ACA Instructor of the Month - March 2020

The ACA's Instructor of the Month Award is a program which seeks to bring attention to ACA certified instructors who are making a big difference in their communities.

March 2020's Instructor of the Month is Brian Davis from Saluda, North Carolina. The ACA staff had the opportunity to speak with Brian and ask about the role that paddling plays in his life, and how he plans to use his skills and experience to impact others:

Can you please describe the role that paddling plays in your personal and professional life?

I am a full time whitewater kayak and swiftwater rescue Instructor and have been teaching for 8 years. I primarily teach at H2O Dreams Paddling School in Saluda, NC and am a senior staff member, but also occasionally teach at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC.

I started paddling as something fun to do and stay cool in the summertime, but I never envisioned it totally taking over my life. I enjoy it so much that I left a corporate job and the city atmosphere to totally immerse myself in kayaking and whitewater.  Now I teach kayaking full time and live beside the Green River in the North Carolina mountains.  

What has been your evolution as an Instructor?    

When I first started teaching kayaking, I taught people how to kayak and it was great!  When things didn’t quite go according to plan, I had to learn to investigate why and where the disconnect was.  I started to learn the physics and could better explain the "why." Combining this knowledge along with different communication methods has led me to be the instructor I have become today. Additionally, there have several mentors that have helped along the way. I am still striving to become a better paddler and instructor so as to prevent myself from falling into the trap of complacency. Never stop learning!

Would you please say a few words about your favorite paddling memory or destination?

My best memories are the camaraderie that occurs when paddling. Paddling attracts many different types of humans from all lifestyles, but we all get along like best friends due to the commonality of the river. My favorite destination is the river that has enough water to make it run!

Congratulations to Brian - we are proud be associated with your work and personal paddling pursuits! Do you know an ACA Instructor who embodies the spirit of the ACA? Submit a nomination for a future Instructor of the month, here.