Kayak Essentials at the YMCA

Missed out on one of our Kayaking Essentials classes this year? No worries, we have you covered.

We are pleased to announce the partnership with the West Bend YMCA, and providing Kayak Essentials classes within the comfort and warmth of the pool waters. Each session will be three hours in length, stretching over two weekends (Jan 11/12th & 18/19th). A total of 3 hours in the classroom and 9 hours in the pool.

Our classes will have an hour long class-room session prior to actual pool time. Topics included within the classroom setting: paddler etiquette, safety on the water, reading the water, boat and paddle control, how to dress for the water conditions, different paddle strokes, how to rescue yourself and others who have fallen into the water, and many others.

After the classroom portion, we will transition to the pool, and have hands-on experiences. Experiences during the pool session will include: introduction to kayaks and paddle gear, learning how to fall out of the kayak (and get back in), how to effectively paddle (in any direction), various methods how to get back into the kayak (self and assisted rescues), and learning how edging the kayak will produce great results, and many many more dynamic skills.

Silent Wake will provide the kayaks, PFD’s, paddles, and knowledge – you provide the desire to learn. Our kayaks are best suited for a body weight 120-275 for the smaller kayak and 130-300 for the larger kayak. Height wise they can be adjusted for folks from 5’2″ up to about 6’4″.One can view them here: https://silentwake.com/about/our-gear/

Maximum class size is 8. Cost – $125. Please visit the West Bend YMCA web page to register or call them at :(262) 334-3405 (one does not need to be a Y member).