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Becoming a kayak instructor is a process of evolution. My paddling role models start with my mother, who's still boating at 77; my paddling buddies, whom I can trust in any conditions we dare to tempt; the ACA Instructor Trainers whose critique sharpens my skills; and several amazing kayakers who've sparked me to higher levels. I've given a special page to them - here.

Read my biography below, listing my certifications & affiliations, then see what my students have to say about me. I 've used direct quotes from e-mail feedback. Lastly, a publicist friend says I should include my "press," all those publications I'm mentioned in, or have authored.

Photo: Michele off Norwalk, New Year's Day.

Michele M. Sorensen is an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified Coastal Kayak Level 3 instructor. ACA requires re-certification every four years and participation in interim Instructor Updates. Michele was re-certified in May 2006, and October 2002. She updated her skills in April, 2006 and April 2000 by completing a Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop (IDW). In May, 1998 she first became certified to teach Quickstart Paddling. The 2006 four day IDW/ICE was taught by Ben Lawry. She continued to develop her skills through joint workshops with top instructors in 2007 and 2006: Core Paddling and Forward Stroke with Ben Lawry, Forward Stroke and Race Coaching with Joe Shaw, and Traditional Rolling with Cheri Perry and Turner Wilson. 2005 skill updates included attending a stroke demo and paddle with Nigel Foster; conducting two eskimo rolling clinics and a demo with Cheri Perry; and co-leading three six-hour forward stroke clinics with racing coach Joe Shaw.

A paddler since the age of five, Michele learned to row a dinghy in Oyster Bay Harbor on Long Island. During college, she became a proficient solo canoeist on ponds in western Massachusetts, and a single sculler on the Charles River in Cambridge. She began kayaking twelve years ago. Michele paddles an Impex Mystic while teaching classes for traditional sea kayakers. For sit-on-top kayak classes she uses a Heritage Sea Dart 14, a sea-going, Greenland design sit-on-top. For tours, camping and cross-Sound trips, she prefers her Valley Pintail, or Wilderness Systems Tempest 165.

In the winter Michele has been a volunteer instructor for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) pool sea kayak rescue clinics held from January through March. In spring of 2001 she successfully completed the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Skills & Seamanship Course. In January 2007 she completed the USCGAux "VHF Radio Class for Small Boaters." She has taken Red Cross First Aid and CPR training.

At right: Michele helping at an AMC pool session

For fifteen years (1985-2000) Michele was a part-time Environmental Educator with Connecticut Audubon Society, teaching elementary and middle school children and adults. She is a member of the Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Educators' Association and the Connecticut Botanical Society. Michele is an avid birder, lepidopterist, herpetologist and botanist, with an interest in native wild plants, including collectible edibles. See her Long Island Sound Bird List. You can also request her information sheets on Harbor Seals, Winter Ducks, and "Butterflies Found on Beaches" in the New York region.

A mother of four children and big sister to eight siblings, she is a patient, thorough and enthusiastic instructor. Michele is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College and Harvard University.

Quotes from participants in Michele's classes and tours:

