New River Academy was fortunate to have professional kayaker, Clay Wright, speak to the students and faculty about community and what it means to be an ambassador for the sport. Clay spoke for about two hours, and every minute was riveting. Clay is an ambassador for Patagonia, and Jackson Kayaks.

Clay has been paddling for some 30 years and has become friends with every big name in the industry, but that is not what has made him a favorite amongst the community. What makes Clay an incredible ambassador is that when Clay is on the river, every person is a paddling partner, no matter skill level. Clay is always ready for any situation that might require his attention, whether it be a rescue situation or some instruction on how to throw a loop. And better yet, if he gets flushed during a difficult trick, you will see him pop up with a smile on his face and two thumbs up, or a peace sign. These examples of positive support are what make New River Academy so excited to be part of the paddling community.

One thing that Clay brought to my attention is the fact that the Kayak community is small, and to the rest of the world we may look like some alien creatures that roll up to rivers in communities that don't always see bright boats, big trucks, men wearing skirts, and excited people jumping into a river that seem terribly dangerous. Clay reminded me that a smile and a quick explanation can go miles toward keeping put-ins open, rivers accessible, and a good image for the kayak community. The first time we see a bumper sticker that says, "Kayaking is not a crime," we have failed. He simply stated that we need to always be aware of how we are being perceived, because lets face it, kayakers are a cool bunch confident individuals that dork out on tricks like the fonix monkies.

The thing that Clay reminded us the most is that we are so very fortunate to be able travel around the world checking out different cultures and rivers.

Thank You Clay.

Kyle Dinnel

There is nothing that makes a person feel at home like a good meal made with love. Fortunately we have some talented chefs in this group of students.

Kyle Dinnel(C)

A warm fire to sit around after a good afternoon paddle always brings a smile to our faces.

Kyel Dinnel (C)

Many of the faculty and staff have mentioned how excited we are just to wake up each day. We all feel very fortunate to have the beautiful Ottawa River a stones throw from our front deck.

New River Academy dives in head first with some team-building exercises. We started with the six-person-human-knot. The knot starts as a big group hug where everybody has to grab another persons hands which are on the opposite side of the circle. If the students thought that car ride up here felt like close quarters, then this exercise will really challenge the idea of personal space. Through discussion, and twister-like problem solving, the group slowly unties itself. Next we move to the classic, "I fall Backwards, you catch me" drill. After trust has been established, we move to a more uplifting exercise. 

Photo by David Hughes

Morgan Tidd learning to trust the group as whole.

This exercise was silent, so it required visual communication, group stability, and a good deal of trust. 

 Photo by David Hughes

Kier Samuelson understands what it feels like to have the support of his peers and teachers.

New River Academy 

Posted by Kyle Dinnel, Literature and Photo Teacher