6 hours
$95 w/ kayak rental
$80 (bring your own boat)
Sea Kayak Essentials
This class is for novice paddlers who are are interested in building the skills and knowledge necessary to safely paddle a sea kayak in bays, harbors, and coastal environments where winds do not exceed 10 knots or waves exceed 1 ft.
Skill level: Novice
Prerequisite courses: None.
Follow-Up Courses: Wind, Waves, and Weather
Skills taught in this class:
How to carry and transport a sea kayak
Adjusting kayak fit for balance and comfort
Entering and exiting a sea kayak from shore and from low docks.
Controlled capsize and wet exit using a spray skirt.
Posture and use of core for efficient paddling
Boat balance and edging
Basic sea kayak strokes and maneuvers:
Forward and reverse sweep strokes; draw strokes; stern rudder; low brace
Basic sea kayak rescues & safety:
T-Rescue; self-rescues; contact towing; rafting for support
Concepts taught in this class:
Sea kayak features, design, and fit.
Essential safety equipment for paddling and how to use it.
Safe trip planning: understanding weather, filing float plans, assessing water conditions.
