If your time is limited, your needs specialized, or your schedule doesn't fit ours, then a private program is for you! Private programs can be for any size group, to almost any location, but weekend dates are limited. It can be an instructional program, a tour to a place listed in this brochure, or to some other spot you would like to explore. An advantage of a private instructional program is that extra time can be spent on specific problem areas and skip the parts you already know. A one day private instructional program can equal a 1 & 2 Star training programs, if you learn quickly.
Also see Personal Kayak Training for a multi-session programs.
1.5 
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Price: $20.00 a session, $15.00 for Peekskill residents.
Equipment: Included
On select Thursday nights we offer special skill sessions in Peekskill. Each session will be different depending on the desires of our staff and clients. We hope to have kayak polo along with night paddles, navigation practice and instruction on different skills. The student oriented nature makes these sessions unique. Students will work with each other. Staff will be available to assist, but this is also time for them to work on personal skills. Click for more information.
Program length: 1 Day. We are offering this program twice. The first date is a scaled down verion and without the night paddle. The second day is the full program as outlined below. This is not a two day program. Your current skill level should determine which date is more appropiate.
Venue: Fishers Island Sound and Race Point just off of Fishers Island, NY in Long Island Sound.
Program Dates and Times:
Thursday, September 7 - Meet at 10:00 AM, program starts at 10:30 AM. The plan is to get off the water about 7:30 PM. Prerequisite: 3 Star
Friday, September 8; Meet at 10:30 AM, program starts at 11:00 AM. The plan is to get off the water about 10:30 PM.
Prerequisite: 4 Star or equivalent.
Price: $95.00 a session, if needed $70.00 for equipment.
Equipment: Boats must be a minimum of 16 feet and have full deck lines, deck mounted compass and two bulkheads. Ruddered boats are not suggested in the current (remove the rudder or at a minimum duct tape them down). You need to carry flares, head lamp, tow line, spare paddle, extra clothes, storm cag, repair kit, first aid kit, chart, food and water.
Topics include: navigation, handling currnets, deepwater rescues in moving water.
Ever wanted to paddle in a tidal race, but didn't know how to get started? Tidal races and overfalls are a unique natural phenomena created when ocean currents are squeezed by constricting land masses and/or shallow depths resulting in increased current and turbulent water surfaces, a challenging and fun place to apply your advanced paddling skills. Similar to paddling on a very large river in sea kayaks. This program will be a great way to challenge and sharpen existing skills as well as learn new ones.
After launching in Bluff Point State Park, we will paddle across Fishers Island Sound to Fisher Island. We will do some navigation work on the way. Rescues and towing scenarios will happen throughout the day.
Race Point is on the NE end of the The Race, a large tidal race at the mouth of the Long Island Sound. After landing at Race Point and having a break, we will paddle out to Race Point Light and experience paddling in moving water. This is an ideal location as the light house gives us a large eddy to rest in and to set up each session.
After the session in the moving water we will return to Fishers Island to debrief and have dinner. As the sun gets low in the sky we will start our paddle back. Half of the return trip back will be after dark.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
This program is the requirement to become an Assessor. It will answer your coaching questions with the most up to date information. It will also help you better assess both Star and Coaching programs. The minimum prerequisite to become an Assessor 1 is Coach 2 for 3 year or Coach Level 3. This program is open to anyone, but is official only if you meet the prerequisite.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Coaching is coaching no matter what you are trying to teach. This course will cover many different aspects to Coaching including; Observation & analysis, Verbal input, Demonstration, command words, feedback, goal setting and more. It is highly recommended to anyone teaching kayaking at any level.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
BCU Coaches must revalidate every three years and the Coach Update is one way to accomplish revalidation. Program will bring coaches up to date on current Coaching issues and includes; Manual Handling, Child Protection, Standardization of Star Awards.
For Those Coaching Disabled People
* * * See Understanding Accessibility * * *
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
The BCU provides 2-day 'Disability Awareness Training' courses for instructors who wish to assist disabled people to canoe or kayak. The aim of the course is to give awareness of disability issues and demonstrate that disabled people can access all aspects of the sport. Classroom session will cover adaptations to equipment, accessibility issues, various medical conditions and more. A BCU Coach will be brought in this summer to teach this course. Details will be available on our website.