About: David

David Hughes
Website
http://puconkayakhostel.com/
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David Hughes is the founder and director of Huge Experiences' New River Academy. David still actively leads programs, coaches, and teaches courses as trips allow. As an international leader of kayak programs David began the kayaker community destination at Pucón Kayak Hostel. David is also the Content Media Specialist for Colorado Kayak Supply.

Posts by davidhughes:

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    How does shipping kayaks to Chile work?

    Saturday, September 17th, 2011

    Families, allow me to describe the details of costs and each step necessary for kayaks to arrive to Chile.  Then you will be presented with economical options so you can best decide how to get your child’s boat to Chile.

    Pucon Kayak Hostel has built Chile’s best whitewater kayak fleet for rent.  Read how PKH extends the kayak fleet to New River Academy students.

    What Are the Costs and Efforts of Shipping a Kayak Internationally?

    Shipping kayaks costs dramatically more than flying with one as a checked bag. Kayakers flying with a kayak as a checked bag might be more common than most realize?

    1. Shipping boat via Freight Forward Company- This summer I was assigned to write this article for Colorado Kayak Supply. Shipping via a freight forwarder often costs more than the kayak.   NOT AN OPTION.  Read more,  “Have you ever wondered what it costs to ship kayaks internationally? “

    2. Flying with a play boat- This is the easiest and most economical option. New River has a 100% success rate with students.  While our chosen airline American Airlines has red listed “kayaks” we’ll illustrate how play boats meet the dimensional allowance listed by the airline for luggage.  We’ll use this fact and train your child how to package and fly with a play boat.  Consider it a large piece of luggage.

    Dimensional length allowed by American Airlines is 126”.

    Play boat:  h+w+l; 14” + 24” + 72” = 110”

    ***Agents rarely pull out the measuring tape.

    Expected Flight Costs:  $150- $250.  We’ve seen $400 and $600 costs on itineraries with multiple carriers.  Be happy to be charged anything less than $250.

    *** Do not ask airline if they allow kayaks.  The answer is, “No.”  Rather, we’ll teach you what every nomadic kayaker has learnt with the evolution of kayaking and airline protocol.    Then you can choose an option you are comfortable making to fly with kayak, rent or buy in Chile.

    3. Flying with a creek boat- This is what serious “nomad or pro-kayakers” choose.  It’s doable but riskier.  A creek boat is clearly above the allowed dimensional allowance of 126”.  (h+w+l; 14”h +26”w + 102”l = 142”)

    Still savvy nomadic kayakers successfully fly with their creek boat thanks to persuasion skills, knowledge of the system and the point that agents rarely use measuring tape.

    Expected Flight Costs:  $150- $250

    Suggested Colorado Kayak Supply Online article, “How much baggage will airlines allow a kayaker?”

    4. OK… So the school has a Chile bound container for creek kayaks?  Not exactly.  Actually, the Chilean based Pucon Kayak Hostel pays a per kayak fee to the Chilean distributor (Rivers, Lakes and Oceans) in order to be able to import kayaks via their container.

    “One of the toughest things was to rent a student a kayak at less than cost and then be criticized.  I’d failed to be transparent and clearly illustrate the real costs and efforts required.” 

    Let’s face it shipping kayaks internationally especially creek boats is not cheap or easy.  Here’s how we do it in a way that works for everyone.

    Real Costs of Shipping Creek Boat to Chile via Rivers, Lakes & Oceans Container

    Factory pro-deal rate:  approximately $600-$650 + tax

    US Factory Transport to Ladson, SC port                                     $US 70

    Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans freight fee

    (RL&O serve as the “customs agent”)                        $125/kayak

                Chile Impuestos (import taxes)

    25% value of product ($650)                                    $162.50

    ***Argentina charges 50%

    Total Container Cost of Kayak =                             Approximately…  $357.50

    Other Costs:  David Hughes will arrive to Chile 12 days in front of students.  One responsibility is to pickup kayaks, a Suburban, a trailer, a van and transport 12 hours north from Pucon to Santiago + secure maintenance.  It will cost approximately $1,000 to make this transport:  gas ($5.50/gal) + tolls + hire driver + hotel  + driver’s bus ride back.   All this has already been included in tuition.

