RECREATIONAL KAYAKING CLASSES
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
RECREATIONAL KAYAKING INTRO (FLAT-WATER) (One-Day Class)
Location: Schuylkill River
No experience necessary. This course is designed for students with little or no formal kayak training. Lessons will include basic strokes, safety and rescue on flat and gently moving water.
Recreational Kayaking (1-Day) June 10 Register Here
Recreational Kayaking (1-Day) July 22 Register Here
Recreational Kayaking (1-Day) August 5 Register Here
RECREATIONAL KAYAKING ESSENTIALS (FLAT AND MOVING WATER) - (Two-day Class).
No experience necessary. This course is designed for students with little or no formal kayak training
Day 1: Location: Philadelphia Canoe Club
Kayaking is more fun when you know how to control your boat. Your lesson will include basic strokes, safety and rescue on flat and gently moving water. You will learn how to safely and easily get back into your kayak should you tip over and how to help your companions.
Day 2: Location: NJ Pine Barrens
You will practice your skills from day one in the morning on the lake. The afternoon session on the river includes water reading and river features. You will practice controlling your kayak in faster currents and around river bends and turns.
Recreational Kayaking (2-Days) June 17 & 18, 2023 REGISTER HERE
Recreational Kayaking (2-Days) July 15 & 16, 2023 REGISTER HERE
RECREATIONAL KAYAK EVENING CLINICS (6-8 p.m.)
Take one, take all, improve your skills, have fun!
Location: Philadelphia Canoe Club, 4900 Ridge Avenue
Clinic # 1:
Proper Kayak Entry and Exit, Forward, Backward & Sweep Strokes
This clinic will focus on safe kayak entry and exit even in challenging locations and improving basic paddling strokes. An efficient forward stroke moves the kayak forward and is the key to successful paddling. Paddling backward is necessary for slowing down, stopping, and back ferry boat control in twisty moving water. Sweep strokes are for turning the boat. The draw stroke is for moving the boat sideways.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak
June 29, 2023 Register Here
Clinic # 2:
Bow and Stern Draws, Ruddering, and Bracing. Introduction to Front and Back Ferrying
Bow and stern draws and ruddering are essential for good boat control and necessary for paddling straight, turning and side slipping. You will learn where to place your paddle and when to use these strokes for maximum control. We will also learn the low brace, a handy skill to keep from capsizing. Ferrying is used to easily and quickly move from one side of the river to the other while avoiding obstacles (rocks, trees, other boaters). You can ferry facing downstream (back ferry) or facing upstream (front ferry). Knowing a good back stroke is essential for back ferries.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak.
July 13, 2023 Register Here
Clinic # 3:
Eddy Turns, Peel Outs, Water Reading and Portaging
Prerequisite: Experience paddling on a river/creek with moving water.
The goal of this class is to learn good river judgement to navigate moving and class 1 whitewater safely and efficiently. We will paddle 1 mile up the Schuylkill River where there is sufficient current to practice ferries, peel outs, eddy turns, water reading and portaging. Most rivers have flat sections and moving water sections. You will learn when to stop, scout and safely navigate or portage a section you do not wish to run.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak.
July 27, 2023 Register Here
Clinic # 4:
Being Safe on the Water, Basic Rescue Techniques, Proper Clothing and Gear
A safe paddler is a happy paddler. We will discuss proper gear for a comfortable and safe paddle. Basic rescue techniques that every kayaker should know for personal and group safety will be covered. Learn self-rescue and how to rescue a capsized kayaker and assist paddlers with their re-entry into the boat. Be prepared to get wet, you will be in the water. Protect your feet, especially your toes, wear secure footwear. Closed water shoes or sneakers a must, no sandals, flip flops or crocs.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak.
August 10, 2023 Register Here