Catching Up With CAT: QAJAQ Training Camp 2026

This week's #CatchingUpWithCAT is brought to you by our Apprentice, Christina, diving deep into her experience at QAJAQ Training Camp:

I had a really good time at TC. It was a great learning experience, and I was able to learn new paddling skills, gear repair, and traditional skills. One of the new paddling skills I learned was the static brace. At first, I was nervous and challenged because it looked really hard. What helped me was remembering the on-land lesson we did during our morning session. The instructors showed us what was happening with our bodies inside the boats, walked us through the steps, and let us practice on land first. When I got on the water, I replayed those steps in my head, and I was able to do it. I felt really proud because something that looked so hard at first was something I could actually do.

I also got to practice a few other skills that were new and interesting to me. Chris was helpful when I was trying a skin-on-frame kayak and practicing an X-rescue. The skin-on-frame kayak felt less stable than a traditional kayak, but it reminded me of a whitewater boat because it was smaller. It felt like a glove, almost like I was wearing the kayak instead of sitting inside of it. The X-rescue was also way different from what I was used to. Instead of the person getting into my kayak from the water, she climbed onto my kayak first and then climbed into my boat. Once she was inside, I was able to slide her off. It was interesting to practice because it gave me another way to think about rescues and working together.

I also learned how to repair the neck and wrists on a dry suit. Chuck had us do the steps ourselves while he walked us through the process. He explained why dry suits can start to leak and how to prevent it. I think learning this is important because if you need a repair, sending it to the retailer could take weeks or even months. Being able to fix it yourself can save money and get your gear back faster. I liked being able to actually do the repair myself instead of just watching someone else do it.

Another thing I got to do at TC was make a wooden harpoon. I did the work myself with help from Chuck and Vicky when I needed it. The hardest part was not rushing the process. I had to take my time and pay attention to what I was doing. I think learning about the tradition behind the harpoon made the experience more meaningful. After making mine, I got to practice throwing it at a target. The other participants let me use theirs and showed me different ways to throw them. It was really fun learning from them and practicing together.

I really liked Chuck’s teaching style because he allowed us to make mistakes so we could learn from them instead of being afraid to mess up. I feel like real learning comes from trial and error. The instructors and other participants were also very helpful and encouraging. They gave me different insights and advice that helped me improve. I took what they taught me, tried it for myself, and modified it in ways that worked best for me.

I think TC made me more confident in my abilities because I realized that I had underestimated myself. There were skills that looked difficult at first, but once I gave myself the chance to try them, I was able to do them. It made me more aware of what I am capable of and reminded me that I shouldn’t count myself out before I even try. One of the things I am working toward now is learning how to do a roll. The static brace showed me that I can do things that I sometimes think are too difficult, so I want to keep that same mindset while working toward my roll.

To me, being a good paddler means being willing to learn and grow. It means learning from other people, being open to different perspectives, and always working toward becoming better. I also think being curious is important because there is always something new to learn. TC reminded me that growth does not happen from always getting things right. Sometimes you have to try, make mistakes, learn from others, and keep going. Overall, TC was a fun and meaningful experience that helped me grow as a paddler, learn new skills, and become more confident in myself.

-Christina