Paddling Lessons
Learn the In’s and Out’s
Gain confidence on the water with improved paddling skills. Learn how to move efficiently through the water, turn effortlessly and rescue techniques when things go wrong.
Lessons are taught by experienced instructors on Clear Lake next to the Kickapoo Adventures shop. Registration includes canoe or kayak, paddle and pfd. Personal craft are welcome, please notify staff in advance.
Lesson Information
Introduction to Kayaking
Designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for the entry level kayaking. It includes:
- The paddling environment
- Terminology and equipment
- Equipment transport and carry
- Entering and launching a kayak
- Trim, posture and balance
- Kayak forward stroke
- Turn and draw strokes
This course is appropriate for all kayak craft, including traditional decked kayaks, inflatables and sit on tops. It is assumed the boats will be paddled solo.
Introduction to Canoeing
Designed as a short program emphasizing the entry-level paddling skills for individuals desiring an introduction to the sport of canoeing. It includes:
- The paddling environment
- Terminology and equipment
- Equipment transport and carry
- Entering and launching a canoe
- Trim, posture and balance
- Canoe forward stroke, tandem bow and stern
- Turn, draw and pry strokes
Forward Stroke Clinic
Kayaking
Make your forward stroke more proficient. The forward stroke is used the majority of time while paddling a kayak, it is repeated over one thousand times an hour. Small gains in form will provide giant gains in speed and endurance. You will also learn how to tune your individual locomotion to vary with both the environmental conditions and focus on your paddle needs with respect to safety.
Advanced Strokes
Kayaking
Take your kayaking skills to the next level. This course introduces advanced strokes and skills to improve your performance and paddling ability. It provides the fundamentals for a lifetime of paddling development. Topics include:
- Edging
- Forward strokes with edge
- Turning with edge
- Draws and sculling draw
- Reverse sweeps
- Rudders
- Low brace
Advanced Strokes
Canoeing
Take your canoeing skills to the next level. This course introduces advanced strokes and skills to improve your performance and paddling ability. Improve your skills to effectively negotiate a tandem or solo canoe through various maneuvers. Topics include:
- Edging
- Forward and reverse strokes (bow, stern, solo)
- Stroke corrections
- Stopping
- Draws: hip, bow and cross bow
- Prys
- Spins and pivots
- Turns
Rescues
Kayaking
Getting yourself or a partner back into their craft after an accident is an essential ability for safe kayaking. This course workshop introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency. Topics include:
- Rescue organization
- Communication and signals
- Wet exits
- Assisted rescues – T rescue with and without sling
- Assisted rescues – disabled swimmer
- Eskimo bow rescue
- Self rescues – paddle float
- Tows – contact and tow line
Rescues
Canoeing
Getting yourself or a partner back into their craft after an accident is an essential ability for safe canoeing. This course workshop introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency. Topics include:
- Rescue organization
- Communication and signals
- Wet exits
- Swimming with boat
- Assisted rescues – T rescue with and without sling
- Assisted rescues – side by side curl rescue
- Self rescues – reentry
- Self rescues – paddle loaded boat
- Tows – contact and tow line