Northeast Passage holds adaptive paddling certification course

By Sharon Keeler, Media Relations

Northeast Passage at the University of New Hampshire, through its adaptive sports program, will host the American Canoe Association’s (ACA) Adaptive Paddling Certification Course Aug. 5-8.

This four-day course is designed for instructors, outfitters, and recreation providers interested in integrating people with disabilities into their paddling programs.

ACA Instructors show participants how to compensate for a paddler’s loss of function due to a disability as well as adaptation techniques for equipment and instruction. Participants learn how to focus on the paddler’s ability. The course involves classroom and hands-on learning, a pool session, and open-water paddling. It is not necessary to be a certified canoe or kayak instructor to participate.

All ACA certified instructors receive an Adaptive Paddling Endorsement on all certifications and a methods update credit upon completion of the entire course (except white water and open water instructors).

The course fee is $225 and includes a copy of the course manual “Canoeing and Kayaking for Persons with Disabilities.” Attendance at all four days is required. Space is limited.

Pre-registration is required. For more information call Crystal Chalich of Northeast Passage at 2-0070.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a person may not be excluded from a program because they have a disability. This course prepares instructors and outfitters to integrate persons with disabilities into their programs. This course has been taught across the country for the past 14 years. Northeast Passage, a nationally recognized leader in innovative therapeutic recreation services, delivers disability-related health promotion and adapted sports programs throughout New England.

Founded in 1990, Northeast Passage collaborates with health care providers, schools, communities, and businesses to develop and administer more than 500 events annually. A service and research branch of the UNH School of Health and Human Services - Department of Recreation Management and Policy, Northeast Passage is an independently funded, not-for-profit organization. Contact Northeast Passage at 2-0070 or visit www.nepassage.org to learn more.