Wilderness First Aid Certification
2025-11-01 09:00 - 2025-11-02 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Izaak Walton Elgin Chapter, 899 Jay St, Elgin, IL, 60120, United States
This interactive class provide combines guided presentation with hands-on practical scenarios to give you the skills, knowledge, and abilities to best care for an ill or injured person until you can reach qualified care.
Wilderness environments create special situations not usually encountered in an urban or suburban environment. With an ASHI Wilderness First Aid class, first aid providers in a remote outdoor setting will be better prepared to respond when faced with limited resources, longer times to care for someone, and decisions about when and how fast to evacuate an ill or injured person.
Course topics include:

Preparation and Assessment
Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
Environmental Hazards
Other Wilderness Considerations

Important information:

Course pre-requisites: Certification in adult CPR and AED is required to receive a Wilderness First Aid certification. Prior completion of a basic first aid class is encouraged.
Pre-registration is required.
Class size is limited to 10 participants.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to spend time seated, standing, on the floor, and outdoor practicing skills.
Please dress for the weather as we will be spending time outdoors conducting scenarios..
All equipment, student workbook, and certification card are provided.
Please bring a lunch each day and a personal snack.
Certification through American Safety & Health Institute will be valid for two years.

Date: November 1-2, 2025
Time: For those taking the CPR option, class will begin at 8:00 am CT Saturday; For those only taking Wilderness First Aid, class will begin at 10:00 am CT Saturday. Start time for Sunday is 8:00 am CT for all and completion is expected at 5:00 pm CT both days.
Location: Izaak Walton League, 899 Jay St, Elgin, IL 60120

The ASHI Training Center logo is a registered trademark of Health & Safety Institute or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Wilderness First Aid Certification (NMC)
2026-01-31 09:00 - 2026-02-01 17:00 | NMC, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
This interactive class provide combines guided presentation with hands-on practical scenarios to give you the skills, knowledge, and abilities to best care for an ill or injured person until you can reach qualified care.
Wilderness environments create special situations not usually encountered in an urban or suburban environment. With an ASHI Wilderness First Aid class, first aid providers in a remote outdoor setting will be better prepared to respond when faced with limited resources, longer times to care for someone, and decisions about when and how fast to evacuate an ill or injured person. This comprehensive 16-hour wilderness first aid course meets or exceeds the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines, 2017 Edition.
Course topics include:

Preparation and Assessment
Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
Environmental Hazards
Other Wilderness Considerations

Important information:

Course pre-requisites: Certification in adult CPR and AED is required to receive a Wilderness First Aid certification. Prior completion of a basic first aid class is strongly encouraged.
Pre-registration is required.
Class size is limited to 10 participants.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to spend time seated, standing, on the floor, and outdoor practicing skills.
Please dress for the weather.
All equipment, student workbook, and certification card are provided
Please bring a lunch each day and a personal snack.
Certification through American Safety & Health Institute will be valid for two years.

Registration through Northwestern Michigan College
Date: January 31-February 1, 2026
Tuition: $299
Location: NMC Innovation Center, Traverse City, MI

The ASHI Training Center logo is a registered trademark of Health & Safety Institute or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

CPR / AED / First Aid Certification (NMC)
2026-02-07 09:00 - 14:00 | NMC, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
This interactive class combines video with hands-on practical experience on the latest CPR skills, AED use, and basic first aid knowledge.
ASHI Pediatric CPR, AED, and First Aid training program provides an ideal training solution for schools, child care providers, youth sports coaches, and others required to learn how to respond to medical emergencies involving adults, children and infants. This versatile program is based upon the 2020 CPR and First Aid Guidelines; and other evidence-based treatment recommendations.

Pre-registration is required.
Class size is limited to 10 participants.
Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to spend time seated, standing, and on the floor practicing.
All equipment, digital student materials, and certification card are provided
Please bring a personal snack.
Certification through American Safety & Health Institute will be valid for two years.

