This is a 3 hour block of instruction for the brand new kayaker. Intended for the person who just bought a kayak, or who is thinking about taking up the sport – we got you covered. These very basic kayaking skills provide you a better appreciation for the sport and provides a safe way to learn new skills.
Training will take place at a local quiet, protected inland lake, or gentile river. Before hitting the water, there will be at least an hour’s worth of classroom. If you have concerns about your physical ability, please read our EEC. Class size will be limited to 5, unless otherwise noted. Bring your own kayak, otherwise the use of Kayak, paddle and PFD are included in the price. Some of the topics you will learn when taking this :
Getting to know your gear
Matching the kayak for the type of water
Wearing the right clothing
PFD fit and proper wear
Paddle – blade types & hand position
Kayak – Anatomy and Physiology , body position, boat fit
How to paddle correctly
It’s not just using your arms when you paddle
The catch, propulsion, recovery – how the paddle moves through the water
Forward, Stop, Reverse directions
Understanding what a sweep stroke is, and how it can turn your kayak
How to enter/exit a kayak, launch and land your craft from shoreline, or from a dock.
Ways to transport your kayak – on the road and on land.
What to do when you fall into the water
Trusting your PFD
How to empty a flooded kayak