April Instructor of the Month

We are proud to announced the April 2020 Instructor of the Month, Christian Fuchs! We had a moment to <virtually> sit down with Christian, and would like to share a bit about his story:

Hello - I’m Christian Fuchs, an ACA Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer and Level 3: Surf Kayaking Instructor. I live near São Paulo, Brasil! “Where is that?” you might ask – it is located in the southern half of Brasil, between Rio de Janeiro and Paraná!

After taking my first ACA course with Fabio Raimo and Roger Schumann, I learned how to break one maneuver down in understandable parts. I realized how effective different teaching methods can be when catered to different learners. I was fascinated with the variety and flexibility of new paddlers and those who wanted to learn. Paddling then gained a whole new layer of depth in my life, and I wanted to better myself as an instructor so I could share my experiences with others (and help them help others too).

I have been instructing and leading sea kayaking trips for 15 years. At first, becoming an ACA Instructor Trainer was purely a personal challenge; I couldn’t imagine that I would eventually contribute to the certification of almost 120 instructors in Brasil, Argentina, and Chile.

After years of slow and constant work, the paddling culture here in South America is slowly changing; I am proud to play a part in it and to bring safety principles, educational resources, and new perspectives to everyone. Thanks to the ACA I am part of an amazing sea kayak community!