Student to instructor ratio: 5:1 maximum
Beginning with “land school”, you’ll learn a bit about what kayaks work best for what conditions, choosing gear, boat fit, dressing for paddling, kayak and paddle design, carrying and loading kayaks… before we even leave the beach! Next you will learn good techniques for fundamental kayaking strokes: forward, backward and stop. You will also learn to stabilize your kayak with a solid low brace and turning with sweep strokes. The final part of the kayaking class will be spent working on “wet exits” and group rescue practice, including a variety of methods of T-Rescue. (4 hour course)
Please come prepared with drinking water and appropriate clothing for immersion: quick dry layers (no cotton), a wetsuit if you have it and any kayaking gear of your own. Meet up by 9 am at 6721 Grace Road, Benzonia, 49616.
Dates for 2023
June 16, 8am – Noon
(Contact us for a discount code if you plan to do the full day Fundamentals I and II)
What’s Included:
- ACA Qualified Instructors
- Quality on and off-water instruction
- Kayak, sprayskirts, paddle, and PFD (unless you choose to bring your own
What’s Not Included and What You Should Bring:
- Transportation to the site
- Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit: for May/June/September/October, can be rented from us for a flat rate of $20. Drysuit if you have one.
- Water; Reusable water bottle — please DO NOT bring single use plastic water bottles.
- Sunscreen
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses with retainer
- Non-cotton shorts/pants and shirt. For example, Synthetic or wool long underwear: polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton, both tops and bottoms.
- Water shoes or neoprene booties – no sandals, if possible. We try to discourage sandals because they can get tangled in footrests….and that’s bad if you’re upside down.
- Paddling jacket or rain parka.
- Towel and dry clothes (something warm) to change into after the lesson
- Snack
- Lunch supplies (if you are doing both Foundations I and II – Full Day)
- Guide Gratuity
NOTE: If a booking date shows on the calendar below, there is space available but always feel free to call or email with specific questions. If the trip is full and you’d like to be waitlisted, give us a call.
Reservations are held with payment. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees.
NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month!
View our Refund / Cancellation Policy
View our COVID Risk Management Statement