Classes & Clinics
Check back for the 2012 Class lineup. 2011 classes are below.
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.
Fun & Balance This is a really fun class that will have you pushing the limits of your kayak. Games & balance exercises are an excellent way to develop a “feel” for the kayak to increase confidence and skill.
Women’s Only Class It’s no myth that men and women learn differently. Fun, challenge, and support… it’s all this and more in this introductory kayak clinic taught by women for women. Girls rule! All ages over 12 invited.
Kids Only Class Want to get your kid off the couch and into fresh air? Get them into a kayak! Kids take to this sport naturally with an accelerated learning curve. There are many boats now designed just for them! Just watch their eyes light up when they experience success in their own craft. Parents can sit back and watch or demo boats on the beach. Our kid experienced instructors will do the rest. This class is free and only for kids! (under 13).
The Forward Stroke. This intermediate clinic will refine your forward stroke, the single most important stroke in your quiver as you will use it more than 95% of the time. It is all about balance, efficiency and injury prevention. Get it 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 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 learn multiple ways to self 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.
Kayak Assisted Rescues A big resistance to paddling is fear of tipping over. Fear no more! This clinic will teach you the T-rescue – the best rescue for assisting others. You will cover equipment, proper technique and the do’s and don’ts of the rescue. (Please bring a farmer john/jill wetsuit and paddling jacket if water and/or air temperature is cool.)
Edging For Boat Control Learn what edging is and how it will greatly improve boat control. You’ll cover the difference between edging and leaning and apply it into basic strokes and maneuvers in the kayak. Edging greatly helps with turning and tracking in wind. Let the boat do more of the work by putting it “on edge”.
Learn to Flatwater Cartwheel Beware this is a very wet, but very fun class. Instructors will guide students through the process of cartwheeling in whitewater kayaks on flatwater. This is a fantastic class if you want to try something new and are up for a challenge.
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.
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.
Helen Wilson Rolling Clinics (6 spots available each clinic – pre-registration required. Call California Canoe & Kayak at 1.800.366.9804 to sign up. The class costs $50 and includes the demo fee). 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.
On Land Clinics
Craft For Kids – Get Your Kids Afloat In this clinic, instructors will cover the choices available for children of all ages. They’ll go over kid specific paddling equipment, ways to keep them interested and engaged, important safety considerations and more. This is a great clinic to take with kids and then enjoy the many demos on the beach.
Kayak Design – Help Choosing Your Kayak 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 Navigation Intro This is a fantastic intro to begin learning about the art of navigation. Instructors will introduce navigation concepts like chart reading & compass skills and discuss the affects of tides and weather on trip planning. This is an important skill to learn if you paddle on the bay or on the coast.
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.
Selecting a Paddle Discover how to select the proper paddle for your needs. Paddles come in all shapes, materials and sizes and this clinic will breakdown the pros and cons of each. Paddle selection is so important for efficiency, injury prevention and fun. This is a great clinic to increase your paddling knowledge and then demo paddles once you’ve learned about them.
Hobie Islander Sailing Clinic This clinic is required in order to demo the Hobie Islander Sailing kayaks. Kayak sailing is incredibly fun and adds a whole new dimension to paddling. This clinic will go over the ins and outs of the sailing rig – how to operate it, how to best maneuver the kayak in different conditions and best practices while in the wind.
Becoming an Instructor This clinic will discuss the hard and soft skills necessary to teach others. If you’ve ever thought about becoming an instructor, or simply enjoy teaching your friends, then this would be a great clinic to attend. There will be plenty of time for Q & A on topics like certification, teaching concepts and resources for instructors.
