Kayak Basics: Oakland Estuary

Goal: To introduce a few basic skills that are fundamental to all types of kayaking. The focus is on flat-water skills and safety for those who want to paddle recreational kayaks and sit-on-tops in calm water. Students will be informed regarding the safe and appropriate uses of various kayaks. Further instruction should be pursued later for those who want to paddle traditional sea kayaks.

Prerequisite: No previous kayaking experience is required; however, good physical condition is required to assure an enjoyable class. The minimum age for the class is 14 years; children under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Good physical condition is required to ensure an enjoyable class. If you are not sure about your abilities to handle such an activity, please call our Program Office at 800-366-9804.

Note: Please be aware that this class does not qualify participants to rent traditional (closed-deck) sea kayaks; our Beginning Sea Kayak class deals with those specific qualifications.

Duration of class: 4 hours
Time on the water: Approximately 3 hours
10:00AM to 2:00PM

About the class:
This half-day introductory class allows you to to paddle a few different types of kayaks, including Recreational Kayaks, Touring Kayaks (for open water), and Sit-on-Tops. Learn the fundamental paddle strokes, and the differences between each boat type. The emphasis is on basic water safety, and how to maximize your fun!

Upon arriving for the class, your instructor will outfit you with all the appropriate gear, including paddle jacket, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), kayak, and other accessories. You will be given some on-land instruction regarding how to sit in the boat, and proper posture while on the water.

Once on the water, we spend about 90 minutes practicing efficient stroke technique and boat control, including the following strokes:

FORWARD and REVERSE Strokes
SWEEP Stroke (turn and adjust course)
DRAW Stroke (to move sideways)

After a brief break for lunch or snacks on shore, we'll switch boats until everyone has paddled each type of kayak, as desired. If you plan to paddle sit-on-top kayaks, come prepared to get wet! We can teach you the reentry method for this type of boat, and you can practice climbing off and on! It only takes a couple minutes, but wetsuits may be necessary for colder days. (wetsuits provided)

If time allows at this point, the class may go for a short cruise around the Oakland Estuary. Then, we head back to shore to learn the art of rinsing your boat and equipment (important to know, so you can take care of your own gear when you purchase your own kayak!). After changing into dry clothes, we debrief the day's activities.

The Kayak Basics class will give you the simple tools needed to paddle Recreational Kayaks in calm water. The class at California Canoe & Kayak also includes a free rental coupon that you can use later to get out and practice paddling. Learning the basic skills will significantly increase your enjoyment and safety in a kayak; however, if you desire to paddle sea kayaks, you will still need to complete a Beginning Sea Kayak Class. To rent a sea kayak, you will first need to learn the the basic rescue procedures.

EQUIPMENT:
CCK provides all kayak equipment, including paddle jacket, wetsuit, and Personal Floatation Device (PFD), paddle and kayak. Wetsuits are optional for this class, as we are not planning to practice capsizes! You will need to provide some personal items for the class; the links below will take you to our on-line store, www.Purepaddlesports.com. (Some of the recommended items may be available for purchase at the Oakland store on the morning of your class). For assistance with on-line purchases, call us toll-free: (888) 452-9257.

You will need to bring:
* IMPORTANT! One or two long sleeve shirts of "polar fleece", or other polyester fabric; wool is OK. No cotton, please!
Purchase a Thermal Top now!
Shop for a Paddle Jacket!

* A swimsuit to wear under your wetsuit (Wetsuits are optional, and typically not necessary for this class!)
Purchase Paddlers Pants or Shorts now!

*Fleece or polyester/nylon pants to wear instead of wetsuit; shorts OK for warm days.
Purchase Thermal Bottoms now!

* Footwear that can get wet, e.g., wet suit booties, lightweight sneakers (not too bulky).
Purchase Wet Suit Booties now!

* Billed cap or hat for shade or warmth; wool hat for winter class.
Purchase a Paddling hat or hood now!

* Eye/sunglasses and a retention device.
* 1 qt. water bottle(s)- there are drinking fountains available.
* Snacks and lunch (in a zip-loc bag, preferably; we will transport in kayaks.)
* Waterproof sunscreen for lips & face.
* Dry, warm clothes and a towel for the end of class.

CCK, 2/02

MEETING TIME AND PLACE:
This class typically meets at 10:00AM. (Check your confirmation letter for date-specific start times) at our Jack London Square store in Oakland. The shop address is 409 Water St. in Jack London Square (at the foot of Franklin Street); we're next to Scott's Seafood, and across from Barnes & Noble Bookstore. If you are delayed or cannot attend at the last minute, please call us in Oakland at 510-893-7833.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

From the North:
Heading south towards Oakland on Interstate 80, take 880 South; take the Broadway/Alameda exit; turn right at the first traffic light onto 5th street and go 13 blocks to Broadway; turn right on Broadway and follow it to Jack London Square and take a left on Embarcadero; Go 1 block then turn right onto Franklin Street into Jack London Square. We're next to Kincaid's restaurant, and across from Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

From the South:
Take 880 North towards Oakland and take the Broadway St. exit; left on Broadway go six blocks; left on Embarcadero go one block and turn right onto Franklin Street into Jack London Square. We're next to Kincaid's restaurant.

From Contra Costa County:
Highway 24 to Interstate 980/Downtown Oakland (careful not to get on 580 toward Hayward) Take the 11th - 12th Street exit, straight on Brush Street, (you will be parallel with the freeway) Take a left on 3rd, right on Broadway. Follow Broadway to Jack London Square. Take a left onto Embarcadero go 1 block and take a right onto Franklin Street into Jack London Square. We're next to Kincaid's restaurant.

PARKING:
With validation, parking costs $13 maximum for the day in the underground lot below Barnes & Noble. You may also park at the surface lot located 2 blocks from Broadway on Embarcadero; parking here with validation costs $11 maximum for the day. Limited free parking is available in the immediate area within walking distance. If your class is on a Sunday, metered street parking is also free.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Paddling is fun and rewarding! As with all outdoor activities it includes an element of risk. The risks, hazards, and potential consequences are outlined in a "Liability Release, Express Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement" which you will be required to read and sign before the beginning of the class or trip. Your signature on this form is a declaration of your willingness to accept personal responsibility for any risks involved in your participation. Any person under the age of 18 and not accompanied by his/her parents or legal guardian needs to bring an original parent/guardian signed form to the class prior to participation. If you have any questions regarding potential risks please call our office @ 800-366-9804.

LIABILITY RELEASE FORM:
You will be required to sign a Liability Release, Express Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement at the start of your class or trip. The entire text of this legal form may be previewed here: Liability Release. It also can be provided to you by fax or mail upon request by calling our reservation office @ 800-366-9804.