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Please also see our Kayak Instructional Menu for programs that may be scheduled in the future, or by arrangement.
For those wanting to build your personal kayaking and rescue skills, whether for your own personal fun and safety or to prepare for an instructor certification. For more information, contact Michael Gray at [email protected] or 231-882-5525. This class is offered through Go Rec Outdoor Skills Training.
For those who have passed their Level 3 skills assessment or just want to work on their on-water leadership skills.
Want more experience in rough conditions but without the dread of very icy water? Our answer to that is an adult spring break that won’t break the bank! You’ll get some experience and expand your skills with navigation, tidal currents and surf.
Who is this program for? This program is suitable for anyone interested in developing their personal paddling and backcountry skills, those interested in teaching or those that want to prepare for the new Level 3 Trip Leader courses. We can offer an optional Trip Leader Assessment at the end of the program. Learn more about […]
More information to come...
This program is designed for those who would like to gain a strong set of tools for paddling Midwestern waters, whether they be inland lakes or gentle rivers. Using both canoes and kayaks...
For those who have (or aspire to) a leadership role in kayaks or canoes on water.
This three day workshop is designed to give people an intensive experience to broaden their on-water kayak skills and make them a safer paddler. We will work on building efficient strokes, kayak maneuvering along with group rescues. Basic kayaking safety gear, paddling gear, and handling your kayak will be covered. You will be assessed for […]
This 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workshop is designed to give people an intensive one day experience to broaden their on-water kayak skills and make them a safer paddler. We will work on building efficient strokes, kayak maneuvering along with group rescues.
This three day workshop is designed to give leaders who engage with the broader paddling community training to provide safe, fun, paddling experiences at the entry level, that are not craft specific. Targeted applications could include community outreach programs, local clubs, parks, scouting programs, etc. In this course, you will be trained and assessed for Paddlesport Safety Facilitator (PSF) and Community Paddlesport Leader (CPL) certification.
This 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workshop is designed to prepare Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) with the ability to manage groups, have background knowledge of paddling safety and environmental hazards, and the ability to effectively maneuver their craft in order to perform and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. PSF General, Canoe, and Kayaking modules will be delivered. This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.
This two day workshop is designed to give leaders who engage with the broader paddling community training to provide safe, fun, paddling experiences at the entry level, that are not craft specific. Targeted applications could include community outreach programs, local clubs, parks, scouting programs, etc. In this course, you will be trained and assessed for […]
This 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workshop is designed to prepare Paddlesports Safety Facilitators (PSF) with the ability to manage groups, have background knowledge of paddling safety and environmental hazards, and the ability to effectively maneuver their craft in order to perform and demonstrate competent rescue techniques. This certification allows the facilitator to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge to the beginner paddler in a land-based setting. PSF General, Canoe, and Kayaking modules will be delivered. This is a 4-year, non-renewable certification.
Enjoy a weekend spent at my home on 40 acres of hardwoods along the beautiful Betsie River. You'll be treated to a series of workshops on Lower Herring lake followed by a Sunday trip on Lake Michigan to practice your new skills.
Enjoy a weekend spent at my home on 40 acres of hardwoods along the beautiful Betsie River. You'll be treated to a series of workshops on Lower Herring lake followed by a Sunday trip on Lake Michigan to practice your new skills.
Enjoy a weekend spent at my home on 40 acres of hardwoods along the beautiful Betsie River. You'll be treated to a series of workshops on Lower Herring lake followed by a Sunday trip on Lake Michigan to practice your new skills.
Uncommon Adventures will be co-teaching an ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor IDW or ICE or Update with Greg Weiss at Lost Creek Adventures in Cornucopia Wisconsin – gateway to the Apostle Islands! For more information and registration see: www.lostcreekadventures.org/acacert
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)
Step 2 on your path to better paddling skills. After an initial assessment of your kayaking skills, you will learn stroke enhancements that will help you turn better and travel forward with less energy expended. After a stroke tune-up, we’ll introduce you to better bracing, which can help you further avoid those nasty immersions, bow rescues, non-roll solo rescues (paddle rescue float, etc.) and the components of a successful roll will then be covered during the “wet” session. You’ll also be introduced to “risk management” as it relates to sea kayaking in the places you plan to play. (4 hour course)
Although this program runs on the same schedule as our other boot camp weekends, this one is focused on Rescues and Recoveries…whether it be group or self rescues including rolling. That doesn’t mean we won’t get out and do some paddling, but it does mean that rescue scenarios and rolling for real may be part […]
In many ways this trip is similar to our Explorer trip, but this is MORE exploratory. Paddling skills for this will be on par with the Explorer option, but this trip is longer, with more flexible camping otpions and range further from our start point. Where we will get to and how long we spend in each place is based on weather... and whether we want to move or stay. Think flexible, fun, and more ambitious. This can be used as a Level 3 Trip Leader Training trip, if so desired. Early season means fewer crowds, longer daylight hours, better fishing and, probably, slightly more hungry mosquitoes.
This workshop is held in our Northwest Michigan base, giving us access to multiple venues to provide a variety of conditions including moving water. Since food is provided and we’re all based out of the same location with a instructor/student ratio of 1:3, you are assured of a great inclusive experience
Want more experience in rough conditions but without the dread of very icy water? Our answer to that is an adult spring break that won’t break the bank! You’ll get some experience and expand your skills with navigation, tidal currents and surf.
Baja conjures images of rocky Pacific coastlines, long period waves and surges over kelp topped rocky stacks. It is perfect for exploring with an ocean playboat from a clifftop paddlers’ inn with a boat launch and walking distance from the best tequila you’ve never heard of. Learn to paddle pour overs, surf waves, shoot through slot canyons, slide into caves and paddle your butt off, eat tacos, sip tequila, suck limes, tell tales…repeat daily.
This 24 hour + course includes the latest ACA course requirements for Level 3 with some additional tools that only 30 plus years of paddling history can provide.
Enjoy a long weekend at my home on 40 acres of hardwoods along the beautiful Betsie River for a retreat that will teach you safe, effective and efficient kayaking skills while enjoying kayaking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore area.
Are you ready for an ACA Instructor L1 or L2 Update, which can be taken at any time during your four year cycle? We are offering you the chance to work with new kayak students in an L1 or L2 environment, as appropriate. This 2 day update will be held held near Traverse City in […]
This workshop is held near Traverse City in Northwest Michigan, giving us access to multiple venues to provide a variety of conditions.
This 9-4 pm workshop is designed to give people an intensive one day experience working on efficient strokes, kayak maneuvering along with self and group rescues.
This is an Intermediate to Advanced trip (L3 – 4) designed for those who want to increase their skills in rough water environs and explore slots, caves and surges through rocky alleys. Keweenaw is said to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, with miles of gorgeous landscapes and adventure around every corner. Lighthouses, ruins, waterfalls, and hiking trails along with amazing kayaking.