How to enjoy paddling sports and what is its appeal? An in-depth interview with a JSPA director!
It is also overwhelmingly popular at Activity Japan.
Paddle Sports
!
This time, the director of the Japan Safety Paddling Association (JSPA)
Triple
Outdoor tour shop "
Verde Odai Tourism
"We interviewed Noda Ayako, the company's CEO!
In the interview, Activities of the Japan Safety Paddling Association and the appeal and enjoyment of paddle sports , Instructor and guide qualifications We asked him in detail about this.
It's full of useful information for people who want to try paddle sports as a hobby, as well as those who want to work as instructors or guides!
Born in Aichi Prefecture, after graduating from university, he worked as a physical education teacher at a public junior high school for 12 years.
In 2013, he moved to Odai Town in Mie Prefecture and started working as a guide in the outdoor tourism industry. In 2016, he established Verde Odai Tourism Co., Ltd. He obtained travel agency certification and provides accommodation services and outdoor programs, working to promote regional branding and tourism.
Qualifications
・Travel agency manager
・Japan Mountain Guides Association (JMGA) mountaineering guide
・Japan Safety Paddling Association (JSPA) Director, SUP and Kayak Guide
table of contents
- 1 What are paddle sports?
- 2 About the Japan Safety Paddling Association
- 3 The appeal and enjoyment of paddle sports
- 4 How to choose an experience shop or tour plan
- 5 Things to be aware of when paddle sports
- 6 Instructor and guide qualifications
- 7 About recommended spots
- 8 Enjoy paddle sports!
- 9 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What are paddle sports?
Q. First of all, please tell us what paddle sports you do.
Noda-san :There are the following types:
-
Canoeing and Kayaking
・ Sea Kayaking (Performed at sea)
・ River Kayaking (Performed in the river basin)
・ Open canoe (Enjoy relaxing in still waters) - SUP (Stand Up Paddle)
- Packrafts (inflatable boats/rubber boats)
All paddle-based activities
This refers to:
Activities are held in various locations, such as the sea or rivers, anywhere there is water.
About the Japan Safety Paddling Association
Q. Please tell us about the activities of the Japan Safety Paddling Association.
Noda-san
: The Japan Safety Paddling Association (JSPA) was established in Japan in 1988.
Safe promotion of paddle sports
Established with the aim of
it was done.
When it was first established, it was called the Japan Safety Canoeing Association (JSCA), but in 2022 (Reiwa 4) it changed its name to its current name.
Originally, Canoeing and Kayaking Starting from, in recent years SUP New genres such as the above have been appearing, and we are currently promoting many genres.
Other Certification and certified school system for instructors and guides As a member of a JSPA-certified school, you can take out liability insurance and have access to a legal advisor system, which is an advantage.
In addition, to ensure that customers participating in paddle sports can enjoy the activity safely, Instruct guides and instructors on paddling, safety and guiding skills We also offer this service.
We frequently hold "events for instructors and guides (member training sessions)" sponsored by associations and certified schools all over the country. Reaffirming Safety That's what we're doing.
By the way, this year, the "Safety and Rescue Knowledge" course will be available in one day using the JSPA textbook. JSPA Safety & Rescue Program (SRP) training This seminar is open not only to members but also to the general public, so please come along.
The appeal and enjoyment of paddle sports
Q. Please tell me about the appeal and fun of paddle sports.
Noda-san
:
The view from the water
,
An extraordinary experience, such as the sensation of floating on water
The appeal of paddle sports is that you can
I think.
Paddle sports require different techniques depending on the field, so it's easy to feel the growth of your own skills. Some people enjoy the growth of their skills.
I also think the appeal of paddle sports is that they can be easily enjoyed all over the country.
in recent years
Activity Japan
With the increase in OTAs offering activities like these, for example,
Okinawa
Let's try it out.
Triple
It has become a convenient tool for people to try things out, such as ``Let's try it out!''
How to choose an experience shop or tour plan
Q. Activity Japan also lists many paddle sports tour plans. I think that especially for first-timers, there are so many that it can be hard to know what criteria to use to choose, so I would like some advice on what criteria to use when choosing an experience shop.
Noda-san
:What kind of field do you want to play in? For example, a flowing body of water such as the sea or a river? Or a still body of water such as a lake? First,
It's all about how you want to play
I think.
In terms of level and difficulty, I would say that calm waters or the ocean, close to the shore, are best for beginners.
Touring or cruising to the island may be a little difficult due to the distance involved.
Also, J SPA-certified schools or shops with JSPA instructors and guides I think it's a good criterion for choosing a paddle sports club. As mentioned above, JSPA aims to promote the safe spread of paddle sports. They frequently hold training sessions for instructors and guides to ensure safety, so customers can feel at ease.