    “Do I rent, buy or fly with a kayak?,” is the big question every kayaker going to Chile asks.  The answers are simple and we’ll show you how your child has a superior price break to normal travelers.

    • Renting- Normal travelers rent a kayak at 10,000 pesos/day = $US22.  Our trip is 45 days/quarter ($US22) = $US990 (Uhhh… no thanks.)
    • Buying- Buy a kayak from retailer Rivers, Lakes and Oceans for their $US1100-$1150.  After seeing our shipping costs (~ $357.00) that price is pretty good.  A kayak used for 2 months can expect to sell for around $700-$750.  Leaving a $US400 cost difference after selling kayak.  Better than $990 but still a lot.
    • Fly with kayak.  That $150 to $250 “Expected Flight Cost” is starting to sound pretty good right now.  But are you OK with having your child fly with a boat after the school trains them?

    What is the relationship between Pucon Kayak Hostel and New River Academy and how does this benefit your child?

    David Hughes bought Rio Trancura riverside land six years ago and began developing it with personally secured finances.  The number one reason David observed multiple small college prep schools going out of business was over-expenditures on their land/bases.  Travelling high schools are not efficient as they are forced to rent everywhere they explore.  The dilemma of land ownership becomes that if the high school buys land then it is forced to stay in one place vs. the cultural and educatonal advantages of travel.  New River has found a way to balance the dilemma and reduce the school’s financial stressors.

    Eg- David’s previous employer The Academy at Adventure Quest bought a beautiful lodge in VT.  The purchase placed enormous financial stress on the program.  First the school lost it’s cultural magic and ability to travel internationally and later had to close it’s doors as it could not pay the extensive bills on the base.

    The Sustainable Solution:  In order to remain sustainable Pucon Kayak Hostel has to rent more than the three weeks/semester New River Academy stays there.  Thus, the pressure of ownership bills are on David Hughes not the high school.  PKH rents to New River Academy at a discounted rate across the board due to personal interests in the success of the high school.  At times those discounts extended are even at personal loss as part of the passion to see the school succeed.

    Those discounts are further extended to the students:  The goal is to give the student the at-cost price advantage with kayaks.  While maintaining an up to date fleet allowing each party to survive a tough economy.

    Student Option 1: Rent Creek/Play Boat in Chile:  Student may rent a creek/play boat for $US200/semester.  Meaning they’ll have a good choice of a creek boat and can also interchange it with a PKH play boat.   ($US200 Comes to average of flight costs one way…  that’s cheap and better than any traveler will get.)

    Student Option 2: Fly Play Boat/Rent Creeker: Student flies with play boat + $150/semester to rent PKH creek boat.  We’ll get you a pro-deal on your choice play boat and in-turn PKH requests first option to buy your play boat this March in Chile.  Again you’ll get help to buy another new play boat for the US quarter in April/May.  The buy, sale, buy ultimately means your child has a new boat in Chile and a new boat in the US for one price. And there is no charge to fly the kayak home.  Again, this is super cheap and a common kayak traveler method to sell kayak at end of trip to avoid further airfare charges.

    Student Option 3, Fly Creeker/Rent Play:  As a third option you may choose to fly with a creek boat + $20/semester play boat rental = one day rental.  PKH practically gives you the play boat cause it’s so valuable to get new creek boats in Chile. If you fly with a new pro-dealed creek boat then you’ll get to use a play boat $20/sem in exchange for first option to buy that valued creek boat in March.  Yes, you’ll get another pro-deal in March for the US quarter.

    Meaning buying an at-cost prodeal kayak in US and selling in Chile ends up being a wash.  You end up only paying for the flight costs.

    *** “What if my child’s creek boat is denied at the airport?”  We’ve got you covered.  If you miss you’ll still have the $200/sem option.

    Samples Costs:

    Creeker Flight Success

    Joey decides to fly with a Liquid Logic Stomper creek boat and succeeds at the airline desk for a $200 oversize charge.  David picks up group in Santiago with trailer.

