Point Reyes Outdoors - Intermediate Sea Kayaking Class, Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, Ca

Designed to build on the fundamentals, this class teaches some of the most important skills in sea kayaking. You will enter the challenging world of advanced paddle strokes, new recovery techniques, boat control through body movement, and a variety of braces.

Time: 10am to 4pm

Price: $110 per person

Launch Site: Miller Park, aka Nick's Cove (see Directions for details)

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking or Equivalent

Dates: All year round (see Calendar for dates)

Intermediate Sea Kayaking

The prerequisite for this class is having successfully completed a basic sea kayaking class and having practiced your introductory skills. At this point you should be comfortable performing the paddle float and “T” recovery techniques. You should also be able to maneuver your kayak using forward, reverse and sweep strokes and slow and turn your kayak using a stern rudder stroke.

This class is designed to build a solid foundation of basics which is accomplished by practicing the fundamentals and adding new techniques. At the end of this class you will have interpreted tidelogs, intelligently discussed safety, gear, and risk assessment, efficiently maneuvered your kayak using basic and draw strokes, successfully performed basic recoveries in less than 10 minutes and practiced bracing and edge turns in your kayak.

Morning Session
After guided practice with instructors, you will interpret the tidelog with your classmates and make tide calculations and predictions for northern California. Instructors will lead a discussion of gear, safety and risk assessment, after which we launch and review the fundamental strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, stern rudder). Your biggest challenge in the morning will be to learn the variations of the draw stroke. One the most useful strokes in sea kayaking, the draw stroke can be both complicated and beautiful.

Afternoon Session
After lunch on the beach it’s time to get wet! Instructors will give you tips and tools to refine your recovery techniques. Your challenge is to complete the paddle float and “T” recoveries each in under 2 minutes. Braces and edge turns are techniques that, when mastered, prevent you from capsizing. High, low, and sculling braces will be introduced and you will practice these strokes while receiving feedback and tips from your instructor. Edge turns are an efficient method of maneuvering your kayak and, in some cases, keeping you upright. The rest of the day is spent practicing edge turns while incorporating old and new skills. Successfully complete our intermediate class and you are ready to move on to the next level - Seashore Surf!

Your Instructors
PRO takes pride in the quality and skill level of your instructors. Impeccably trained, they bring a wealth of knowledge and proficiency to each class. With expertise in group facilitation, natural history, wilderness first aid and specialized kayak instruction, your instructors are ready to provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience. As a class’s success and safety depends on their judgment, we ask that you respect and support their decisions.

Our Instruction Style
The American Canoe Association (ACA) and the British Canoe Union (BCU) have each developed an extensive program for sea kayak instruction. PRO's ACA trained Scott Terriberry and BCU certified Ted Brechbill have designed a unique curriculum that provides a combination of both ACA and BCU styles, offering a wide variety of techniques.

All our classes and clinics utilize aspects of both programs. You will receive some of the best instruction on the west coast. The combination of small class sizes and highly qualified instructors provides you with individualized attention that maximizes your learning opportunity.

Preparing for Your Trip
The success of any journey is often based on well prepared participants. The most important contribution you can make is to arrive on time prepared and eager to enjoy the class. You are responsible to bring your own lunch, beverages, and snacks. We suggest you bring high protein food, something warm to drink, and plenty of water. When getting ready for your class please double check that you understand the directions and allow yourself plenty of travel time. It is very important to be appropriately dressed to insure your comfort, so please study and follow the clothing recommendations that are provided.

Directions
Please study and follow the Directions to Miller Park for our Sunset to Starlight Tour.
Have a safe and enjoyable drive and Please do your best to be on time!

Terms and Payment
Point Reyes Outdoors, LLC reserves the right to change an itinerary or cancel any trip due to: weather, acts of god, inadequate sign up, or any unforeseen problems that would make the trip unsafe for its participants. In such cases clients will be offered either credit toward a future trip or a full refund.

PRO has a six-day client cancellation policy on all trips and classes. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you cancel within this period you will be charged in full and issued a credit for a future event. We accept Visa and Master Card, cash or checks. Gratuities are not included in the cost of the trip and there is no obligation to tip your guides but many people do. The industry standard is in the range of 10% but any amount will be greatly appreciated.