Kayak Lessons & Instruction

Learning to kayak was never so much fun!

Kayak 101: Learn the basics about kayaking. In this class you will learn kayak nomenclature, discover how to enter & exit a kayak, proper propulsion & maneuvering strokes, as well as launching and landing techniques. In addition you will learn how to deal with currents, weather, tides and basic safety issues.
2 hour class, beginner
By appointment, reservations required
Group Cost: $50 per person  (Group=2 or more) Solo: $100

 

Kayak 201: Like those long sleek kayaks, but not the way they turn? Learn how to control advanced boats with advanced maneuvers. Learn the bow draw, side slip, high & low brace turns, sculling & beam draws, and forward and reverse sweeps (with a j-lean) among other advanced strokes.
2 hour class, intermediate
By appointment, reservations required
Group Cost: $50 per person  (Group=2 or more)  Solo: $100

 

Rescues and Recovery: Understanding how to reenter your kayak after a spill is an invaluable skill for any kayaker. Learn several rescue and recovery techniques including the paddle float rescue, the t-rescue, and the Eskimo rescue...among others. For more advanced paddlers, we can also teach the paddle float reentry and roll.
2 hour class, beginner
By appointment, reservations required
Group Cost: $50 per person  (Group=2 or more)  Solo: $100 

 

ACA Coastal Basics: The American Canoe Association has a basic set of criteria that it feels all coastal kayakers should know. In this class, ACA Instructors Bob Philpott and Robert Smith will cover basic stokes, coastal tides and currents, coastal weather, rescues and recovery in a sea kayak, loading and carrying kayaks, and take everyone on a tour of the marshlands behind Wrightsville Beach.

6-hour class 9am-3pm, beginner
Reservations required; class space limited
Cost: $85 per person

2008 class TBA

 

The Eskimo Roll: Want to learn the secret to righting your kayak in one smooth motion after an unexpected spill? The Eskimo roll is not nearly as mysterious as it looks. You'll be amazed at what you can do with the help of a good instructor, a little muscle control, and a lot of concentration.

2 hour class, beginner to advanced

By appointment, reservations required

No more than 2 students per class

Cost: $75 per person with 2 students  Solo $100

Introduction to Distance Touring:
Join ACA-certified instructors Robert Smith & Lydia Fonvielle for this two part class. In part one, Robert and Lydia will show you how to properly pack a sea kayak for a long trip, show you how to execute rescues in a fully loaded boat, and take you on a trip to a local inlet. In part two, you will paddle from Fort Fisher to Wrightsville Beach with an overnight stop in Carolina Beach. Take one class or both.

Part 1: 4 hrs, all levels; $65 per person

Part 2: 2 days; intermediate and up; $225 per person

Minimum class size 5; Maximum 12; reservations required

2008 Class TBA

 

Surf Kayaking: Ever wondered what it's like to ride a wave in a kayak? Well... it's a rush! Learn about proper launching and landing techniques, surfing etiquette, how to use rip currents to your advantage, and the trick to catching and surfing a wave effectively. In addition, safety issues specific to surfing will be discussed. Instructors for this class are ACA-certified, and one is a current member of the US Surf Kayak Team.
2 hour class, beginner to advanced levels available
One to two person sessions only, reservations required

Dependent on surf conditions
Cost: $75 per person with 2 students   Solo $100

 

Oceanside Coastal Kayaking Series:
ACA-certified kayak instructors Lydia Fonvielle & Robert Smith offer courses in ocean-side coastal kayaking. Learn how to navigate deep and shallow water inlets, launch & re-enter in ocean surf, surf swell in a sea kayak, and paddle in rough conditions (if available). We will also teach deep water rescues and a variety of advanced paddling skills. Classes will be 3-4 hrs long and will take place on 3 sequential Saturdays or Sundays.

Part 1: Advanced Strokes and Rescues and Recovery

Part 2: Deep water inlet navigation

Part 3: Shallow water inlet navigation


Prior kayaking experience necessary, class space limited, reservations required

Group Cost: $65 per class or $165 for the entire series (Group=2 or more) 

Solo: $130 per class or $330 for the entire series  

Sunday, June 8th - Part 1        8am-12pm

Saturday, June 21st - Part 2   8am-12pm

Sunday, June 29th - Part 3     8am-12pm

Custom lessons are also available