Paddle, Pole & Roll is a 4 hour clinic that begins where the Small Craft Badge leaves off.  The emphasis switches from fun on flat-water, to skills acquisition for whitewater, and multi-day touring where proficiency and boat control are required.  This class is strictly limited to Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.  Your girls will be introduced to the kayak spray-skirt for the first time, and should have prior experience doing controlled wet-exits in deep water and have prior knowledge of basic strokes and kayaking equipment.  Non-competitive games like Kayak Polo and Indoor Slalom will test your girls' skills, endurance and boat control.  Arrangements may be made for the Service Project requirements at a later date.

This program is strictly limited to Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.   The Junior Small Craft Badge is a recommended pre-requisite.

"Kelly is someone who knows the sport of kayaking and is able to teach in a safe, effective and fun way.  Not only did the girls have a total blast, but they learned the names for all parts of their kayak and equipment, how to safely enter and exit a kayak, how to help someone else who may be in trouble, what to do in inclement weather and how to best move through the water (to name a few).  We had our last Girl Scout meeting of the year last week and when I asked the girls what their favorite experience was over the last 3 years, 75% chose kayaking.  I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone and would be happy to answer any questions you may have."
Cris Todd, Troop #1521

"Troop 1546 attended both Small Craft and Paddle, Pole & Roll training with Kelly. Several girls were quire scared of the "wet exit" in which they had to tip their kayaks over in the water.  As adult chaperones, we just hadn't realized all the training necessary to whitewater kayak in the Rio Grande.  But, Kelly worked our girls through this process nicely.  Later in our training process, one parent expressed fears that the girls might not be prepared to kayak the Rio Grande.  We hadn't expected the level of fear and disbeliefs in our troop about our Rio Grande river!  So, in fact, we had a lot of fear obstacles to overcome in our troop!  By the time we set out on the water, we were more than prepared to face the potential snares or pitfalls that kayakers could face.  Kelly trained our girls and our adults more than adequately.  Throughout the trip, we were being trained about what to do, what to watch for, and how to effectively maneuver our crafts.  It was impressive that Kelly and his crew set out the day before our trip just to survey the Rio Grande and prepare to go down it again with our troop.  The girls were totally prepared and excited during the trip.  It was a beautiful and relaxing day and all who attended had a marvelous time.  Troop 1546 is ready to go again!"
Amy O'Brien, Troop #1546