Class Descriptions

 

Sea Kayak Rescues

    DESCRIPTION: Rescues are the ability to re-enter one’s kayak following a capsize and wet exit.  Rescues can be performed either by oneself or with the assistance of a companion. They are an important part of a sea kayaker’s safety, especially when paddling on Lake Superior. In this course, participants first learn and practice a wet exit, safely exiting the kayak following a capsize. Participants then learn two rescues. The ‘T’ rescue is an assisted rescue performed with a companion. The Paddle Float rescue is a self rescue, where the paddler completes the rescue without assistance. Depending on time and participant interest, additional rescues can be taught. All class participants have the opportunity to practice wet exits and the rescues under the supervision of the instructor. In the spring, this class is held at an indoor pool. During the summer, this class is held at on Lake Superior. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. 2 hours of instruction.

     

    ESSENTIAL eligibility requirements: 

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction.  
    4. Be comfortable in the water including:  floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket), turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 
    5. Be able to perform an independent wet exit, following instruction. 

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - long underwear top/wetsuit top (for the pool) or wetsuit (for Lake Superior)
    - nose plugs and/or diving mask (optional but recommended)

Register for this class!

 

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Safety Class

    DESCRIPTION: A quick introduction to the essential paddling skills a paddler needs to know, paddle strokes and rescues. Students learn the basic paddle strokes to move a kayak forward efficiently, how to turn a kayak and bracing, the ability to keep a kayak upright when off balance. Rescues are taught as well and covered the way as in the Sea Kayak Rescues course. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. 3-4 hours of instruction.

     

    ESSENTIAL eligibility requirements: 

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction.  
    4. Be comfortable in the water including:  floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket), turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 
    5. Be able to perform an independent wet exit, following instruction. 

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wetsuit
    - nose plugs and/or diving mask (optional but recommended)

Register for this class!

 

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Basic Workshop

    DESCRIPTION: A great foundation for any paddler. The class includes lessons on equipment, clothing, weather as well as other safety topics. On water topics covers paddle strokes and rescues as in the Safety course. Follows the ACA Basic class format. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. Material covered in this course forms the basis for more advanced courses such as the Advanced Paddle Strokes, Advanced Rescues and Open Water. 8 hours of instruction.

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

    1. 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
    2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
    3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion.
    4. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
    5. Able to wet exit a kayak independently.

     

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wet suit
    - insulating clothing layers (i.e. polypropylene)
    - windbreaker
    - hat (optional)
    - sunglasses (optional)
    - sunscreen
    - water
    - snacks
    - lunch

Register for this class!

 

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Basic Tour

    DESCRIPTION: A great way to take what was learned in the Basic Workshop and apply it. Goal is to have the participants experience planning a trip and then make decisions based on the weather, etc while paddling on Lake Superior. Course takes place on flatwater. Expect to cover up to 8 miles in total distance. 8 hours of paddling with instruction.

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion.
    4. Be able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water. 
    5. Be able to wet exit a kayak independently.
    6. Have completed a Beginner workshop class.

     

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wet suit
    - insulating clothing layers (i.e. polypropylene)
    - windbreaker
    - hat (optional)
    - sunglasses (optional)
    - sunscreen
    - water
    - snacks
    - lunch

Register for this class!

 

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Kayak Rolling

    DESCRIPTION: Kayak Rolling is the process used to right one’s self after a capsize. It is the ultimate self-rescue skill that can significantly increase the paddler’s safety. This class is for those interested in learning the skills to Kayak Roll. Instruction covers boat fit, stretching, developing a hip snap, and the Kayak Roll. Since rolling is a challenging skill, students should understand that completing this class does not guarantee they will be able to roll. For most people it will require more practice than what is possible during the class. Further practice is available in our Kayak Rolling Review and Refinement course. In the spring, this class is held at an indoor pool. During the summer, this class is held at an inland lake. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. 3 hours of instruction.

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

    1. 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
    2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
    3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion.
    4. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
    5. Able to wet exit a kayak independently.

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak (sea or whitewater) with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - paddlefloat & pump
    - long underwear top or wetsuit/wetsuit top
    - diving mask and/or nose plug (optional)

Register for this class!

