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

"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.

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.