Topic: Ben Fraser Offers Affordable Paddling Clinics to CdB Members

[windowshade]

Okay Robert M is out and Dave Jackson, you are in!!!

See you tomorrow,

I'll be there earlier like at 3pm,

Cheers,

Paul

[dave jackson]

Paul, can I join you guys too at 4 tomorrow?  I need some feedback on my blunt. 

[Robertm]

Thank you for bringing that up Louis. Apart from potentially slowing down the good surfers there is another consideration. ... I enjoyed session with Ben last week,but on that particular wave my surf looks something like this:
ferry on the wave, stay there for max 3 seconds and then flash down, waay down the river (Boy that current is strong!).
I would then paddle up the river and repeat above with little break as there was only 2 people on the wave. 45 minutes into that and the little limbs said no,so I retreated to the eddy to productively work on my technique before heading back for more wave action. If you feel that your skill level is similar and are intrested in a group session with Ben, perhaps we can organize something. If Ben is available and we act quickly enough maybe even this Sat.  How about the time slot before the session that's already running?
Robert

[mudman]

Old kayaker new to play-boating. Surf basics is what I need. I'll watch others do the Rabid Monkies and the Donkey Flops, I just wanna stay on the wave for a while.

[windowshade]

Sorry I meant Robert M..

[LouisD]

Matt Who???

[windowshade]

I think Ben can work with us one at a time, as in when it's our turn to surf and For the price, frankly, I don't mind waiting along while Ben teaches the front surf startegy to Tibor and Matt. I think we can make it work no problems. Confirmed are Louis, me, Tibor and Dominique. $10 each for a two hour group session, tomorrow Saturday 4 to 6 pm. Still to be confirmed are Matt M (although I infer from Louis'comments that he will be there)and Renny. I"ll contact Ben and confirm with you guys today.

Paul

[LouisD]

At Whispers last evening, RobertM came in to chat in between loads at the landromat and mentionned that he would be interested as well, but didn't want to slow down anyone since he is just starting his surfing days.

So far we may have 2 levels:
- Paul, Dominique and I who can surf more regularly.
I would like to work on Blunts. Just to give Larry a bit diversity. And 360s.
I am sure Paul would like to work on his Blunts as well.
(360s are his Level 6 trademark move)

- Tibor, Renny, RobertM
With possibly less surfing time and might be more interested in surfing/paddling basics.

Renny, not sure where you fit...

I'm helping out the Vintage Wings of Canada (airworthy collection of WWII warbirds, thanks to Mike Potter) in Gatineau Saturday. Not sure when the activity ends yet, but no matter what, will escape to be there at Champlain at 16h00.

LD

[windowshade]

Hi Renny and Robert M,

Myself, Dominique, Tibor would also like to take some lessons from Ben. Because Louis cannot paddle any earlier Saturday we tought from 4pm to 6pm. How does that sound to you? If I get some replies tonight or tomorrow, I'll email Ben or phone him and set it up.

Paul

[mudman]

I'd be interested, though I don't have as much experience surfing as everyone else. I always thought a blunt was something else entirely. Chronic Monkeys, Pistol Whips, etc. hell, I thought people where talking about punk bands. I wouldn't want to hold the class back by my inexperience.
Are there any CdB members that want to take the course with me who are still struggling to stay on the wave?
Yeah, I'm interested. I'd be even more interested in the 4 hr course if anyone wants to do that. I'm taking the rest of my Forties off to paddle. Like to compete as a senior one day.
Renny

[LouisD]

OK.
I would to throw in 10$ for a spin and blunt 2hr lesson to get started there.
Paul, for the paddle breaking session, that, I will pass.

[windowshade]

I'm with you Robert. 2 more paddlers and we could get 2 hours for $10 a piece. Any other takers?

Paul

[Robertm]

I too enjoyed a private clinic with Ben, who come across as very nice fellow. While booking the session I had expectations and these were definitively met. I'm looking forward to get some more coaching from that guy! If any of you is intrested in participating in the group session (wave surfing, technique improvement etc.) I would be in for that as well.
Robert

[windowshade]

Hi Folks,

Ben Fraser is a professional kayaker, who teaches and competes in and around the Ottawa area has asked me to post a special CdB offer of coaching services for a reduced CdB club price.
Peter M has taken a private course with Ben and highly recommends him to us.
I'm in for an evening session at Champlain for $10, who couldn't use a little bit of coaching. My blunts need lots of help.

Paul Potvin 

Here's the offer: Please respond directly to Ben Fraser at:
                       finecarpenter@hotmail.com and at Tel: 613 325 1775

Dear CdB Members,

I will be doing clinics this spring/summer around Ont. & Que. Locations will vary according to levels. I plan to be wherever the paddling is good for the spring. For the next few weeks Champlain will be running and offers a great venue. Other potential locations for the spring include, The Gatineau (High Tension), Bussy, Crow Bridge, and Chambly. Also I would be willing to use a venue of your choice.

CdB Prices:

For 2h Hours with 4-5 people (say 6 to 8pm)  Cost $10 per Paddler
For 4 Hours with 8-10 people (Say 4 to 8pm)  Cost 10 per Paddler
Weekend one whole day with 8 people minimum Cost - $20 per Paddler

One Paddler Commented About Ben's Coaching on Boatwerks:

Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 2:01 PM  
Post subject: Took a Clinic with Ben   

Bonjour,

I simply wanted to mention that I took a private clinic with Ben this week. Ben is a fantastic instructor. I wanted to work on blunts and backstabs and he explained it very well and was able to break it down for me. I now need to put into practice everything I learned but it was well worth it. He offers very constructive criticism and comments and quickly pointed out the minor and technical mistakes I made (or major technical mistakes depending on your point of view...). I strongly recommend him to anyone out there who wants to work and improve his paddling skills, merci Ben, Luc!
_________________
Luc
Boatwerks link: http://boatwerks.net/boaterboard/viewtopic.php?p=42497#42497





Ben also has his other clinics (reg prices) with video analysis:   
Here is his program:

"Hey All"

I will be doing clinics this spring/summer around Ont. & Que. Locations will vary according to levels. I plan to be wherever the paddling is good for the spring. For the next few weeks Champlain will be running and offers a great venue. Other potential locations for the spring include, The Gatineau (High Tension), Bussy, Crow Bridge, and Chambly. Also I would be willing to use a venue of your choice.

The Clinics

- Private or Group - Any skill range, work on anything from Pistol Flips & Combo Moves to the most basic basics. (groups should be at a similar level)
- HD Video Analysis - I will shoot some vid, do an in person analysis, then post it to youtube or burn to a DVD(DVD will cost $20 more)
- Cost - $75 for a 4h ish private - $40 per person for 4h ish group clinic - OR other Duration/Cost's to suit your needs
- Times - Flexible to your schedule



Gear Rentals are available in Ottawa at Trailhead if you don't have all your stuff. Cold water gear is a must. By the way if you're one of those people sitting on the fence about a drysuit GO BUY ONE, this is my first season in one and if I would have known how great they are I would have gotten one ages ago. Also if your just starting out and feel that its not worth it for a beginner think again  a suit will reduce the impact of spring swims to a manageable level of danger and misery.

Availability & Location/Levels- Contact me
finecarpenter@hotmail.com
613 325 1775

Thanks
Ben