2008 Kayak Touring Lessons & Tours

Kayak Roll Session
Strongly urged for all up and coming whitewater boaters as well ocean kayakers. This class develops a strong skill foundation for developing a roll and thus much higher confidence on the river and in the ocean. Held in the heated pool of The South Yuba Club, novices and experienced kayakers welcome. Student to instructor ratio, 2:1. Minimum required - 2 students. 6:15pm to 8:45pm. $55 first time or $40 refresher

Monthly Demos at Scotts Flat Lake
Once each month we will be heading up to Scotts Flat lake with a trailer load of kayaks for a casual few hours of test paddling kayaks. If you are kayak shopping this is an opportunity to try several kayaks right from the same beach. The $25 fee will be applied toward the purchase of your kayak. Pre-registration is required. Meet at Scotts Flat Lake Day Use Area at 10am to 2pm. Call us for details and more information. 530.477.2722

Wednesday Evening Clinic
at Scotts Flat Lake
These are a series of 2 hour skill specific clinics designed for kayakers that have already completed basic training. Here is a chance to brush up on skills such as forward stroke, bracing, and capsize recovery. Perfect way to go if you have an ocean trip coming up or just need to polish the rusty strokes. Minimum of 3 required. $45 or $60 including kayak rental. Meet at 5:30 at Scotts Flat Lake Day use area.

Beginning Touring
This is a perfect introduction to flat water paddling (and beyond). Our instructors will guide you through all the skills and safety concerns for helping you become proficient at recreational kayaking. After a brief orientation to kayak design and features, we demonstrate a few launching techniques, and offer a complete overview of basic strokes. This is followed by a leisurely tour. Student to instructor ratio, 6:1. Minimum required - 4 students. Meet at the shop at 9am, travel to Scotts Flat or Lake Valley reservoir, back by 2pm. $75

Intermediate Touring
A full day of paddling which includes a thorough review of all the basic strokes, as well as an introduction to more advanced techniques, including bracing and edging for more control and maneuverability. This course serves as a prerequisite for the Surf Zone Clinic and Mendocino Sea Caves tour as well as the Open Bay Adventure Day. With this said, practice of various capsize re-entry methods are stressed. Beginners with lofty goals are welcome! Student to instructor ratio, 4:1. Minimum required - 3 students. Meet at the shop at 9am, back by 5 pm. $105

Open Bay
Adventure Day
This course will provide a sound experience kayaking in marine waterways. The San Francisco Bay offers all the excitement and challenges expected in tidal waters. We will paddle from Dunphy park in Sausalito, cross Racoon Strait to Angel Island and return to Dunphy Park. Our objectives will be to understand the forces of tidal currents and how to deal with tide rips, eddylines, and crossing swift currents. Learn to stay on course with setting ferry angles, and using ranges. Chart reading, navigation, and marine traffic hazards will also be covered. Experience the Bay like you never before have. Student to instructor ratio, 3:1. Minimum required - 4 students. Prerequisite - Intermediate Touring with some distance paddling experience. Meet at Dunphy Park, 9am to 4:30 pm. $125

Surf Zone Clinic
A half day seminar essential for those wishing to venture into the open ocean and experience the thrill of coastal kayaking. Launching, landing, and bracing in breaking waves, wave dynamics, and open water fundamentals are all covered. This exciting adventure will be followed up by an exploration of Mendocino Bay and/or the Big River Estuary. Student to instructor ratio, 3:1. Minimum required - 4 students. Prerequisite - Intermediate Touring. Meet at Big River State Park, 9:30 to 4 pm. $135 (camping fees & breakfast included)

Mendocino Sea Caves
World class sea caves, arches, and rock gardens. A breathtaking taste of the sea, shared with harbor seals, shorebirds, and an occasional otter. If conditions allow, we will venture beyond the surf zone to the open ocean. Student to instructor ratio, 3:1. Minimum required - 4 students. Prerequisite - Intermediate Touring and Surf Zone clinic. Camping fees and breakfast included. Meet at Van Damn State Park, 9:30am $135 (camping fees & breakfast included)

Father's Day Kayak Festival
THIS IS THE BIG ONE FOLKS!
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2008 at SCOTTS FLAT LAKE
10am to 4pm
Pre-registration with payment is required. This event will sell out so please call well in advance.
If you are new or old to the sport, and looking for a new kayak, make sure you don’t miss this event. You will have a chance to test paddle all the models of rec and touring kayaks we stock. Manufacturer reps will be on hand to further enhance your experience. Throughout the day there will be mini-clincs offered for skill specific topics such as forward stroke, bracing, edging your kayak, launching, landing and re-entry techniques.

We will also have fun races including a junior regatta and an adult sprint race. To cap off the day we look forward to a raffle with some great prizes for your gear closet. Pre-registration will be required so please call in advance. Fees will be $25 per adult and $10 per child (17 & younger). The fees will include all kayak demos and skill clinics and will fully apply to the purchase of your new kayak. Make it a date, we’ll see you there!

Custom Programs
If our regular schedule conflicts with yours, give us a call. We will be happy to customize any trip or instructional package to meet your needs. Corporate outings, birthdays, family reunions, team building, school trips - small groups or large. All chartered trips qualify for group discounts.