INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING Parts 1 & 2
Part 1 is online (60-90 minutes), and Part 2 is in person, on the sand and water (3-1/2 hours). Access to the online self-taught Part 1 will be provided to participants upon registration and must be completed prior to attending the Part 2 in-person session.
After completing both Parts 1 & 2, participants will have an opportunity to pass the NSYC Kayak, Swim, Capsize and Assisted Rescue Assessment, required prior to use of any NSYC kayak equipment.
- 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 waters.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Participants learn about basic kayaking skills, water safety, assessing 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.
The course cost covers both Parts 1 & 2. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Part 1 is self-taught online (with quiz questions).
Classes are taught by volunteer NSYC Instructors certified by the American Canoe Association. Kayak and paddle are provided.
Students must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD - life jacket). See details below.
Cancellations by participant later than 48 hours prior to the class start 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.
Registration Changes: A Reschedule Fee of $20 will be charged to change the in-person class date/time once registered.
Questions, please email Kayak@NorthShoreYachtClub.com
What to Wear & Bring to the Part 2 class:
It can be much cooler near and on the water. Early season classes can be cold.
Be prepared to swim and get wet!
- Bring water bottle (filled!), sunhat and retention strap for your eye/sunglasses.
- Wear only SYNTHETIC fabrics, no cotton – it gets soggy and cold. Multiple layers of polyester or nylon are best. Bring a polar fleece jacket too. If you have a wetsuit, bring it!
- Students MUST wear closed shoes! No sandals, flip flops, or bare feet. Water shoes or old gym shoes work well. You will not be allowed to paddle without proper footwear.
- Students must wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD - life jacket). Students should have their own, but NSYC has PFDs for use during class if you want to wait before you buy. Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable for class.
- Bring towel & a change of clothing; it's nice to leave in dry clothes after class.