** Lessons and Camps can change depending on COVID-19 Restrictions and unforseen weather. We also have a minimum amount of participants needed to run each lesson and unfortunately if this number is not met, lessons and camps will be reschedule and/or cancelled. **

Looking to get started kayaking but not sure where to start? We have the solution for you.

This is a three hour introductory program designed for people who have never kayaked that will get you started on  flat water. To begin your experience we will be meeting at the Park Lake boat launch at 9:00 am where the students will get their education started with a one hour dryland session covering gear, safety and boat design. Following that the students will be outfitted with all their gear and sized for boats. Then our skilled instructors will get started with confidence building strokes and techniques that will have you paddling with confidence in no time. Once we have completed the skills portion of the course you will then have the opportunity to try a wide range of boat designs as this will vastly help in figuring out which boat is best suited for you. In this session our goal is to develop our students into becoming safe knowledgeable paddlers covering a range of basic techniques. (note you will be getting wet and be asked to exit your kayak if capsized, but not to worry as our staff loves to help you through this adventure.)

This experience will teach you a variety of paddling skills in a safe and fun approach while helping build confidence and self esteem. From here you will have the chance to advance your training with our continued education programs and establish more confidence on the water.The certified instructors at High Level Canoes and Kayaks are trained in instructing paddlers of all ages and will lead you through age related skills and drills with lots of thrills. At the same time we strive to instill upon all participants the importance of safe paddling in all water related activities. (and a reminder - you will be getting wet.)

Prerequisite:

• Ages 12+

• Moderate swimming skills required

• No previous course levels required

Requirements:

• Change of clothes

• Towels

• A bottle of water

• Snack

• Swimwear

• Preregistration and waiver

• Medical provisions that maybe pertinent for the staff (all information is kept confidential)

Techniques Covered:

• Safety on and off the water

• Boat fitting

• Entry and exiting the water

• Wet exiting (flipping over in the boat and getting out)

• Hand paddle (body positioning)

• Proper paddle positioning (body, boat ,blade)

• Boat balancing

• Forward stroke

• Back stroke

• Stopping forward and backward

• Turning strokes (sweep forward and backward and combined)

• Combined strokes (figure eight)

• Side stroke (basic draw and T draw)

Provided:

• All paddling gear

• All water related clothing

• PFD and all safety gear