Kayaking Instruction

Quick Start Your Kayak

QuickStart is a brief, three-hour introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. While designed as a stand-alone, introductory course, QuickStart students often progress to the Introduction to Kayak course to acquire greater paddling skill through significantly more guided, on-water practice time.

3 hours: $75 per person in group / $150 private instruction

Introduction to Paddling

Introduction to Kayaking is a six-hour course focusing on skills needed for any type of kayak including but not limited to sit on tops, recreational, folding and inflatable. Presentations include dressing to paddle safely and potential paddling hazards. Simple rescues are demonstrated by the instructor combined with the paddling skills practiced by students to maneuver safely and comfortably on still water. Designed as a stand-alone course, students desiring more intensive skills would proceed to Level 2 or 3 courses to continue the learning and refinement process, as one progesses forward, the track to follows depends on interest and kayak type.

5-6 hours: $100 per person in group / $200 private instruction

Open Water Coastal Kayaking Course

Open Water Coastal Kayaking Course is an eight-hour course focused on helping the student learn to travel safely and efficiently by kayak of the type designated as a sea kayak with bulkheads or flotation. There is more emphasis on self-rescue and assisted-rescue techniques and the stability strokes are introduced. Also, Rules of the Navigable Road, tides and currents, wind and waves, emergency equipment, use of VHF radios and weather radios, understanding charts and basic use of a compass are covered in more depth. Graduates should be capable of paddling up to half mile off shore with mild conditions such as light and variable winds, up to one foot of wind chop, and current speeds up to 1 knot.

7 Hours: $150 per person in group / $300 private instruction

Surf Zone 

Surf Zoneis a 7-8-hour course designed to help students learn to launch and land safely through waves up to 3 feet high in sea kayaks with bulk heads or flotation. Graduates of this course will be introduced to the nomenclature and personal experience of the surf zone, timing, and side-surfing techniques. (prerequisite required)

$200 private instruction

Eskimo Roll

is a 2-6-hour course that is designed to by used with river and sea kayak hard shell, closed-deck designs. Students will learn the fundamental components of the roll and improve their bracing skills.

$125 private instruction

Junior Guide and Instructor Program

This course covers it all. This is a year program including a boat. This working course takes you from beginners to being ready to take the ACA course to become an instructor. You will learn how to lead trips and eventually lead a trip. You will also assist in teaching classes. At the end of training you will be ready for everything on the water. Call for an application and interview. Not everyone is accepted for this class.