3-Part Beginners Course
Coastal Kayaking
Expert Instructor
Build On Foundational Kayaking Skill to take on Wild Alaskan Waterways
Join our intermediate-level Choppy Channels course to further your basic kayak skills and knowledge. Our Choppy Channels class is subsequent to our Calm Seas class. Though it is not essential that you take the previous class, we recommend it for novice kayakers in order to build on foundational skills and progress your abilities in order for you to feel confident as you paddle on wild Alaskan waters.
This course is suitable for beginners and advanced kayakers alike who are looking to bring their kayaking skills up to speed. This progressive 3-part course increases in difficulty, and in the last segment, Rough Waters, your skills and knowledge will be tested on rougher waterways! In case you’re looking for more comprehensive kayak training, check out our American Canoe Association Kayak Courses.
Why Choose This Course?
Continue developing your kayak skills to become a confident paddler on Alaska’s coastal waters.
All the essential equipment is provided for you! All you need to bring is a lot of enthusiasm and a smile, along with appropriate clothing and snacks/food, and water for yourself.
In this course nature is your classroom, so try not to get too distracted by all the stunning beauty of the wilderness that surrounds you while you learn.
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Course Details
Course Details
Price
$100 per person / per course
Start date and time
TBD (schedule will be determined after booking)
Venue
Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots, and within swimming distance of shore.
Meeting point
TBD closer to the course start date
Availability
March 1- October 31
Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Duration
Up to 1 day (8 hours)*
*The course duration will be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants.
Group size
5 participants to 1 instructor (minimum 2 participants)
Included
Solo kayak, paddle, PFD, paddle float, throw bag, tow rope, bilge pump, signaling whistle
Not included
Clothing, water or food
What to bring
– Water, snacks and/or lunch
– Appropriate clothing for paddling that you don’t mind getting wet:
– Socks
– Base layers (wool/synthetic, avoid cotton)
– Warm insulation
– Rain gear
– Beanie
– Gloves (rubber works great)
– Footwear (neoprene booties are best but tennis shoes are fine)
Participation requirements
The minimum age required to participate in this course is 10 years
About your guide
ACA-certified kayak instructor
What You'll Do On This Course
This is a basic overview of the curriculum for the Choppy Channels segment of our Special Courses kayak training and is a continuation of the first class, Calm Seas. Once you sign up, you will receive a detailed document outlining all the topics and practical exercises that are covered in this full-day course, some of which include:
- More stokes and maneuvers
- Introduction to edging and bracing to help prevent capsizing in small waves
- Navigation from the seat of your kayak
- Safety while crossing channels as well as radio calls
- First aid and repair kits
- Self and assisted rescues will be revisited and improved on
- Basics of navigation, reading the water and simple weather forecasting
Please Keep In Mind
There are no prerequisites to undertake this course.
Curriculum for this course is based off of the Level 2 ACA course with additional focus on hazard identification.
This intermediate course is catered more specifically to the needs of those kayaking in coastal Alaska.
