370 Dorset St. S. Burlington VT 05403 802-651-8760 Mon-Sat 10-6 Sunday 11-5 info@canoeimports.com

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Intro to Kayaking        Sea Kayaking Essentials        Kayak Rescue        Kayak Rolling

Sea Kayak Essentials

This full-day program is the perfect beginner or refresher course for paddlers who want to experience open-water kayaking on lakes and oceans. Start the day learning about boat design and features, important paddling accessories, and safety practices. Next we move onto learning and demonstrating proper paddling techniques, followed by solo and assisted offshore rescues. Being well-nourished and hydrated is important, so after enjoying a relaxing lunch and discussing our next and final venture, we will embark on a two-hour tour on the lake. Depending on conditions and group abilities, the group will head south to the Burlington waterfront or north along the cliffs of Lone Rock Point and Appletree Bay.

Classes meet at North Beach - Reservations are required (July - August) Sundays 10:00 am ­ 4:00 pm $99/per person (includes all necessary equipment)

Class Outline

Course Introduction: review touring/sea kayak safety equipment, outfitting, and boat features. Paddle design and use: show proper use of feathered paddle and discuss blade design. Exit and entry of kayak: practice proper launching and landing techniques under different water conditions, and dry land practice of a wet exit while wearing a sprayskirt. On-water practice of wet exit: (if both the water and air temp. are 60 degrees and above) On-water basic stroke lesson: learning and demonstrating American Canoe Association approved techniques for forward, sweep, and reverse strokes. Learning the hip snap and support strokes: the low and high brace. Eskimo rescues: learn how to assist a kayaker who is in their boat but upside down. Assisted rescues: learn how to help a paddling partner reenter their boat after a capsize and exit. Time for a break: eat lunch and get ready for our tour. The finale: a guided two-hour trip on Lake Champlain to practice!