California Canoe & Kayak Sea Kayaking Classes

Classes

Warm Water Beginning Sea Kayak
Warm Water Rescue: Richmond Plunge
Kayak Rolling: Richmond Plunge
Repeat Kayak Rolling: Richmond Plunge
Kayak Basics: Oakland Estuary
Kayak Basics: Pillar Point Harbor
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
Tide Rips Clinic: Yellow Bluff Point
Surf Zone: Half Moon Bay
Rock Garden Skills & Safety
Open Coast: Marin Headlands
Open Coast: Pillar Point
Kayak Surfing Clinic
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 Plunge Municipal Natatorium) 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:
02/16/12 03/01/12 03/15/12

Warm Water Rescue Clinic for Sea Kayakers $60

Practice vital rescue skills and learn new techniques for re-entering your boat. In the warm, clean comfortable learning environment of our heated pool, we cover the re-entry and roll, paddle-float, the scoop, stern deck carry, and "scramble". Participants can refine their "T" rescue and Paddle-Float. We will have stirrup/slings available for those wishing to refine those rescues. You can experiment with these rescues, have fun learning and stay warm!
Classes are held at the Richmond Plunge Municipal Natatorium in Point Richmond from 7-9 pm.
Prerequisites: Beginning Sea Kayak or equivalent, with previous knowledge of sea kayak rescues.
Upcoming Dates:
02/09/12 02/23/12 03/08/12 03/22/12 04/05/12 04/19/12

Kayak Rolling: Richmond Plunge $60

Alternate location: Folsom Aquatic Center
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. Classes are held on Thursdays from 7PM - 9PM at the newly rennovated and historic Richmond Plunge Municipal Natatorium! (www.richmondplunge.org); 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:
02/09/12 02/16/12 02/23/12

Repeat Kayak Rolling: Richmond Plunge $50

Alternate location: Folsom Aquatic Center
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. Classes are held 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:
02/09/12 02/16/12 02/23/12

Kayak Basics: Oakland Estuary (Jack London Square) $59

Are you ready to try kayaking? Maximize your fun on the water! This 4 hour class (10AM - 2PM) emphasizes basic water safety using recreational kayaks. You will learn the basic paddle strokes and fundamental kayak maneuvers in a calm water setting. Class fee includes kayak, paddling gear, and a coupon for 50% off a future kayak rental (one hour)!
Note: This class does not qualify participants to rent traditional (closed-deck) sea kayaks; our Beginning Sea Kayak class deals with those specific qualifications.
Alternate Location: Kayak Basics: Half Moon Bay
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:
02/26/12 03/03/12 03/18/12 04/07/12 04/22/12 05/05/12 05/20/12 05/26/12 06/03/12 06/24/12 06/30/12

Kayak Basics: Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay) $59

Are you ready to try kayaking? Maximize your fun on the water! This 4 hour class (10AM - 2 PM) emphasizes basic water safety using recreational and sit-on-top kayaks. You will have a blast learning the basic paddle strokes and fundamental kayak maneuvers in the scenic, protected waters of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Class fee includes kayak, paddling gear, and a coupon for 50% off a future kayak rental (one hour)!
Note: This class does not qualify participants to rent traditional (closed-deck) sea kayaks; our Beginning Sea Kayak class deals with those specific qualifications.
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:
02/05/12 02/25/12 03/11/12 03/31/12 04/15/12 04/28/12 05/13/12 05/26/12 06/03/12 06/23/12

Beginning Sea Kayaking: Half Moon Bay $89

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:
02/05/12 02/11/12 02/19/12 02/25/12 03/03/12 03/11/12 03/17/12 03/31/12 04/14/12 04/22/12 04/28/12 05/06/12 05/12/12 05/20/12 05/27/12 06/02/12 06/10/12 06/16/12 06/30/12

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. 2012 classes scheduled for MLK Birthday, Presidents Day, and more upcoming holidays!

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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:
02/20/12 04/06/12 05/28/12 06/01/12 06/29/12 07/06/12 07/27/12

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:
02/11/12 02/25/12 03/04/12 03/10/12 03/18/12 03/24/12 04/01/12 04/07/12 04/15/12 04/21/12 04/29/12 05/05/12 05/13/12 05/19/12 05/27/12 06/03/12 06/09/12 06/23/12 07/01/12

Sea Kayaking II: Half Moon Bay $99

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:
02/11/12 02/26/12 03/10/12 03/25/12 04/14/12 04/29/12 05/12/12 05/27/12 06/09/12 06/24/12 07/07/12 07/22/12

Sea Kayaking II: Oakland Estuary $99

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: 1/8/12, 9AM; 2/20/12, 9AM (Presidents Day)
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II (or equivalent); recent paddling is STRONGLY recommended.
Upcoming Dates:
02/20/12

Tide Rips Clinic: Yellow Bluff Point $99

Playing in a tide rip is fun, wild, and a great way to improve your rough water skills. This half-day clinic is designed as a practice session for (but not limited to) students that have already taken our "Tides, Currents & Rough Water" class and want to hone paddling skills in the amazing tide rip off Yellow Bluff Point near the Golden Gate bridge. At Yellow Bluff, we can safely practice eddy turns, ferry gliding, and surfing in the rip. Dates and start times are chosen to take advantage of optimal tidal conditions.
Start times: 2/5/12, 10AM; 3/3/12, 9AM
Prerequisites: Sea Kayaking II class; Surf Zone experience, and/or Tides, Currents & Rough Water class recommended. Recent paddling STRONGLY recommended!
Upcoming Dates:
02/05/12 03/03/12

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:
03/25/12 04/15/12 04/28/12 05/13/12 05/26/12 06/09/12 06/24/12 07/14/12 07/29/12

Rock Garden Skills & Safety (with Sean Morley) $109

If you like to play in the rock gardens that adorn the California coast then this class is for you. The focus of this class is about how to play safely and what to do if things go wrong. You will learn strategies for paddling within rock gardens, recognize areas to avoid, practice essential skills including self and assisted rescues within the turbulent water of a rock garden, and deal with scenarios that will put these skills into real-life settings.
Read about CCK instructor Sean Morley on our staff page
Prerequisites: Surf Zone and Open Coast Class (or with approval of CCK instructional staff) and RECENT PADDLING EXPERIENCE.
Upcoming Dates:
03/04/12

Open Coast: Marin Headlands (with Sean Morley) $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", arches, and caves of the Marin Headlands. An added bonus in this class is paddling under the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge, a "must do" for all sea kayakers, and an unforgettable experience.
Read about CCK instructor Sean Morley on our staff page
Class duration: 9AM - 4PM
Prerequisites: Surf Zone skills and RECENT paddling experience!
Upcoming Dates:
03/11/12 04/28/12

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:
06/10/12 07/15/12

Kayak Surfing Clinic $99

Cowabunga! Catch the perfect wave! Using highly maneuverable whitewater kayaks, this class will have you shredding the surf in no time. Reading waves, timing and takeoff, and surf etiquette are included. High peformance sit-on-top kayaks available; reliable roll mandatory for decked-kayak! We conduct this class in small but fun waves in Half Moon Bay, or Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica.
Prerequisites: Eskimo roll (pool) and Surf Zone experience; or, Whitewater Kayaking 201 (and pool roll). Sit-on-top kayaks available for students without a reliable roll.
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.

1/2 Day Rates
1 Student:	$179
2 Students:	$129 - Per Person

Full Day Rates
1 Student:	$279
2 Students:	$149 - Per Person
3 Students	$129 - Per Person

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:
04/06/12

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:
04/06/12