    Joey will pay $20 for first sem and $20 for second sem for a play boat rental. That’s a gift.  Total:  $200 (flight fee) + $20 (sem I) + $20 (sem II)= $240

    We’ll order you a new creeker in the US for April.  PKH requests first option to purchase creeker in March.

    Creeker Flight Failure

    Joey does not get his creeker on the plane and resorts to a backup plan to rent a creek boat in Chile at $200/sem.  This option also allows him to interchange the creeker with a play boat as travel demands.  Total:  No Flight fee + $200 (sem I) + $200 (sem II)= $400

    Play Boat Flight Success

     Joey gets his play boat on for $200 and will rent a creeker for $150/sem.

    Total:  $200 (flight fee) + $150 (sem I creek rent) + $150 (sem II creek rent)= $500

    PKH requests first option to purchase play boat in March.

    What about storage over Christmas?  During Christmas-season there are many guests, employees, and hosts around… meaning lots of folks to keep an eye on things.  It is South America and theft is a concern, but power tools and electronics are more sought items than kayaks.

    ***Kayak lockers have been built under the deck of the bathhouse.  For best storage it’s recommended your child use a sturdy lockable bike cable and lock to the structural beams + lock the kayak locker door.

    1. You own the kayak- As a benefit your child is allowed to store the kayak for free vs. normal guests storage rates.  You’ll have to sign the normal storage agreement regarding theft.  We’ve had zero kayaks stolen, but we do not insure guests storing equipment and hope everyone understands secure storage is a big deal.  Your child is responsible to purchase locking cable and lock.
    2. You rent the kayak- It’s not your kayak therefore storage is not your problem.

    ***Traveler’s Insurance- Prior to break we’ll train students and write an article about traveler’s insurance.  There are some great options that would cover broken or stolen laptop or kayak gear.

    What if a kayak is damaged or stolen during rental?  Students renting kayaks must sign the rental agreement.  Even though, students receive an exceptional rate on rental they are responsible for the “pre-negotiated value” of the craft should it be stolen or damaged during their rental period.  What are the chances of either?  We’ve never had a kayak stolen but we constantly enforce the lock your kayak rule.  It’s the individual’s responsibility to use their kayak/bike cable locking system as we travel.  The most likely time for kayak damage is when a kayaker swims or runs monstrous rapids.  (While this is not a huge risk for our group due to the fact that we seek clean, safe runs, any swim on the river carries the potential to lose and or damage gear.  Imagine a swim resulting in a pinned kayak.)

    How tough can shipping be?  Four years ago our rival school went the entire Chile quarter with their boats not arriving through customs.  A kayak school’s nightmare.  They had to buy new boats retail and later we’d buy three of their kayaks.  It is for security reasons that we invest in the shipping and maintain a fleet of options.

    Is there more space on the Rivers, Lakes and Oceans container?  I called in a favor securing 12 spaces.  Those spaces have been filled and the container is set to ship.  Once it hits the water it could take as much as a month and a half before those boats are out of customs.  Meaning even with planning this far in advance it’s going to be tight.

    What kayaks are available in Chile? 

    Click to view the kayak fleet. 

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    First Week Photo Lesson “Creating Angles”

    Saturday, September 17th, 2011

    Photography Students Learn Creative Angles

    This was an ordinary class. Creative framing tends to highlight Hayley Stuart's eye, hair and even hidden smile.

    Ahh… the idea of capturing gloriously fantastic photos, preserving the moment forever, and getting that one National Geographic shot that makes people stop and think.  Photography.  It’s an art that like anything in life takes creative effort, practice and development of what works and what does not, and even some basic rules.

    As photography class begins it’s year students too start with the basics.  Later, lessons will evolve to editing, processing, media use, blogging, Search Engine Optimization, and even how to make money.  Let’s begin with the basics.

    Carla Astorga teaches Spanish pronunciation to happy students.

    Carla Astorga teaches Spanish pronunciation to happy students.

    Each year New River Academy begins school on the banks of the Ottawa River.  It’s a full day of classes sandwiched between mastering moves like aerial blunts, Donkey Flips, roundhouses, and McNasties.  For this photo class our subjects were the students of Carla Astorga’s Spanish and Kira Tennie’s English classes.  It was a sunny day perfect for open air learning.

