July 12-16, 2023

"This place will change your life"

Keith Wikle

Paddling Bio

Keith Wikle is a Level 5 ACA Sea Kayak Instructor, Level 3 ACA Surf Kayak Instructor, BCU Coach 1 and BCU Coach 2 Trainee, as well as BCU 4 Star Sea Kayak Leader. Keith has done several sea kayak expeditions along most of the Canadian north shore of Lake Superior, the California coast, and Ireland. He is also an avid kayak surfer. Keith has traveled to surf all over the California coast to surf in small dedicated surf kayaks as well as travelling to surf sea kayaks in British Columbia. Keith is also the founder and an organizer for the Gales Storm Gathering.

Certs

ACA Level 5 Advanced Open Water Kayak Instructor
ACA Level 3 Surf Kayak Instructor
BCU Coach 1
BCU Coach 2 Trainee
BCU 4 Star Sea Kayak Leader

Who am I?

I am Keith Wikle, from Kalamazoo Michigan. I was asked the question for GLSKS, who am I? I am the guy who loves coming up to GLSKS to take students into the wilderness. Coaching in the wilderness is one of my favorite things to do. I find that once students have packed a kayak and prepared to leave civilization behind, they gain a new kind of zen focus that day classes don’t offer. Once out of reach of technology and the comforts of home, people seem to find a way to learn very quickly. I am also the guy who loves teaching students to surf. Helping people get waves and get excited about performance paddling in the surf. Dropping in on a steep wave face is probably the coolest thing you can do in a kayak.