Classes

Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool
Repeat Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool
Kayak Basics: Oakland Estuary
Mid-week BSK: Oakland Estuary
Beginning Sea Kayak: Half Moon Bay
Beginning Sea Kayak: Oakland Estuary
Sea Kayak II: Half Moon Bay
Sea Kayak II: Oakland Estuary
Brent Reitz Fwd Stroke Clinic: HMB
Surf Zone: Half Moon Bay
Kayak Navigation Clinic
Open Coast: Pillar Point
Tides, Currents & Rough Water
Private Sea Kayak Instruction
ACA Instructor Workshop: Open Water
ACA Instructor Certification: Open Water

Sea Kayak Trips
Progression Chart

Class & Trip Calendars
All Canoeing & Kayaking Classes & Trips
> Sea Kayaking Near Sacramento
> Sea Kayaking Near Bay Area
Whitewater Kayaking
Canoeing


Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool    $60
                 

Build your confidence and learn to roll! Rolling is the safest and fastest self rescue technique available for sea kayakers and white water paddlers. We have heated pools in the Bay Area and Sacramento for the most comfortable learning environment. Roll classes in the Bay Area are taught at the JFK High School in Richmond on Thursdays from 7-9 pm; actual duration in the pool is about 1.5 hours.
Practice Sessions: $10 pool fee with own boat; $25 whitewater kayak/$30 sea kayak rental (includes pool fee).
Call (510) 893-7833 for kayak rental.
Note: Kayak rolling is taught only in whitewater kayaks due to space limitations in the pool. Please call us if you wish to schedule private instruction in a sea kayak for $120 per session.

Prerequisites: Kayak Rolling may be taken after your Beginning Sea Kayaking class; whitewater students may take Rolling before OR after the Whitewater 101 class.
Upcoming Dates:
05/15/08     05/22/08     05/29/08     06/05/08     06/12/08     06/19/08     06/26/08    




Repeat Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool    $40
                 
The repeat rolling class is for those who wish to repeat and perfect their roll. We have heated pools in the Sacramento and Bay Area for the most comfortable learning environment. Roll classes in the Bay Area are taught at the JFK High School in Richmond on Thursdays from 7-9 pm, actual duration in the pool is 1.5 hours.
Practice Sessions: $10 pool fee with own boat; $25 whitewater kayak/$30 sea kayak rental (includes pool fee). Call (510) 893-7833 for kayak rental.
Note: Kayak rolling is taught only in whitewater kayaks due to space limitation in the pool. Please call us if you wish to schedule private instruction in a sea kayak for $120 per session.

Prerequisites: Previous Roll Class with CCK.

Upcoming Dates:
05/15/08     05/22/08     05/29/08     06/05/08     06/12/08     06/19/08     06/26/08    



Kayak Basics: Oakland Estuary    $59
                 
Are you ready to try kayaking? Maximize your fun on the water! This half-day class (4 hours) allows you to paddle a few different types of kayaks, including Touring Kayaks (for open water), Recreational Kayaks, and Sit-on-Tops. Learn the basic strokes and the difference between boat types. This class emphasizes basic water safety, but saves capsize recovery practice for the Beginning Sea Kayaking class. Includes coupon for future rental, good for 2 hours!
Alternate Location: Kayak Basics: Lake Natoma
Prerequisites: No previous kayaking experience is required; however, good physical condition is required to assure an enjoyable class. The minimum age for this class is 14 years; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Upcoming Dates:
05/10/08     05/25/08     06/14/08     06/29/08     07/05/08     07/20/08     08/09/08     08/17/08     08/30/08     09/07/08     09/20/08    

 


Mid-week Beginning Sea Kayaking: Oakland Estuary    $89
                 

Enjoy a weekday holiday on the Oakland Estuary learning how to paddle a sea kayak with our expert instructors. Graduates of this class are qualified to rent closed-deck sea kayaks and participate in more advanced classes and trips. Be prepared to get wet! Includes boat, wet suit and paddling gear, and free coupon for a future rental.