 

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Kayak Rolling Review and Refinement

    DESCRIPTION: This course picks up where Kayak Rolling leaves off. Time for further practice in working towards a roll or for those already with a roll, work includes techniques to make a roll more reliable and/or advanced rolls. In the spring, this class is held at an indoor pool. During the summer, this class is held at an inland lake. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. This class is meant to be taken multiple times. 2 1/2 hours of instruction.

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

    1. 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
    2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
    3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion.
    4. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
    5. Able to wet exit a kayak independently.
    6. Attended an SKS Kayak Rolling class or have at least 50% success rate performing a kayak roll.

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak (sea or whitewater) with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - paddlefloat & pump
    - long underwear top or wetsuit/wetsuit top
    - diving mask and/or nose plug (optional)

Register for this class!

 

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Advanced Paddle Strokes

    DESCRIPTION: 8 hours of instruction geared for paddlers to handle increased wind and waves. A variety of paddle strokes shall be taught and practiced. Paddlers receive instruction in making their forward stroke more efficient, braces more effective and learn how to use paddle strokes to correct weather cocking. Class participants are welcome to request additional strokes and areas to focus on. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. This class is meant to be taken multiple times. Hours of instruction variable.

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

    1. 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult.
    2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
    3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion.
    4. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
    5. Able to wet exit a kayak independently.
    6. All students need to have taken previous instruction that included paddle strokes and rescues.
    7. All students need to have experience paddling.

     

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - Sea kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - Paddle
    - Sprayskirt
    - Pump
    - Paddlefloat
    - Wet suit
    - Insulating clothing layers (i.e. polypropylene)
    - Windbreaker, rain jacket and/or paddling jacket
    - Hat (optional)
    - Sunglasses (optional)
    - Sunscreen
    - Water
    - Snacks
    - Lunch

     Register for this class!

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 Advanced Rescues

    DESCRIPTION: This class is designed for paddlers who lead groups or are looking at pushing their limits. Techniques taught allow a paddler to handle many potential capsize scenarios that can happen in deep water. Advanced rescues build on the basic sea kayak rescues, the ‘T’ and Paddlefloat. Instruction may include the Bow Rescue, variations on the ‘T’ and ‘Tx’, re-entry variations, re-enter and roll, haul up and cowboy scramble. Actual class itinerary is tailored to the class participants and their goals. Class participants have the opportunity to practice all the rescues taught. Course takes place in flatwater conditions. This class is meant to be taken multiple times. 2 hours of instruction.

     

    ESSENTIAL eligibility requirements: 

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction.  
    4. Be comfortable in the water including:  floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket), turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 
    5. Be able to perform an independent wet exit, following instruction. 
    6. Participants are expected to have prior instruction and experience performing a wet exit, ‘T’ Rescue and Paddlefloat rescue.

       

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wetsuit
    - nose plugs (optional but recommended)

 Register for this class!

***

Open Water

    DESCRIPTION: Learn to paddle in rough water conditions. Builds on courses such as the Beginner, Advanced Paddle Strokes and Advanced Rescues which all take place in flatwater. In this course, students learn to apply those skills in rough water. In addition, navigation, trip planning and other topics are covered. Based on the ACA Open Water course. In case of flatwater conditions, the class is still held with a focus on building participants skills. Forms the Basis for the Surfing and Rough Water courses. 8 hours of instruction.

     

    ESSENTIAL eligibility requirements: 

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction.  
    4. Be comfortable in the water including:  floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket), turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 
    5. Be able to perform an independent wet exit, following instruction. 
    6. Have taken the Beginner class or equivalent instruction.

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wetsuit
    - long underwear top and spare clothes (no cotton!)
    - compass

Register for this class!

 

***

 

Open Water Tour

    DESCRIPTION: A great way to build on the material taught in the Open Water class and apply it. Goal is to have the participants experience planning a trip and then make decisions based on the weather, etc while  paddling in open water conditions (waves 2-3 feet) on Lake Superior. In case of flatwater conditions, the class is still held. Expect to cover up to 12 miles in total distance. 8 hours of paddling and instruction.

