Quick Start for Kayak

Designed for the total beginner who doesn’t have time for more in-depth instruction, the “Quick Start” course offers a 3 hour, intense introduction to kayaking. The course emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition, and follows American Canoe Association guidelines. Specific topics include personal preparation for the trip, safety and rescue, proper equipment, getting started and maneuvers. A review at the end of the course will help to insure learning.

Fee: $60 per person.

Introduction to Recreational Kayaking

Paddling technique, safety and enjoyment are emphasized in this 8 hour introduction to recreational kayaking. Instruction is designed to give participants a solid foundation in recreational kayaking — beginning with choosing the correct equipment and moving to proper weld, entry and launch techniques; balance; bracing; strokes; safety; self-rescue techniques; assisted rescue techniques; and trip planning. There is plenty of time to observe birds and wildlife while practicing various techniques. We will break in the middle for lunch so bring a bag lunch with you.

Fee: $120 per person.

Basic River Safety

Our full-day basic river safety course is geared towards individuals looking to gain confidence for their next river adventure. This course consists of a short classroom session followed by both on-land and on-water activities.  Topics cover from what to wear, essential gear to carry and an introduction to basic river rescue.  At least half of the course is devoted to skill acquisition and practice in a controlled environment.

Fee: $100 per person.

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking

This introduction to whitewater kayaking course is broken into two Parts spread out over four week-day evenings and one weekend day.

The first evening of Part I is a 1.5 hr. classroom session that includes an overview of general safety practices, rescue gear and a paddler’s responsibilities.  In addition, students will practice throw bag techniques and knot tying skills.  Videos will be presented on hypothermia and safety.  The second, third and fourth evenings of Part I take place in a pool where students practice wet exists, paddle strokes, bracing, hip snaps and kayak rolls.  Emphasis is placed on correct blade angle, shoulder position and safety.

Part II is a full-day paddle trip where river running topics are discussed and practiced.  Topics include running the shuttle, lead & sweep boats, scouting rapids, water levels and river features like strainers, rooster tails, holes, pillows, downriver & upriver V’s and waves.  Executing ferries and peel-outs and conducting eddy turns are practiced.

 Fee: $165 per person.  A boat, PFD, paddle, spray skirt, wetsuit and helmet are provided.

Kayak Roll Classes & Practice

Haw River Canoe and Kayak Co has joined forces with the Burlington Maynard Aquatic Center to offer the Piedmont paddling community an opportunity to take kayak roll instruction any Wednesday night throughout the year. There is no better place to start learning entry level, or advanced paddling skills than in a large, crystal clear pool. Our sessions are from 8:00pm to 9:00 pm. The address for Burlington Maynard Aquatic Center is 1402 Overbrook Road. Burlington, NC 27215

All gear can be provided with instruction. We can provide whitewater, or touring kayaks for our instruction. You are also welcome to bring your own gear to use in this class, we only require that you clean your gear thoroughly to ensure you do not introduce any algae into the pools water system.

This course is made up of 4 sessions of 1.5 hours each.  Very few people master a kayak roll the first session, but by the fourth session, students should have a confident flatwater roll.  Private boaters are also welcome to come in and use the pool with their own equipment to practice rolling for a $5.00 entry fee (Paid to the BMAC at their front desk).

With summer in full swing there is no better way to cool off than to be rolling down the river.

Fee: $100 per person for instruction plus $5.00 entrance fee paid to BMAC for each session.

To practice your rolls with your own boat and paddling gear there is just the $5.00 entrance fee, paid to BMAC.

Introduction to Sea Kayaking

This 8-hour introductory course includes the basics of sea kayking, stressing technique, safety and enjoyment — while providing ample opportunity to develop skill through practice. You will learn about equipment, strokes, proper weld, entry, exits, balance, bracing, strokes, safety and rescue techniques.

Fee: $120.00 per person.

Private Kayak Instruction

We offer one-on-one instruction for individuals looking to acquire kayaking skills in a private setting.  From beginner recreational kayaking to advanced whitewater kayaking, instruction will be tailored to the individual.  The instructor will emphasize water safety and correct paddling technique.

Fee: $60 per person for 1.5 hours of private instruction.