     

     

     

     

    Photo student Alex Zegart learns three photography basics: leading the eye, framing and stacking.

    Stacking-

    is a technique used to maximize the size of your subject in your photo.  When you stack your subjects you can choose where you want to place the focal point as you get more into your photo.

     

    Students reach into the bag full of questions for a fun Spanish lesson. Even though Sara Daub is the furthest from the camera a combination of stacking and eye leading lines brings your focus to study her shooting in the background.

    Eric Bartl is further away from the camera but the obvious focal point.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wayne Poulsen and Alex Fleischut sit higher than the camera position again stacked versus square to the camera. A teacher's shoulder, laptops and studying faces present the message of a productive class.

     

    Framing and stacking out of focus foreground students naturally brings the eye to Alexandra Muck as our subject. While, colors will be a later lesson her vibrant jacket too pops adding to the photo.

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    New River Wins Canada Cup

    Thursday, September 15th, 2011

     

    Sara Daub and Hayley Stuart place second and third in the prestigious Canada Cup. New River’s Courtney Kerin claims the championship title.

    New River Academy girls made a clean sweep of the Canada Cup with Runner-up World Champ Courtney Kerin claiming first, Canadian Sara Daub in second and Hayley Stuart claiming the bronze medal.  New River’s Kalob Grady gave Dane Jackson a run for his money in their final junior event.

     

    Kerin who traveled to Uganda and trained with New River last year would win each round executing shuvits, both spins, and round houses.  New enrollee Daub would use her spin and roundhouse experience to squeak out a win over Hayley Stuart.

     

    Galen Volckhausen slides off the rock into the famous Garberator Wave. Galen wins fifth place honors.
    New Yorker Hayley Stuart progresses at an accelerated rate winning the Canada Cup bronze medal.

    It appeared Kalob Grady had goals to one up the Jackson world-champ in their final junior competition.  Dane not having his typical blow the field away prelim rides opened the door for Grady.  Grady narrowed the margin and applied the pressure to the Jackson prodigy in the final rounds.  Dane Jackson would put together combinations of airscrews, backstabs and aerial blunts to dash the New River hopes.
    New River is happy to see Dane’s fantastic success and even happier to see him make his rite of passage to the men’s class.

     

    Other accomplishments:  Galen Volckhausen impressively hit a Phonics Monkey making the Junior Men’s finals. Returning senior Eric Bartl didn’t have the rides he’d hoped for but with just one day of practice he had an impressive showing.  Congratulations Drew McEachern for having the courage to enter the competition after just one year of kayaking.

    Canada’s Sara Daub raises her hands to execute a clean (one-stroke) spin earning her a silver medal in the Canada Cup.

     

    World Champ Dane Jackson with New River Academy students Kalob Grady and Drew McEachern minutes before they compete.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Eric Bartl raises his paddle to execute a clean blunt.
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    New River Academy Students Begin School Year with Safety Lesson

    Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

    New River Academy Students Begin School Year with Safety Lesson

    Each semester the high school students at New River Academy begin the year with lessons of safety protocol.  This year we began with team building activities right at our riverside Ottawa base.  Later in the week we’ll be having a big interactive Swiftwater Rescue course.  So keep checking back.

    Students learn to pack throw ropes in fashion that allows rope to uncoil versus clog in flight.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A jump rock near to the riverside Ottawa base provides a great place to cool off.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Alexandra Muck packs her throw bag before making her next save attempt.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Eric Bartl is ready to jump in the river and be a throw rope catcher as Alex Fleischut coils his rope.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Towing in Wayne Poulsen.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Colin Klein throws to Alex Zegart.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Students practice throw rope throws and coiling at their riverside Ottawa base.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Math instructor Seth Dow bags four students. Throw of the day.

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    “What can students expect for the fall semester?”

    Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

    This document is designed to answer your last minute questions regarding the commencement of school on the Ottawa River.

    Calendar Page- This is where you can find a consistent list of dates and events. Use this as your source for booking reservations.

