Sisters graduates start kayaking school

Sending yourself to kayak school hasn't always been an option in Central Oregon. But thanks to the skills and thought processes honed in Sisters High School Interdisciplinary Environmental Expedition (IEE) class, two young couples are setting out to change that.

Brandon Overstreet and his wife, Lindsey Warner-Overstreet, who graduated in 2002, and Alex Templar, 2003 graduate and Templar's partner, Maddie Thies, who hails from Hailey, Idaho, recently started Current Experiences, a kayak school based on the Deschutes River in Bend.

The SHS graduates were introduced to the river in the IEE class their junior years. Each of them served as interns as seniors, assisting the leaders during the multi-day trips. They got their first exposure to kayaking during the spring river trip.

"This is an easy sport to get frazzled with," said Templar.

Each of the four admits that they learned to kayak somewhat by the seat of their pants, with steep learning curves involving fearsome water and some close calls. They want their clients to avoid that, so safety is emphasized. The partners are certified as wilderness first responders and are licensed through the Oregon State Marine Board as river outfitters. They are quick to point out, though, that they are not a guide service but focus on education.

The team uses a method they've coined, "comfort training," a method that seeks to create a comfortable learning environment and a connection between paddler and boat. They keep class sizes small - no more than three students per teacher - and have formed a curriculum that builds skills gradually. Each class starts in a swimming pool, moves to quiet water, and tackles rapids only when students have confidence and control of their boats.

One of the fear-conquering techniques used rates the client's anxiety level on a numerical scale, much like doctors do when assessing pain. Most people are already out of their comfort zone when they get in a kayak, and understanding fear lessens its control.

"It's hard to get good at a skill when you're worried," added Templar.

An important part of the curriculum, according to all four partners, is to build appreciation of the river ecosystem at the same time students are learning to respect the power and unpredictability of rivers. They use an integrated thought process first learned in IEE, to view the river in terms of policy, environmental protection, responsible use and historical value.

Lessons are scheduled throughout the summer, but the schedule is flexible.

Classes at Sisters Athletic Club and Black Butte Ranch are slated to begin soon. SAC sessions will be on Monday nights beginning July 6; Black Butte Ranch sessions start on Thursday, June 25. All are open to the public, but aren't listed on the Web site, so prospective student are encouraged to call for more information.

They'll be offering free kayak lessons at Bend's Fourth of July Festival in Drake Park.

While Current Experiences is a business, the partners have an altruistic philosophy.

"We're here to teach a community how to kayak and love rivers," said Brandon Overstreet.

For more information, call 541-701-4077 or visit http://www.currentexperiences.com.