Instruction


Coach’s Corner: Give Your Kayaking CPR

The most used, underappreciated, and overlooked paddle stroke is the forward stroke. In more than 30 years of teaching kayaking skills, I am often surprised at people who have been paddling for years yet are just paddling - not kayaking.  There is a difference between paddling and kayaking. Kayaking is the efficient interplay between boat, body, and blade. The kayaker needs to be properly seated/fitted in the kayak and sit up to liberate the back to allow for torso-rotation throughout the forward stroke. An efficient kayak forward stroke is broken down into three parts: the catch, the PUSH, and the recovery (C-P-R).

The catch (C) is when the paddle's powerface enters the water. This happens in front of and next to the foot resting on the footpegs. The powerface of the paddle needs to quietly slice into the water, facing the stern, and be fully submerged to the throat of the paddle.

Then comes the most important part – the PUSH (P). Most people simply pull the paddle through the water, which primarily uses the muscles in the front of the arm.  Doing this increases the likelihood of injury. However, kayakers who use a PUSH rather than a pull will be able to access the power and endurance of the strongest muscles in their bodies. The PUSH involves the foot, leg, and core. Starting with the foot against the footpeg on the same side as the paddle in the water, PUSH with the foot and the powerful calf and hamstring muscles, the gluteus maximus, and through the core muscles while maintaining a strong "paddler’s box" of shoulders and arms  and a loose grip on the paddle.  This form allows the kayaker to access the most powerful muscles and create a strong and efficient stroke while decreasing the possibility of tendonitis in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. 

The recovery (R) happens when the blade comes to about 90º of the keel-line of the kayak, or at the hip of the kayaker.  If the kayak paddle continues beyond the 90º point, it actually begins to work against efforts to be efficient. Beyond the 90º point, the paddle blade begins to create a hydraulic wave that will actually create resistance on the hull and to work against the kayaker.

If you want to breathe some life into your kayaking, give it C-P-R!

Coaching & Classes

One of the many elements of the Florida Kayak School and Tours that make us unique is that we meet you where you are in regard to each client's abilities and desired outcomes. For this to happen it is essential to communicate with the staff so a specialized program can be created to ensure clients know what they are getting into and what they may expect to get out of this experience.

At The Florida Kayak School and Tours we will help you to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to explore with confidence and safety. Through our American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union designed courses, kayakers will gain an understanding of the various and changing environments of kayaking.  Kayakers will develop skills and judgment with an understanding of personal abilities and limitations in the face of the ever-changing environment of sea kayaking.

The Florida Kayak School and Tours is based in Florida's Panhandle (Tallahassee).  However, we offer kayaking instruction throughout the region through our staff's insatiable wanderlust and a cadre of American Canoe Association certified, affiliate instructors.  We can put together a customized skills and/or rescue course to be taught at a time and place that will work for you and your agenda.

Call or e-mail to begin the conversation to feel more comfortable and confident in your paddling skills and to be safe on the water.

Florida Kayak School and Tours                                             850.445.3236                                               info@FloridaKayakSchool.com

 

 


Class/Course Overview

At The Florida Kayak School and Tours we will help you to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to explore with confidence and safety. Through our American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union designed courses, kayakers will gain an understanding of the various and changing environments of kayaking.  Kayakers will develop skills and judgment with an understanding of personal abilities and limitations in the face of the ever-changing environment of sea kayaking.

Custom Instruction and Discounts for Group Organizers

At FKS&T we can custom-design a course that suits your specific paddle skills and knowledge in paddling and kayak touring outcomes. Organizer of a group course will 1/2 off the course tuition. (Organizer goes for 1/2 tuition with 4 full-tuition students).  We travel far and wide to suit your venue and will gladly try our best to accommodate your schedule.

Organizer of a group course will 1/2 off the course tuition. (Organizer goes for 1/2 tuition with 4 full-tuition students)

E-mail today: Info@FloridaKayakSchool.com

Equipment Rental for Instruction

Tallahassee and Florida is a vacation destination for many and incorporating paddling classes into your vacation plans can work for many.  However, we understand that travel with kayaking equipment often presents a logistical challenge. We have a variety of kayaks and paddling gear available for rental for our instructional program.   Our kayak and equipment rental for instruction is $35 per-day. Contact us so that we can closely match your rental kayak with yours still at home.

Discount for Current American Canoe Association Members

Florida Kayak school and Tours is proud to support the mission of the American Canoe Association (ACA). Our instructors are ACA certified and follow the latest “best practices” for safety, skills, and practicing good stewardship of our waterways and environment. All current ACA members will receive a $5 discount for all classes.


