Tag: how to use a kayak paddle float
Kayak Skills Assessment (Lvl 1 to 3)
This combined session is dedicated towards the individual who is ready to take the next step in paddler advancement. In order to become an ACA certified sea kayak instructor, one must complete a skills assessment before undergoing the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) – this is a prerequisite. Depending on your personal requirements, this comprehensive process will assist you to make better decisions on the water as well as help you understand what limitations you may have within your skill set.
I will provide a Coastal kayak Skills Assessment (L1 to L3) for you. Please plan for at least 4 hours for any of these sessions (actual times will vary depending on the Level). These sessions are designed not to teach the individual, but to assess your abilities to ensure you are Instructor ready.
Going on a future trip on the big waters, perhaps a multi day excursion with numerous miles? Some outfitters will only provide you very basic kayak working knowledge before they get you in the kayak. Wouldn’t you want to build your confidence and self-knowledge before you get there? Let us provide you the professional advice and guidance to ensure you are prepared both mentally and physically with a skills assessment.
I will provide you an honest evaluation, feedback, make a personal connection with your IT (Instructor Trainer) and process the ACA forms. If so desired, I can also provide you local contacts to IT’s who can certify you as an instructor.
Location for training will be provided to you, once we have decided what level you which to pursue. Sea kayak, paddle, life-vest, and all other kayak related materials will be provided. Paddle clothing will be your responsibility – ensure you dress accordingly for the water temperature.
The ACA Levels and what they mean:
Level 1
Calm, flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with no apparent current and within swimming distance of shore.
Level 2
Protected water near shore with winds up to 10 knots (11.5 mph), waves up to one foot, and current up to one knot.
Level 3
Two of the following conditions necessary for assessment: 10-15 knot winds (11.5 to 17.2 mph), 1-2 foot seas, 1-2 foot breaking waves (surf)
Note: If assessing in areas with tidal current, current must not exceed 2 knots.
Please also register for this to ensure there is availability.
Skills Assessment $60
Learn how to Sea Kayak
This is a three part session covering multiple aspects of the training/skills needed to paddle open waters of the Great Lakes. Our sessions will include a land and water based learning. The first two sessions will take place within a protected body of water, to increase your confidence and abilities. The calmer waters will provide the ability to fine tune and perfect your skills. The last session will be in the conditions of Lake Michigan – waves not exceeding 1 1/2 to 2 foot. Here you will take your learned skills to the test, find comfort and stability on the dynamic water, and become one with the water. Below are the lessons and skills which will be covered. Based on suitable Lake Michigan water conditions, we will coordinate the third class schedule with you.
Class one: Rescues:
Wet-exit
Separation from kayak (rescue priority and swim w/ paddle)
Solo- Cowboy scramble, Ladder, Paddle Float (w&w/o stirrup), re-enter & roll
Assisted – T-rescue, Scoop, Crab
Towing – Long tow, contact (get them out of the danger zone)
Class two: Boat control:
Edging
Bracing
Side surf
Surfing
Launch/landing into surf
Understanding what makes conditions/weather
Group management
Class three: Paddling in Lake Michigan:
In conditions less than 2 foot
Gear required for the Great Lakes
Bringing the new found skills to the water
Where – Rescues and Boat control will take place on a quiet small lake, class three will be located at Port Washington
When – Sat evenings 5 to 7 PM
Who – Kayakers who wish to paddle open waters
Gear needed – Our kayaks may be used for these classes (please request, if needed), otherwise dual bulkhead sea kayaks, PFD, Paddle, Paddle float, and bilge pump
Experience- Novice with essentials background
Dress – Appropriate for conditions (water and air temp)
Please also register for this to ensure there is availability.
Cost – $150
Learning how to Roll a kayak
Built for the more advanced paddler, the roll is a form of self rescue. This 3 hour session will have a classroom setting prior to getting on the water. The intention for this session is to grasp the dynamics – the kayak, the body, and blade – how they all move through the water, and working with the physics of water. A solid roll doesn’t happen easily for everyone and you may not be successful after the first session. Understanding this, I will also offer an additional follow up class for $50 (2 hour max). We shall focus on these main topics:
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Understanding the roll
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Defining the different types of rolls – c to c, sweep, extended paddle, Eskimo
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Paddle position for each of the types
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Body mechanics – the lower separates from the upper body
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Putting it all together
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What helps – flexibility, working on ‘hip snaps’, practice, paddle float
Location for this class will be contained within a small quiet lake – locally. This may be at Yahr park, Little Cedar Lake, Random Lake, or Lake Michigan. You will be notified of location once registered. Sea kayak, paddle, and PFD can be made available (and included in the price), should you need to use our gear.
Please also register for this to ensure there is availability.
Initial class $75
Initial plus additional 2 hour future class $125
Kayak Skills Assessment (Lvl 1 to 3)
This combined session is dedicated towards the individual who is ready to take the next step in paddler advancement. In order to become an ACA certified sea kayak instructor, one must complete a skills assessment before undergoing the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) – this is a prerequisite. Depending on your personal requirements, this comprehensive process will assist you to make better decisions on the water as well as help you understand what limitations you may have within your skill set.
I will provide a Coastal kayak Skills Assessment (L1 to L3) for you. Please plan for at least 4 hours for any of these sessions (actual times will vary depending on the Level). These sessions are designed not to teach the individual, but to assess your abilities to ensure you are Instructor ready.
Going on a future trip on the big waters, perhaps a multi day excursion with numerous miles? Some outfitters will only provide you very basic kayak working knowledge before they get you in the kayak. Wouldn’t you want to build your confidence and self-knowledge before you get there? Let us provide you the professional advice and guidance to ensure you are prepared both mentally and physically with a skills assessment.
I will provide you an honest evaluation, feedback, make a personal connection with your IT (Instructor Trainer) and process the ACA forms. If so desired, I can also provide you local contacts to IT’s who can certify you as an instructor.
Location for training will be provided to you, once we have decided what level you which to pursue. Sea kayak, paddle, life-vest, and all other kayak related materials will be provided. Paddle clothing will be your responsibility – ensure you dress accordingly for the water temperature.
The ACA Levels and what they mean:
Level 1
Calm, flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with no apparent current and within swimming distance of shore.
Level 2
Protected water near shore with winds up to 10 knots (11.5 mph), waves up to one foot, and current up to one knot.
Level 3
Two of the following conditions necessary for assessment: 10-15 knot winds (11.5 to 17.2 mph), 1-2 foot seas, 1-2 foot breaking waves (surf)
Note: If assessing in areas with tidal current, current must not exceed 2 knots.