Canoe Instructor Development

American Canoe Association
Canoe Instructor Development
Workshop and Certification Exam (IDW/ICE)

When: May 9, 10, & 11, 2008
Where: Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
What: Instructor Development Workshop and Certification Exam

{for paddlers interested in being certified as ACA instructors}


●To become certified as an instructor you must be
at least 18 years of age and complete both the IDW and ICE.
You must also be an ACA member ($40/year)
and maintain your SEI Dues ($25/year).

Cost:
3-day Instructor Development Workshop & Certification Exam

●ACA Member $270
Cost includes: SEI Dues, books, and materials

●Non-ACA Member $310
(Cost includes: ACA membership, books, and materials )

For More Information and Registration Materials:
Contact Dr. Lynn Dominguez at:
domin1la@cmich.edu or phone at (989) 774-7305

Registration requires a non-refundable $50 deposit by April 28th to reserve your seat and make sure we have your materials ready

Co-sponsored by the Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services Department at Central Michigan University

Vibram® FiveFingers®

Vibram FiveFingers Named
A "Best Invention of 2007" By TIME Magazine
Monday, 12 November 2007





Vibram® FiveFingers®, a unique glove-styled shoe, was named one of the "Best Inventions of 2007" according to TIME magazine. All of the products named to TIME's list "represent the coolest stuff from the most innovative minds in the world," writes TIME managing editor Richard Stengel in his notes to readers in the November 12th, 2007 issue.

Originally developed as a "barefoot alternative" for sailing, climbing, and light trekking, FiveFingers footwear is quickly gaining popularity among runners; fitness enthusiasts; yoga and Pilates practitioners; martial artists; surfers; kayakers; hikers and travelers. This amazing footwear alternative offers all the health benefits of going barefoot with the protection and grip of a Vibram sole.


Technology writer Lev Grossman and his team of TIME writers and editors, chose 45 of their favorite inventions and 17 clever reinventions of everyday items. Vibram FiveFingers was touted as "Reinvented: The Sandal" in the Health section.

TIME continued, "With a rubber sole contoured to the shape of your foot and a separate pocket for every toe, the Vibram FiveFingers shoe feels like going barefoot without the calluses."

"We are thrilled and honored to make TIME's Best Inventions list," said Tony Post, president & CEO, Vibram USA. "It's exciting to have the world's leading news magazine recognize our passionate commitment to product innovation and the many health benefits of wearing Vibram FiveFingers."

FiveFingers add a unique sense of feel to any activity, putting the user more in touch with their body and their surrounding environment. Wearing FiveFingers not only strengthens muscles in the feet and lower legs, it can improve one's balance, agility, posture, range of motion, and general foot health.

Currently offered in three models, Classic, Sprint and Surge, FiveFingers is available in men's sizes 41 to 47 (8 to 14) and women's sizes 36 to 42 (5 to 11.5) and ranges in price from $70 to $100. In 2008 two new models, the KSO and Flow, will be launched. Each style features a patented, non-marking Vibram outsole designed to follow the contours and flex points of the foot and toes with razor-siping for a sure grip on wet, slippery surfaces. The inner footbed utilizes the AEGIS Microbe Shield® application that kills odor-causing microbes without any adverse environmental impact.

Vibram® is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world's greatest climbers and athletes. Vibram® soles have set the standard since Vitale Bramani created mountaineering's first rubber lugged sole in the late 1930's. Vibram® soles have gone on to conquer Mt. Everest, K2 and a host of the world's tallest peaks. Today, the company works with premium brands including Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Merrell, Red Wing, Scarpa, The North Face, Timberland, Vasque, Wolverine and many more. For further information please visit www.vibram.com or www.vibramfivefingers.com.

Originally disovered by me at www.paddlinginstructor.com
http://www.paddlinginstructor.com/paddling_news/press_releases/vibram_fivefingers_named_a_best_invention_of_2007_by_time_magazine_20071112.php

Pre-planning all outdoor trips

Just a little reminder to dress properly
- carry spare dry clothes in dry bags.
Let people know where you went and when you'll return.

CELL PHONES - They DO NOT work everywhere !!!
(rely on yourself, not other people)

Basic essentials :

- Drinking water
- shelter rain-gear
- flashlight (spare batteries and bulb)
- fire starters (various kinds if one fails)
- map
- compass
- knife
- basic first aid
- food ( things that don't easily spoil )
- signaling equipment (whistle, mirror, flare, fire/smoke)

Be prepared - prevent accidents

Canoe Video on Shiawassee

Autumn paddle on the Shiawassee River Oct 22, 2007
- launching from WaterWorks Park in Holly,MI
and traveling 7 miles of numerous twists and turns,
finally taking out at Strom Park in Fenton,MI.

We saw geese, ducks, swans and even a large green Bullfrog.
The video shows how the river quietly meanders about,
being narrow in some sections while widening out in others.
The transitions from forest to marsh and back again show
the diversity in the watershed ecosystem.