4-Hour Paddle Stroke and Safety/Self and Assisted-Rescue Class:

This course is our most popular training course. The course offers the paddler an opportunity to learn and refine some of the most used safety braces, paddle strokes, and open-water rescue techniques.  In this course we will work on:  the low-brace/high-brace, forward stroke refinement, reverse stroke, J-lean and edging, forward and reverse sweep strokes, kayak spin, bow and stern ruddering, draw stroke and the skulling draw.  We will also learn the "T" and "T-X" assisted-rescue and the "cowboy/cowgirl" self-rescue and the paddle float self-rescue.  Participants are asked to dress for complete immersion and expect to enjoy your kayak as a pool toy for this course.                                             Course Duration: 4 hrs.  Course Tuition: $160                                                           

For more information call e-mail: info@FloridaKayakSchool.com.

SmartStart Paddling /Paddle Stroke and Kayak Fitting:

The SmartStart Paddling Orientation: Kayak will expose participants to the basic safety and paddling skills. This course includes pre-launch orientation which includes the essential kayaking gear, parts of the kayak and how to safely launch in calm conditions. The on-water orientation includes various paddle strokes and maneuvers.  Course Duration: 2 hr.  Course Tuition: $80

QuickStart Kayaking Course:

The Quickstart Your Kayak course is a brief introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely and potential hazards and simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. This course includes a discussion of the paddling environment, personal and physical preparation, developing personal judgement, and safety and rescue, and on-water maneuvers.  Course Duration: 3 hrs.; Course Tuition: $95

Flatwater Safety and Rescue Course:

This course includes a focus on understanding that prevention is the key to a safe trip, how to avoid potential dangers, developing and practicing key self-rescue skills.  Students will in the water as we practice rescue techniques. Students will learn to focus on fast, simple, low-risk rescue techniques and practice the skills to manage minor in-water incidents. The Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue course introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency.  Course Duration: 4 hrs.; Course Tuition: $160

Level-1 Introduction to Kayaking Course:

The Introduction to Kayaking Course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals in the public, private and commercial setting. This course is appropriate for all kayak craft, including traditional decked kayaks, inflatables and sit on tops. It is assumed the boats will be paddled solo. This course includes understanding the paddling environment, personal physical preparation, appropriate equipment and care, outfitting, loading and trim of the kayak, introduction and practice of rescues, paddling strokes and maneuvers. With a successful completion of this course and successful demonstration of the knowledge and skills introduced, the ACA member student be awarded the Level-1 Certification.  Course Duration: 6 - 8 hrs.; Course Tuition: $180

Level-2 Essentials of Kayaking Touring Course:

The Essentials of Kayak Touring course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on lakes, calm protected ocean environments, and other flatwater settings.  This course includes understanding the paddling environment, personal physical preparation, appropriate equipment and care, outfitting, loading and trim of the kayak, introduction and practice of rescues, paddling strokes and maneuvers. In addition, this course provides a information on navigation using maps, charts, tides, and weather. With a successful completion of this course and successful demonstration of the knowledge and skills introduced, the ACA member student be awarded the Level-2 Certification.  Course Duration: 8 hrs.; Course Tuition: $180

ACA Paddlsports Facilitator Certification Course:

The PSF program allows for the opportunity for Paddlesport Safety Facilitator Certification in canoeing, kayaking, and/or stand up paddleboarding (SUP). The training for this certification includes a base module (non-discipline specific) plus three complementary modules that focus specifically on canoeing, kayaking, and SUP. This certification will add credibility to yourself as a source of paddlesports safety information, as well as provide official documentation of your skills and experience for your employer, insurance carrier, or resume.  Duration: 6 - 8 hours, Course Tuition: $180

ACA Level-2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader Course:

The purpose of the Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Trip Leader (L2: EKTTL) program is an assessment process for individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreationally or professionally, in protected waterways. The emphasis of the Trip Leader program is on leadership. Successful completion of the assessment will provide evidence of the candidate’s technical skills and confirm their knowledge, understanding and ability to plan and implement trips, for a wide variety of abilities, in environments up to and including L2: KTTL conditions. his is an intensive, 2-day course designed for experienced, open water kayakers who are considering becoming an ACA Certified Day Trip Leader. Duration: 1 full-day, Course Tuition: $180

ACA Level-3 Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Course:

The Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement course is designed to assist coastal kayakers at all levels in refining basic strokes and maneuvers. It may be beneficial to re-take this course at different levels of skill progression. With a successful completion of this course and successful demonstration of the knowledge and skills introduced, the ACA member student be awarded the Level-3 Certification.  Course Duration: 8 hrs.; Course Tuition: $180

