|
|
|
|
|
Last updated:
6/2/2023
Kent Ford III
Instructor Trainers/Educators
|
|
More Information |
KENT FORD
“One of the most influential paddlers in whitewater sport.”
Kent Ford’s unique background includes thirty years of teaching paddling, international whitewater slalom racing, winning world titles, coaching for the US Kayak Team, and working as public address announcer at the last five Olympic Games.
As an instructor trainer, Kent provides paddlers and prospective instructors a framework for better understanding paddling technique, theory, and safety. These observations are adapted from the same training regimens and analyis utilized by World Champion freestyle and slalom competitors. It is all shared in an invigorating class atmosphere, designed to so everyone in the group is able to contribute and flourish.
Now Kent focuses on teaching recreational boating to a worldwide audience through his company Performance Video. His twenty videos and books have influenced the education of half a million paddlers and have made him one of the most recognized paddlers in whitewater sport worldwide.
Best of all, Kent’s teaching style is enthusiastic, supportive, and open-minded. As an ACA Instructor Trainer, Kent has led programs at most major US paddle schools, as well as in Switzerland, Canada, and Japan. A veteran of over 340 rivers in 28 countries, Kent has been a member of expeditions to the Soviet Union, Costa Rica, Turkey, and Mexico.
Kent holds a BS. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University and resides in Durango, Colorado. A volunteer member of the City of Durango’s water commission, Kent advocates for sustainable water policy. His pro-bono video productions on threats to the Dolores and Animas Rivers helped excite advocacy and protection on their behalf. Other recent projects include organizing the Whitewater Symposium, an industry roundtable supporting the health of paddlesports. Kent was recently inducted to the International Whitewater Hall of Fame. His most recent project is "The Call of the River," a documentary film on the vibrant history of whitewater paddling.
“On the river and off, you would be pressed to find a single individual from the canoe/kayak world that has more positively affected people's participation in the sport. As an ambassador, decorated instructor, announcer, and video producer, he genuinely connects with people from every corner of the paddlesports industry and is always found as a part of any effort that brings the sport together.” Joe Jacobi, Color Analyst, Canoe/Kayak, NBC Olympics |
|
|
Profile Pages