    ***Familie are responsible to book their own flights to either Ottawa, Canada or Charleston, WV.

    Arrivals: Below you have several options for your arrivals:
    August 31

    • Charleston, WV Airport Arrivals- Schedule 4:00 to 6:00 pm arrivals
    • Drive to Fayetteville, WV Base Arrivals between 5:00 to 6:00 pm
    • Meet school en route from WV to Ottawa night of 8/31. Contact David Hughes to arrange meeting point.

    Driving Route is: I-79 N to I-90E; I-90E to I-81N; 416 N to Ottawa; 417 W to 17 W to Wilderness Tours.

    September
    September 1
    • Flights to Ottawa City. If you are flying to Ottawa International Airport make certain your return home flight is from Charleston, WV 10/15 between 8:00 to 10:00 am.
    • Ottawa City, Canada Arrivals- 9/1 between 10:00 to 12:00 am
    • Driving to Ottawa Wilderness Tours. You may meet at Wilderness Tours or Keenerville base anytime prior to 1:00 pm.

    September 5
    • New River Academy travel agent begins booking Chile fall semester group flights.
    • Flights are from your local airport to Santiago and return from Temuco.

    What do I bring? See attached packing list. Packing list is also being published on David Hughes’ blog.
    A. Do I bring a laptop? If you have a video or photo class then yes you will need it.
    B. Which boat do I bring? You will only need your play boat. This fall quarter is dedicated to safety, river running, and freestyle development. We will discuss Chile boats at later date.
    C. Which camera should I bring? If you are in video class contact Tino Specht via- mcspecht@yahoo.com
    Photo students may direct camera concerns to David Hughes- hugeh2o@yahoo.com.

    What can we expect? Those arriving from the south will spend no time in WV. You will arrive, pack, and be on the road to Canada. Once on the Ottawa everyone will contact home to inform families of your base and road tired condition. We will begin with a safety and team building activity to wash away some of the road travel.
    The first few days of school will focus on school orientation, team and confidence building, and utilizing a shortened school schedule. Oh yea… kayaking. You will be based right on the Ottawa River just a three minute paddle from fantastic waves.
    You will be part of a mentor team planning a mentor team activity and a weekly meal.

    What about school? Just like any great academic program once you show up you can expect exciting and intriguing lessons to be offered. Students will be taken on a department store run for those last minute school supplies. Teachers will discuss class expectations and give a list of class needs like, “uhhm you’re going to need a 3 ring binder, a compass, and a good attitude.”

    What if we don’t have our passport yet? Here is a link providing more passport info. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html

    Do we need travel insurance? You will want to contact your insurance provider regarding international insurance options. New River Academy utilizes a traveler’s insurance plan for our staff once in Chile. The great thing about travel insurance plans is that they often cover broken, stolen, or lost equipment. We use www.WorldNomads.com.

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    Dedication Pays for High School Kayaker

    Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

    It was one year ago that Hunt competed in the FiBARK Rodeo. Hunt did not make the finals last year but he and New River Academy director David Hughes met discussing Hunt’s academic needs and athletic goals. One year later after a year of training with New River Academy Hunt medaled in consecutive freestyle events. Hunt would win silver at FiBark and Gunnison, become the Runner-up USACK National Champ, and take a bronze medal in the national point series.

    Hunt Jennings' trains in Chile and enjoys a birthday party after a day of school and kayaking.

    Hunt’s Shaky Start on the Wave and in AP Bio
    Hughes recalls, “Hunt was always trying to hit his McNasty. We started having little McNasty competitions with him on the Ottawa. Neither of us were sticking them too consistently but we were improving. In AP Bio class he had the lowest score on our first exam, I thought he was in over his head for a tough university level course. Hunt remembered his deal with his father or that he needed to study more because for the rest of the year he was the highest scoring student in that bright class of five AP Bio students.”

