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#1
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I am new to kayaking and have a question about classes, if anyone has
a minute to respond. I just completed a beginning sea kayaking class, and would like to take a sea kayaking II class in a few weeks. I've been looking around online at different outfitters and have found that what they say they cover in first and second classes varies. The class I took covered basic strokes, T-rescue, and self rescue (which was invaluable and made a huge different in my level of confidence on the water). The SK2 class with the same outfitter covers boat lean and edging, rescue review, and basic navigation. Launching and landing, and bracing aren't covered until the next level class. Other outfitters seem to cover bracing in the first class and have some other variations as well. The outfitter I'm using has locations on both a lake and a bay. My question (finally) for those of you with some experience, or who may even be instructors, is, what do you think should be included in each class level? Does it depend on location (lake, bay, etc.)? Any other pointers in looking for instruction are also welcome. Thanks. Robyn |
#2
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![]() "Robyn" said: My question (finally) for those of you with some experience, or who may even be instructors, is, what do you think should be included in each class level? Does it depend on location (lake, bay, etc.)? A lot of it depends on the type of water you will be paddling - ie ocean, bays, lakes, etc. Check out the BCU (British Canoe Union--remember kayaks are called canoes in England) 1 star and 2 star tests as a good basic. The info can be found at http://www.bcuna.com/Pages/Main-Pages/Literature.shtml The ACA (American Canoe Association) also has a good program that you can look at. In addition, don't forget your local kayaking club. A lot of informal instruction can be had at no cost at a lot of clubs. Welcome to a great sport. Steve Southern CA. |
#3
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![]() Robyn, The company I teach for believes, as do I, that bracing and assisted rescues should be taught in a basic class, regardless of where you intend to paddle. We do not teach self rescues until the intermediate class. The philosophy here is that beginners should be paddling with other people. So we teach them assisted rescues. They should really get some experience under their belt before they are ready to do some solo paddling. Most beginning paddlers are not interested in pursuing the sport any further the an occasional weekend on some protected water with their friends. So they should not have to pay to learn a lot things that will not be useful to them. We offer a four hour course which is intended to be an introduction to the sport of sea kayaking. And while you can argue that solo rescue technique may come in handy even to the occasional weekend warrior, the truth of the matter is that any technique not practiced regularly will be lost. On the other hand, for the really gung ho types that want full immersion into this sport, so to speak, we also offer a two day class which includes the basic and intermediate techniques as well as instruction in dealing with the surf zone. It's a lot to bite off in a single class, both mentally and physically, but it is thorough. I know a number of people consider the Eskimo roll to be a basic technique as well, but since it requires more time and attention to teach as well as to learn, most people make this a separate class altogether. One last word of advice --- not all classes are equal. Some are better then others, just as some instructors are better then others. If you like the company you took your basic class through, then by all means stick with them. But if you have some reservations about what you are getting back for your time and money then it might be worth looking around. Scott So.Cal. |
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