b>Kayak Basics: PM Class

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, or whitewater kayaks.

Prerequisite: The desire to Paddle! Please note that this class does not qualify participants to rent traditional (closed-deck) sea kayaks; the Beginning Sea Kayak class deals with those specific qualifications. The minimum age for the class is 14 years; children under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Duration of class:
2 pm to 6 pm

Time on the water: Approximately 3 hours

Note: 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.

You want to learn to paddle but are not sure where to start? This half-day introductory class allows you to try many different types of kayaks, including Recreational Kayaks (touring kayaks), Sit-on-Tops, and Sea Kayaks. Learn the fundamental 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 Stroke
REVERSE Stroke
SWEEP Strokes (turn and adjust course)

After a brief break for 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'll show 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 area. 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: Getting Started class will give you the simple tools needed to paddle Rec Boats and Sit-On-Tops 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 and learn the basic rescue procedures; you can't rent sea kayaks without first learning the sea kayak rescues.


© CCK, 2/02

Meeting time and place:

Your instructor will meet you at 2:00PM AM at Willow Creek State Park Access on Lake Natoma. Look for the containers next to the restrooms at the far left side of the gravel parking lot. There is a $5 charge for parking by the State, please bring exact change.


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Directions:
From the East: (Placerville, South Lake Tahoe) Take Hwy 50 exit at Folsom Blvd. (Just after Prairie City Rd.) Get in the left turn lane at the end of the off ramp. Make a left onto Folsom Blvd. Heading east on Folsom. At the third major intersection, Blue Ravine Rd. make a u-turn, you are now heading west on Folsom Blvd. Look for the Willow Creek State Park access on the right just before the next intersection. It is hidden so keep a look out!

From the West: (Bay area, Downtown Sacramento): Take Hwy 50, 20 minutes east of Sacramento to the Folsom Blvd exit just past Hazel Ave and Aero Jet. Take a left off the ramp heading east on Folsom Blvd. At the third major intersection, Blue Ravine Rd., make a u-turn; you are now heading west on Folsom Blvd. Look for the Willow Creek State Park access on the right just before the next intersection. It is hidden so keep a look out!

Equipment:
CCK provides all kayak equipment, including wet suit (optional), paddle jacket and Personal Floatation Device (PFD). CCK does not provide any food or drinks. You will need to provide the following items for the class.

To Bring with You:

  • One or two long sleeve shirts of polypropylene, polyester (i.e. Thermax, Capilene, Polar fleece, etc.), or wool. No cotton, please!
  • Swimsuit or shorts to wear under an optional wetsuit
  • Footwear that can get wet, i.e. Aqua Socks, wet suit booties, lightweight sneakers (not too bulky).
  • Eye/sunglasses and a retention device
  • 1+ quart water bottle(s)- there is NO water available on site.
  • Snacks and lunch (in a zip-loc bag)
  • Towel and warm clothes for after class