Registration through Northwestern Michigan College
Date: February 8, 2025
Tuition: $149
Location: NMC Innovation Center, Traverse City, MI
The ASHI Training Center logo is a registered trademark of Health & Safety Institute or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Quiet Adventures Symposium
2026-02-28 09:00 - 17:30 | MSU Pavilion, 4301 Farm Lane, Lansing, MI, 48910, United States
Join us at this year’s Quiet Adventures Symposium event in Lansing, MI
I will have four different presentation topics at this year’s event:
Power to the Paddle: Exercises to Improve Your Paddling – 9:30-10:30 am – Demonstration Stage
Get ready to move in this fun, hands-on session where you’ll learn and practice functional exercises to help you paddle longer, faster, and stronger. Learn simple exercises requiring little or no equipment that will make you a better paddler, build endurance, and prevent injury. Join us to improve your outdoor experience and become the best paddler you can be.
Sand dunes, lighthouses, and cherry pie: Sea kayaking Michigan’s Grand Traverse region – 12:00-12:45 pm – Grand River Room
Enjoy bluebird days with Caribbean blue water while visiting lighthouses, towering dunes, and shipwrecks by day and breweries, wineries, and great restaurants by night. We will explore some of the most intriguing sea kayaking destinations in northwest lower Michigan along with historical and cultural resources of the area.
5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Kayaking – 2:15-3:00 pm – Main Stage Auditorium
It sounds easy…buy a boat, put it in the water, start paddling. Let’s talk about what you need, what you don’t, and more to make a paddler’s first or 50th day on the water full of smiles. Come to this safe space where we’ll explore all those questions that you’ve been afraid to ask but need to know.
Perfectly Pack your Kayak for a Multi-Day Trip – 3:15-4:00 pm – – Demonstration Stage
Loading your personal and shared group gear in your boat is both art and science. This hands-on workshop will equip you with tips and tricks to pack your kit for a dry, safe and enjoyable multi-day journey without having to cut the handle off your toothbrush.
Get your admission tickets to the Quiet Adventures Symposium!

Canoecopia
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15 | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Join us at at this year’s Canoecopia event in Madison, Wisconsin.
I will have two presentation topics at this year’s event. When I’m not on stage, you’ll be able to find me supporting P&H Sea Kayaks/Pyranha Kayaks at their booth on the show floor, as well as recording segments for the Paddling the Blue podcast.
5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Kayaking

Friday – 5:30-6:15 pm – BWCA
Saturday – 9:30 10:15 am – Superior

It sounds easy…buy a boat, put it in the water, start paddling. Let’s talk about what you need, what you don’t, and more to make a paddler’s first or 50th day on the water full of smiles. Come to this safe space where we’ll explore all those questions that you’ve been afraid to ask but need to know.
Sand dunes, lighthouses, and cherry pie: Sea Kayaking Michigan’s Grand Traverse Region

Saturday – 12:30-1:15 pm – Algonquin

Enjoy bluebird days with Caribbean blue water while visiting lighthouses, towering dunes, and shipwrecks by day and breweries, wineries, and great restaurants by night. We will explore some of the most intriguing sea kayaking destinations in northwest lower Michigan along with historical and cultural resources of the area.
Get your admission tickets to the World’s Largest Paddlesports Expo!

Practical Coastal Kayak Navigation
2026-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Bowers Harbor-Traverse City, Neahtawanta Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Navigational knowledge and proficiency is important in order to be a safe, effective, efficient paddler, paddlecraft leader, and paddlecraft instructor. The purpose of this skills course document is to develop venue-appropriate navigational knowledge and skills.
During this class, participants will plan a short day trip as a group and have an opportunity to share navigation responsibilities on the trip.
Areas of focus include:

Learn to effectively read a navigational chart
Identify direction, buoys, day marks, lights, channels, and other significant features and their importance
Measure distance and depth from the chart
Develop a fundamental understanding of tides and current and their importance to paddlers
Understand and learn to file a float plan
Using a VHF radio for information and emergency calling
Recognizing risk of collision using bow angle and movement with respect to land
features
Maintain approximate estimate of position through use of piloting and handrailing

This is an early-season event and the water will be cold. All participants must be dressed for the water temperature. A kayak with sealed bulkheads will be required.
Venue: Traverse City, MI
Date: May 3, 2026

Review course policies

Paddling Safety Workshop - Sponsored by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary
2026-05-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Air Station Traverse City, 175 Airport Access Dr., Traverse City, 49686, United States
This comprehensive land-based program will prepare you with the fundamental knowledge to prepare for a safe trip on the water. This program is being conducted as a service to the paddling community in cooperation with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary-Air Station Traverse City.
Topics include:

Conditions important to the Paddler: 4-W’s (Water, Wind, Waves and Weather)
Cold shock, hypothermia and hyperthermia; prevention and treatment
Life Jackets (PFD’s): Types, Usage, Fitting
Types of kayaks and their best use
Important paddling and safety equipment
Communication systems
Personal Preparation: planning, clothing, food and water
Planning and managing a safe day trip

We recommend that attendees supplement this on-land program with quality on-water skills and rescue (re-entry) education and guided practice to make the most of your paddling time.
Registration available through the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Air Station Traverse City.

ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)
2026-05-31 09:00 - 2026-06-03 18:00 | Chicago, IL
The ACA Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring certification qualifies you to teach introductory kayak skills in a variety of paddle craft (sea kayaks, sit on tops, recreational kayaks) in a protected and calm water environment. This certification program is a great opportunity for club paddlers, livery instructors, and camp waterfront staff to add kayaking to their camp programs. This certification is appropriate for instructors who limit their teaching to inland lakes.
This program, including four in-person on-water days supported by one virtual session, is focused on training future instructors to teach the skills in the ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor criteria. To get the most from the program, this program is intended for paddlers possessing ACA L2 personal paddling skills and knowledge at a minimum.
Dates: May 31-June 3, 2026
Course venue: Urban Kayaks, Chicago, IL
Registration available through Urban Kayaks

To achieve certification as an instructor, participants must be current members of the ACA. Please secure membership prior to the start of the course. Additionally, upon successful completion of the ICW, participants will need to join the ACA’s Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) for an additional fee.

Review course policies

Quickstart to Kayaking Skills
2026-06-10 17:30 - 20:30 | Arbutus Lake, 506 E Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, 49696, United States
The Quickstart to Kayaking skills course is an introductory skills program that will provide you with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and abilities to improve safety and confidence on the water. Spray skirts will not be used during this class. Topics covered include:

Personal and group equipment
On and off water safety and etiquette
Safe launching and landing
Strokes to maneuver your boat forward, backward, stopping, turning, and sideways
Controlled capsize and wet exit

Date: June 10, 2026
Time: 5:30-8:30 pm
Location: Arbutus Lake, Traverse City, MI
Review course policies
Click here to register

Rescue Rodeo
2026-06-17 17:30 - 20:30 | Arbutus Lake, 506 E Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, 49696, United States
This fun 3-hour program will cover the fundamentals of flatwater rescue to help paddlers get back in their boats after a capsize. We will cover:

Self and assisted rescue techniques
The use of slings and paddle floats
Re-entry for injured paddlers

Plan for a fun and empowering afternoon falling out of and climbing back into boats. Guaranteed laughs!
Location: Traverse City, MI
Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 5:30-8:30 pm
Course fee: $60

River Kayaking Skills and Safety
2026-06-21 09:00 - 16:00 | Boardman River, Shumsky Landing, Traverse City, MI, United States
This class will teach basic moving water skills that every river kayaker should know. Students will learn fundamental maneuvers that include:

Using river features to move efficiently and safety downriver
Recognizing and avoiding hazards
Moving into and out of the current
Using river current for play
Critical safety equipment and its use

Location: Boardman River, Traverse City, MI
Date: June 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 am-4:00 pm

ACA L1 Introduction to Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)-PRIVATE EVENT
2026-06-23 09:00 - 2026-06-26 17:00
The ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking certification qualifies you to teach introductory kayak skills in a variety of paddle craft (sea kayaks, sit on tops, recreational kayaks) without spray skirts in a protected and calm water environment. This certification program is a great opportunity for club paddlers, livery instructors, and camp waterfront staff to add kayaking to their camp programs. This certification is appropriate for instructors who limit their teaching to small, sheltered bodies of water.
This is a private program. If you are interested in a private program for your group, please contact John.
Course venue: Minooka, IL

ACA L1-2 Coastal Kayak Instructor Update
2026-06-27 08:30 - 16:00 | Chicago, IL
Get together with your fellow instructors to sharpen your skills and meet your four-year requirement to keep your ACA certification current.
Topics include:

On-water skills and maneuvers
Risk management and safety
Assessment techniques
Self and assisted rescue techniques
Teach back opportunities
On-land safety presentations
Administrative support

The program will involve a full day on the water preceded by a 1.5 hour virtual session to cover administrative topics.
Date: June 27, 2026
Venue: Chicago, IL

Review course policies

ACA Level 1 Introduction to Kayaking Skills
2026-06-28 07:00 - 17:00 | Manteno, IL, 851 N Main St, Manteno, IL, 60950, United States
The Introduction to Kayaking (Level 1) skills course is an introductory program that will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to be safe and confident on the water. A boat with sealed bow and stern bulkheads is recommended to participate in capsize and rescue technique activities. Spray skirts will not be used during this class. Topics covered include:

Personal and group equipment
On and off water safety and etiquette
Safe launching and landing
Strokes to maneuver your boat forward, backward, stopping, turning, and sideways
Bracing to avoid capsize
Controlled capsize and wet exit

Date: June 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Manteno, IL
Registration available through Potawatomi Paddlers Club
Review course policies