Prerequisites: No previous kayaking experience is required; however, a Kayak Basics class (or equivalent program) is recommended. Good physical condition is important to ensure an enjoyable class; practicing the rescue procedures can be strenuous! The minimum age for Beginning Sea Kayaking is 14 years; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Upcoming Dates:
05/26/08     06/27/08     07/25/08     08/15/08     09/01/08    



Beginning Sea Kayaking: Half Moon Bay    $99
                 

Your ticket to the wonderful world of sea kayaking! Enjoy a day on the water learning how to paddle a sea kayak with our expert instructors. Be prepared to get wet! Graduates of this class are qualified to rent closed-deck sea kayaks and participate in more advanced classes and trips. With three locations to choose from - Oakland Estuary, Half Moon Bay and Lake Natoma - we have the ideal sea kayaking classroom for you. Includes boat, wet suit and paddling gear, and free coupon for a future rental!
Prerequisites: No previous kayaking experience is required; however, a Kayak Basics class (or equivalent program) is recommended. Good physical condition is important to ensure an enjoyable class; practicing the rescue procedures can be strenuous! The minimum age for Beginning Sea Kayaking is 14 years; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Upcoming Dates:
05/11/08     05/17/08     05/25/08     05/31/08     06/08/08     06/15/08     06/21/08     06/29/08     07/05/08     07/13/08     07/19/08     07/27/08     08/02/08     08/10/08     08/16/08     08/24/08     08/30/08    



Beginning Sea Kayaking: Oakland Estuary    $99
                 

Your ticket to the wonderful world of sea kayaking! Enjoy a day on the water learning how to paddle a sea kayak with our expert instructors. Be prepared to get wet! Graduates of this class are qualified to rent closed-deck sea kayaks and participate in more advanced classes and trips. With three locations to choose from - Oakland Estuary, Half Moon Bay and Lake Natoma - we have the ideal sea kayaking classroom for you. Includes boat, wet suit and paddling gear, and free coupon for a future rental!
Alternate Location: Beginning Sea kayaking: Sacramento
Alternate Location: Beginning Sea Kayaking: Half Moon Bay
Prerequisites: No previous kayaking experience is required; however, a Kayak Basics class (or equivalent program) is recommended. Good physical condition is important to ensure an enjoyable class; practicing the rescue procedures can be strenuous! The minimum age for Beginning Sea Kayaking is 14 years; children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Upcoming Dates:
05/10/08     05/11/08     05/17/08     05/18/08     05/24/08     05/25/08     05/31/08     06/01/08     06/07/08     06/08/08     06/14/08     06/21/08     06/22/08     06/28/08     06/29/08     07/05/08     07/06/08     07/12/08     07/13/08     07/19/08     07/20/08     07/26/08     07/27/08    

 


Sea Kayaking II: Half Moon Bay    $109
                 

In this inspiring class we work extensively on boat lean and edging for ultimate control and maneuverability. We review rescues, introduce basic navigation techniques, fine tune the forward stroke, and learn some new strokes. This class is the stepping stone to the Surf Zone and beyond.
Prerequisites: Beginning Sea Kayaking (or equivalent; you must have practiced wet-exit and rescue procedures within the year). Recent paddling STRONGLY recommended, such as twice paddling in the previous 2 months.

Upcoming Dates:
05/25/08     06/21/08     06/29/08     07/12/08     07/27/08     08/10/08     08/23/08     09/14/08     09/27/08    



Sea Kayaking II: Oakland Estuary    $109
                 

In this inspiring class we work extensively on boat lean and edging for ultimate control and maneuverability. We review rescues, introduce basic navigation techniques, fine tune the forward stroke, and learn some new strokes. This class is the stepping stone to the Surf Zone and beyond.
Prerequisites: Beginning Sea Kayaking (or equivalent; you must have practiced wet-exit and rescue procedures within the year). Recent paddling STRONGLY recommended, such as twice paddling in the previous 2 months.

Upcoming Dates:
05/11/08     06/21/08     07/13/08     08/02/08     09/07/08    



Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic: Half Moon Bay    $159
                 

This one-day course will introduce you to the finer details of the forward stroke. Brent Reitz, world class racer and 6 time National Wildwater Champion, will discuss stroke mechanics, body posture, boat dynamics, and more. We will video and critique your stroke during the class! Most of the day will be spent on the water practicing strokes. Remember, it's not pure strength, but good technique that's important!

