Kayak Instruction

For paddling sessions, please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for the water temperatures. Avoid cotton clothing – no blue jeans or hooded sweatshirts. Expect to get wet and to continue paddling. Bring a complete change of clothes for afterwards. Apply sunscreen, and you may need a hat, glasses' strap, rain gear, and insect protection. Bring water and an energy bar. Additionally, you'll want a boat, paddle, life jacket and for some sessions a wetsuit and sprayjacket, drysuit, helmet, or dog. Provide your own gear or contact jeff@pilgrimpaddles.com.

QuickStart Your Kayak is a three-hour introduction on quiet water for paddlers to practice the skills discussed in SmartStart, with a focus on efficient forward and turning strokes to allow students to maneuver effectively and safely. Simple rescues are shown.

Introduction to Kayaking is a six-hour course focusing on skills for any type of kayak. Paddling strokes are practiced more intensively than in the QuickStart course, and additional strokes are included. Participants perform wet exit and re-entry, tows, and T-rescues. Scout leaders can earn Paddle Craft Safety or qualify as a merit badge counselor. Scouts may complete Kayaking Merit Badge.

River Essentials is a day-long course on gently moving rivers where flat water rescues can be used. Practice tight turns, efficient side slips, paddling backwards under control, braces, multiple corrective forward strokes, and heeling. Maneuvering and linking strokes in current is emphasized. If you're moving up to paddling rapids, this offering is for you.

Touring Essentials is an eight-hour classroom and on-the-water course on overnight trips, risk management, group travel and safety, communication options, navigation, gear selection, and packing. It prepares paddlers for near-shore trips on large lakes and protected ocean. It covers tides and currents, marine traffic, and using VHF and weather radio. If you're paddling on bigger lakes in bigger waves, this offering is for you.