Golden Gate Kayaking
San Francisco ~ Peninsula ~ Monterey Bay

For whitewater kayakers, the Eskimo roll is an indispensable tool, but it’s also a useful skill for sea kayakers. As a self-rescue, the roll only takes a couple seconds compared to a minute or two of being in the water for other types of recoveries. In surf and rock gardens the roll becomes essential as traditional recoveries can sometimes be difficult or even dangerous depending on conditions. And even if you don’t imagine yourself being in conditions that require a roll, having one increases your confidence in the kayak, allowing you to edge and brace further than you thought possible!

Rolling Lessons - We offer rolling lessons every Thursday night at the outdoor heated pool at Moffett Field in Mountain View. The cost is $55 for a 90-minute lesson with a 2:1 student/instructor ratio and includes a kayak (sea or whitewater) and gear. If you provide your own kayak and gear, the cost is only $50. Take an introductory roll lesson with us and get a $10 discount on all follow-up roll lessons!

Bracing and Sculling Classes - Come and develop the fundamental bracing skills in the comfort of a heated pool. We'll work on the "hip flick", reflex bracing, safe paddle positions for low and high braces, as well as sculling for support. This class is a great first step before learning to roll, or if you're already working on a roll, the solid bracing skills you'll develop will help make it bombproof! Cost is $35 and includes kayak and gear (or only $30 if you provide your own). Next available date is 6/5.

To reserve your spot for a rolling lesson or bracing clinic, email classes@ggkayak.com.

Practice Sessions - The Moffett pool is also available for every Thursday night for people wanting to practice their rolls, braces, recoveries, or just to get their boats wet. Drop-in with your own kayak and gear for only $5. We also have a limited number of kayaks for rental for $15 for the evening (includes pool entry and necessary gear).

Pool sessions run from 7:00pm to 8:30pm (you can arrive early to unload boats and get changed). Please make sure that boats are clean and free of sand and dirt!

Directions - To get to the pool take Hwy 101 to the Moffett Field exit (1 exit south of Hwy 85). Turn right (east) on Moffett Blvd. After showing your ID at the main gate, get in the right lane, which will bear right onto Wescoat Rd. Continue to the first stop sign, McCord Ave, and turn right, and then another immediate right into the pool parking lot.

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