Into the surf we go. This is where we put it all together. We will utilize our flat water skills, practice launching  and landing in surf, and then head out to the open ocean. We will cover bracing techniques, as well as acquiring  a functional stability in waves  for rescues and other maneuvers.  A lot of time will be spent on control and kayak husbandry in wind and waves. Pre-requisites: Level 3 skills or permission of instructor   4 hrs - $95

SEA KAYAKING LEVEL 5

This is a full day of open water sea kayaking, and those with Swifties and Sissies need not apply. The day will consist of an instructional journey of approx. 6 miles, during which we will practice surf launching and landing, basic navigation, paddling in a following sea, rough water rescues, and towing. The training will be conducted in winds up to force 4 and up to 3 ft breaking waves. Bring a change of underwear.   Pre-requisites: Level 4 skills or permission of instructor  4 hrs- $95

Open Water Sea Kayaking Slideshow

SEA KAYAK SURFING

Sick of paddling thru the marsh? Want more fun and excitement? Feeling the need to wear a helmet? Then this is your class. You will learn about the anatomy of waves, surf zone dynamics, etiquette, and hazards. We will also cover launching, landing, and bracing in breaking waves. Due to a level of skill needed for this lesson, it is a requirement that you are proficient in basic flat water strokes.  Great fun!  Pre-requisites: Level 2 skills or permission of instructor  4 hrs - $95  and 3 hr refresher - $80

Sea Kayaking in Surf Slideshow

SEA KAYAK RESCUE I (Flat Water)

Which of the following is not a sea kayak rescue technique: cowboy, stirrup, paddle-float, T, T-X, bow, scoop, hand-of-God, side-to-side, or Nigel? If you had trouble answering this straightforward question, this course may be for you. We will be looking at all of the techniques listed above except Nigel (which is the name of several accomplished sea kayakers, but not as yet the name of any widely recognized rescue technique). There are lots of ways to get back in your boat, or get your friend back in their boat, and here you can try as many of them as you like. Will you get wet? Yes. Pre-requisites: None  4 hrs - $95

SEA KAYAK RESCUE II (Open Water)

Remember all those techniques you learned in Sea Kayak Rescue I? In this class you’ll try them out in open water situations where the game is very different. Swells and breaking waves call for different approaches and strategies, and you’ll have a chance to experiment with several. First we’ll establish certain “ground rules” designed to keep you and your companions safe during practice, and then we’ll practice both self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques in a variety of conditions. Can you bring back the hour of splendor in the grass? No. Can you bring your buddy back from a capsize in the surf zone? Sure. Sign up and learn how. Pre-requisites: Level 3 skills; completion of Sea Kayak Rescue I or permission of instructor. Helmet required.  4 hrs - $95

RISK MANAGEMENT IN SEA KAYAKING - Classroom Seminar, Case Study  OR  On-Water Practicum

If you’ve ever taken a trip with us, you’ve signed a waiver form that outlines some of the risks inherent in sea kayaking. Managing those risks is something we do every day we are on the water, something you can learn to do in planning and undertaking your own sea kayaking adventures. In this class we’ll investigate several aspects of risk management. We’ll look at ways to organize your thinking about where risk comes from in sea kayaking. You’ll discover that risks are synergetic, and that learning to see connections between or among risks is a crucial aspect of on-water safety. Finally, we’ll look at techniques for making decisions about risks and the role of training in reducing risks.   3 hrs - $85

LEARN TO ESKIMO ROLL     

The Eskimo Roll is probably the single most important skill to develop if you paddle solo. It is a great confidence builder and allows you to jump into a whole new realm of paddling. The roll is learned in a steady progression, pinpointing and mastering specific techniques, which are then combined to complete the maneuver. In this lesson, we will work on the more widely used C to C and Sweep Rolls. Not everyone learns in two hours, but you will take home the tools and knowledge you need to continue your practice. We recommend taking several lessons in order to achieve and fully master the roll.  Pre-requisites: None 2 hrs - $75 or 3 lessons of 2 hrs each - $195

