtube clips… we had fun making them! THANKS TO A STEAMS & VALLEYS NEWSLETTER July 12-17 issue for posting these clips. Trinity Talk Roll Race Trinity Slide

KAYAK RENTALS

KAYAK RENTALS: We want to get you on the water as quickly & economically as possible. Our “rent to purchase” program is still in effect; this is a great way to “try before you buy”. Pick your own paddling location, RENTAL RATES INCLUDE PFD, HELMET, PADDLE & SKIRT as well as use of the kayak. See details posted on the KAYAK RENTAL PAGE. CLICK HERE for details & call for rental reservations. Give us a call! 972-412-7691 BOAT RENTAL FLYER: CLICK HERE

KAYAK POLO NEWS:

KAYAK POLO OPENINGS ~ There are still spots available on the TEXAS TORNADOS; practice is at the Colony Aquatic Park every Saturday night 7:30pm. If you are under 21, this is an excellent opportunity for fun, to develop leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, self-esteem and responsibility. This is a national championship team who welcomes paddlers of all skill levels to join the fun. To see photos of the team in action CLICK HERE. EVERYONE IS WELCOME to come and watch the team practice; we always need cheerleaders!

JACKSON KAYAK:

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: Jackson Kayak has partnered with the ACA to allow ACA instructors to pro deal Jackson Kayaks for use in their instructor program. Contact Dave Holl for more information or to purchase under this program. 972-412-7691 JACKSON KAYAK has many innovated & exciting kayaks that are high quality & affordable. The Rouge, Coosa & Rock Star have now joined our instructional, rental, demo & sales fleet. Rouge: One boat – two personalities. The Rogue is versatile with a hull designed to bridge the characteristics of fast on flatwater & nimble in whitewater. Can handle light touring to Class II-III whitewater. COOSA: Is the best fishing/river kayak you can find. With ample storage, stability, designed by Drew Gregory & the Jackson Kayak architects. Excelling in lakes, ponds, inshore & most offshore settings, the Coosa is the first kayak to ever cater to the river angler. ROCK STAR: The Rock Star comes in small, medium or large. This playboat will take you to the next level. Intermediate & expert paddles will love this boat. WE ARE AUTHORIZED A JACKSON KAYAK DEALER FOR TEXAS, NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA!… visit our Jackson Kayak page for the latest information on this great line of boats ….CLICK HERE. KAYAK INSTRUCTION is now working with professional outfitters, schools, churches and other institutional programs to supply affordable high quality kayaking equipment. We offer FLEET SALES & LEASES ~ CLICK HERE for more information! The new JACKSON RIVERA SIT-ON-TOP also has arrived many paddlers often enjoy a sit-on-top….this boat will fit the bill. DYNAMIC DUOS … these great kayaks are now available for sale & rental. Just like a bicycle built for two you can paddle with a buddy in these fun boats. We of course have them available for sale with SPECIAL shipping to Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. JACKSON KAYAK has allowed KAYAK INSTRUCTION to set up an OKLAHOMA dealership. We can provide Oklahoma paddlers with the entire Jackson Kayak line. We are excited about expanding our presence as we move into the 2011 season. Oklahoma paddlers can contact Randy directly at 918-812-2596 with any product questions. ORDER from us for NEW JACKSON KAYAKS shipped to TEXAS, NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA!

EQUIPMENT NEWS:

KAYAK INSTRUCTION is now working with professional outfitters, schools, churches and other institutional programs to supply affordable high quality kayaking equipment. We offer FLEET SALES & LEASES ~ CLICK HERE for more information! DEALERSHIP RELATIONSHIPS: We are an authorized dealer for the following companies: JACKSON KAYAKS ~ Dealer for TEXAS, NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA JACKSON REC KAYAKS ~ Dealer for TEXAS NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA AQUA BOUND PADDLES ~ BRACA-SPORT ~ IMMERSION RESEARCH ~ KOKATAT ~ MTI PFDs ~ RIOT KAYAKS ~ SEALSSKIRTS ~ SKIRT WORKS ~ STOHLQUEST ~ WERNER PADDLES ~ YAKIMA ~ DON’T BE LEFT WITHOUT THE PROPER EQUIPMENT for great paddling. Call: 972-412-7691 with your equipment needs. CHECK THIS SECTION OFTEN; we plan on adding more companies to serve you better!

