Special Clinic:

Helen Wilson Rolling Clinics (10 spots available each clinic – pre-registration required. Call California Canoe & Kayak at 1.800.366.9804 or go to http://www.calkayak.com/class_sea.cfm#9744 to sign up. $60 which pays for the class and includes a Demo Only Day Pass). Helen Wilson is a sea kayaker residing in Arcata, California. Helen competed in the 2008 Greenland National Kayaking Championship and received first place medals in individual and group rolling. She provides instruction and performs rolling demonstrations worldwide. We welcome her return to the Bay Area! Helen teaches rolling with style and grace. She welcomes beginners through advanced kayak students. She can teach you your first kayak roll – or for accomplished rollers: off-side rolls, layback rolls, forward finish rolls, norsaq rolls, hand rolls, and so on! Helen has a unique and engaging teaching style that you are sure to enjoy.  Note – you have to bring your own boat or rent a boat to take this class.

Regular Clinics:

All the classes/clinics listed below are free with a “Class + Demo Day Pass”.

Tentative Schedule is listed below (subject to change as we work around the schedule of instructors – please recheck on site):

Time                 Kayak & Canoe On Water Classes
10:00 AM       Intro to Kayaking
11:00 AM        Intro to Canoeing
11:00 AM        Kids in Kayaks Games
12:00 PM        Kayak Advanced Strokes
1:00 PM           SurfSki Paddling
1:00 PM           Intro to Kayaking
2:00 PM           Kids in Kayaks Games
3:00 PM           Kayak Self and Assisted Rescues

Time                   Paddleboard On Water Clinics
10:00 AM        Intro to SUP
11:00 AM         Intro to SUP Yoga
12:00 PM         Intro to SUP
1:00 PM            SUP Master Class
2:00 PM            Intro to SUP
3:00 PM            Intro to SUP Yoga

Time                   On Land Clinics
11:00 AM         SUP Design
12:00 PM         Paddling with Kids
1:00 PM            Kayak & Canoe Design
2:00 PM           Kayak Fishing
3:00 PM           Paddling Clothing

On Water Classes

Kayak Intro – Launching, Landing and Basic Strokes. Using both sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks you will learn the importance of and how to set your foot braces and adjust your back rest prior to launching from beaches or low docks. Expert instructors will then teach you proper paddling posture and body use while you learn the basic strokes which will enable you to gain complete control of your craft. Strokes include forward and back, and forward and reverse sweep strokes for turning. This invaluable clinic will enhance your boat demoing experience.

Canoe Intro – the forgotten craft of family fun, camping, fishing and travel. Canoe sport has been cleverly relegated to historical romanticism, yet today’s modern canoe quite likely has the most versatility on the water. It can certainly carry a load in style! We will debunk the common myths of “they’re tippy” and “they don’t go straight”. Families welcome and encouraged!

Stand-up Paddleboard Intro – to a rediscovered art! Paddleboarding is hundreds of years old yet is creating new excitement in the paddling world. Why? It’s FUN. It can be enjoyed at many levels and by many age groups. It is fabulous fitness exercise. Finally, modern equipment can make it economical and easy. This class will cover the basics – paddling posture, forward stroke & turning strokes.  This invaluable clinic will help you as you go out and demo boards at the event.

Kayak Advanced Strokes. This intermediate clinic will talk about the various strokes used in kayaks, from forward strokes to rudder strokes. It is all about moving the boat with efficiency and injury prevention. Get the strokes right and not only will your paddling enjoyment soar but you will increase your paddling years many fold! Seniors may especially benefit from this clinic. Our best instructors will fix bad technique and guide you towards proper paddling prowess!

Kayak Self and Assisted Rescues They say there are only two kinds of paddlers.  Those who have capsized and those who will capsize.  Knowing what to do in the event of a capsize will take that stress away and let you become more confident in your paddling skills.  In this class you will be shown multiple ways to rescue and then decide which method works best for you.  Capsize recovery is one of the most important skills to have while paddling on any body of water. (Please bring a farmer john/jill wetsuit and paddling jacket if water and/or air temperature is cool and you want to try these skills).

Kids in Kayaks Games This clinic is meant to get kids comfortable in kayaks.  The clinic will involve playing games with the kids to get them used to be in a boat and having fun on the water.  Kids must be large enough to fit in a life jacket to take part, and should be dressed appropriately for getting wet (and have some dry clothes around).  And this isn’t meant to be a baby sitting service – parents need to be there when the clinic finishes to collect the kids.  Parents can also take part in parts of this clinic.

SUP Master Class If you enjoy stand-up paddleboarding and want to become a faster, more efficient paddler, this is your class.  Expert SUP Instructors will present advanced concepts in relation to your stance, body positioning, arm & shoulder positioning, forward stroke and more.  Students should have experience on a stand-up paddleboard.

Intro to SUP Yoga Yoga on a stand up paddle board has been booming, because it enhances the yoga workout. The extra balance required by being on the water intensifies the yoga routine. The peacefulness of being on the water enhances your yoga experience. This class will cover the basics of doing yoga on a SUP – what you need, basic poses, etc.

Surfski Paddling for Fitness and Racing As seen on the popular 1980’s TV show Magnum PI, and paddled by none other than actor Tom Selleck!  A surfski is a long, sleek, speedy kayak used for racing and fitness paddling in ocean waters as well as protected bays.  Hop on a stable, state-of-the-art self-bailing surfski designed to be friendly for beginners.  In this class, you’ll be tutored by Epic Kayak Expert Kenny Howell.  In the calm water of Quarry Lakes, you’ll learn the fundamentals of surfski paddling:  proper body posture, boat dynamics, self-rescue techniques and how to get fit while having fun on the water!  Try a modern wing paddle, too – just like they use in the Olympics.  All comers will have a chance to test paddle a surfski.

On Land Clinics

Kayak & Canoe Design – Help Choosing Your Kayak or Canoe In this clinic, instructors will talk through the different parts and attributes of different kinds of canoes & kayaks.  They will explain how width, length, rocker and hull design all affect the way it paddles.  Find out what type of canoe or kayak is perfect for your needs and get all your boat questions answered.  This is a great clinic for anyone interested in paddling.

Kayak Fishing Intro Fisherman know the importance of accessing their gear.  Organization is important to properly outfit your fishing kayak and be ready for everything while on the water.  This clinic will discuss equipment, techniques and useful tips and tricks to use on the water.

Paddling Clothing The waters in the SF Bay area are cold, and being improperly dressed could be both uncomfortable and dangerous.  It is often said that you should “dress for the water temperature”, but what does that really mean?  This class will cover what clothes you should wear to have the most comfortable, and safest, padding experience.

How to Chose a SUP In this clinic, instructors will talk through the different parts and attributes of different kinds of paddleboards.  They will explain how width, length, fins, and hull design all affect the way it paddles.  Things like why does the board used for surfing look so different than the one for racing?  This is a great clinic for anyone interested in paddleboarding.

Paddling with Kids Paddling is a great family activity.  This clinic will cover the best way to get your kids on the water with you.  The instructor will talk about the gear you should have for your kids and what sort of outings are appropriate for different age groups.