YMCA Kayak Pool Sessions

In partnership with the West Bend YMCA, Silent Wake is proud to offer these comprehensive indoor winter kayaking class sessions. Serving Washington County, Milwaukee, and Southeast Wisconsin, this specialized four-part course is designed to keep paddlers active all winter long. The sessions seamlessly bundle three of our core kayaking curriculum tracks into one deep-dive program: Kickstart your Kayak, Kayak Essentials, and our dedicated Kayak Rescues class.

Target Audience for This Class:

  • Beginners just getting into kayaking who want a safe, controlled environment to learn basics
  • Recreational paddlers seeking to refine strokes, turns, and efficiency
  • Intermediate paddlers wanting to polish rescue skills, re-entry, roll prep, or transitions

Anyone preparing to move into open water paddling or guided trips

Even experienced paddlers can benefit — the structured environment lets you isolate skills, drill with consistency, and practice safely under supervision.

Adults and older youth would be ideal for our kayaks/life vests.

Why Winter Pool Sessions?

Pool-based kayak training offers unique advantages:

  • Controlled environment: No currents, waves, or wind — you can repeat drills, try new techniques, and get immediate feedback.

  • Focused progression: Move step by step — body position, edging, turning, bracing, and then rescues or re-entry.

  • Safety & confidence building: Try rescues and re-entries confidently in shallow, calm water before taking them to open water.

  • Better instructor access: More one-on-one attention and guidance than in open water group settings.

  • Foundation for guided trips: Skills learned translate directly to better performance and safety on lakes, rivers, and coastal paddling.

What is Included?

 

 

  • 12 hours of structured instruction (classroom + in-pool training)

  • A curriculum combining Kickstart, Essentials, and Rescue modules

  • All kayaks, paddles, PFDs (life vests), and gear provided

  • Training materials, safety briefings, video / photo feedback

  • Hands-on practice: edging, stroke techniques, wet exits, assisted rescues, re-entry drills, balance & bracing

Instructor Credentials & Safety

  • All instructors are ACA-certified (or equivalent) and experienced in pool & open water teaching

  • Safety protocols follow industry standards (rescue backup, spotter support, first aid ready)

  • Every class includes a safety briefing and warm-up session

  • Participants are required to wear PFDs during pool work (always worn when in kayak)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need YMCA membership?
No — everyone is welcome to join this class at the West Bend, Wisconsin YMCA.

What if I miss a session?
We encourage full attendance. If you must miss one, we will offer a makeup (space permitting). Contact us early to arrange.

Is there a physical fitness requirement?
Participants should be comfortable in water and ideally able to swim modestly, but we coach from beginner levels.

Is previous kayaking experience required?
No — zero experience is okay. If you have experience, you’ll be challenged and can progress in technique.

There Are Three Series Dates to Choose From:

2027 season: Sat from 1- 4PM and Sun Noon - 3PM

Series 1: Jan 30/31 and Feb 6/7

Series 2: Feb 20/21 and 27/28

Series 3: March 13/14 and 20/21

 

To register/pay - please follow THIS LINK to the YMCA page (Non-Y members will be able to register after 11/24). If you are not a YMCA member, you will only need to complete the information form on their page. Participants need NOT to be a YMCA member.

Cost - $175 per/person (a normal cost of $210 if all three classes taken separately).

Class size limited to 6. Minimum age 16. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

Join Silent Wake for the premier indoor kayak training sessions in Wisconsin this winter.