     

    ESSENTIAL eligibility requirements: 

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction.  
    4. Be comfortable in the water including:  floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket), turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 
    5. Be able to perform an independent wet exit, following instruction. 
    6. Have taken the Open Water class or equivalent instruction.

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wetsuit
    - long underwear top and spare clothes (no cotton!)
    - compass

Register for this class!

 

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Introduction to Surfing and Rough Water

    DESCRIPTION: Provides an introduction to the basics of surfing and paddling in rough water. Course is for paddlers with prior instruction and paddling experience. Learn how to break out through surf, land through surf, surfing basics as well as paddling in rough water. Expect to capsize unexpectedly many times. Although a roll is not required, it is recommended. Approximately 12 -16 hours of instruction (depends on conditions & fitness).

     

    ESSENTIAL eligibility requirements: 

    Participants must:

    1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 
    2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant
    3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction.  
    4. Be comfortable in the water including:  floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket), turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 
    5. Be able to perform an independent wet exit, following instruction. 
    6. Have taken the Open Water class.
    7. Permission of instructor.

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - kayak with bulkheads and/or floatation bags
    - paddle
    - sprayskirt
    - pump
    - paddlefloat
    - wetsuit
    - long underwear top and spare clothes (no cotton!)
    - paddle jacket and/or drytop
    - helmet

Register for this class!

 

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Introduction To Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam

    DESCRIPTION: The process to become an American Canoe Association certified Introduction to Kayaking (IK) Instructor. There are two components in this process:  the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW - a two day event; the training) and the Instructor Certification Evaluation (ICE - a one day event; the testing). Participation in each workshop is necessary to complete the ACA IK Instructor certification.

       The IDW focuses on you obtaining general kayaking knowledge, experiencing various teaching techniques and modeling the paddling skills effectively. You will have a great opportunity for critique of your personal skills, learn new information and find out the specific areas you need work in for eventual completion of your instructor certification. This portion is designed to "teach you how to teach introduction to kayaking" to beginning paddlers as well as prepare you to attend an ICE.

       The ICE is designed to evaluate the instructor candidate regarding their skills as an instructor. Primary assessment areas include teaching ability on & off water, skill modeling, coastal kayaking skills (includes knowledge, personal skills and experience), leadership and scenario performance. In addition, the candidate’s professionalism, attitude, personal equipment and physical fitness are assessed as well. Certification is depended on your performance at an ICE and attendance at the IDW does not guarantee certification.

       Additional information is in the following documents:

     

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

  • 1. 16 years or older.
  • 2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
  • 3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with assistance of a companion.
  • 4. Able to wet exit a kayak independently. 
  • 5. Able to re-enter the kayak following a capsize, with the assistance of one other boat. Any additional assistance, if required, must be from a companion who accompanies the participant. 
  • 6. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
  • 7. Physically fit with the endurance and strength to paddle up to 8 hours a day.
  •  

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

  • - Kayak (recreational, river or sea)
  • - Paddle
  • - Sprayskirt
  • - PFD
  •  

    The following is optional but you are encouraged to bring it along if you have it:

  • - Farmer John or Jane wetsuit
  • - Skull cap
  • - Pogies/paddling gloves
  • - Paddling jacket
  • - Bilge pump
  • - Paddle float
  • - Tow rope
  • - Stirrup
  • - Compass
  • - Helmet
  • - 1st aid kit
  • - Repair kit
  • - Signal kit
  • - Weather radio
  • - Books on or related to Kayaking
  •  

     Register for this class!

    ***

Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam

    DESCRIPTION: The process to become an American Canoe Association certified Coastal Kayaking Instructor. There are two components in this process: the Instructor Development Workshop (IDW - a three day event; the training) and the Instructor Certification Evaluation (ICE - a three day event; the testing). Participation in each workshop is necessary to complete the ACA Coastal Sea Kayak Instructor certification.

       The IDW focuses on you obtaining coastal sea kayaking knowledge, experiencing various teaching techniques and modeling the paddling skills effectively. You will have a great opportunity for critique of your personal skills, learn new information and find out the specific areas you need work in for eventual completion of your instructor certification. This portion is designed to "teach you how to teach coastal sea kayaking" to beginning paddlers as well as prepare you to attend an ICE.

