Canoe and Kayak Instructors

Bruce started kayaking about 15 years ago when his Dad bought some land near the Chattooga River. He would hike along the river watching the boaters run the rapids. He was looking for a new hobby and kayaking looked like fun. "Little did I know at the time that it would become much more than just another hobby. Paddling has become a huge part of my life. My only regret was that I didn't start earlier in my life. That was one reason I became an instructor. I wanted to introduce others to this outstanding sport. Paddling whitewater is almost a spiritual experience for me. My goal is to continue enjoying it all my life, and introduce as many others to the sport as possible. If even one of them gets the joy from it that I do I will feel successful as an instructor. Literally and figuratively, paddling can take you places that are inaccessible to everyone else."

Bruce Litton

Larry Lewis is a true paddling enthusiast. He is a partner at the POC and one of our very first students! Larry is very patient and helpful and likes to encourage his students through their learning phases. He want's to show them how much fun they can have on the river when they get their skills down. He has competed in slalom races and marathon races and works very hard to help promote the sport. Larry has recently been inducted into the under 2 hour club for the Trinity River Challenge marathon race and continues to expand on his teaching abilities.

Larry Lewis

Mark Poindexter

Michelle cares about you and your experience, and it shows! Michelle has been paddling for over 13 years and has been coached by some of the best. She began sharing her experience ten years ago and has since written most of the curriculum for the courses at Texas State University, the Power Olympic Outdoor Center, and the Red River Racing Team. She loves to compete in any way possible. Michelle has been on the US Kayak Marathon team, and is currently training to compete for the U.S. in the discipline of Whitewater slalom. She can also be found playing at a local rapid, racing around in sprint and marathon kayaks, and working with the veterans at Brooke Amy Medical Center.  Michelle goes out of her way to make sure that you are comfortable with the challenges at hand. She believes that you can learn the most when you are safe, and having fun. She is an extraordinary paddler with a strong desire to share and care for others. Michelle is a USACK certified coach and an ACA certified Whitewater instructor.  Click here to learn more about Michelle!

Michelle Kvanli

Nobody will dispute Ben's endless enthusiasm for paddling rivers. Perhaps that is why he is featured on the cover of the new Guide to Texas Whitewater. Ben founded The Red River Racing Team in 1996 and has over 26 years of paddling experience. He competed in the Olympic Games in 1996 in men's kayak. In 2005 Ben was the U.S. National Champion in men's double canoe, and is currently training for a spot to compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. His dedication to promoting the sport and ability to make the impossible... possible, make him one the most dynamic and passionate advocates of the sport today. Ben is a USACK certified coach and and ACA Whitewater Instructor Trainer. Click here to learn more about Ben!                        

Ben Kvanli

Our instructors are the heart of the Power Olympic Outdoor Center!! They are a diverse group who love to bring their experiences an knowledge to you!. Some of our instructors are currently competing themselves, and want to help you discover your full potential as a paddler! Check out the List Below to learn more about each of our exceptional paddlesport professionals.

One of the most decorated paddlers in whitewater slalom history! Mark has competed in, and won more races than most others have entered. Mark, a retired schoolteacher, has been instructing for 11 years. He loves to share all he has learned from his vast experience paddling. He loves to lead trips, particularly Grand Canyon trips. Mark's passion is Kayak polo. He is a member of the United States Men's team, and the coach of the U.S. under 21 team. Currently Mark has partnered with Ben Kvanli to run for a spot on the U.S. Whitewater Slalom Team, and is the U.S. Kayak Polo Men’s Team Coach.

Watch a fun slalom video featuring Ben and Michelle!

Robin Armstrong

Robin began her paddling adventures canoeing with Girl Scouts!  She saw kayaks and wanted to try because they looked so much more maneuverable!  Robin will tell you that she feels like her kayak is the sports-car she always wanted, allowing her to go wherever she wants on the river!  Her joy and enthusiasm are contagious!  Robin loves to show people her passion for the water, and for health and nutrition. 

Steve Ford

Steve has been paddling for about six years, but became serious about it in the last three.  He has taken several of the Adventure Trips with KayakInstruction.org such as: Colorado, the Southeast, and Mexico.  Steve Dedicates a ton of time and hard wok to the Center here in San Marcos.  These trips have been sources of growth for him as a paddler and as an instructor. 

"In class, there are two things I really enjoy:  individual questions from students and talking about Texas rivers.  When a student paddles up with questions about technique or wanting a confidence boost, I feel privileged.  It always amazes me how a part of paddling that seems an insurmountable challenge often becomes a paddler's favorite activity and I love being around for that transformation.  Shooting the bull about Texas rivers is a great way to get over the flatwater.  Be warned though, I'm going to do my best to wrangle an invite for your next Texas paddle.  Come on folks, let's find some water that bounces and have some fun!"

Jeff Leach was introduced to the world of whitewater through one of the weekend courses at the Power Outdoor Olympic Center.  During that weekend he experienced some of the utmost thrills of his life. He loved the ability to explore and experience the rivers power.   Ever since that weekend he began spending the majority of his time at the Center and on the water.  He has taken many of our adventure trips and through them has  traveled to Colorado, New Mexico, and to Appalachia all in a quest to “evaluate my paddling skills and experience the powerful thrills of the river”.

“ I love how whitewater kayaking requires you to think on the fly and the endless amount of possibilities  that it provides for you to explore.” As a ACA certified whitewater instructor he loves to introduce people of all ages to the exhilaration he feels every time he slides into his kayak.

Jeff Leach