Awesome Ashley

I recently ran a workshop for an instructor from Charleston, here in the WDC area. I like to call her "Awesome Ashley." She says "no pressure, calling me that, no no, no pressure."

The workshop was hampered by changing course venues on the second day. That day we ended up training in Kent Narrows instead of on the Potomac River as originally planned. None the less, we managed to pull the whole 4 day event off, mostly smoothly. 

Well, except for me losing my keys right before class on the second day. Oh goodness, this isn't a flattering photo, nor will I likely EVER live this event down:

This is what my course announcement said about her:

"Please join us for 1, 2, 3, or all 4 days training with Ashley, of Charleston SC. Ashley is an adjunct professor of kayaking at College of Charleston. She teaches at Sea Kayak Carolina as well as with Dale Williams at Sea Kayaking USA. She also instructs for the Carolina Kayak Club. 

Ashley is really great at finding "teachable moments" in almost every condition. As the event draws near we will firm up the class schedule and locations based upon conditions and input from students who have signed up. Ashley is always fun to work with and you are sure to have an enjoyable time learning from her. 

Here's what Sea Kayaking USA has to say about Ashley:

How good are the coaches at Sea Kayaking USA events? This is a photo Ashley leading a group out for surf training. Ashley is one of only five female ACA L-5 coastal kayaking instructors in the US, and one of only 29 total L-5 instructors in the country! We think she's awesome sauce, and her students agree. Thanks for being on the team, Ashley! (Credit, Sea Kayaking USA Facebook page)

Our main focus in scheduling this weekend is to bring a different instructor into our club environment. Also, these classes are very reasonably priced, allowing our members to take advantage of a great certified instructor with a ton of experience."

         "A silly Ashley moment"

I am grateful to Ashley for giving me this opportunity to coordinate my first workshop. With her encouragement, as well as others, I forged ahead with my business plan and founded my own company this week: Capital City Kayak. Her mentorship has been of great value to me. This post is one small way I can say "thanks Coach."

Great instructors, innovative instructors, are the unsung heroes of the sea kayaking world. For the most part, no company offers them sponsorships nor pays for them to travel and educate themselves. They generally do not pull off huge expeditions, nor win competitions. The only contests they enter are the ones they fight against their own envelopes of skill and knowledge. 

There is no trophy, or medal, or prize money at the end of a long day of teaching classes. The only prizes an instructor will receive are the smiles and thanks of their many varied students. The highest award the students can give a great instructor is to encourage others to use her instruction to push their own envelopes. 

Go visit Ashley in Charleston. Take her surf class at Folly Beach. She's pretty awesome, I think you will agree.