Kayak Skills Series: Touring Essentials
Advanced Class • Prerequisite: Smart Start or Similar Experience
Overview
Activity details
This class is an important step in becoming a competent sea kayaker with the proper equipment, techniques, knowledge and abilities. We'll start in our store where we'll learn about kayaks, paddle and clothing materials and sizing, chart reading and the sea kayak 10+ essentials.
Disclaimer: Those qualified for this class should be comfortable and practiced in the rudiments of paddling as taught in our SK1: Intro to Kayak & Tour class. Paddlers should also have spent time on the water practicing and refining these skills to the best of their ability before registering for our SK3 class.
After spending time in the shop we'll head onto Port Gamble Bay to learn and practice important strokes, including low and high braces. We'll also learn about edging, waterway rules, reading the water and much more.
We recommend taking Sea Kayak 1: Intro to Sea Kayaking and 2: Capsize Recovery or the equivalent before this class. This is the third class in the Sea Kayak 1-2-3 series. For paddlers who want to hone their skills in more dynamic environments we recommend taking a tailored private lesson.
This class can be taken as a group or solo private lesson in other locations.
By taking this course you are setting yourself up to spend more time out on the water by reducing fatigue through efficient paddling technique and establishing good habits in regard to posture and boat fit that will dramatically increase your comfort while out on the water!
Your instructor will cover: Boat and Paddle Design, Provide an introduction to tides, currents and chart reading and field any other questions regarding gear selection. When on the water we will cover, high and low bracing, edging your kayak, high and low brace turns
What's Covered:
- Kayak and Paddle design
- Chart Introduction
- Risk assessment
- Paddle Planning
- Stroke Refresher
- High and Low Bracing
- Draw Strokes, Static and Sculling (Move the Kayak laterally)
Additional information
What to bring
- Full water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses with strap
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Complete change of clothes (you can keep these in your car)
- Jacket (Windproof/Waterproof)
- Feel free to bring a camera, but make sure it's in a waterproof case.
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 72 hours notice of cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price. Substitutions of other participants will be allowed for the day of the reservation.
No refunds, transfers, or credits will be provided for any cancellations received less than 72 hours before scheduled tours or classes for any reason.
Our activities are run rain or shine. We do not go out in heavy wind, heavy rain, or lightning. If we have to cancel due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances you will have the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund or credit.