In addition, the fact that the shop's description prominently features safety is one more criterion to consider when selecting a shop.
Have insurance
This is one of the criteria for choosing a shop.
Q. When there are multiple similar tours in the same area, many people will choose the cheaper plan. Is the price of a tour a criterion for choosing, such as "the more expensive the better" or "it's better to avoid cheap tours"?
Noda-san : The price varies greatly depending on the experience and knowledge of the instructors and guides, as well as the season. Therefore, it is not possible to say that a high price is good or a low price is good.
just, Be wary of tours that are too cheap .
There may be too many people trying out at once and the instructor may not be able to keep an eye on everyone. The tour time may be short. Also, please be aware that some instructors may not have the proper insurance.
Things to be aware of when paddle sports
Q.What should I be careful of when trying out paddle sports?
Noda-san :As I mentioned earlier, if you are taking a guided tour, A shop that is trustworthy and considers safety It is important to choose.
Other There must be strict criteria for cancelling tour plans on the day or the day before. It is also important to follow the announcements regarding what to bring.
If you are traveling alone, be sure to check the difficulty level of the field, the weather conditions, and the field conditions (waves, wind) in advance.
This also applies to outdoor activities in general. Never go alone Residents have their own knowledge when it comes to dealing with nature. It's important to find out the manners and rules in that area and make sure to follow them.
Instructor and guide qualifications
Q. What led you to obtain your instructor-guide qualification from JSPA?
Noda-san : I was in Miyagawa, Mie. Verde Odai Tourism " SUP or Canoeing We operate a shop that offers activities centered around the above.
As I mentioned earlier, the JSPA qualification is not a national qualification, and it is not required by law to be a paddle sports guide. It is possible to be a guide without a qualification.
However, selling a product to customers comes with a responsibility. So one of the reasons I got JSPA certified was that I wanted to provide a product that has a certain standard of technology, safety management, and experience.
Why did I choose JSPA? Kayaking And Rafting This is because it is an industry with a very high number of fatal accidents, and it is a sport in which a shop alone cannot take out liability insurance.
that's why," Verde Odai Tourism When we decided to offer a kayaking program at "Kayaking Club," I was talking to an insurance company (which is also involved in the travel industry). At that time, I was told, "Noda-san, the kayaking division is not covered by liability insurance." If it is not covered by liability insurance, the company cannot fulfill its responsibility if an accident occurs.
Thinking, "This is a problem," I asked the other guides, who told me, The entire association, JSPA, is covered by liability insurance. So, you can clear that part." I was given this advice.
We wanted to ensure that our shop and products were trustworthy, and that we had sincerity.
This was the biggest reason why I chose JSPA.
JSPA not only has an insurance system in place, but also has a contract with a licensed lawyer and a backup system in place. I think it's very important to be prepared in case something happens.
Q. Does having a qualification make any difference when participating in paddle sports?
Noda-san
: When playing individually, you are free to do so, so whether you have qualifications or not doesn't matter.
For guides, the qualifications include:
Basic Instructor
" "
Advanced Instructor
" "
Advanced Guide
Each guide covers a different area.
Q.How do I get qualified to be an instructor or guide?
Noda-san :The qualification can be obtained at a JSPA-accredited school.
Q. Activity Japan has registered certified school operators, but it doesn't seem to have any qualification plans. How can I get a qualification?
Noda-san :First Visit a JSPA-certified school and see for yourself what kind of work a guide does. I think it would be better.
There are several types of qualifications. The qualifications you can obtain vary depending on the shop, so it's probably quicker to go and try it out for yourself.
Many people start out by participating in tours as guests, thinking, "SUP and kayaking are so much fun," and then become instructors. Many people then become instructors through conversations about whether they can help out just for the summer.
In such cases, we can give advice such as "You should acquire these skills" or "There are seminars like this" and lead them to obtaining instructor qualifications.
The number of certified instructors is increasing. Especially in 2023. SUP There were many.
About recommended spots
Q.What are some recommended spots for paddle sports?
Noda-san :Do you know where the first guided kayak tour was held in Japan?
actually, Kayak Tour teeth Nagano It is in Lake Nojiri It is said to have been held for the first time in There are many JSPA-certified guides and shops There are many good shops that take safety into consideration. Lake Nojiri is also recommended for those who want to enjoy spectacular views, as you can go kayaking while looking out at the mountain range of the Hokushin Five Mountains.
The shop I run is Verde Odai Tourism " Triple ・ Okuise is located upstream of the clear waters of the Miyagawa River. It is surrounded by dams, but it is not a reservoir lake. Dam River The area is characterized by the fact that it has 8km of connected rivers.
