New Paddle Sports Instructors Certified in Alabama
Recently, several staff members from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), specifically within the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) and State Parks Division, have been certified as instructors in Paddle Sports. This activity, rapidly gaining popularity, is a thrilling way to explore Alabama’s waterways.
With support from the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation, alongside donations from Academy Sports + Outdoors, Andrea White from Georgia Rivers has been organizing American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor accreditation workshops at Lake Guntersville, located in northeast Alabama.
Vancewood, a WFF Conservation Enforcement Officer (CEO), was among nine participants in the ADCNR training—comprising seven CEOs from WFF and two state park rangers. He highlighted how beneficial this training was for enhancing the effectiveness of these officers and park rangers.
“We definitely needed this training for our executives,” Wood explained. “While our executives are authorized to use powercraft in specific areas, the use of paddlecraft has skyrocketed in Alabama. More individuals are now navigating rivers like the Kahaba, Kuosa, Tallapoosa, Flint, and Elk.”
He mentioned the rising interest in kayak fishing too, noting that many people aren’t just accustomed to fishing or kayaking separately; they want to merge those experiences. Wood pointed out resources like Basic Fisheries Instructions that could help newcomers.
Bill Freeman, also a CEO and a member of ADCNR’s R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Revitalization) team, affirmed that paddle sports training significantly enhances ADCNR’s outreach efforts.
“We’re really looking to engage with new audiences through our educational programs,” Freeman noted. “This initiative might attract entirely new groups to outdoor activities, which is hugely beneficial for us.”
Wood emphasized how critical safety training is. “We really need to focus on keeping people safe. Paddle sports are enjoyable, and we want everyone to have fun while getting home safely,” he asserted.
Completing the course enables CEOs and rangers to educate others about paddling techniques and safety measures.
According to Wood, selecting appropriate gear is vital for a safe paddling experience. He mentioned that your personal flotation device (PFD) needs to fit the type of paddling planned. He advises seeking out professional guidance when purchasing equipment.
“Wearing your life jacket is non-negotiable,” Wood stated. “Purchase kayaks and gear from reputable places; for instance, if you’re tackling rapids, a specific type of kayak is essential. Using a low-quality kayak can lead to issues.”
He warns against inflatable life jackets for paddling, citing potential dangers. “If you take a hit to the head and your jacket doesn’t inflate automatically, or if you’re unable to inflate it manually—you could be in serious trouble,” he explained.
Wood noted a troubling trend: as paddle sports’ popularity rises, so too do paddling-related fatalities, according to recent U.S. Coast Guard data. He believes that kayak anglers face heightened risks, especially since they tend to fish solo.
“I got my fishing license and started fishing while paddling,” Wood shared. “It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the water and fish, but staying safe is essential. There are ample opportunities to access fishing areas without needing larger boats.”
Wood also advised creating a float plan, urging people to inform someone about their route and return time. “If something goes wrong, that information can be invaluable for first responders,” he added.
The training also provided participants with hands-on experience, which can be challenging, particularly for those who fish from kayaks. Wood mentioned that returning to a kayak after a fall is often underestimated.
“It’s trickier than most realize,” Wood remarked. “People frequently don’t practice re-entering their kayak enough. And if you incorporate fishing gear into the equation, like fish finders, that just complicates things.”
Paddling is a wonderful family-friendly activity, but Wood reiterated that safety must come first.
Andrea White from Georgia Rivers confirmed she carefully selected participants for the training sessions.
“We covered everything from Level 1 Kayak curriculum for lakes to the Level 2 syllabus for Class I Rivers. We even tackled kayak fishing, which poses unique gear challenges, especially for anglers,” she reflected. “We integrated some rescue training for maneuvering in currents.”
White pointed out that many people underestimate what it takes to paddle safely. “The goal is to help people avoid accidents and ensure they return home happy,” she said. “We equipped participants with essential techniques for rescues and handling varying water conditions.”
White concluded, “This training has been incredibly effective. It’s a crucial step for Alabama, creating a solid foundation for training programs. We hope to extend this collaboration to anglers from various states.”
