Sea Kayak Class Basic Training & Instruction

So you bought a kayak, now what? To really get the full enjoyment and maximize your investment, you might want to consider taking an introductory lesson. If you have yet to buy one then our beginner course is a must. Your ability to select the proper type of kayak will be greatly enhanced once you know how a kayak is suppose to perform. The small price of our course could save you "big time" from buying the wrong boat. The beginners' course covers the basics needed to get out there and enjoy this great sport. With proper training you'll realize better techniques with regard to various touring and turning strokes. No longer will your arms tire out after short trips. You'll gain better directional control of your kayak especially in windy conditions. And most importantly, aquire from us the proper safety knowledge necessary before setting out on all your great adventures.

Students will learn how to:

Properly fit & adjust their kayak
Properly grip & control their paddle
Safely portage the kayak
Gracefully enter and exit their kayak from shore
Perform basic strokes and maneuvers
Safely & effectively wet-exit their kayak
Perform a T-Rescue and Paddle Float self-rescue
Understand personal limitations and skill level
Understand necessary safety considerations

Price per student per 4 hour course: $80
Maximum of 5 students per instructor.

Course Goal:

To provide beginners with a safe and fun introduction to the sport of kayaking.

Introductions & Expectations	15 Minutes
Welcome / introductions / expectations	Preparation (Suntan Lotion / Stretching)
Enrollment/registration/liability	Restroom Facilities
Physical-flexibility, fatigue	Anxiety / Fear (Full Participation Optional)

Objectives: Participants will learn how to:	5 Minutes
Equipment Orientation on Dry Land	Safely & effectively wet-exit their kayak
Be oriented with essential safety equipment	Perform a T-Rescue and Paddle Float Self-Rescue
Properly fit & adjust their kayak for effective control and comfort	Understand personal limitations and skill level
Demonstrate proper use & control of the paddle	Understand safety considerations
Safely portage kayak to the water for launch & Properly enter and exit kayak from shore	Snack, Drink, Suntan Lotion & Restroom break as needed
Perform basic strokes and maneuvers

Dry Land Presentations	30 Minutes
*Equipment orientation*	*Paddle orientation*
Personal clothing & gear (Capsize Kit) PFD’s, wetsuits, helmets & sprayskirts Safety equipment (i.e. pump, paddle float, signaling) Sprayskirt attachment & use NOAA weather radio	Paddle nomenclature Sizing, blade design, material Feathered vs. non-feathered, paddle control Concept of torso rotation Emphasize a relaxed grip
*Basic Kayak Design*	*Buying Criteria (First Kayak Purchase)*
Kayak nomenclature & Material (Plastic, Kevlar, etc) Hull Shapes: Flat / V-Shape / Round / Combo Length: Fast/ Straight, Slow/Maneuverable Profile: Rocker/Slow; Flat Keel/Fast; Combo/Touring Rudder verses Skeg Bulkheads: Increased Weight & Improved Safety Weather Cocking	Boat/body weld (Be One with the Kayak) Comfortable & Stable Suitable for Intended Purpose Looks good on you! Easy to handle out of water Cost – Save budget for 2nd kayak Quality of Construction

Launching/Landing & Wet-Exit Practice	30 Minutes
Proper stretching before any physical exertion	Boat control/stability exercises (supported hip-flick)
Carrying kayak to and from water	Demonstrate & practice wet-exits (one-on-one supervision by instructor)
Proper entry & exit of boat from shore or dock	Allow students about 5-minutes to get oriented/familiar with their kayak

Snack, Drink, Suntan Lotion & Restroom Break

15 Minutes

Introduction to Basic Strokes	45 Minutes
Propulsion	Turning & SteeringBracing & Support
Forward touring stroke Reverse stroke & stopping Draw stroke (in-water recovery)	Sweep stroke (Forward) Sweep stroke (Reverse) Stern RudderLow Brace for support (hip flick) Low Brace for looking back

Introduction to Basic Rescues	60 Minutes
Review proper wet exit procedures Demonstrate & practice T-Rescue	Demonstrate & practice Paddle Float Self-Rescue

Group Safety Talk	15 Minutes
The safest thing you could do besides wearing a PFD is to paddle with a partner	Observation & explanation of on-water hazards (Narrow passages / Boat traffic / Boat channels)
Know your own limitations and weather limitations (10mph / No Gust / ½-mile / < 1ft waves)	Observation & explanation of tides & currents (if applicable)
Group signals & what to do in the event of an emergency	Observation & explanation of weather, wind & wave dynamics
	Rules of the Nautical Road (If it’s bigger or faster then it has the Right of Way)

Short Tour (w/continued application & development of skills)	30 Minutes
Continue to develop good forward stroke technique	Rafting up for support demonstration & practice
Discuss & practice course correction techniques for windy conditions	Reinforce the idea of paddling with a partner/group
Discuss current wind speed & direction concerns	Discuss maximum limits for beginners

Conclusion/Course Wrap-up	15 Minutes
Load boats showing proper tie-down techniques	Group debrief of how course went
Provide individual feedback if possible	Explain what is next in their learning progression

Evaluation: Students will be evaluated based on their ability to:

Safely enter & exit their kayak from shorePerform a wet-exit with comfort & control

Understand their physical abilities & limitationsProperly adjust foot braces and attach spray skirt

Maintain good posture and balance in their kayakKnow when it is safe & appropriate to paddle

Perform the basic strokes, maneuvers & rescues with efficiency

06.01.01 - Kayak Class - Basic

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