    Convincing Dad New River Academy could meet the families academic needs.
    While Hunt was eager to travel to Chile and Uganda with textbooks and kayak his father needed some convincing. Hunt’s mother Kim was first more open to the idea and discussed the academic integrity of New River Academy. Kim began asking questions about advanced placement courses, instructors, and how easily transcripts transferred. Soon Kim was almost as excited as Hunt. Hunt knowing his father’s stance on academics made a proposal goal G.P.A. and earning college credit via the academy AP Biology course. Eventually the mother-son team convinced senior Hunter Jennings to give the school a try and fulfill Hunt’s dream.

    Thousands of McNasty Attempts Pay-off at FiBARK, Gunnison, and USACK National Championships.

    “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” – Bruce Lee foreseeing Hunt’s McNasty dedication

    The FiBark wave was a tough spot to stick loops or get a kayak vertical for typical wave moves like the “blunt.” Hunt went out every ride hitting low scoring wave moves that would not be enough to advance his rides. After scoring those moves the junior paddler would methodically setup his sharp “McNasty.” During the early rounds Hunt was flushing, but with a short coaching adjustment Hunt began trying the move a few feet left of a flush spot. As the weeks advanced Hunt began picking up other moves like the entry wingover.

    Hughes states, “He kept getting more and more consistent. Hunt was sticking as many McNasty’s as Mattiou (the pro-champ). I watched Hunt’s mom and sister McKenzie, who’d drove from Chattanooga, perched on the nearest rock videoing every ride. They were so proud of big brother. Hunt’s the kind of guy that you love to give a hard time to cause he’s got such a great sense of humor and at the same time everyone loves to see him do well.”

    Hunt advanced the field of 15 juniors in third place. He improved during the finals landing the high scoring move on 2 of 3 rides. As Hunt foundation move continued to be stuck he consistently continued his winning path earning gold at FiBark, silver at Gunnison, silver at USACK National Championships, and the bronze for the national point series.

    Congratulations Hunt Jennings… we’re proud of you.

    Other Recent New River Academy Accomplishments:

    Courtney Kerin- Silver at USACK National Championships
    Silver World Championships
    Coach Stephen Wright- Bronze World Championships
    Kalob Grady- 6th World Championships

    Are you interested in applying to New River Academy? You can still apply. Call or email David Hughes to learn more or request a parent reference. Hugeh2o@yahoo.com or 304-640-1001

    Check out our Easy to Apply page.

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    Congratulations high school kayak World Champs!

    Monday, June 27th, 2011

    New Zealand’s Courtney Kerin made her national team the year prior to the 2013 prestigious world championships. Her parents wanted to offer the best training opportunities and decided to apply to the New River Academy academic and training program for her senior year. School director Matt Smink recalls, “Courtney trained hard daily really pushing herself. When she came she wasn’t even hitting her blunt but she had determination.”

    Training Dedication Pays Off
    That year of coaching and training with New River Academy paid off this past week at the world championships in Plattling, Germany. Courtney first advanced as the winner of the semi-final cut from ten to five athletes. And would finish the event with the prestigious title, “World Runner-up Champion.” Kind of has a ring doesn’t it.

    Check out Courtney Kerin’s School Blog.

    Courtney Kerin wins the silver medal at the 2011 World Championships. Congratulations Courtney!

    Coach Stephen Wright Reaches the Podium

    Stephen Wright is a coach who has mastered both the Air Screw and teaching foundations needed for progressing to the next level.

    There was a high school of kids and parents cheering for Coach Wright. Coach Wright’s field was stacked and not even 4-time World Champ Eric Jackson would make the semi-final cut. During the semi-final cut from 10 to 5 Coach Wright was down to his last ride after two mediocre rides. We were nervous for him knowing he’d have to improve his rides if he wanted to survive the world’s most competitive field. Wright stepped up his ride to near perfection and would advance to the finals in the third position. During finals Wright’s ride landed him another bronze medal. Congratulations Coach!

    Other Congratulations
    Dane Jackson won three gold medals and a bronze making kayak history. Medals were respectively Junior Men Kayak, C-1, Squirt, and OC1.

    Lauren Burress must be smiling ear to ear with her new shiny gold medal. Congratulations Lauren. We look forward to paddling with you again this school year.

    If you are a high school kayaker you too can be coached by Stephen Wright and pro-athletes John McConnville and Brian Jennings this year.