       The ICE is designed to evaluate the instructor candidate regarding their skills as an instructor. Primary assessment areas include teaching ability on & off water, skill modeling, coastal kayaking skills (includes knowledge, personal skills and experience), leadership and scenario performance. In addition, the candidate’s professionalism, attitude, personal equipment and physical fitness are assessed as well. Certification is depended on your performance at an ICE and attendance at the IDW does not guarantee certification.

       Additional information is in the following documents:

     

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

  • 1. 16 years or older.
  • 2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
  • 3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with assistance of a companion.
  • 4. Able to wet exit a kayak independently. 
  • 5. Able to re-enter the kayak following a capsize, with the assistance of one other boat. Any additional assistance, if required, must be from a companion who accompanies the participant. 
  • 6. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
  • 7. Physically fit with the endurance and strength to paddle up to 8 hours a day.
  •  

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

  • - Sea Kayak with bulkheads
  • - Paddle
  • - Sprayskirt
  • - PFD
  • - Full length Farmer John or Jane wetsuit
  • - Bilge pump
  • - Paddle float
  • The following is optional but you are encouraged to bring it along if you have it:

  • - Skull cap
  • - Pogies/paddling gloves
  • - Paddling jacket
  • - Drysuit/top
  • - Tow rope
  • - Stirrup
  • - Compass
  • - Helmet
  • - 1st aid kit
  • - Repair kit
  • - Signal kit
  • - Weather radio
  • - Books on or related to Sea Kayaking

 

 Register for this class!

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Coastal Kayaking Instructor Update

    DESCRIPTION: All certified ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructors are required to attend an Instructor Update once every four years to maintain their certification. The focus of the workshop is threefold: 1) Update everyone with the latest SEIC changes and improvements; 2) Review and renew your Coastal Kayaking knowledge and skills; 3) Continue your development as an ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor.

       Further information is available in the following documents:

     

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants must be: 

  • 1. 18 years or older.
  • 2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
  • 3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with assistance of a companion.
  • 4. Able to wet exit a kayak independently. 
  • 5. Able to re-enter the kayak following a capsize, with the assistance of one other boat. Any additional assistance, if required, must be from a companion who accompanies the participant. 
  • 6. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water.
  • 7. Physically fit with the endurance and strength to paddle up to 8 hours a day.
  • 8. Have a current ACA membership and Coastal Kayak instructor certification.
  •  

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - all equipment needed by an instructor

 Register for this class!

    ***

Advanced Open Water Certification Evaluation Workshop

    DESCRIPTION: The Advanced Open Water (AOW) instructor certification was added in 2003. This certification takes and builds on the skills of an Open Water Instructor and tests the ability of candidates to lead and teach in conditions of winds to 25 knots, seas to 5 feet and currents to 5 knots. Candidates are expected to be competent in conditions exceeding these. Conditions must be present for the certification to be awarded. The workshop date is selected to maximize the chance of these conditions on Lake Superior. There is no AOW IDW, only the AOW ICE. Candidates are expected to have the necessary experience and training which can include the ACA Coastal Kayaking (CK) Rough Water Maneuvering, Towing and Rescues and the CK Surf Zone Skills Advancement course.All candidates are interviewed via phone before being accepted to ensure they have the appropriate background for this course. Applicants without the appropriate experience and/or skills will not be accepted.

       Additional information is in the following documents:

     

    Essential Eligibility Requirements:

    Participants need to be:

    1. 18 years or older.
    2. Able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
    3. Able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with assistance of a companion.
    4. Able to wet exit a kayak independently. 
    5. Able to re-enter the kayak following a capsize, with the assistance of one other boat. Any additional assistance, if required, must be from a companion who accompanies the participant. 
    6. Able to control a kayak, paddling safely on flat water as well as rough water.
    7. Physically fit with the endurance and strength to paddle up to 8 hours a day in adverse conditions including high winds, rough seas and cold temperatures.
    8. Coastal Kayaking Open Water Instructor.

     

    PROVIDED BY STUDENTS:

    - All equipment needed by an instructor in these conditions

 

 

 Register for this class!

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