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Over the Hill Outdoors

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Kayak & Canoe Lessons

Anyone can have fun floating around in a kayak or canoe, moving generally towards a destination. Sometimes, it can feel like a lot of work, and is often risky! The news this year is full of reports of paddlers who have overestimated their abilities and gotten into trouble.  


With some essential skills and knowledge, you can really expand your horizons, confidently and efficiently paddling to safely explore lakes, meandering rivers and streams, and even managing rapids. 


Your course will depend on experience you may already have, and on your specific needs and goals. With quality*, personalized instruction, I emphasize fun and safety, with a purposeful progression to build your skills. 


See the course descriptions and time guidelines below to estimate your cost. Once we’ve connected, we’ll talk together to understand your specific goals, and we’ll design a custom course, just for you!


*Covid Safety Considerations

Kayaking towards a clear horizon on a Minnesota lake.

Quick Start your Kayak or Canoe

For those who are brand new to kayaking or canoeing. 


  • Equipment review
  • Launching and returning to land
  • Essential and efficient control on the water
  • How to prevent tipping
  • What to do if you tip!
  • Loading , unloading, and carrying
  • Planning for a safe outing


Typically a 1.5-2 hour session on a calm body of water that we will choose together. Max  group of four.  
Learn using your own equipment, or contact me for area rental referrals.

Introduction to Kayaking or Canoeing

For those wanting to learn the finer points of kayak or canoe handling.

  • Equipment review
  • Strokes for essential and efficient boat control
  • Maneuvers - how to get where you want to go in style!
  • How to prevent tipping 
  • Safety and Rescue of yourself and others
  • Planning for a fun and safe outing


Typically 6-8 hours over 2 sessions. Adjustable based on experience. Max group of four.
Taught on a  calm body of water that we will choose together.
Learn using your own equipment, or contact me for area rental referrals.

Sunny Canoeing scene in Minnesota north country.

Sunny Canoeing scene in Minnesota north country.

River Kayaking or Canoeing

For those who want to venture out into the wonderful world of rivers.

  • Equipment review
  • Strokes for essential and efficient boat control
  • Basic moving water maneuvers - use the current with grace & style!
  • Reading the river
  • River hazards
  • Rescue of yourself and others
  • Planning for a fun and safe outing


Typically 6-8 hours over 2-3 sessions. A full day, with a morning and afternoon session works well. Taught on a Class I -II river that we will choose together. Max group of four.  


Learn using your own equipment, or contact me for area rental referrals.


PREREQUISITE: Assumes basic ability such as provided via "Introduction to Kayaking".  

Enthusiastic Whitewater Fundamentals student on the St Louis River, MN.

Supported Paddling

For beginning and intermediate paddlers who've had some instruction and would like personal support and coaching to build  skill, experience, and confidence.


Includes Whitewater!


Max group of four. 

Kayak and Canoe Flat Fee: $55/hour

3-hour session

    Private: $160

    2 People: $130 Each

    3 People: $110 Each

    4 People: $90 Each

Qualifications

Your Instructor: Natalie Griffith

  • A lifetime of paddling canoes and kayaks. 
  • 20 years  group and private instruction.
  • American Canoe Association Certifications*
    • Level 4 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor
    • Level 1 Canoe Instructor
    • Adaptive Paddling Endorsement 

Course Criteria

The American Canoe Association National Paddlesports Instruction Program has been acknowledged as the premier paddlesports education program throughout the United States and in over 30 countries.


  

Over the Hill Outdoors Kayak and Canoe instruction meets or exceeds ACA  standards. 

https://www.americancanoe.org/page/Courses

Are You Ready?

I'm committed to accommodating your goals and needs in order to get you out and enjoying the great outdoors. 

However, for your safety and mine, you must have the abilities listed in

 Paddle Course Eligibility.

Water and Weather Conditions

Please note that water-based instruction is entirely dependent upon water levels,  river flow volumes, weather, and other environmental conditions, and may require  rescheduling or travel to suitable locations outside the immediate metro area. 

Quality Instruction

*Over the Hill Outdoors Kayak and Canoe instruction meets or exceeds American Canoe Association  standards.  The ACA National Paddlesports Instruction Program is acknowledged as the premier paddlesports education program throughout the United States and in over 30 countries. 

Covid Safety

Paddle Sports are naturally suited to social distancing!

However, instruction does involve a few factors we will need to pay attention to.

For your safety and mine:

  • I'm fully vaccinated and will follow current CDC recommendations.
  • Please have a mask available to wear at times when circumstances may require. (Rare).  I will wear a mask as you desire.


* Mask = manufactured or home-made masks, bandana, buff, etc.

Copyright © 2023 Over the Hill Outdoors - All Rights Reserved.

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