Alaska’s Prince William Sound
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-18 | Whittier, AK, Whittier, AK, United States
Experience the beauty of Alaska’s Prince William Sound on this 6 day experience. Along with peaks rising 4,000 feet from the sound, you will experience glaciers calve in the distance, catch a glimpse of the area’s diverse wildlife, camp on remote beaches, and more.
Sample itinerary:
Our group will meet in Anchorage and shuttle as a group to Whittier on the morning of our first day. We will pick up our rental boats, check and sort gear, and load to boats and make our start for camp. We will use a water taxi to whisk us to a remote location so we can make the most of our time on the water. During the course of the six on-water days, we will paddle our way back to Whittier, visiting beautiful places and gorgeous camp sites along the way.
Destinations will vary based on conditions and may include Blackstone Bay, Port Nellie Juan, Culross Passage, Derickson Bay, and Kings Bay. Accommodations in the back country will include a variety of camp sites.
On our final day, we will return to Whittier. After returning our boats and packing gear, we will celebrate the trip’s end and relive the experience with a final group dinner.
Trip includes logistics planning, kayak, paddle, and PFD rental, water taxi, and all group meals while on expedition. Group members will be expected to assist with minor camp duties and sharing the load with group gear.
Group members are expected to provide their own airfare to and from Anchorage, pre/post expedition lodging, personal paddling and camping gear, clothing, meals when off the water, and personal snacks. If additional transportation via water taxi is needed for evacuation or extraction due to weather, medical emergency, etc., that cost will be extra and split among group participants. These expenses are not included in the trip cost below.
It is expected that participants interested in joining this trip will have participated in a minimum of three, full day journeys e.g. longer than 8 nautical miles, be appropriately skilled in group travel, self and assisted rescue techniques, and have personal paddling skills consistent with ACA Coastal Kayak Level 2.
Cost: $1,700 per participant (limited to 5 guests)
Dates: July 12-18, 2026
PROGRAM FULL! Join the waitlist

Trip Policies
Before reserving your spot in any trips, please read the following carefully:

All trips are held rain or shine. Severe weather or weather unsuitable for your skill level will result in it being rescheduled for a later date.
You will be required to read and sign a waiver form prior to participation in any trip.
All participants will wear a properly fitted personal flotation device whenever on the water.
Electronics on the water – AT YOUR OWN RISK – If you choose to bring a phone, camera, key fob, or anything electronic, get a dry box for them at any local sporting goods store, or leave them back on dry land!

Cancellations:

You can cancel up to 60 days before the event and receive a 75% refund.
If you cancel with 30-59 days before the event, you will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations within 29 days of event, no refunds unless we can get someone to take your place in which case you would receive a 50% refund.
If a medical emergency should arise at the last minute, please call us. We will try to re-schedule you into another trip in the future, but we cannot provide a guarantee. Documentation may be requested.
Cancellations at our discretion due to weather will be rescheduled for a later date or a full refund will be given.

Your first kayak overnight
2026-08-08 - 2026-08-09 | Bowers Harbor-Traverse City, Neahtawanta Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Our 2-day/1-night journey on Northern Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay is the perfect introduction to kayak camping. If you’ve been itching to learn the skills needed to spend a night living from your boat, join us!
Our self-supported journey will take us to Power Island, a unique 202-acre rustic paradise on West Grand Traverse Bay. Before leaving the mainland, we will meet as a group to discuss the trip, distribute, and pack group and personal gear for the afternoon trip. After loading boats, we will make our way to the island and a waterfront camp site. After setting up camp, we will prep our kitchen, enjoy a delicious meal (nothing freeze dried here!), and wrap the night around a roaring fire searching for stars.
On day 2, we will have breakfast, break camp and repack our boats for the return trip to the mainland.
A night under the stars
Trip includes logistics planning, campsite reservations and fees, and dinner and breakfast while camping. Group members will be expected to assist with minor camp duties and sharing the load with group gear.
Group members are expected to provide their own boat (minimum 14′ with sealed bulkheads in bow and stern), personal paddling and camping gear, clothing, and snacks.
It is expected that participants interested in joining this trip will have participated in a minimum of three day journeys longer than 5 nautical miles with a group and be familiar with and have practiced self and assisted rescue techniques.
Location: Traverse City, MI
Date: August 8-9, 2026

ACA L1/2 Coastal Kayak Instructor Update
2026-09-12 08:00 - 16:00 | Traverse City, Traverse City, MI, United States
Get together with your fellow instructors to sharpen your skills and meet your four-year requirement to keep your ACA certification current.
Topics include:

On-water skills and maneuvers
Risk management and safety
Assessment techniques
Self and assisted rescue techniques
Teach back opportunities
On-land safety presentations
Administrative support

The program will involve a full day on the water preceded by a 1.5 hour virtual session to cover administrative topics.
Date: September 12, 2026
Venue: Traverse City, MI

Review course policies