Rolling Video

COASTAL NAVIGATION     

Daniel Boone once remarked, “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.” If you’ve ever been confused in your kayak, you may want to sign up for this introduction to an extensive and sometimes technical subject. Ranges, angles, azimuths, fixes—it can all be a little daunting for first-time navigators. Don’t worry. This eight-hour course  is designed to get you started. We’ll spend the first day in the classroom getting acquainted with the basic principles of navigation. We’ll look at how environmental factors—tides, currents, and weather—affect our ability to find our way. You’ll practice skills important in planning a trip including plotting a course, identifying hazards, and estimating paddling times. On the second day, we’ll take these shiny new skills out on the water. We’ll practice holding a course using natural ranges and a marine compass. You’ll experiment with ferrying across current, find a point offshore, and see how well your chart work matches the real thing. Good seamanship and navigation are time-honored traditions you'll be glad to know.  Pre-requisites: None  2 days (4 hrs each) - $150

TOWING I

One of the most useful pieces of safety equipment in the sea kayaker's tool box is the tow rig. If you have never used one, here is a class that introduces you to towing techniques on flat water. We’ll look at the features of different tow rigs, discuss their use, and introduce some modifications or additions you may want to consider. Then we’ll head out on the water to put theory into practice, giving you practical experience in what and what not to do in various towing situations. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ll also experiment with short tows, contact tows, and swimmer’s carries. This is a hands-on, all together, everybody in, get wet introduction to towing. Don't have a tow rig? No problem. We'll provide one for you. Pre-requisites: Level 3 skills, or Level 2 skills and permission of instructor.  4 hrs - $95

TOWING II

Rough water, particularly in surf zones, poses serious challenges for sea kayak towing. In this second course we’ll look at techniques for safe and effective towing in rough water, always mindful of the first rule of any rescue attempt, which is not to become another victim yourself. We’ll review tow rigs and discuss how various designs may or may not be suitable for rough water use. Then we’ll go and try them out in a variety of rough water situations. You’ll have a chance to experience firsthand some of the difficulties imposed by rough water on both the person towing and the person (or persons) being towed—a learn-by-doing introduction to a crucial rough water skill. Pre-requisites: Level 4 skills; completion of Towing I or permission of instructor. Helmet required. 4 hrs - $95

GREENLAND-STYLE PADDLING    

Kayaking with a Greenland paddle is not only a lot of fun, but it can also make you a better paddler. Greenland style paddling requires greater balance, finesse, and technique...all things that will translate into your Euro paddling as well. We will cover strokes, rolls, and how to make your own Greenland paddle! 4 hrs - $95 (includes use of handmade paddle) 

ACA SEA KAYAKING COURSES, IDWs & ICE's

We hold ACA assessments/trainings for those who want to challenge and test their skill level, or for those who strive for instruction certification. If you feel you are ready, please give us a call for curriculum information and scheduling.   

Scheduled Course Information

ONE ON ONE INSTRUCTION

Tailored to fit your needs...whether it be improving forward stroke, bracing and sculling, deep water rescues, navigation, towing, surf or open water...our One on One Instruction is customized to focus on specific aspects of paddling that you feel you need to strengthen. One on One Instruction allows you to enhance paddling skills, awareness of safety issues, and overall comfort on the water...all in the privacy of your own ocean! 3 hrs - $145 and 6 hrs - $245

SPECIAL NEEDS COURSES     

 We offer all of the above classes for physically disabled persons. We use double or triple cockpit boats with modified outfitting and equipment when needed. Please call for more information.

HIRE AN INSTRUCTOR FOR YOUR FAMILY OR PARTY

If there is a group of you and you all have appropriate boats and gear, your best option is to hire an instructor. We will come to your private pool, pond, river, or public beach and tailor a lesson for your group. Whether it's a group of friends, a formal paddling club, or Boy/Girl Scout troops, this is a great way to learn and have fun at a very affordable price. 1/2 day - $200 and full day - $380