About Me

Photo of author with DuPage River in background. Author is 6 foot-0 inches, 230 pounds, long gray hair in a bun. He is wearing red dry top, red life jacket and gray splash jacket, and is preparing to don a red helmet.

Dan Murphy – Kayak Instructor

Certifications

Dan is certified as a Level 4 American Canoe Association (ACA) Whitewater Kayak Instructor, an ACA Level 3 River Safety & Rescue Instructor, and a Boy Scout of America Counselor. Dan is also certified in CPR/AED/First Aid and Outdoor First Aid.

Experience

Dan began his kayaking adventure in 2006 with the Iowa Whitewater Coalition, learning basic whitewater kayak technique, and continued developing his skills with the Chicago Whitewater Association (CWA) following his relocation to Illinois in 2008. In 2011 Dan certified as a Level 3 River Kayak instructor and became the lead instructor for several CWA beginner river trips. Dan also taught for Geneva Kayak and later Yakshack, with whom he still works. In 2019 Dan upgraded to a Level 4 Whitewater Kayak instructor. In 2022 Dan achieved certification as an ACA Level 3 River Safety & Rescue instructor.

Dan has experience on Class III and IV rivers including the Nolichucky, the Chattooga, and of course everyone’s favorite, the Ocoee.

​Other Teaching Experience

Dan has been involved in teaching and instruction for over three decades as an instructor and training manager in nuclear power operations. Dan also coached and refereed soccer for two decades, and was the Morris (IL) Soccer Association Head Referee for several of those years, where he trained and evaluated referees. Before the pandemic of 2019, Dan was in training to become a ballroom dance instructor and successfully certified in several styles. Dan still teaches dance on occasion.

Education

Dan has a Bachelor of Science degree in adult education, training and development from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.

Personal

Dan has been married to the same wonderful woman for over four decades, and has three adult children. Dan is a veteran of the US Navy submarine service.

Additional Instructors

Dan is assisted by current or former ACA certified instructors or competent aids.

Interested in becoming an instructor or assistant? Contact Dan to discuss options.