Classes

Warm Water Beginning Sea Kayak
Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool
Repeat Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool
Kayak Basics: Oakland Estuary
Beginning Sea Kayak: Half Moon Bay
Mid-week BSK: Oakland Estuary
Beginning Sea Kayak: Oakland Estuary
Sea Kayak II: Half Moon Bay
Sea Kayak II: Oakland Estuary
Tides, Currents & Rough Water
Surf Zone: Half Moon Bay
Open Coast: Pillar Point
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


Warm Water Sea Kayaking: 2-Sessions    $119
                 
Back by popular demand! This special cool-weather sea kayak class takes place in a warm, friendly, indoor pool (Richmond) for Part 1; in Part 2, we paddle on the sheltered waters of the Oakland Estuary. Graduates of this class are qualified to rent sea kayaks and participate in more advanced classes and trips. Class fee includes pool use, all kayak gear, wet suit, and free kayak rental coupon for future use!
Classes take place on Thursday evening, (7PM-9PM), and two days later on a Saturday morning, (9AM-1PM).
Prerequisites: Kayak Basic is recommended, but no previous kayaking experience is required; however, good physical condition is important to ensure 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:
02/18/10    



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 7PM - 9PM; 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). For kayak rental only, call (510) 893-7833.
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: There is no prerequisite for this class; however, previous paddling experience is highly recommended. Your progression will be quicker if you have completed Beginning Sea Kayaking or Whitewater 101.

Upcoming Dates:
02/11/10     02/18/10     02/25/10     03/04/10     03/11/10     03/18/10     03/25/10    



Repeat Kayak Rolling: Richmond Pool    $50
                 
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). For kayak rental only, call (510) 893-7833.


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 Kayak Rolling class with California Canoe & Kayak.

Upcoming Dates:
02/11/10     02/18/10     02/25/10     03/04/10     03/11/10     03/18/10     03/25/10    



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:
02/27/10     03/07/10     03/27/10     04/10/10     04/25/10    



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!
Alternate Location: Beginning Sea kayaking: Oakland Estuary
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:
02/21/10     02/27/10     03/07/10     03/13/10     03/21/10     03/27/10     04/10/10     04/18/10     04/24/10    



Mid-week Beginning Sea Kayaking: Oakland Estuary    $89
                 
Enjoy a weekday 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.
Take the class on Presidents' Day (2/15/10)!
Accept Credit Cards

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:
02/15/10     04/02/10    



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: 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:
02/20/10     02/28/10     03/06/10     03/14/10     03/20/10     03/28/10     04/03/10     04/11/10     04/17/10     04/25/10    

 


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:
02/13/10     02/28/10     03/13/10     03/28/10     04/10/10     04/25/10    



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:
02/21/10     03/20/10     04/18/10    



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.
Start times
FEBRUARY 13, 2010: 10AM
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent); recent paddling is STRONGLY recommended.

Upcoming Dates:
02/13/10    

 


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:
03/20/10     04/03/10     04/17/10    



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.

Future Dates To Be Announced

 
 


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
1 Student: $179
2 Students: $129
Full Day Rates
1 Student: $279
2 Students: $149
3 Students $129

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, the normal class rate of $99 is discounted at 10%. 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:
03/12/10    



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:
04/23/10