Introduction to Kayak Fishing

This class will be a “dry land” instructional seminar for the novice kayaker, fisherman (or woman), or both. Students will learn the basics of kayak fishing, including, but not limited to: benefits of using a kayak, choosing your vessel, rigging up, safety, fishing gear, and when/where/how to catch fish. Students will have a chance for some hands-on experience with typical gear found on a fishing kayak along with kayaks themselves. This will be a great class for students to get headed in the right direction for a truly unique experience on the water getting intimate with Mother Nature.  Additional instruction can be arranged for customizing your own fishing machine, installation of hardware, and/or on the water instruction and guiding. Course Duration: 3 hrs.; Course Tuition: $95

Kayak Rolling Private Sessions, "Introduction to Rolling":

It is often said that there are three rules to open-water, sea kayaking: “Don’t come out of the kayak; don’t come out of the kayak; don’t come out of the kayak!”  Learning to roll a kayak is not as daunting of a skill as it might seem.  We have found that the best way to learn is to work with an instructor one-on-one. These personal sessions last no longer than an two-hours.  It often takes only one or two sessions with an instructor and then individual practice to begin to develop a dependable roll. Practice, practice, practice until it is intuitive.  Introduction to Rolling Course Duration: 2 hrs.; Course Tuition $95 or three lessons (2 hrs. each) $240. 

Kayak Camping 101 (Now offered in both Maine and Florida!)

This class is for anybody that has a desire to kayak to, and camp, at some of the most beautiful and remote places. This two-part course will help you to plan, organize, pack for, and enjoy a comfortable camping trip using your kayak. The class will focus on choosing the proper camping gear, gear storage, kayak trim and packing all this into your kayak.

Course Duration: Part I: 4 hours; Part II: two-day, one-night guided, kayak camping trip.                  

Tuition: Camping 101, Part I: $95; Tuition: Part II: Guided camping trip: $160.                                                                       

E-mail: info@FloridaKayakSchool.com for more information, to reserve, pay course tuition.

Trip Planning:

One of our favorite things to do is to live vicariously through the adventures of our clients. We offer personal consultation to help you and/or your group plan a kayaking adventure to anywhere you have a desire to experience.  Please contact us to arrange for your consultation. E-mail: info@FloridaKayakSchool.com for more information and to reserve by paying course tuition.

Private Expedition and Camping Trips:

We are often asked to guide private parties on over-night paddling and camping trips. We will work one-on-one with you to design a trip that is appropriate for you and your group's skill level and be your on-water and camping guide.  We have found that this is a great introduction to kayak paddling and camping. Daily tuition: $160 per-person. E-mail: info@FloridaKayakSchool.com for more information.

Seamanship, Navigation, Meteorology:

These classes are designed to collectively help you to stay safe, know where you are and where you are going, and understand the weather and sea conditions around you. E-mail: info@FloridaKayakSchool.com for more information and to reserve by paying course tuition.

One-on-One (or Two) Personal Coaching:

The Florida Kayak School and Tours offers a one-on-one experience with an ACA/BCU Certified Instructor. These coaching sessions and consultations are designed to meet the client where they are in their abilities and help them toward achieving their desired results. Private Coaching Tuition: $60 per hour E-mail: info@FloridaKayakSchool.com for more information

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Florida Kayak School and Tours Course Deposit, Cancellation, Refund Policy: The Florida Kayak School and Tours activities go rain or shine. Should the Florida Kayak School and Tours cancel your reservation due to extreme weather conditions or other safety related concerns, you may reschedule or receive a full refund. If YOU cancel or decrease your numbers the following applies:

Reservation for Florida Kayak School and Tours Courses:  To reserve a spot for a course requires a 50% deposit.  The balance of the charge is due 30 days prior to the beginning of the activity.

Course Closure: Florida Kayak School and Tours may close courses registration 3 weeks prior to the beginning date of the activity.  Should a minimum of participants not commit to this activity, the Florida Kayak School and Tours will cancel the course and give those who have paid a full refund or reservation credit (client’s choice).  

Cancellations: Cancellations 30 or more days prior to the activity date will receive full refund minus a 5% cancellation fee. Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the beginning of the activity date will receive a full reservation booking credit minus a 5% cancellation fee. Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or credit.

Reservation credits are valid one year from the activity date.


Signing Up For A Course

If you are interested in taking a class, please check our schedule.  If you do not see a class that fits your needs or schedule, contact the staff at Florida Kayak School and we will work with you to arrange a class built around your particular requirements.


Waiver Forms to Fill out Prior to Your Tour or Class