The mach one slalom team

We need to know that you are interested in kayaking or canoeing on a team basis so you should let us know by calling Dave Kurtz, Head Coach of Mach One, at 814-222-0052 or 814-237-7727 and leave a message with phone number to call back if needed. Or: send to d1k@psu.edu

Mach One begins the slalom experience in a step by step process. Regardless of the team a kid chooses to belong to, all new paddlers follow the following. These are:

 
I. The wet exit/self rescue. This step consists of five elements: 1. Instruction on holding a control paddle, 2. instruction on getting in and out of a boat, 3. an opportunity to paddle around a still or mild current water area for a minimum of 15 minutes, 4. the wet exit, and 5. self rescue. The wet exit involves an upset invoked by the paddler, the pull-free of the spray skirt, and the exit itself by the person while under water. This process may need to be done several times. The successful wet exit is a signal to the person that he or she is ready to continue the instructional program. The student then upsets in current, and shows how to get to the shore with the boat. Full instruction is given prior to getting into the kayak on each step of this process. It is expected that the paddler knows and can perform the swimming back stroke. Bring a change of clothes!!!
 
II. Stroke practice. The Basic Course. Strokes will be introduced one at a time with practice. Practice will generally include the use of the slalom gate which we have found will speed the learning a great deal. We cover the reverse sweep, forward sweep, stern draw, bow draw or Duffek, forward, and back strokes. Learning the strokes takes 3 or 4 sessions of 1-2 hours each. Following this we take a cruise on Lower Spring Creek to make a break and to show what river cruising is all about. At the end of stroke instruction we have a final exam which consists of a timed and scored 9-gate course. The goal will be to score within 200% of the instructor’s score. All told this sequence usually takes 12-14 hours or 6-7 sessions.

Please note:  Some individuals of any age find their first experience in a kayak may be super daunting. (fearful, intimidating). Let us know whenever this happens and we'll make provisions for a more gradual introduction to the great sport of kayaking!

Classes are held roughly with the following schedule:

Fees:  Kids and their parents cost $100 each. Included are a membership in Mach One. Liability coverage is obtained through USA Canoe/Kayak and is extra. All paddling equipment is provided.

Adults without kids: $120, and all paddling equipment is provided.

Christmas training camp. We usually have a Training camp between Christmas and New Years. Often this is held right here in Centre County, but in the past we have travelled as far as North Carolina and Atlanta. In certain years we could go to Texas, too.

2. 
   Participation in the Penn Cup Slalom Series. The slaloms are scheduled every fall as the Penn Cup Series for beginning paddlers.  All are on easy water. They are scheduled in August, September, and October.
   

2. 
   Participation in river cruising activities. We grab the opportunity to cruise rivers in usually day-long times where the schedule and water levels permit. Some areas have releases from dams to allow paddling in low water times. Paddling outside can frequently be done into December and start again in February or March. These cruises are both fun and very helpful in the development of skills.