Faculty Pages for The New River Academy
Welcome to the Faculty Blogs Page. Here, you can read about whitewater kayak camps, kayak school lifestyle, faculty reports and faculty bios.
Are you interested in “Internship and Employment Opportunities” with the New River Academy?
Click here to learn about employment with NRA
“And that has made all the difference.”
Tino Specht
Tino Specht is our Video Media instructor. He is a former student of NRA and has a wealth of knowledge and experience for students wishing to produce
kayaking films. Tino is a member of Team Dagger and spends a lot of time coaching NRA students freestyle kayaking techniques.
Kyle Daniel
Kyle Dinnel is our English instructor and Associate Head of School. Kyle’s extensive background as a teacher, kayak instructor and leader parallel
with our school’s philosophy. A graduate of Colorado State University, Kyle’s concentration on literature and social and environmental philosophy
round out his classroom experience.
Eleanor Perry
Eleanor Perry is our Spanish and natural sciences instructor. She is from Colorado and recently graduated from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor’s degree. Eleanor has paddled rivers and creeks all over the world, and is currently one of Team Dagger’s top athletes. Eleanor is also the Residential Life Coordinator for NRA.
Andrew Hiss
Andrew Hiss is our history and leadership instructor. He has a Master of Arts in Secondary Education degree from WVU and a Bachelors degree in Recreation Management. As senior trip leader and kayak instructor, Andrew’s passion on and off the water is a great asset to the NRA program.
Ian Buckley
Ian Buckley is our mathematics and mathematical sciences teacher. He is a recent graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. He focused on math and physical fitness while in college and will bring a lot of knowledge to the athletic program at NRA.
David Hughes
David is the founder and director of the New River Academy. David still actively leads programs, coaches, and teaches courses as trips allow.
"Welcome to my blog. I want to offer educators and the whitewater community a resource of information including: kayak adventure travel tips, kayak instruction and lessons, working educational tools for teen development, and my own personal thoughts." -David Hughes
More about our staff:
Our kayak high school seeks motivated educators within each core discipline of study. We research their interests, educational experiences and motivations, references from reputable institutions, and complete a thorough interview process prior to employment.
Athletic training and inspirational education are a core part of any Huge Experiences or New River Academy program. New River Academy employs the world’s best kayak instructors as both full time coaches and for period specific training.
Our kayak school instructors range from international and world champions to masters of education and safety instruction. Teen students also gain from persons who may not be marked as the best kayakers in the world. Rather, they may be renowned for business skills, multi-media publication, photography, videography, or simply positive ambassadors to the sport of whitewater kayaking.
Are you or someone you know interested in a teaching career with the New River Academy?
Click here for “Employment Opportunities.”
Current staff for 2007-2008: China and Chile South
David Hughes:
Founder and Executive DirectorKatie Foster
Academic Advisor and office managerJohn Miller:
Academic ConsultantElizabeth Dinkens:
Academic ConsultantKyle Dinnel:
Head of School and English InstructorEleanor Perry:
Spanish and Natural SciencesIan Buckley
Mathmatics and Physics InstructorAndrew Hiss
History and Government InstructorTino Specht:
Internship: Video Productions and Brand ManagementChad Foreman:
Digital Media Marketing Director
Past Instructors:
Eric Jackson:
3 time World Champion, President Jackson Kayak. Christine and EJ sent Emily to Huge Experiences for the 2003 Fall semester to Chile. EJ worked closely with the students as a coach during this semeter and has always been available to coach our students.
Ammen Jordan:
Producer Wethouse Productions Ammen is renowned for his fabulous video projects. He pays close attention to detail. Huge Experiences was lucky to have Ammen leading our offices during 2004-2005.
Tanya Shuman:
US National Champion, Professional Photographer, co-founder www.riverangels.com Tanya often volunteers to teach our photography class. She is a great speaker and offers much to inspire the students.
Rush Sturgess:
World Champion, Co-founder Young Guns Productions
Rush volunteers to teach our students regarding producing a video start to finish.
Young Guns Productions strives to produce
the best-rated action kayak films.
Tyler Curtis:
3 time Canada National Team, partner Kayak Fu
Anthony Yapp:
Throws huge loops
Brian Kirk:
Worlds Bronze Medal, Team Wavesport. Also throws huge loops
Devon Barker:
3 Time National Champ, Team Jackson Kayak
Andrew Holcomb:
Runnerup World Champ, Team Dagger
Anna Levesque:
Worlds Bronze Medal, Owner Girls at Play
Jimmy Blakeny:
Former Wavesport Brand Manager, 4 time US Team
Javid Grubbs:
World Champion
Eric Mitchell:
World Champion
Ethan Winger:
Worlds Bronze Medal
Calef Letorney:
Worlds Bronze Medal
Chad Foreman:
Founder 3 Wave Studio (multi-media/web)