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Nancy Uschold -
About the same time, the camp director at Bay Cliff Health Camp (a camp for children and adults with disabilities) became interested in kayaking as a camp activity. Pairing up with a local guide and paddle shop, a trial program was held. In the subsequent years, she became certified as an instructor and in adaptive paddling. Her interest and skills continued to increase, as did her desire to teach in other settings, including intermediate and advanced paddlers. Eventually, this led to the formation of Sea Kayak Specialists. Simultaneously, she became addicted to long paddling excursions. Luckily, so is everyone else at SKS! Certifications: ACA Coastal Kayaking Open Water Instructor Paddling Trips: 10,000 Islands, Florida (4 day trip) Huron Islands (several 2-3 days) Minnesota North Shore (5 days)
Instructing Philosophy: Instructors that have most influenced me: Future Goals:
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National Lakeshore (many trips from 2-4 days long)
dreamed about since the first season I purchased my sea kayak, but had it’s roots in my childhood. When I was 13, my brother Mike took several months riding his bicycle across the country. I lived vicariously through the slides he sent home and dreamed of a similar trip. I did do several bike trips in my 20’s…. and then I fell in love with Lake Superior and bought a kayak. My dream immediately changed to exploring this brilliant gem and her shores. Initially, my dream was not a solo trip. But, it seemed that all the instruction and instructing and paddling trips I took in the years leading up to 2002 were preparing me for just that. I like going on trips with friends – but also love the solitude and autonomy and silence and interaction with the elements when I am on my own. It’s a different world. I need to make all the decisions, and live with the results. I was lucky to have a summer that, though cold, foggy and rainy early on, had very few storms. I only took one weather day in 10 weeks – unheard of on Lake Superior! Other challenges presented themselves, however, including nerve problems in both hands and one leg. At one point, I thought the trip was over. With multiple rest days, I began to recover and was able to resume and complete the trip. I ended the trip exhausted, but with an increased confidence in my skills, especially in the area of navigation. Fog is much less daunting, and I can paddle and camp knowing I will be warm and dry in any conditions above freezing. In addition, my pre-trip estimate of the distance I would paddle was exactly equal to my post trip calculation (using string and maps) of actual distance paddled. Not bad for a 10 week, 1138 mile long trip! Currently, I am dreaming and scheming about another trip – destination unknown.
Now, some of the students that I have instructed have progressed from beginners - fearful of a wet exit - to rolling and playing in the surf, teaching me a few things along the way. Recently, someone said “I’m not a very good kayaker.” I replied “Maybe the definition of a good kayaker isn’t just in skills, but also in enthusiasm”. Kayaking can be enjoyed at many levels, and each individual decides how far they want to take it. A person who has enthusiasm, combined with a willingness to practice and learn, can go as far as they want in the sport. It doesn’t happen immediately, but will evolve over time. Alas, I admit I also have selfish reasons for instructing. One of the reasons I continue to improve my personal skills is because I am teaching others. In order to teach, I have to learn the skills more precisely. In observing myself and others, I continue to increase and refine my knowledge and apply it in new ways. Often, I learn nearly as much from the students as they think they are learning from me.
take the time to make that a reality. In addition, I would like to spend more time in tidal conditions and on open ocean coast line. I have spent limited time in these environments, and feel more time is what I need to improve my knowledge, skills and confidence in the conditions found there. I am also dreaming about another long trip and would like to do a 4 week unsupported solo trip somewhere. Time will lead me to that place.