  • I started Kayaking about 6 years ago by taking a course from Michele. I then went on several day trips with Kayak Adventure, her company. If you haven't taken her beginning course, I highly recommend that you do. It will really jump-start you in the sport and give you the basics to be both safe and confident. Also, she rents a number of kayaks, so going on a 3-4 hour paddlewill really give you a chance to get the feel of any of the boats in her fleet. Also, Michele is an excellent teacher and I guarantee you'll get
    first class advise on any of her trips. - Dan O, March 2008
  • Thank you so much for your wonderful instruction today. I really had a great time and learned a lot. You are a fantastic teacher. John C, August 2007.
  • Thank you for the great day yesterday. I enjoyed the lessons and advice on best practices, the paddle and the company. I look forward to joining you on a tour soon. Sue J., August 2007.
  • By the way, I really enjoyed the class on Saturday. Each time we do something different, like paddling with a swamped bow hatch, or with you on the back, or towing, makes me more comfortable in the kayak and the more comfortable I am, the more I relax, and the more I enjoy it, and the more I want to get out there and learn more! :-) As we were doing the Eskimo rescues I realized that I wasn’t even thinking about it any more, I was just doing it. Before, I really had to think about which leg to use, keeping my head back, etc. Still a long way to go but it’s nice to feel that I’m improving. Thank you!!! Monica H., August 2007.
  • Great class! [Intro to Cold Water Kayaking]. Just a note to say how much I enjoyed the class, and especially the "lab" exercise on (underneath) the water. The course and material were great and of much practical importance. Greg L., October 2006
  • I think your approach of caution, and emphasis on the risk of kayaking, is priceless. I am proud of myself getting wet, trying to enter and self-rescue my "wreck" kayak. I never could have done that on my own, or from reading a book. Jim M., September 2006
  • The Forward Stroke class was just what I needed to take and extremely helpful. I could see & feel what was right and wrong. Megan R., July 2006
  • I just wanted to send my sincere thanks to you for a wonderful Saturday on the water. I'm really glad I took the Quickstart Kayak again to refresh my memory and sharpen some skills. Your knowledge of and enthusiasm for kayaking are amazing, and your sunny disposition is definitely contagious! Sara and I will surely be back to take a tour with you in the near future. Thanks again!
    Lisa D., CT, April 2006
  • I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Sunday's class and tour. It was a pleasure meeting others in the club and you did a great job of keeping the group cohesive. As a beginner I felt "well cared for," but also knew that you expected me to give it my all. Thank you for that! I appreciate your instruction style and look forward to more. - Laurie L., CT, November 2005
  • Your attention to detail is impressive. I admire your expertise, hardiness and enthusiasm. - Claudio F., NY, November 2005
  • Many warm thanks for graciously hosting the Joe Shaw clinic today. I can't tell you how impressed I was with the organization, the level of instruction. I've always thought you to be one of the most prepared and qualified instructors I've come across - a true ambassador to the sport. - Mark C., CT, July 2005
  • I feel I owe you an enormous debt of gratitude for teaching me so much and for enabling me to take part in what was one fantastic adventure. Never did I think I'd be crossing Long Island Sound. I never could have done it withour your most capable guidance in teaching me the techniques and safe kayaking rules I've learned over the past year. There were several times during the crossing when I wished I could freeze time. I simply can't put into words how much I enjoyed it. - Joe G., CT, July 2005
  • As usual, the programs you make available to us are top-notch. The information and skills I learned in a very short time will have a lasting effect on kayaking for me. Thank you for putting on the Forward Stroke Clinic and also for your support in the water with us. - John F., NY, July 2005
  • Thanks for the great lesson on Sunday. I was impressed with your ability both to maintain patience but to assert authority and firmness, particularly when you were helping D. with her wet exit. - Barry T., CT, June 2005
  • I always learn something from your demos and today was no exception. Thank you for an excellent presentation! You were great. I loved the way you were able to hop up on the boat at the beginning. You are an inspiration to the rest of us that age doesn't necessarily mean immobility. - Jean T., CT, February 2005
  • You are an amazing teacher - firm and no-nonsense, yet completely compassionate - a perfect combination. - Jon C., CT, September 2004
  • Thanks so much for an incredible day and evening. I learned a lot and in a way that always made me feel good. You are a great teacher. - Olivier G., NY, August 2004
  • Thanks so much for organizing this trip. The day was perfect, the company was great and you were the perfect hostess. I had a wonderful time. - Jim G., CT, July 2004
  • We just wanted to thank you again for yesterday's course. Jo and I had a great time and we really enjoyed your patient instruction. We learned alot of valuable information and it was nice to try different boats and paddles. - R.D.
  • I wanted to thank you again for the great lesson we had on Saturday. You are very thorough and an experienced instructor and I appreciated your insights on all the aspects of kayaking. - L.L.

Publications and press:
New York Times Connecticut Weekly, June 24, 2007, Elizabeth Maker, "A Guide to Summer," p.5.
Westport Minuteman, February 22, 2007, Helen A. Jankoski, "Icy Joys of Winter Kayaking", pp. B1-B2.
Good Morning America, October 2, 2005. Televised interview about my career change from investment banking to outdoor educator.
The Sunday Advocate, September 25, 2005, James Lomuscio, "Ripple Effect," p. A3. About my role in organizing SoundWaters' first Ship to Shore race.
Atlantic Coastal Kayaker, August, 2005, Tamsin Venn, "Norwalk Islands, Connecticut," pp. 26-27. My tips on seeing the islands, phone interview.
New York Times, Sunday, June 12, 2005, Abigail Sullivan Moore, "Low Riders," Connecticut Weekly section. Interviewed and quoted in article about kayak safety.
Connecticut Family Today, May-June 2005, interview with Domenic Francese, "Paddle Your Way to Nirvana," pp. 12-13, including my photos (not credited).
Fairfield County Business Journal, May 9, 2005, interview with David Toth, "Passions & Profits,"" personal profile.

Natural Awakenings, May 2006, Michele Sorensen, "Kayak Basics," pp. 22-23.
Connyak Newsletter, May 2005, Michele Sorensen, "Newport Neck," pp. 3-5. About a kayak trip off Newport with my college-age daughters.
Abaco Journal Islands Guide, April 2005, Michele Sorensen, "Cruzn Abaco: Kayaking Around Scotland Cay," pp.18-19.

Greenwich Time, September 11, 2004, Harold Davis, "Woman Exchanges Briefcase for a paddle," first business section page.
Connecticut Post, September 28, 2003, Bill McDonald, "Camping on the Norwalk Islands a Sound Escape," p. 2 of Autumn special. Includes my photo.
Connecticut Post, December 17, 2002, Bill McDonald, "Chill Factor: Winter Can't Keep Sorensen, kayakers off water," p. D1+.
Connecticut Post, December 21, 2000, Photo by David Gunn, "Hearty Souls - It's never too cold: Kayakers ...brave cool weather and heavy rain to get in some exercise along the Saugatuck River in Westport this week."
Connecticut Post, July 30, 2000, Eileen Fischer, "Women Pick up Paddles for Fitness, Fun," p. C1+.