    Can you still apply for the 2011-2012 school year. Yes, you can apply.

    Click to learn about the “Easy to Apply Application.”

    Preparing for 2013 World Championships. Read, “Are you a freestyle kayaker born between ’95 and ’98?”

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    Are you a freestyle kayaker born between ’95 and ‘98?

    Monday, June 27th, 2011

    Are you a freestyle kayaker born between ’95 and ‘98?

    If you answered yes then you’ll want to read this article about preparing for the 2013 Freestyle World Championships on the Nantahala River.

    Courtney Kerin wins the silver medal at the 2011 World Championships. Congratulations Courtney!

    Most parents and students think you want to train hardest just prior to a Worlds event. While this is true there is something even more crucial to consider, qualifying for the event.

    How does a junior kayaker qualify for a national team?
    A national team trials is held the year before the world championships. Meaning the trials for the 2013 World Championships will be held sometime during 2012 at the Nantahala River.

    Coach Stephen Wright is the world's best coach. Your training and coaching this year is the best prep you can have for trials in 2012.

    To best prepare for the 2013 World Championships a junior will want to train for the team trials held the year prior. The point we are trying to share with you is that a year of training with New River Academy during 2011-12 is a tremendous advantage to making your national team.

    What are the age qualifications? The following reference is taken direct from the International Canoe Federation regulations page.
    3.5 The first year a competitor can compete as a junior is the year in which his/her 15th birthday falls. The last year a competitor can compete as a junior is the year in which his/her 18th birthday falls.

    If you are born ’95 to ’98 then you are the right age for the next junior world championships.

    Why is a year of training with New River Academy the best preparation for making a national team in 2012?
    • Coaching includes world bronze medalist Stephen Wright. David Hughes as an Associated Press awarded coach has coached multiple international champions. Sponsored professionals Brian Jennings and John McConnville join the team this year too.
    • Training at the Nantahala feature. If you’re serious about making the prestigious Team USA then you’ll want to train at the feature. Whoever is best at the feature will make the team.
    • Weekly mock rodeos best prep athletes for mental game.
    • Competing with your peers. If you rise to the top of New River Academy team then you’re going to make the national team. It’s a proven fact.

    Past New River Academy Champions:
    Courtney Kerin- 2011 Runner-up World Champ.
    Coach Stephen Wright- 2011 and ’09 Bronze Medals in World Champs
    Jason Craig- 2009 World Champ
    Todd Baker- 2005 Bronze Medal World Championships
    Pat Keller- 2003 Runner-up World Champ
    Ali Wade- 2003 Runner-up World Champ & ’02 World Cup Champ
    Emily Jackson- Two-time World Champ attended New River Academy for her fall 7th grade semester.
    Mike Quinif- 2002 World Cup Champ

    Can you still apply for 2011-2012? Yes. You can still apply. Click to learn about our “Easy to Apply process.”

    How can you learn more about New River Academy academics and training? You can call or email David Hughes to learn more.
    C- 304-640-1001 or email: hugeh2o@yahoo.com

    “And that has made all the difference.”

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    Stephen Wright Signs with New River Academy

    Monday, April 25th, 2011

    What if you were assigned the task to produce the world’s best junior kayak high school both academically and athletically? What characteristics would you want to teach and model? More importantly, whom would you hire for the task? Freestyle kayaking’s world bronze medalist Stephen Wright tops the list of prestigious coaches. The Jackson Kayak ambassador has a string of sponsors and medals that equal his junior kayak coaching successes. Commendably, Stephen has been the head coach at the world’s most successful youth kayak program, Ottawa Kayak School’s Keeners.

    Stephen Wright is happy to coach with New River Academy. He also likes peanut butter.

    High school directors David Hughes and Matt Smink discussed the goals of the New River Academy athletic program and the decision to hire Stephen Wright was a no-brainer, but would he do it? Hughes and Smink realize program demands of staff and pro-athletes have equally intense schedules. Thus, the admin team decided to work with Wright’s schedule and offered the opportunity to coach at their international riverside Pucón, Chile base for a single quarter. Wright will further develop the coaching program and offer spot coaching as schedule allows.

