RECREATIONAL KAYAK INSTRUCTION

What is a “recreational kayak?”  Recreational kayaks are typically short (under 12′) and fat (about 28″ or more) with big open cockpits and designed to be super stable.  “Rec Kayaks” are very popular and you’ll see them out on nearly every lake or pond.  They’re designed to paddle in calm, protective waters like ponds, small lakes, and possibly protected bays off The Cape.  If you want to have a relaxing paddle in a stable boat you’re in the right place to learn.  We teach hundreds of people every season on how to paddle a rec boat safely and efficiently.

Below you’ll find our “Rec Kayak” classes.  Most of the classes at this level are taught through sponsoring organizations like your town’s Recreation Department.  Prices vary somewhat depending on the sponsor.  Please visit our “Find a Class/Trip” page for local and upcoming classes and always feel free to contact us for some help.

We provide use of all of the equipment needed for our classes but feel free to bring your own too.

QuickStart Your Kayak: QuickStart is a brief, three hour introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information on terminology, dressing, paddle safety, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. While designed as a stand-alone, introductory course, QuickStart students often progress to our “Introduction to Kayak (level 1)” course to acquire greater paddling skill through significantly more guided, on-water practice time.

Prerequisite:  None.  You don’t even need to know how to swim!

Next Step:  Intro to Kayaking, Safety Rescue and Re-Entry, Coastal or Whitewater Classes

Adaptive – QuickStart Your Kayak:  Same as the Standard QuickStart with special considerations for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Prerequisite:  Participants must be able to manage pesonal care, be able to float on their back and turn from face down to face up while floating in the water with a properly fitting PFD, and remain sitting and balanced in a kayak (with adaptations if needed).

Introduction to Kayaking (Level 1): Introduction to Kayaking is a six-hour course focusing on skills needed for any type of kayak including but not limited to sit on tops, recreational, folding and inflatable. Presentations include dressing to paddle safely and potential paddling hazards. Simple rescues are demonstrated by the instructor combined with the paddling skills practiced by students to maneuver safely and comfortably on still water. Designed as a stand-alone course, students desiring more intensive skills would proceed to Level 2 or 3 courses to continue the learning and refinement process, as one progesses forward, the track to follow depends on interest and kayak type. (6 hours)

Prerequisite:  None.  Just do it.  It’ll be more fun that you can imagine and what better way to wind down from work?

Next Step:  Safety Rescue and Re-Entry, Coastal or Whitewater Classes.  Mostly go out and paddle!

Mommy/Daddy and Me Kayaking: This class was designed by SRO owner Karen Cudmore to keep adults with a new family active in the outdoors.  Basic Kayak skills from “Quickstart Your Kayak” are blended with our proven strategies of dealing with you toddler in the boat with you so that your paddling together is a fun and rewarding experience. (4 1/2 hours)

Prerequisite:  None, and we’re not crazy.  We’ve paddles this way when our kids were little because we refused to stop doing the things we loved. Now we all paddle together!

Next Step:  Intro to Kayak, Safety Rescue and Re-Entry, Coastal or Whitewater Class

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

Cost: $75/hour Minimum of 2 hours and a Maximum of 3 students