Golden Gate Kayaking
San Francisco ~ Peninsula ~ Monterey Bay

This all-day class picks up where Basic Sea Kayaking I left off. You’ll learn how to coordinate edging with the basic stokes to make the boat spin on a dime, and you’ll expand your repertoire of strokes to make the kayak slide, zigzag, and move any way you want. If conditions allow, you’ll also get to experience first-hand how these moves are applied in the ocean or bay.

Who is this class for?

• Anyone who has had a basic sea kayaking class and wants to continue developing the skills necessary to paddle in more challenging waters.
• Experienced paddlers who are looking to refresh and refine their basic skills.
• Sea kayakers who are interested in working toward their BCU 2-star award.
• Whitewater kayakers who are interested in transitioning to sea kayaking.

What is covered in this class?

• Refinement of the forward, reverse, and sweep strokes.
• Coordinating edging with the basic strokes.
• Playing with "real-world" bracing scenarios by combining bracing with strokes and edging.
• Various draw and ruddering strokes for maneuvering the kayak precisely.
• Paddling and performing rescues in water that is somewhat exposed to wind, current, and swell.

What is provided in the class?

• Sea kayak and paddle
• Wetsuit and paddling jacket
• Sprayskirt
• Personal floatation device
• Bilge pump and paddle float (for practicing recoveries)

What do I need to bring?

• Swimsuit or shorts
• Long-sleeve fleece shirt (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
• Shoes that can get wet (neoprene booties, water shoes, old tennis shoes, etc.)
• Lunch, snacks, drinking water, sunscreen, and towel
• Strap for eyeglasses ("chums" or "croakies")
• Optional: hat, waterproof camera

What's next?

• You may want to check out the local sea kayaking clubs to find more people to paddle with: Western Sea Kayakers and Bay Area Sea Kayakers.
• The next two classes in our Foundation Series are The Bay and Beyond and The Surf Zone. These classes show you how to apply your skills to paddle in bay and coastal conditions.
• You might consider working toward your BCU 2-star award and 3-star training.
• Our Bracing and Sculling clinic lets you practice your bracing skills in the comfort of a heated pool. At this point you may be interested in learning to roll your kayak as well.

Ready to sign up?

• Contact us for more details or to sign up.

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