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I have been paddling with Stephen for many years
on the Potomac. He has been one of the premier instructors at Valley
Mill Kayak School in Washington, DC. He quickly learned the EJ’s
Strokes and Concepts Program from start to finish, and is one of
the best disciples of it in the business. His personality is friendly,
funny, super helpful, trustworthy, and fits into the Jackson Kayak
frame of mind. I would send my kids to live with him if needed and
not think twice about it. (of course, they are staying with me,
but, that makes my point). I asked Stephen in the Spring if he would
like to be on the team. He wanted to paddle the All-Star before
deciding, and waited for two months until his first try in it today.
I think he set the new Air-Loop worlds record today in my All-Star
at the Garvins Wave on the Ottawa. He is now teaching for Ottawa
Kayak School (www.ottawakayak.com)
which is the school I endorse and have been teaching with for the
past 10 years. He has taught seven days a week since he got here
earlier in the summer.
So what can you expect from Stephen? He is going
to US Team Trials in August, and he is ready to make the US Team.
He will go nuts in Australia at the World Championships if he gets
a chance at it. I will try to get some quality training time in
with him, for my benefit as much as his!
Look for the official Team Bio from Stephen soon.
We will get photos and video this coming week!
Stephen’s first words to me after doing
a ride in the Garvin’s Wave made my day: “This is the
boat I want to paddle, it goes BIG!”
EJ
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