Kidder Kayaking Kayaking Classes

CLASS SCHEDULE

This class follows the ACA (American Canoe Association) guidelines and is a solid introduction to the sport of Sea or Touring Kayaking. The class is designed both for first-time paddlers and for those who already own their own kayak. All equipment is provided. We will start with a short video about kayaking and then introduce you to all of the basic equipment that you will be using for the day. Basic safety skills will be worked on next. You will learn balance skills and how to get out of your boat if you should capsize (a rarity). This technique is called a “wet exit” and is fun and easy to learn.

Once you master this skill I will teach you how to get back into the boat by yourself. Learning these two basic skills early in the day will put aside any fears you might have about kayaking and relax you for the rest of a very fun day. Then we’ll move on to efficient forward and turning strokes, low braces to keep you upright in those sticky situations, and how to do self and group rescues. Along the way, we’ll discuss strategies for dealing with wind, weather, and waves. You’ll also learn the basics of boat fit and design-which will help you to understand why a kayak does the things it does.

This first class will provide the training and awareness that will make your future paddling enjoyable, safe and exciting. I will also show you the proper way to carry a kayak to and from the water and the proper way to load and unload a kayak from your car. At the end of the day you will have some free time to paddle and try different types of kayaks. I will also give you some boat buying basics that will help you get the right equipment the first time out so that you won’t have to buy things twice.

KAYAK CLASSES LEVEL TWO (Advanced Strokes & Maneuvers)
Cost: $100
Place: White Sand Lake Time:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

You have taken the Level One Course, you have been out paddling a few times on area lakes, but you feel you need more before you take on the bigger water. So what comes next? This course takes you to the next step. First we will do a quick review of the basics you learned in the first class. Then we move on to more advanced techniques such as high and low braces, J-leans, sculling draws, low brace turns, towing, Eskimo assists and more rescues. We will work on your all important forward stroke, showing you how to get more power and less stress on each stroke you take.

We will discuss paddling in wind and waves, cold water paddling considerations, and compass navigation.

At the end of the day we will video tape your stroke, show it to you, and give you feedback on how you are doing and what you need to work on.

You will have some free time at the very end to play with the different models of kayaks and paddles. You may find that some of the boats fit you better than others. You now have the knowledge to test these differences.

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