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Tag: what makes up a kayak paddle

learn how to kayak the Great lakes

Kayak Skills Assessment (Lvl 1 to 3)

Posted by: Silent Wake Crew Posted on: September 30, 2020 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 roll a kayak

Learning how to Roll a kayak

Posted by: Silent Wake Crew Posted on: September 25, 2020 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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:

  • Understanding the roll

  • Defining the different types of rolls – c to c, sweep, extended paddle, Eskimo

  • Paddle position for each of the types

  • Body mechanics – the lower separates from the upper body

  • Putting it all together

  • 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

learn how to kayak the Great lakes

Kayak Skills Assessment (Lvl 1 to 3)

Posted by: Silent Wake Crew Posted on: September 24, 2020 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 kayak the Great lakes

Kayak Skills Assessment (Lvl 1 to 3)

Posted by: Silent Wake Crew Posted on: September 9, 2020 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 roll a kayak

Learning how to Roll a kayak

Posted by: Silent Wake Crew Posted on: September 4, 2020 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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:

  • Understanding the roll

  • Defining the different types of rolls – c to c, sweep, extended paddle, Eskimo

  • Paddle position for each of the types

  • Body mechanics – the lower separates from the upper body

  • Putting it all together

  • 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