Point Reyes Outdoors, Surf Zone Kayaking Class, Tomales Bay, Point Reyes

The prerequisites for Surf Zone Fundamentals is the successful completion of a basic and intermediate class with Point Reyes Outdoors, or equivalent courses with another outfitter. This class meets at Drake’s Beach. The day begins with a review of skills and rescue techniques followed by introduction of new surf skills. The primary focus of this class is to provide you with the techniques needed to safely launch and land through the surf zone.

This class is designed to introduce you to the exciting and challenging world of open coast paddling. Heavy emphasis is placed on safety and risk assessment. Time is spent studying the surf zone, beach characteristics, wave sets, tides, and wind conditions. The key to staying safe and enjoying the surf zone depends on two things: good judgment and solid paddling skills. This is what you will learn in class.

Launch Site: Drakes Beach (see Directions for details)

Prerequisite: Intermediate Sea Kayaking or Equivalent

Morning Session
The first part of the morning session is dedicated to safety. Topics include dressing appropriately, choosing the right gear, risk assessment, and a study of the paddling area. The surf zone consists of unique areas, or zones, each requiring a different approach to paddling. Bracing technique will be reviewed, as this is essential to staying upright in the surf zone. After fitting everyone for helmets, the instructors will demonstrate techniques on the beach and in the water. Then it’s your turn. For your first time in the surf you will have an instructor right next to you or hanging on your boat. They will be in close communication until you feel comfortable paddling in the soup zone independently. The morning is spent practicing bracing and communication in the surf zone.

Afternoon Session
After lunch on the beach it’s back in the water. Instructors will guide participants with the goal being launching yourself safely and getting out to the safe zone beyond the break and then landing back on the beach safely. Usually there is time to paddle beyond the break while discussing the exciting world of open coast paddling. And don’t forget about surfing! Surfing in a sea kayak is an exhilarating experience that many participants find to be the most enjoyable part of this class. After successfully completing the surf zone class with Point Reyes Outdoors you will be ready to join us on any of our advanced clinics. Our open water classes combine personalized instruction with new content such as rock gardening, tides and currents, navigation, rolling, and advanced paddling techniques.

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
The following are directions to Drakes Beach. Have a safe and enjoyable drive and Please do your best to be on time!

Southern Marin County
From HWY 101 take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west for approximately 20 miles to the junction of HWY 1 in Olema. Turn right (north) on HWY 1 Travel ½ mile to Bear Valley Road, You will see the Point Reyes National Seashore visitor center sign, turn left onto Bear Valley Road. Drive 2.5 miles to the stop sign at Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and turn left. Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch your speed. Approximately 13 miles past Inverness you will see the sign for Drakes Beach. Take a left and follow the road for 1.5 miles to the beach parking lot, You will see the trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes about hour from HWY 101 in Central Marin County and about 1 ½ hours from the Golden Gate Bridge to the beach.

Northern Marin County
From Novato take Novato Blvd. west approximately 8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Turn left and continue west for 10 miles to the junction of HWY 1. Turn left on HWY 1 and travel through Point Reyes Station to Sir Francis Drake Blvd., just after the green bridge. Turn right on Sir Francis Drake. Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch your speed. Approximately 13 miles past Inverness you will see the sign for Drakes Beach. Take a left and follow the road for 1.5 to the beach parking lot. You will see the trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes about an hour from 101 in Novato.

Southern Sonoma County
From Petaluma go west on D Street which turns into Point Reyes-Petaluma Road. Continue west for 14 miles to the junction of HWY 1. Turn left on HWY 1 and travel through Point Reyes Station to Sir Francis Drake Blvd., just after the green bridge. Turn right on Sir Francis Drake. Drive through the towns of Inverness Park and Inverness and watch your speed. Approximately 13 miles past Inverness On Sir Francis Drake Blvd. you will see the sign on you left for Drakes Beach. Take a left and follow the road for 1.5 miles to the beach parking lot. You will see the kayak trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes about an 1 1/2 hours from Petaluma to the launch site.

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.