Heather Herbeck

Kayak Instruction & Coaching Experience

 

I recently started my own fitness and sport coaching business in the Columbia River Gorge.  In the past year, I have collaborated with the following organizations and businesses to coach kayak programs all over the United States.

 

2014

Kayak Academy - Issaquah, WA          Lead an intermediate kayak course on the Skykomish River.

University of Puget Sound - Tacoma    Lead kayak courses for the UPS Kayak Club's kayak leaders; instructed

                                                              pool sessions; women's only courses; intermediate courses since for 4-5 years.

Next Adventure/FLUX - Portland, OR   Coached a women's only "Race Training" series with a sporting goods store

                                                              in Portland, OR.  Also instructed a women's beginner course with them.

Women's Kayak Course - Duluth, MN  I coached an intermediate women's kayak course on the Kettle River in

                                                              collaboration with the American Canoe Assocation.

ACA WW Kayak Course - Bend, OR    I assisted Kent Ford, who is one of the most recognizable ww paddlers in the

                                                              world with a course served to certify paddlers through the American Canoe

                                                              Association.  This is a 5-day, intensive course.

Sundance Kayak School - Merlin, OR   Instructor for a kayak school on the Rogue River.  Spent two weeks there.

Tarkio Kayak School - Montana            Work with the organization First Descents, providing kayak experiences for

                                                              cancer survivors.

Zonta Club - Mankato Chapter             Invited to attend the Blue Earth River Women's Paddle as featured paddler.

Private Kayak Coaching                       Throughout the year I coach and instruct many paddlers on a one-to-one

                                                              ratio, or in small groups.

 

2013

University of Puget Sound - Tacoma    Lead kayak courses for their kayak club.

Boy Scouts of America - Alaska           I was invited through the American Canoe Association to teach the kayak

                                                             and whitewater kayak badge at a 26-acre camp in the Denali National Forest.

                                                             This was their first trial at doing this, so I took lead on developing the logistics.

Sundance Kayak School                      Assisted in the American Canoe Association 5-day WW Level 4 Kayak Courses.

Private Kayak Coaching

 

2012

National Whitewater Symposium         I became part of the board and main organizer for the 2012 WW Symposium

                                                             held in the Columbia River Gorge. 

2006 - 20011

White Salmon Riverfest & Symposium Co-organizer for a local educational symposium for river enthusiasts to educate

                                                               them on the issues affecting the White Salmon River.

 

Other:

Wet Planet Whitewater (2005 - 2012)  I was a full-time kayak instructor.  The last 3 years I was the kayak school

                                                             manager.  I developed their women's programming, kids programming and

                                                             social media.

Credentials:

American Canoe Assocation Level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor 2005 - Current

Wilderness First Responder

CPR/First Aid

Swiftwater Rescue III

Assisted in many of the River Rescue Courses when employed at Wet Planet Whitewater

 

Awards:

2013 American Canoe Association Paddler of the month (August)