Kayak Instruction and Tours instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association, and are certified in Wilderness First Aid or as Wilderness First Responders. We specialize in instruction customized to the needs of the paddler. We provide kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Or, you may bring your own equipment.
|
 |
| Launch with grace & style! |
|
|
Kayak Instruction and Tours offers:
KAYAK BASICS. Also known as "Quick Start" or "Level 1", Kayak Basics is a 3-hour introductory course designed for the new paddler. This course is ideal for people who have just purchased a kayak or who are considering a purchase. We cover the very basics, such as differences in boats and boat design, basic strokes and maneuvers (forward, backward, sideways), as well as safety issues such as dressing to paddle, weather, water temperature, and hazards. Suitable for all type of kayaks: sit-on-top, recreation, and touring.
| |
|
BRACING & RESCUES. This is a 2-3 hour course that will teach you the low and high brace as well as two basic rescue techniques, the t-rescue and the paddle float self rescue. These techniques will make you more confident paddling. The braces help you to avoid capsize and the rescue techniques will enable to re-enter your kayak on your own or with the help of your paddling partner, and will teach you how to quickly help another paddler re-enter their kayak. If your bring your own kayak for this class it must have proper floatation, either float bags or bulkheads. Give us a call if you don't know what that means.
|
ESSENTIALS OF KAYAK TOURING. Also known as "Level 2", Essentials of Kayak Touring is a full day (8-hour) course designed for the paddler with little or no prior paddling experience (and for those of you who've been out there paddling without any instruction  ). Essentials is a course designed for the paddler who wants to go beyond Kayak Basics, including learning self and assisted rescues, and paddling safely in a group. Topics also include understanding the very basics of tides and currents, use of a compass (safety bearing), rules for paddling in channels with and without boat traffic, use of VHF radio and weather radio and other emergency equipment.
|
 |
| Tip Happens! |
|
|
 |
| learn how to self rescue |
|
|
STROKE IMPROVEMENT, INTERMEDIATE STROKES AND BRACING. This Level 3 course is designed to help the paddler with basic skills increase efficiency and power through improved body mechanics (torso rotation, shoulder protection) and improved kayak control. After review of basic strokes we'll work on edging and J-leans, hip snaps, and high and low braces.
|
 |
| practicing hip snaps |
|
|
FOUNDATIONS OF ROLLING. This course is designed to be a “pre-rolling” class. It is designed to help students learn concepts and increase comfort level so that learning to roll will be easier. The rescue techniques covered will help the student learn to upright their kayak, which will be useful during rolling class sessions and will also make them a more valuable participant in any group paddle. This class will not teach rolling, but at the end of the class students will be more ready to learn to roll, and/or will know what they need to work on in order to successfully learn to roll. This would be a great class for a few friends to take together or for your paddling club or meet up group.
|
|
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION. We offer private instruction for individuals or groups who are looking for a customized class geared to their learning style or schedule. Private instruction is also a fun way for friends and family to spend some time together on the water. $50 per hour for individual instruction, minimum 2 hours. Group rates are available, please contact us for a quote.
Please contact us to schedule instruction suited to your needs.
|
|