SPECIAL DEALS AND DISCOUNTS:

WE ARE HAPPY to offer discounts, deals, and rewards in different forms by partnering with different companies. IF YOUR COMPANY OR GROUP would like to offer a special value in this space please contact me with details. ACA MEMBERSHIP HAS MANY BENEFITS – One of the benefits is that ACA members now receive their choice of one of the four paddling magazines published by Rapid Media. Members choose form Adventure Kayak, Canoeroots, Kayak Angler or Rapid. For more about ACA membership CLICK HERE. FREE AMERICAN WHITEWATER MEMBERSHIP ~ SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER ~ free American Whitewater Membership (AW) with the purchase of a new Jackson Kayak! What a deal……this is a “limited time offer” so take advantage of it as quickly as possible. Contact me for more details…. NOTE: WE DO NOT SHARE any information with other companies or groups about our students or the groups we work with. Even our “special partners” do not receive any identifier information.

Q & A with Kayak Instruction.

Q: How is winter paddling different from summer? A: The main difference is preparing for the temperature of the air & water. You must have the proper gear to keep you insulated & dry. FEET & HANDS: Keep your feet & hands dry & happy! If your hands & feet are cold &/or wet you will not have a good paddle. Have wetshoes, waterproof boots &/or wetsocks to keep your feet warm. The socks in neoprene booties will keep water away from your skin & help keep your feet warm. Cold wet hands have a hard time hanging onto a paddle, good paddling gloves are a must. You may need to bring two pair of gloves – one dry for backup or two different styles if the temperature will change during the day. HEAD & EARS: A fleece cap in clam water or a neoprene hood if you will be in white water will keep your head warm. A cap + helmet offers protection from rocks & the cold. Ear muffs or other ear cover will keep you from getting “frosty ears”. Ear plugs can keep cold water dribbles from going down into your ears. A face mask such as for snow play can help keep your nose from getting cold or hurting. WHOLE BODY: The proper layers will help keep your core temperature up & comfortable. Layers will also allow you to dress up & dress down as the temperature climbs or drops. The base layer should be of wicking tops & bottoms. Fleece on top of the wicking layers will help insulate as you paddle. The last or top layer should be waterproof jacket & pants or a traditional wet suit or a dry suit. The layers can be adjusted for weather conditions – if you dress lighter bring additional layers with you in case they are needed. OTHER EQUIPMENT: A neoprene sprayskirt will help protect you from cold water & help keep the heat in your kayak. A lifevest is a must! Tow/Rescue rope will be needed if one of the paddlers gets wet & is to cold to paddle. JUST AS WITH SPRING OR SUMMER paddling you should have a paddle buddy; let someone else know when & where you will paddle. Be sure your skills are up to the water you are in. Be comfortable with your self-rescue skills. You should have good roll skills & so should your paddle buddy. Check the weather before you leave & stay aware of any changes. BRING THE STANDARD PADDLE GEAR. All paddlers should have a whistle in order to get attention, first aid kits should be checked & packed to stay dry. There should be at least one cell phone charged & in a water tight container – two is better. Don’t rely on the cell phone; you may be in an area with no service. At least one paddler should have shoes in case you need to hike to a cell phone signal area. Always know where you put in and where you are headed so that you can give a good idea where you are in case of an emergency. Bring water, food for all paddlers as well as the basic first aid kit. HAVE EXTRA dry clothes at the take out point. Warm fluid in a thermos would also be welcome. Be prepared & enjoy your day on the water!