COASTAL KAYAK INSTRUCTION

It’s funny to hear what people think about paddling a coastal kayak.  For many it conjures up long, boring slogs from one place to another.  Whitewater paddlers think of it as a huge bore.  Truth is a coastal kayak is the most versatile and seaworthy of boats.  There are times when our day has gotten away from us and we have a bit of a slog back…  but we got there through a day of incredible scenery, wildlife and plenty of playing in the rocks.  A coastal kayaker can have a calm paddle one day and a rock busting, surf bonanza the next, all while planning a weekend camping trip to a coastal paradise.  Coastal kayaking is a blast and our staff of ACA and BCU trained and certified staff will help you gain the skills to enjoy all facets of the sport.

Essentials of Kayak Touring (Level 2) is an eight-hour course focused on helping the student learn to travel safely and efficiently by kayak of the types designated as sit on top, folding, inflatable and “recreational.” There is more emphasis on practicing a simple rescue sequence, 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. The graduates should stay within swimming distance of shore in areas with no conditions such as wind, waves, or current.

Prerequisite:  None  Next Step:  Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes & Rescues, Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement, Safety Rescue and Re-Entry

Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes&Rescues (Level 3) is a course focused on helping the student learn to travel safely and efficiently by kayak of the type designated as a sea kayak with bulkheads or flotation. There is more emphasis on self-rescue and assisted-rescue techniques and the stability strokes are introduced. Also, Rules of the Navigable Road, tides and currents, wind and waves, emergency equipment, use of VHF radios and weather radios, understanding charts and basic use of a compass are covered in more depth. Graduates should be capable of paddling up to half mile off shore with mild conditions such as light and variable winds, up to one foot of wind chop, and current speeds up to 1 knot.

Prerequisite:  None Next Step:  Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement, Safety Rescue and Re-Entry

Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement: (Level 3) Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement is a  course to assist students at all levels in refining their strokes and maneuvers in a sea kayak with bulk heads or flotation. Graduates of this course may desire to re-take the course at any time to further refine techniques such as style, bracing, low/high brace turns, bow rudder, side slips and stern rudder.

Prerequisite:  None Next Step:  Even more Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement, Safety Rescue and Re-Entry

Cost: $150pp

Safety, Rescue, & Re-entry for Recreational and Touring Kayaks: This course was designed to fill in the gaps between no rescue training and training geared towards sea kayaks.  In this programs we will work through several self and assisted rescues suitable for recreational, transitional touring, and touring kayaks.  We will work with each student to find the best ways for them to execute a rescue.

Prerequisites:  None but a knowledge of basic paddling skills will be a huge help (Intro to Kayak)

Next Step:  Practice what you learn so you can do it when you need it most!

Custom Clinics: Sometimes you just want something specific to your needs and the skills you want to learn.  We’re happy to accomodate you!  Just give us a call and we’ll discuss and design the right program for you.

Cost:  Usually, $75/hour Minimum 2 hours and a Maximum of 3 students but we should talk about you needs!