KAYAK CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Which Class is Best for You?
The suggested course sequence is QuickStart, Coastal Kayaking I, Rescues, Coastal Kayaking II,
and Rocking & Rolling.

QuickStart Your Kayak (QS) is the place to start if you have little or no experience in kayak, if you'd like
a refresher, or to correct any bad habits using stable and maneuverable "recreational kayaks" and no
spray skirts.

Coastal Kayaking I (CKI) involves the same basic strokes and maneuvers as QuickStart except with
longer and narrower "sea kayaks" with spray skirts. It also introduces you to edging and bracing.

Rescues will show you how to get yourself back into your boat after a capsize and how to assist others

Coastal Kayaking II (CKII) teaches you advanced strokes and braces for sea kayaking in more
challenging conditions.

Rocking & Rolling is all about keeping yourself upright and rolling yourself back up after a capsize.

Private Lessons & Assistance are the best way to get exactly what you want when you want it. Sharing
a customized class with a friend can be fun and economical.

Full Day Instructional Tours give you the opportunity to put all the pieces together in a less structured
setting. It's also a good way to explore new places with a fun group and practice in more challenging
water. For tour details, use "Tours" navigation button above.

                 Scroll down for more details on each class

Goal: This course will give you everything you need to know to safely and confidently paddle
on protected waters in a recreational kayak, even if you've never paddled before.
Pre-requisites: None                                                Class Length: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Topics:
PFDs (life jackets) and spray skirts                        Emergency stop stroke
Paddle basics and proper position                         Sweep stroke to turn                                 
Parts of a sea kayak                                               Rafting up                           
Getting in and out of the kayak with grace             Draw stroke to move sideways
Adjusting the kayak to fit you correctly                   Stern rudder
How to launch your boat                                         Wet exit discussion
Spinning in place                                                    Wet exit practice (optional*)
Forward & reverse strokes                                    

(*A "wet exit" is getting out of a capsized kayak...not as scary as you might think. We'll walk you thru it.)
Capsize Recovery and Rescues ($100)

Goal: Learn how to avoid panic and get yourself and others back in their boats and on your way in a
minute or less.
Pre-requisites: QuickStart or some paddling experience                Class Length: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Topics:
Wet exit practice                        T-rescue                                 Rafted tows
Swimming with a paddle             Heel-hook                               Tired swimmer rescues
Paddle float self-rescue             Eskimo butt roll                       Towing with a line
Cowboy or Scramble                  Eskimo Rescue (optional)       Hand-of-God (optional)
Demonstrate Reentry and Roll, Scoop and Eskimo rolling
Coastal Kayaking I ($90)

Goal: Learn how to do all the basic strokes and maneuvers in a sea kayak with a spray skirt.

Pre-requisites: Some paddling experience          Class Length: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Topics:
Review all basic strokes                                         Introduction to high brace
Alternative draw strokes                                         Low brace turn                                
Weather cocking and skegs                                   Torso rotation with forward stroke
Feathering the paddle in a head wind                    Look-back brace
Paddle park                                                            Practice paddling   
Learn how to do a low brace                                   Skill games
Rafting exercises                                                    Wet exit practice (strongly recommended)
Demonstrate advanced strokes, rescues, and Eskimo roll
                 
Coastal Kayaking II ($90)

Goal: Understand and practice all strokes and maneuvers used in sea kayaking. This course will   
prepare you for BCU 3-star testing and paddling in more challenging conditions.
Pre-requisites: Coastal Kayaking I or equivalent experience               Class Length: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
Topics:
Review all basic & intermediate strokes                        Reverse figure-8 exercise
Paddle control exercises                                               High brace
Edge turns & maneuvers                                               High brace turn
Bow rudder                                                                    Sculling for support
Hanging draw                                                                 Fine-tuning your forward stroke
Draw on the move                                                          Combination strokes                                                 
Emergency reverse                                                        Discussion of BCU 3-star testing (optional)
Rocking and Rolling (Braces & Eskimo Roll) ($100)

Goal: Build skills and confidence in preventing a capsize through aggressive bracing, stay calm after a    
capsize, and learn a series of exercises that will help you right your kayak using a sweep roll. Success
is not defined by doing a roll by the end of the class. It is being comfortable upside-down and learning  
techniques to be able to teach yourself how to roll on your own.
Pre-requisites: Coastal Kayaking II or equivalent experience, own your
boat. Bring: Your boat & tight spray skirt, & nose clip or face mask.           Class Length: 2 hours

Topics:
Secrets to rolling (its all in the head and hips)                Hip snap exercise
High brace exercises                                                       Paddle float exercise                                               
Extended sculling brace                                                  Sweep roll with paddle float
Wet exit review & practice                                               Sweep roll extended paddle position
Eskimo rescues                                                               Sweep roll
Hang time under water                                                    Storm roll (optional)
Private Lessons & Assistance ($150/2 hrs)
For more information, please contact us at
860-391-3837 or Paddle@CTcoastalkayaking.com
QuickStart Your Kayak ($90)

Goal: Give you exactly the instruction or assistance you want when you want it, either at Rogers Lake or
at a location near your home. We also can deliver a new kayak from the store to your home and help you
get started.
Pre-requisites: None                                               
Minimum time: 2 hours. A typical 3 hour group class can be done in a 2 hour private session. Travel
time is added to private classes outside of the Old Lyme area.
Cost: $150/2 hrs, $200/3 hrs plus $50 for an additional person.
Topics:
All the classes listed above are offered as private sessions.
New kayak delivery and customizing.
Kayak home storage advice.
Expedition or race training.
Preparation and assessment for ACA or BCU training.