- Home
- Recreation Programs
- Outdoor Adventure
- Paddlesports
- Learn to Kayak
Learn to Kayak
Below is a guide to help you identify your particular paddling path - general concepts of recommended skills you should work towards based on your goals. Some of these skills are beneficial in all areas and some can be learned on their own with minimal other skills. Our American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified instructors will teach you all of the skills and tips you need to enjoy kayaking.
Beginner or introduction classes introduce the fundamental skills needed for paddling in calm and protected water environments (non-tidal). This is for you if you are new to the sport or if you are looking for more formal instruction as a base from which to expand.
Areas of Focus
- Understanding equipment, applications and limitations
- Basic strokes and maneuvers
- Basic recoveries
- Mild weather conditions
Essentials classes (beginner-intermediate) are for those looking gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely paddle and explore in tidal environments. We focus on expanding the skills toolbox; refining existing strokes for efficiency; and introducing trip planning, safety and recovery elements. These skill-sets are all of the items needed for self-sufficiency in small groups and in average weather conditions.
Areas of Focus
- Tides and currents (classroom and on-water)
- Trip planning (classroom and on-water)
- Stroke refinement
- Strokes and maneuvers
- Group management
- Recoveries, towing, and safety
- Basic support strokes
- Tidal water environments
- Mild to modest weather conditions
- ACA Skills Assessments
Performance classes (intermediate-advanced) are all about growing and expanding your skills for better efficiency and advanced control of your craft. Simply put, you will have greater control and paddle with less energy. The end result is a more intuitive paddler capable of managing a full range of environments and conditions.
Areas of Focus
- Tides and currents (classroom and on-water)
- Trip planning (classroom and on-water)
- Navigation classes (classroom and on-water)
- Forward stroke efficiency and stroke refinement
- Edging, bracing, and support strokes
- Advanced maneuvers
- Recoveries, towing, and safety
- Control in currents/conditions
- Introduction to ocean paddling
- Introduction to kayak rolling
- Introduction to the surf zone
- Tidal water environments
- Modest weather conditions
- ACA skills assessments
Dynamic water (intermediate-advanced) classes are all about preparing paddlers for the coastal environment, heavier currents, rougher water, and tougher weather conditions. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush from your craft, we are here to help experience dynamic environments with confidence.
Areas of Focus
- Navigation Classes (classroom and on-water)
- Advanced bracing and support strokes
- Kayak rolling
- Advanced recoveries and safety
- Ocean paddling
- Paddling in the surf zone (non-surfing)
- Kayak surfing (sit on top and touring kayaks)
- Reading the waves
- Advanced control in currents/conditions
- Ocean/coastal tidal water environments
- Modest to intense weather conditions
- ACA skills assessments