Canoe & Outdoor World – Introductory Sea Kayak Course

If you have recently bought a sea kayak, are after some basic instruction or want to improve your basic skills, then this course is suitable for you.

We have designed this course for those new to sea kayaking, or for paddlers who have had little or no formal instruction and wish to improve their basic skills. It will be conducted over one evening session at our shop, followed a full day on the water. The course is suitable for paddlers of both single and double kayaks.

Your qualified, experienced instructors will present the course through practical demonstrations and discussions in an informative and fun manner. You will be required to exit your kayak in deep water for the capsize/re-entry session. Courses are small with an instructor-client ratio of no more than 1:4, and will run with a minimum of three and a maximum of eight clients.

This is also an opportunity to meet others who are new to sea kayaking and maybe find a paddling partner for future trips.

Course Includes

• Kayaks and kayak equipment - getting started and what you will need
• Launching and landing in varying conditions
• Paddling technique - how to move your kayak through the water
• Steering - with and without the rudder
• Safety equipment - what you need to know and how to use it
• Wet exits - confidence building
• Assisted and solo rescues - how to re-enter the kayak from the water should you capsize
• Information on navigation, tides, weather, group management and communication on the water
• Day trip on Lyttleton harbour practicing these skills and exploring the area

Full course cost is $225.00 per person

Please contact us for youth rates and age restrictions, or for any enquiries

If you are undecided as to which boat best suits your needs, we are able to rent kayaks, paddling equipment and clothing for the course at reasonable rates, (including “long-john” wetsuits if required).

Course Dates 2009

October - Thursday 15^th (evening) and Saturday 17^th

November - Thursday 19^th (evening) and Saturday 21^st

December - Thursday 10^th (evening) and Saturday 12^th

Course Dates for 2010 - tbc