KAYAK LESSONS
2012 Schedule TBA
The Collinsville Canoe & Kayak lesson program
is built on the belief that a proper foundation of skills and techniques
will lead to a lifetime of fun and enjoyment. Our highly qualified,
enthusiastic instructors will be able to teach you the skills you
need to build your confidence in order to pursue your chosen paddle
sport. We strive to keep our student to instructor ratio low to
ensure each student receives one-on-one attention in a controlled
and safety conscious environment.
Adult lessons are for ages 13 and up.
Reservations:
Reservations are required. Payment is due in full at time of reservation.
Reservations may be made via telephone or in-person.
Cancellations:
Students canceling with 48 hours or more notice will receive a full
refund. Sorry, cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice
will receive no refund. Students who fail to appear will also forfeit
the entire lesson fee. In the event that CCK cancels a class due
to lack of enrollment, severe weather or emergency, students may
reschedule or receive a full refund.
Private Lessons:
Private lessons are available upon request and instructor availability.
Rates are subject to change without
notice.
Call for reservations & information: (860) 693-6977
What to wear: Please wear quick drying clothes whenever possible,
(we prefer students not to be wearing cotton), foot protection,
preferably neoprene booties or beach shoes. Remember to bring a
change of clothing and a towel. If you wear eyeglasses, retainers
will prevent their loss.
Please be considerate to other students and arrive at least 15 minutes
before your lesson is scheduled to start. Students arriving less
than 15 minutes before class may be denied entrance into a lesson.
Classes begin promptly at the scheduled start time.
We strive to provide quality gear and safety conscious
instructors. Water sports, however, as well as many other sports
have inherent risks. Due to these risks we ask that you read, accept
and sign a waiver, which we will provide prior to the lesson, or
you may view and print our waiver.
Lessons are subject to change without prior notice.
Additional or custom lessons will be added upon request when possible.
We hold our lessons “Rain
or Shine”, except in the event of extreme weather.
Wetsuits and paddling jackets are available at no charge.
Ability to perform “wet exits” is required for all kayak
lessons.
Therefore Collinsville Canoe & Kayak will teach this skill in
all beginning lessons.
Collinsville Canoe & Kayak is happy to customize any lesson
for work, school or specialized groups. Call us for info. (860)
693-6977
Family & Special Group Lessons
Collinsville Canoe & Kayak is happy to arrange lessons for families
or special groups such as Parks & Rec Departments, Girl &
Boy Scouts and corporate groups. Please call (860) 693-6977 for
more info and to make reservations.
Download
a PDF version of our complete lesson schedule.
| Intro
to Kayak
$49 (+ tax) per student |
At the end of this course, you should be able
to paddle safely in protected waters. We use stable, recreational
kayaks. You will learn about boat design and materials, paddles,
clothing, equipment and how to adjust a boat for a comfortable
fit. The basic strokes and maneuvers that are covered are;
paddling forward, backward, turning, bracing to prevent capsize
and what to do in the event of a capsize.
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| Extended
Intro to Kayak
$65 (+ tax) per student |
| This course is for those who want a more
in-depth start, or a tune-up of basic skills. In this 3
hour course we will cover the material from the Intro to
Kayak course plus practical car topping techniques, efficient
edged (leaned) turns and combination strokes. We also cover
basic capsize and recovery skills.
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| Intro
to Touring
$49 (+ tax) per student |
This course is designed as a refresher of basic
kayak strokes for paddlers with limited experience. We will
introduce additional paddling skills, essentials of trip
planning, proper clothing, equipment, food and water. Safety
to allow students to use their kayaks for more extended
trips will be covered.
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| Extended
Intro to Touring
$65 (+ tax) per student |
This course is for those who want a more in-depth
start or a tune-up of basic skills. In this 3 hour course
we will cover the material from the Intro to Touring course
plus give brief introductions to navigation, dealing with
tides, waves and currents.
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| Kayak
Rescue Techniques
$65 (+ tax) per student |
Everyone capsizes at some point. Learn how
to rescue yourself and others in deep water. These skills
are essential if you are to expand your paddling beyond
an easy swim to shore. This course requires good physical
stamina, good swimming ability and comfort in the water.
Common risks and their prevention will be covered. Prerequisite
is Intro to Kayak or Extended Intro to Kayak.
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| Coastal
Kayaking
$85 (+ tax) per student |
This course is designed for those who want
to move on from short lake paddles to more extended trips
on tidal or coastal waters. Starting with a two hour refresher
on strokes, wet exits and basic rescues, we then discuss
trip planning, chart reading, coastal navigation, tides
and current. We will complete our day with a six to eight
mile paddle along the coast.
What you need to bring:
Your own basic equipment – kayak, paddle, PFD (touring
kayak recommended), spray skirt (optional).
Appropriate paddling clothing including a change of dry
clothes.
Other personal essentials – sunscreen, eyeglass straps,
nose clips (highly recommended).
Water and lunch.
Location:
We will meet at a launch on the Connecticut River or a tributary
somewhere between East Haddam and Old Saybrook. Directions
to our meeting area will be provided at least one week prior
to the class.
Prerequisites:
Be able to perform the basic strokes, forward, backwards,
sweep (turn) and stop.
Be able to wet exit your kayak in a controlled and safe
method.
Have paddled for several hours and at least 5 miles on one
of your previous paddles.
Cancellations:
Due to the logistics involved this course requires a 5 day
minimum notification for a full refund.
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| Eskimo
Rolling (Whitewater or Touring)
$49 (+ tax) per student |
The Eskimo Roll is the quickest and safest
way to recover in the event of a capsize. It is also one
of the most difficult skills to master. Through one on one
instruction our instructors will teach you the proper techniques
to bring you up every time. This skill may take more than
one session to learn.
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| Intro
to Moving Water
$75 (+ tax) per student |
Not all paddling is done on ponds and lakes.
If you want to learn the basic skills and concepts of paddling
on quick moving water with mild rapids, this is for you.
Emphasis is on why water flows as it does and how to use
the current for an enjoyable run. Prerequisite is Intro
to Kayak or Extended Intro to Kayak.
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| Whitewater
'Fast Track'
$140 (+ tax) per student |
This one day course is designed for students
who want to learn the basics of whitewater kayaking. The
construction, outfitting and carrying of the whitewater
kayak will be discussed. The on-water portion begins on
flat water to acclimate students to the feel of a whitewater
kayak. We will cover wet exits and the basic strokes needed
to get the most out of your paddling experience. After a
break for lunch we will move downstream to moving water.
The on-river portion of the lesson begins with a discussion
about river features. From there we will review all the
basic strokes with more focus placed on leans and braces.
While traveling down river, eddy turns, peel outs, and ferrying
will be taught in friendly class I rapids. Basic scouting
and river etiquette will be also be discussed. This course
requires good physical stamina, good swimming ability and
comfort in the water.
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| Silver
Strokes
$49 (+ tax) per student |
This basic kayak course is designed especially
for seniors who would like to explore this wonderful sport
in a relaxed and comfortable environment. The emphasis will
be on paddling efficiently, understanding how the boat moves
and transporting the boat on land. Students will also learn
the easiest way to get in and out of their kayaks.
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