There is a valley in the middle of the river, so you can enjoy the scenery.
.
Mie Prefecture
The southern area is the rainiest area in Honshu, so it's a beautiful area rich in water, with water-filled waterfalls and moss that never dries up.
Because it is a dammed river, you can also visit the many tributaries that connect to the main river, and one of its attractions is that you can experience jungle cruises and adventure tours.
You can enjoy different scenery with the calm waters of the main river and the tributaries that give you a jungle cruise feel.
I think it's a blessed field to be able to enjoy this type of terrain as soon as we start paddling.
The Miyagawa River was once The purest river in Japan The water is so clean that it has even been certified as a "national park." Many tourists come here to enjoy paddle sports.
Q.Which tour plans are popular at Verde Odai Tourism?
Noda-san : SUP Half "and" Canoe Short Touring " is popular.
SUP Half This is done in still water with almost no waves. The lesson plans are designed for beginners, so SUP It is also recommended for those who are planning to try it out or for those who want to try it out for the first time.
[Mie, Okuise, SUP] [SUP Half] ~ SUP experience in the purest river in Japan
A safe SUP lesson plan for beginners♪ Our field, Okuise and Odaicho, is home to the clear Miyagawa River, which connects to Ise Shrine. The beautiful Miyagawa River has been ranked number one in Japan for the cleanest river many times. Why not try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in the still waters of the Mitsugedani Dam on this Miyagawa River? Even beginners are welcome♪ After a brief explanation of the basics on land,
Canoe Short Touring
teeth"
Canadian Canoe
We'll go on a cruise aboard the "
The Canadian canoe
It is stable and the deck is deep so it doesn't get wet easily.
So you can enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
Canoeing experience
It's also perfect for people who do this.
[Mie, Okuise, Kayaking] [Kayaking Short Tour] ~ First time playing in the water ~
[Beginners and children welcome] [Experience time 2.5 hours] Verde's "Kayak" is a program for beginners using a stable two-seater sit-on type boat. Three people are also allowed if they are up to 130 cm tall. You can feel connected to nature by paddling near the calm water surface and walking along a jungle-like tributary.
[Spring and autumn also welcome] [Experience time 2.5 hours] Opening in spring 2024! "Canadian canoeing" uses a boat with a deeper deck than a kayak, so you won't get wet and you can enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Recommended for spring and autumn. Paddle through the jungle and the main stream of the magnificent scenery that shows different expressions depending on the season, while listening to the voices of birds and the murmuring of the river.
Q. The tour plans are targeted to a wide range of ages, but are there many young children or seniors participating?
Noda-san :The tour plan I mentioned earlier is especially Conducted in a field with gentle waves So it's common for small children to ride along with their parents and enjoy the ride together.
Including children, grandparents, etc. Three generations of parents and children Many people also play there.
The next most popular tour is Single SUP Many people who want to "refresh themselves" come with friends or as a couple.
[Mie, Okuise, SUP] [SUP Standard] ~ Adventure tour around a tributary
A plan with SUP lessons that even beginners can feel at ease with♪ A lunch box is also included and you can enjoy a leisurely 4 hours of fun. Our field, Okuise and Odai Town, is home to the clear Miyagawa River that connects to Ise Shrine. The beautiful Miyagawa River has been ranked as the cleanest river in Japan many times. Why not try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in the still waters of the Mitsugedani Dam on this Miyagawa River?
Enjoy paddle sports!
Q: Any final words?
Noda-san : JSPA is an organization of integrity I think so. This is an association where members study together and think about how to promote safe paddle sports. It's not flashy, but I think it's a solid organization.
People who want to become guides or instructors teeth, Please try participating in a JSPA certified school once. please.
This time, JSPA Director, Ayako Noda We spoke to .
lastly, JSPA-certified schools available for booking through Activity Japan If you are unsure which shop to choose, JSPA certified school mosquito, Are there JSPA instructors/guides available? Use this as a reference when choosing a shop Come and enjoy paddle sports!
JSPA-certified schools that can be booked through Activity Japan
- H2O Adventure
- SAVE BLEU Sup Labo st.
- Towadako Guidehouse Kai
- Kitasanriku OUTDOORS
- Sanriku Sea Kayak School Season
- Core Outfitters
- UCDi Ukudi Paddling School
- Verde Odai Tourism
- Peace with the Sea
- SUP Miyajima
- Outdoor Marine
- Hirado Kayaks
- Kagoshima Kayaks
- Nature Land Kayaks
- Iriomote Island Canoe Club Paisies
*The content of this article is current as of May 2024.
