Savannah Canoe and Kayak

QUICK START CLASS

If you are not ready to capsize and learn rescues, but still want to give kayaking a try… the Quick Start Class is for you! Learn the basics of gear, boat design, launching/landing techniques, and strokes for cruising and maneuvering. This is a fun class to ‘test the waters’ and try something new! In this class you will get a chance to try several different kayaks in varying lengths and styles. Prerequisites: None 3 hrs - $95

SEA KAYAKING LEVEL 1      Sea Kayaking Slideshow

If you only take one class in your kayaking career, this is the one! This class covers the basic sea kayaking techniques needed to get you started. You will acquire a comfort and confidence level for developing your paddling skills. The lesson includes boat fit, equipment, basic strokes, and capsize/safety procedures. Pre-requisites: None  4 hrs- $105

SEA KAYAKING LEVEL 3

"How are your draws?", he asked knowingly. There is no substitute for efficient strokes and boat control. Bow rudders, side-slips, braces, and sculling will add to blade awareness. Incorporating edging and leaning will increase your body/boat relationship. Pre-requisites: Level 2 skills or permission of instructor  4 hrs - $105

SEA KAYAKING LEVEL 5

This is a full day of open water sea kayaking. 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- $105

SEA KAYAK SURFING      Sea Kayak Surfing Slideshow

Ready for 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. Pre-requisites: Level 2 skills or permission of instructor  4 hrs - $105

SEA KAYAK RESCUE I (Flat Water)

In this class we will practice the following sea kayak rescue techniques: cowboy, stirrup, paddle-float, T, T-X, bow, scoop, hand-of-God, and swimmer. There are a lot 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 - $105

SEA KAYAK RESCUE II (Open Water)

Remember those techniques you learned in Sea Kayak Rescue I? In this class you’ll try them out in open water where the game is different. Swells and breaking waves call for different strategies. First we’ll establish “ground rules” designed to keep you safe, and then we’ll practice self 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!  Pre-requisites: Level 3 skills; completion of Sea Kayak Rescue I or permission of instructor.  4 hrs - $105

RISK MANAGEMENT IN SEA KAYAKING - Classroom Seminar  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, something you can learn to do in undertaking your own adventures. You’ll discover that risks are synergetic, and that learning to see connections among risks is a crucial aspect of on-water safety. Finally, we’ll look at techniques for making decisions, and the role of training in reducing risks.  On-water: 4 hrs - $105 Classroom Seminar:  2 hrs - $45

COASTAL NAVIGATION & PILOTING

Daniel Boone once remarked, “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.” Ranges, angles, azimuths, fixes—it can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry. This course will get you started. We’ll spend day 1 getting acquainted with the basic principles of how tides, currents, and weather affect our ability to find our way. You’ll practice plotting a course and estimating paddling times. On day 2, we’ll take these new skills out on the water… practice holding a course and using a compass. You’ll experiment with ferrying across current and finding a point offshore. Navigation is a time-honored tradition that you'll be glad to know.  Pre-requisites: None  1 day (4 hrs classroom)- $95 / 2 days (4 hrs classrom and 5 hrs on water) - $190

LEVEL 3/4 INSTRUCTIONAL FULL DAY TRIPS

Utilizing instruction from previous classes, these trips are designed to provide the intermediate paddler the opportunity to practice in the environments they have been training for. Factors we have taken into account are distance, changes in sea states and conditions, wave zones, and risk management procedures. Any instruction on these trips will be ‘on the fly’ and the learning will be experiential. Paddlers will be involved in all aspects of route planning and decision making. You can use these trips to better prepare yourself for your own ocean side adventures around our barrier islands. We recommend you have your own kayak and suitable kit, but we can also supply it if need be.
L3 Day Trip Lazaretto Creek to A3 5 hr - $105
L4 Day Trip Little Tybee Sea and Surf Adventure 5 hr - $105
L4 Day Trip (Advanced) Tybee to Wassaw and Back 6 hr - $145

TOWING I

One of the most useful pieces of safety equipment in a kayaker's tool box is the tow rig. Here is a class that introduces you to towing techniques on flat water. We’ll look at the features of different tow rigs and discuss their use. Then we’ll head out on the water to put theory into practice, giving you experience in what to do in various towing situations. We’ll experiment with short tows, contact tows, and swimmer’s carries. This is a hands-on, all together, everybody in, get wet class. Don't have a tow rig? We'll provide one for you. Pre-requisites: Level 3 skills, or Level 2 skills and permission of instructor.  4 hrs - $105

TOWING II

Rough water poses serious challenges for sea kayak towing. In this course we’ll look at techniques for safe and effective towing in rough water, always mindful of the first rule of any rescue, which is not to become a victim yourself. We’ll review tow rigs and how various designs may or may not be suitable for rough water use. You’ll experience firsthand some of the difficulties imposed by rough water on both the person towing and the person 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 - $105

FIRST AID FOR THE PADDLER

Safety first, but let’s be prepared with good incident management skills so that we can appropriately deal with whatever may arise… On and off the water scenarios covering the typical medical emergencies that we may encounter while out paddling in our coastal waters. 4 hrs - $105 2023 Dates: April 2, May 14

ACA SEA KAYAKING COURSES      ACA Course Information

We hold ACA trainings, courses, and assessments 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.

ONE ON ONE PRIVATE 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 - $175 and 6 hrs - $275
Semi private classes for two: 3 hrs - $145 each

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 - $300 and full day - $500