I grew up with an ocean in my backyard. Literally. My child consisted of summers of waking up at 6 am to “save” the crabs and starfish from drying out in the sun and/or getting eaten by seagulls, sailing across the straight to the small provincial park island “Mitlenatch” and exploring its shores, paddle boarding, kayaking and if we were brave enough swimming. Needless to say, I love the water and it has always been a source of both comfort and adventure for me.

From what you have read about myself already you will know that I have spent my last three summers instructing a kids kayaking camp where I teach my students water safety, basic kayaking strokes, paddle boarding, and canoeing. To be in this position I must be on the instructor platform of Paddle Canada.

I am a certified Paddle Canada Level one, instructor of three years, earning this title by participating in a week-long intensive. With my skills as a paddler throughout these three years of teaching, I have also gained valuable skills as an educator. As the guardian of these camps, I have learned the skills of leadership. Being the adult in charge of the lives of these children has taught me problem-solving. While on the water surrounded by a dozen children ages 7-14 the unpredictable can occur at any moment, one must be quick-witted, flexible and innovative and be able to embrace the challenge of changing conditions at all times. I have also learned the importance of setting a professional relationship between student and teacher. On an on-water classroom where the risk level is drastic, there is a time and a place for when the “friend” must be replaced by the  “authoritarian” and it is up to the teacher to be able to switch roles and have his or her students respect and listen to the change. This is one of the most valuable teaching principles I learned from all my work on the water.