In 1977 Charlie joined a newly formed ACA instruction committee to help the American Red Cross develop canoe and kayak instruction programs in flat and moving water. He was one of the first ACA canoe instructor trainers, and the program later was adopted by the Red Cross. When the Red Cross discontinued small craft training in the late 1980’s the ACA picked up the slack, and today they offer a variety of programs in all types of paddlesports.

Starting in 1987 Charlie and his partner, Wayne Sundmacher, developed one and two-day swiftwater rescue courses designed for canoe clubs, outfitters, and emergency responders. The course is designed to help people become more comfortable in moving water so they can self-rescue effectively and assist others with boat pins, stranded paddler rescues, and other situations with confidence. The prerequisite is intermediate paddling skills and strong swimming ability. The program was adopted by the American Canoe Association in 1990, Charlie’s course outline is available, and you can consult the official course outline at the ACA’s web site. Check out Charlie’s page of instructor notes. The ACA Swiftwater Rescue Program today has hundreds of instructors teaching thousands of courses each year!

Charlie has retired from lead instructing due to health issues but continues to assist other instructors with their courses. He will make referrals to instructors he respects upon request.