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A C A I NS T RUC TOR PR OFI LE Keith Keller
»» Level 2: SUP Instructor Trainer »» Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor
How long have you been in paddlesports? Boys Scouts of America helped me learn how to canoe at the ripe age of four years old. About 15 years ago, I was lucky enough to start as a guide and instructor and I became an ACA instructor in 1999. I stayed in Scouts until 1991 as an Eagle Scout, and continued to lead trips into the Appalachian Mountains.
What is your favorite paddlesport? I am still a passionate surfer and SUP surfer, but when there are no waves I go fishing. There are reds, trout and flounder in the northern Florida estuaries. I also enjoy fishing off my stand- up paddle board, which is awesome. I have a Hobie Outback which is pretty good for fishing.
Tell me a little about one of your favorite places to paddle and fish? Pellicer Flats just south of Jacksonville, FL, has reds, trout and flounder, and sometimes we find black drum. Every now and then we find some snook from south Florida and tarpon in summer—both of which are challenging to catch from a kayak.
Who has influenced you most in your paddling career? I always thank my dad for putting me in a canoe and a paddle in my hand. Besides pushing me into my first surfing wave, my dad shared his love for fly fishing, which has become a passion for me as well.
What drew you to become an ACA Instructor? I became an ACA instructor to gain credibility and to be well versed in the knowledge of paddlesports. I wanted to make sure I knew the best techniques to teach people and to guide people to paddle safely and responsibly.
What is one place you still aspire to paddle? Skookumchuck Narrows in the Pacific Northwest; or Acadia National Park.
ACA Member Benefit! Y
our ACA membership allows you to access Sugar Island, located in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario, Canada. It is an international tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. The 35-acre island is privately owned by the ACA and is available to all members for year-round use.
Getting to Sugar Island is as much a part of your trip as is your
stay. The island is located approximately one mile from the Canadian mainland. You can paddle out to the island or the great folks at Misty Isles Lodge in Gananoque, Ontario, offer a water taxi service to the island.
The island is rustic, with no modern amenities. Cabins and platforms are available for use.
It is a truly pristine, pure environment with crystal clear water, clean air, and beautiful night skies. The island has some of the best fishing holes on the Saint Lawrence River. Swim, snorkel, fish, paddle, sail or simply relax—it is a truly fun getaway. For more information please visit
americancanoe.org/SugarIsland or e-mail
campsugarisland@gmail.com
2012 annual encampment: July 22–August 4
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