Introduction to Kayaking is a beginning level course, which focuses on the basics of skill development to help the student progress to more challenging paddling techniques. The goal of Introduction to Kayaking is to provide a basic understanding of kayaking and the fundamentals of paddling in flatwater and class I-II moving water. Particular attention will be paid to skills such as entering and exiting the kayak; forward and reverse paddle strokes, sweeps, draws, and other strokes; and the skill foundation for the eskimo roll. It is designed as a stepping-stone to basic moving water skills and will concentrate on participant comfort and safety in flatwater and easy moving water paddling conditions.

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DAY ONE:
Day one will begin with lessons on outfitting a kayak to the student’s individual needs and the proper way of entering and exiting a kayak. After some dry land exercises, we will enter the water and learn how to wet exit from our kayak and rescue techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to get a feel for the boat, learn how to paddle the kayak in a straight line, proper paddle placement, and safe boating form. Basic paddling strokes, safety, and boating techniques will be taught on Maine’s beautiful and scenic rivers and lakes.