Don't delay! Earliest availability mid-July !
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!
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.
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".
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.
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.