November Kokatat-ACA Instructor of the Month

We are excited to announce the winner of the November Kokatat Instructor of the Month, Susan Patterson.

The ACA SEI Department caught up with Susan recently. 

ACA: How long have you been in paddlesports?
Susan: 8 years

ACA: What is your favorite paddlesport?
Susan: Sea Kayaking – expeditions, exploring and surfing
 

ACA: What is your favorite boat? What about the boat made it your favorite?
Susan: P&H Scorpio LV – indestructible, throw on edge and spin on a dime, great rocker and roller, comfy cockpit, it’s fast and and students love to paddle it!

ACA: Tell me a little about one of your favorite places to paddle?
Susan: Cumberland Island, GA. I did a circumnavigation with Geneva Kayak – absolutely loved the Atlantic Ocean surf zone!

ACA: Who has influenced you most in your paddling career?
Susan: The staff and paddlers from Geneva Kayak and Sweetwater Kayaks inspired and encouraged me – amazing world class paddlers.

ACA: What drew you to become an ACA Instructor?
Susan: After spending two years trying to learn from books and videos, and tired drinking a lot of lake water; I went to Geneva Kayak for excellent ACA instruction and certification. My joy is sharing what I’ve learned with new paddlers so they can quickly feel confident, safe and skilled to take care of themselves and others in their kayaking adventures.

ACA: What do you consider your hometown paddle/run?
Susan: Shawnee Mission Park Lake, KS is a nice quiet paddle, while Longview Lake, MO can kick up some waves and a fun ride with good wind, and the buzz of jet ski’s and ski boats. 

ACA: What is one place you still aspire to paddle? 
Susan: Tybee Island, GA – surfing !

Thanks to Kokatat for supporting the Kokatat Instructor of the Month. Learn more about Kokatat and the Instructor of the Month program.