Instruction
Alaska Sea Kayakers offers instruction to the public through the certified instructors of The British Canoe Union and the American Canoe Association.
Novice and beginning paddlers should receive instruction in paddling skills, group and self-rescues, and develop an awareness of sea conditions before presuming to paddle Alaskan coastal waters. Instruction will be offered by British Canoe Union and American Canoe Association instructors. Our instruction sessions will be held, following the BCU syllabus.
Cost will be $325 for a two day session. The first day only is available for $200. Attending both days is strongly recommended.
Instructional sessions will require a minimum of five students, not to exceed ten students.
All gear is included; kayak, paddle, skirt, drysuit, helmet, booties, gloves, and hood. Participants should bring; rain gear, layers of insulating clothing (fleece, capilene, polypropylene), a change of clothing for the end of the day, food for shore lunch, and a bottle for water.
Weekend Course Offerings in Whittier
Beginning to Intermediate Sea Kayaking Skills
Whittier Whiplash
Sea Kayaking Skills Weekend
June 7 and 8, 2014 in Whittier, Alaska
(877) 472-2534, (907) 472-2534
Saturday 9 June, 9 AM – 5 PM
Sea Kayaking Skills Instruction
Sunday 10 June, 9 AM – 6 PM
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Day trip in Passage Canal
Co-sponsored by
AlaskaKayakSchool.com & Paddler’sRealm.com
$200/day • $350/weekend
Fundamentals Training and Tuning. Learn new, practice or augment existing skills with certified (ACA) instructors.
We will offer coaching on safety features and design of kayaks and kayaking equipment. You will be fit to a kayak to maximize performance.
The coaching syllabus includes wet exits, ruddering and paddling without a rudder, turning and spinning the kayak, back paddling, stopping,moving sideways, edging, balance and bracing, and solo and assisted rescues. Coaching will be focused per individuals’ goals and experience.
All equipment can be provided including: sea kayak, paddle, skirt, PFD, dry suit, and more.
You provide your own clothing, food, water, and other necessities. An equipment list will be sent upon registration.
Training appropriate for Novice, Beginner and Intermediate Paddlers
Rescues, Towing and Touring . Learn and practice solo and assisted rescues and towing, while touring on a day trip in Passage Canal. The goal is to do a day trip in which you can apply the skills learned or tuned the day before, and add a series of rescues and towing skills to your paddlers’ tool box in the context of a day trip. This day will include a short trip-planning primer and a series of rescue scenarios in addition to paddling in open water, weather permitting. Also included are wildlife watching practices and ethics. The bad weather option for this day is a day of rescues and towing with scenarios in flat water. All equipment can be provided.
Have you ever seen people kayaking and thought ”that looks fun”? Do you have access to lakes or rivers near where you live? Have you been paddling for a long time but never practiced wet exits, rescues or received any formal instruction? Are you looking for something fun and adventurous to share with children, a partner, siblings, co-workers? Do you love exploring and getting out in nature?
Sea kayaking offers a lifetime of learning, exploration and adventure, and immersion and intimacy in nature to be taken to whatever level you choose.
Weekend courses offered for beginner and intermediate paddlers of all ages. Classes will form per demand.
The first day will entail specific skills instruction, rescues and theory. The second day will build upon the first and offer a day trip to utilize and expand the previous day's skill session.
Learn:
- Proper kayak fit and outfitting
- What to consider before heading out on an excursion
- Where and how to launch for your excursion
- Charts vs. maps
- Trip planning
- Radio protocol
- How to dress
- Safety equipment
- Sea state and weather identification
- Using the environment to your advantage
Practice:
Wet exits, Self-rescues, Assisted rescues, Bracing, Turning-sweep strokes, Efficient forward paddling, Sculling, High and low recoveries
Throughout both days we will incorporate theory and scenarios to challenge you in a safe and conducive learning environment.
Other instructional dates, custom and private sessions are available based on interest.
According to the Spirit of your Quest"
Photos by Brad Burich
