INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING Parts 1 & 2
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Participants learn about basic kayaking skills, water safety, how to assess conditions, and paddling on Lake Michigan, including strokes, turns, capsize & recovery, assisted rescues, kayak features, gear care, and NSYC-specific kayaking protocols. Students practice skills in the Part 2 session on the water.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
Part 1 is an online video course with quiz questions (duration 60-90 minutes). Part 1 MUST be completed prior to attending the Part 2 in-person session.
Part 2 is in person and takes place on the beach and on the water (3.5 hours). This includes the NSYC Kayak, Swim, Capsize, and Assisted Rescue Assessment, which is required prior to use of any NSYC kayak equipment.
INSTRUCTORS:
Classes are taught by volunteer NSYC Instructors certified by the American Canoe Association.
EQUIPMENT:
Kayak, paddle, and a personal flotation device (PFD) are provided.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Kayak classes are open to NSYC Full and Paddle Members ages 13 and up. Children 13 to 17 must take the class with an adult member.
- All students must have the ability to swim in open water (either having passed the NSYC Swim Test previously, or by taking the test during the course).
The course fee covers both Parts 1 & 2. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.
NECESSARY GEAR FOR PART 2:
It can be cooler near and on the water. Early season classes can be chilly, and even in mid-summer the water can feel quite cold. You are required to become fully submerged in the lake; prepare to swim and get wet!
Clothes for Paddling: Wear only SYNTHETIC fabrics. Avoid cotton – it absorbs water and stays soggy and cold. Wear a swimsuit base and add multiple insulating layers of polyester or nylon. Bring a polar fleece jacket and a windbreaker. If you have a wetsuit, bring it!
Shoes: Students MUST wear closed shoes! No sandals, flip flops, or bare feet. The beach is full of rocks and pebbles so wear snug, closed water shoes or old gym shoes. You will not be allowed to paddle without proper footwear.
Dry Clothes: Bring a towel & a change of clothing; it's nice to change into dry clothes after class.
Sun and Heat Protection:
- Filled Water bottle with a clip or carabiner so you can attach it to the boat.
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses with a retention strap to avoid losing them in the Lake.
- Sunscreen
Safety:
Students must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD - life jacket). We recommend paddlers have their own for proper fit, but NSYC has a limited supply of PFDs for use during class if you want to wait before you buy. Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable for class.
CANCELLATIONS and CHANGES
Cancellation by participant less than 48 hours before class time will not be refunded. Cancellations after registration and up to 48 hours prior to class start time may be charged a 5% processing fee. Participants will be notified if the class needs to be rescheduled due to hazardous weather conditions or insufficient enrollment.
Changes: A Reschedule Fee of $20 will be charged to change the in-person class date/time once registered. There is no fee if Class is rescheduled by the instructor.
Questions, please email Kayak@NorthShoreYachtClub.com