    Stephen Wright is a coach who has mastered both the Air Screw and teaching foundations needed for progressing to the next level.

    New River Academy director David Hughes states,

    “Yes, most realize Stephen is the best of the best when it comes to coaching. More importantly you should understand Stephen brings presence of character to the program. He’s a role model with an energy that inspires his colleagues, students respect and understand his clear position within a program that has maintained a tough stance on discipline issues. Stephen exemplifies our motto, ‘and that has made all the difference.’”

    About Stephen Wright’s Teaching Philosophy
    Wright believes kids need structure modeled and taught by responsible adults. As an active athlete he personally discovered kayaking provided the single most fun activity in his life. In effect the students and Wright share a common passion making it easy to connect and inspire kids. Wright asserts that progressing in kayaking translates to various life skills and ultimately one’s own self-content. What more could a parent or teen ask than to find self-contentment via a shared passion? Wright is on to something.

    “My coaching style focuses on learning fundamental skills that allow kayakers to progress daily. Those foundations become transferrable to advanced skills in as many creative ways as possible.” – Stephen Wright

    As per coaching goals Coach Wright focuses on individual attention and student accomplishments.

    “Each student should continue to progress and in the course become more passionate for the river and kayak skills. I enjoy working with teens. They’re energetic, fearless and willing to try things that adults would not.”

    Wright believes New River Academy has created a positive and ideal work environment.

    “I’ve met and respect the (New River Academy) staff as a positive team. The program has established proven systems developed in a fashion that helps students to succeed academically and walk away with a strong athletic drive and desire to improve as kayakers. They’re training and retaining great instructors.”

    Stephen Wright’s Invitation

    “Students and parents I’d like to personally invite you to be a part of the New River Academy and be coached by myself. We’re going to experience a lot of fun and the adventure of a lifetime.”

    Wright will have his work cut out for him as Huge Experiences/New River Academy has produced champions for ten years.
    Past Huge Experiences/New River Academy Athletic Accomplishments
    Pat Keller (Runner-up World Champ, Green Race Champ)
    Casey Eichfeld/Ricky Powell, (C-2) US Olympians
    Emily Jackson- 2x World Champ
    Jason Craig- World Champ
    Ali Wade- Runner-up World Champ, World Cup Champ
    Isaac Levinson- Green Race Runner-up Champ
    Nathan Silsbee- Green Race Bronze
    Michael Quinif- World Cup Champ
    Todd Baker- World Bronze
    National Champs from: Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA
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    Patagonia Gap Year Students Receive Creative Writing Instruction from University Professor

    Monday, February 21st, 2011

    Tamara Semehen and Clay Whitaker take a creative writing course during the Patagonia Gap Year spring semester.

    When it was discovered that Pucon Kayak Hostel guest Ken Zimmerman was a nature and composition writer professor for the University of Oregon and Lane Community College I immediately asked him to teach Clay Whitaker, Dan Warner, and Tamara Semehen of the Patagonia Gap Year program. It was an exciting opportunity to attend as Ken would share a couple of simple writing exercises.

    Ken Zimmerman teaches creative and nature writing to Patagonia Gap Year students.

    Ken chose two exercises to help the students writing.

    Try Teloscope Writing
    Teloscope writing was described as standing far off of a piece of nature and describe it. I chose a rotting dog house roof. After three minutes of writing the students were instructed to walk close to the object and continue to describe it’s detail. The exercise proved to illustrate varying levels of color and a simple technique to change perspective.

    “Now Let’s Try an Exercise with Metaphor Use”

    Ken had us choose an event in our lives that produced a distinct emotion. Since we all love kayaking our metaphor would be a kayak related event. Ken instructed, “Find a time on the river that produced the same emotion and describe your first emotional event with your kayak metaphorical event.” Think of your writing using this phrase, “It was like…” and complete the phrase. Ken’s lesson proved to be a fantastic learning experience and added inspiration to the young writers.

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New River Academy
Rt. 2 Box 245
Fayetteville, WV 25484
(304)- 574-0403
Fax: (304) 513-2247
New River Academy

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