If you want to get started kayaking NOW and do not have time for an all day course try our Quickstart class. You will learn about kayaks and learn how to be safe while paddling. We will show you how to be comfortable in a kayak; how to paddle forward, turn and stop. Now you are ready to try some of our other trips and classes. Quickstart is an entry level course for beginning paddlers of all ages. Children should know how to swim. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent participant.

Perhaps you learn more effectively one-on-one with an expert certified instructor than in a group class. No problem. We conduct private lessons all the time. They can be arranged mid-week or on the weekends. Tell us which body of water is convenient for you and we will meet you there with boats and gear. Or ask us to suggest a location. We can plan the lesson for whatever skills you choose. Do you want to learn the kayak roll or to practice rescues? Do you want to learn how to paddle a racing canoe?

Contact us to schedule private instruction and bring along one friend for just a $15 additional equipment charge.

This is a FULL DAY comprehensive course to acquire skills to safely and enjoyably paddle on calm open water. Our American Canoe Association Introduction to Kayaking class includes information on all different kinds of kayaks--from river kayaks and sit-on-tops to lake touring and ocean expedition kayaks. We will learn about the equipment necessary to get started and be safe; and how to select appropriate boats, paddles, and life jackets according to your personal requirements. We practice carrying boats, fitting a boat to you, launching, and landing. We try controlled capsizes so everyone will know what to do if a boat tips over. We learn basic strokes, maneuvers and boat control. Finally, we take a lake tour to get the feel of kayaking open water. This class is a spring to many other opportunities. From here you can take river kayaking, coastal kayaking or join any of our trips. We provide boats, paddles and life jackets. You should bring plenty of water to drink, lunch, and sunscreen. Wear clothes that can get wet, sunglasses, a hat and water shoes or old tennis shoes. Sandals are not recommended.

After you have completed Introduction to Kayaking you know that you need more stroke practice. You know that you want to paddle more distance. You know that open water situations like wind and waves will eventually challenge you even on our lakes near home. You want to get out on the water again, paddle more and get more kayaking tips! This class is for you This course is taught on open water in a lake to prepare the participant for sea kayaking and more extreme conditions. Concentrate on power and touring strokes, braces and maneuvers with an emphasis on boat control, stability and J-leans. Learn about safety equipment and practice assisted rescues; perform paddle float and stirrup self-rescues. Identify marine hazards/safety concerns and learn strategies for dealing with them. Understand wind, waves and weather. Learn nautical rules of the road and dealing with boat traffic.

Learn about paddling in a river environment including current, eddies/eddy lines, waves/wave holes. Learn strategies for dealing with a variety of obstacles in moving water. Apply fundamental kayaking strokes in moving water with an emphasis on boat control and stability. Learn maneuvers for eddy turns, peel outs and ferries. Understand scouting and portaging rapids and group organization on the water. Practice self rescue and assisted rescue skills. Participants must have completed Introduction to Kayaking or possess equivalent skills.

Learn six to ten kayaking strokes depending on your experience. Isolate stroke components and learn how postures and muscle use increase efficiency. Learn how to combine pure strokes into effective maneuvers. Learn repetitive drills to improve kinesthetic awareness and muscle memory. Participants must have completed Quickstart or Introduction to Kayaking or possess equivalent skills.

You know how to self rescue. You saw it demonstrated in your Introduction class and even practiced it once. But when the water is cold, or the conditions are rough, or your buddy panics, will you feel confident that you can recover from mishaps quickly and calmly. This clinic will teach you effective self rescues and the best ways to help a friend who takes the unexpected swim. We will practice a variety of recovery methods and simulate tough conditions.

The kayak roll is the most effective self-rescue. Focus on controlled capsizing and wet exits. Practice hip snaps. Understand paddle use. Work on important head position. Put it all together. This clinic is for those who want to learn to a white water "combat" roll and is also for sea kayakers.

Participants must have completed Quickstart or Introduction to Kayaking or possess equivalent skills.

If you have proficient paddling skills and the ability to demonstate and effectively convey your knowledge and skills to new paddlers sign up for the American Canoe Association Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam. We will help you become a certified kayaking instructor. Participants will be seeking certification in Introduction to Kayaking and/or Essentials of River Kayaking.

During winter months we offer classes in indoor swimming pools. This class is perfect for beginners who want to learn all about kayaking in a safe, warm, clear water environment. All equipment is provided for you. Experienced kayakers are welcome to come practice kayak rolls and get tips and feedback on kayak stroke techniques. If you have your own boat you are welcome to bring it to the pool.