Alternate location and date: Lake Natoma, 4/19/08
Check out Brent's Forward Stroke DVD!
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent); recent paddling experience is strongly recommended. Students should be comfortable with basic strokes and maneuvers, as instruction will be limited to improving the forward stroke!
Upcoming Dates:
06/08/08    


 
 
 


Surf Zone: Half Moon Bay    $109
                 

If you want to paddle a sea kayak on the ocean, this class is a must! Launching and landing, bracing in breaking waves, and understanding wave dynamics are the fundamental building blocks for kayak surfing and paddling in rough water. Our classroom site is ideal, in the gentle waves of Surfers' Beach at Half Moon Bay.
Dates scheduled to take advantage of optimal tidal range.
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent); twice paddling in the previous 2 months is STRONGLY recommended.

Upcoming Dates:
05/17/08     05/18/08     06/14/08     06/28/08     07/12/08     07/26/08     08/09/08     08/24/08     09/07/08     09/21/08     10/05/08    



Kayak Navigation: with ACA Trainer John Lull    $109
                 

This class is a must for paddlers who want to become self-sufficient and pursue their own adventures without relying on a guide. Our hands-on approach will give you the skills needed to navigate safely to where ever you want to go, whether you're planning a day-trip on San Francisco Bay or a 3-week expedition in the Pacific Northwest. After an informative classroom session in our comfortable Half Moon Bay center, we'll launch to practice an open water navigation exercise.
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent); recent paddling experience is strongly recommended!

Upcoming Dates:
06/14/08     08/09/08    



Open Coast: Pillar Point    $109
                 


Learn the special skills and strategies for paddling California's wild and magnificent open coast as we reveal the secrets of maneuvering in this ever-changing environment. You'll learn how to recognize safe zones, transition zones, hazards, and play spots in the "rock gardens". This class is conducted on the San Mateo coast, near Pillar Point, north of Half Moon Bay. (Offered June through September only.)
Prerequisites: Surf Zone class AND recent paddling experience.

Upcoming Dates:
06/15/08     07/13/08     08/10/08     09/06/08    



Tides, Currents & Rough Water: San Francisco Bay    $109
                 

Learn to ride the tide! Dealing with tidal current is fun, and essential if you want to paddle in places like San Francisco Bay. This class is a great way to improve your rough water skills. Dates and start times are chosen to take advantage of optimal tidal conditions; due to the astronomical nature of annual tidal cycles, this class is only offered during fall and winter months.
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent); recent paddling is STRONGLY recommended.

Upcoming Dates:
10/26/08    



Private Sea Kayak Instruction   
        
Tailored to fit your learning style and pace -- and your personal schedule -- Private Instruction allows you to get exactly what you want out of a class. You can also request your favorite instructor time and time again!
Please call 800-366-9804 to set up your custom class.

Prices are per person, per day, and includes a coupon for future kayak rental, good for 2 hours ($30 value!).

1/2 Day Rates Midweek Weekend
1 Student: $199 $249
2 Students: $149 $189
Full Day Rates Midweek Weekend
1 Student: $299 $349
2 Students: $239 $279
3 Students $178 $198
4 Students $133 $148
5 Students $106 $118

More than 2 students usually requires a full day of instruction to complete a prescribed curriculum, and full-day rates apply. With 6 or more students, normal rates may apply. Please call for confirmation.
Prerequisites: None

Future Dates To Be Announced



ACA Instructor Development Workshop: Open Water    $299
                 

ACA certification is the standard for quality instruction throughout the United States. These comprehensive workshops for experienced paddlers cover safety, technique, group management and teaching progression, in classroom and on-water sessions. Our Instructor Development Workshops (IDW) present the knowledge and skills that are expected of Open Water Coastal Kayaking ACA instructors (Level 4); certification takes place separately, during the Instructor Certification Examination (ICE). The IDW and ICE are each held over 3 consecutive days.
Please note: Before signing up, you must complete a brief questionnaire regarding kayak experience and skill level. All participants must be signed up at least two weeks prior to the workshop. Please plan ahead and let us know well in advance if you are interested.
Prerequisites: Strong sea kayaking skills, including experience in tide rips, surf zone, and open coast.

Upcoming Dates:
09/26/08    



ACA Instructor Certification Exam: Open Water    $299
                 

This three day course is the exam for instructors who have completed their Open Water (Level 4) Instructor Development Workshop in Coastal Kayaking, and are ready to pursue Certification.
Prerequisites: ACA Coastal Kayaking IDW, and approval by ACA Instructor Trainers.

Upcoming Dates:
10/24/08