Kayak Class

DATE(S):

MEETING PLACE: USAFA Pool

5136 Redtail Dr. USAFA, CO 80840 ph#(719) 333-2940

TRIP DESCRIPTION:

What to Bring:

Intro to Kayaking Pool Session #1: Have you ever been in upside down in a boat as the cold-water powerflushes your nostrils. Sounds like fun to me. This class is for the First time kayaker. Learn basic skills about the equipment and the outfitting. Don’t be afraid to get wet, you will also learn how to enter and exit your boat safely in the comfort of a heated pool. Learn basic paddle strokes, boat control, and balance. Learn about bracing and hip snaps, which will introduce you to the Eskimo roll. The cost is $20, which includes all gear.

Intro to the “Eskimo Roll” Pool Session #2 & #3: You want an extreme rush? OK, picture this. You’re strapped and crammed into a tiny little boat, you’re up side down, and you’re under water! OK, now add this in the mix. The water is 5 degrees above freezing, moving fast, full of logs, branches, rocks and some big ol’ smelly fish. Now, because you know what to do, you apply your learned skills, and pop your kayak upright, take a deep breath, shake it off and pick your route through the next set of rapids. Cold, dirty, moving water is no place to learn to roll a kayak. The warm still waters of an indoor swimming pool provide the perfect backdrop for an instructional class. The roll class is for those first timers as well as those who need some fine-tuning. Hone your skills in this two-part class, we will continue to practice all the skills acquired in the intro class to get you ready for some moving water. Prerequisite: must have completed the Intro to Kayaking class. The cost is $40, which includes all gear.

Kayak Open Play: Kayak open play is for those who don’t need any instruction, but want to take advantage of the pool to tune their own skills. Rolling requires repetition. Cost Open Play $10 You are welcome to bring your own gear (must be clean) Class size is limited, so sign-up early. Gear availability is dependent on class size.

Intro River Trip: Congratulations you made it to the river. Now you get to put your rolling skills to the test. Don’t forget your helmet! This instructional trip will test all the skills you have learned in the previous classes and apply them to moving water. You’ll learn about hydraulics, and how to maneuver in the current, by ferrying, eddy turns and peel-outs. We emphasize fun on the river while teaching proper stroke techniques and responsible whitewater practices. This trip costs $55, which includes all gear.

What to Bring: Eagerness to learn, Swimsuit, River booties, or aquasocks, Shirt (No cotton), Socks (No cotton), Sunscreen, Sunglasses with croakies, Lip balm, Water bottle, Change of clothes for the ride home, Plastic bag (for wet clothing), Bring a Lunch or money for lunch.

What to Wear: The OAP will provide Helmets, PFD’s, Wet Suits, and Splash Top’s.

NOTE: Wool or synthetic blends are recommended for clothing. Try to avoid cotton fabrics; they lose their insulation value when wet. Outdoor clothing should be non-binding (polypropylene or a synthetic blend is preferred for inner clothing needed on the cooler trips, or if you are easily susceptible to cold).

POSSIBLE RISKS: Don’t be a fool! Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn since you will be outside all day. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Colorado Rivers are extremely cold, so be prepared and aware of hypothermia, dress appropriately for the conditions, which can change rapidly in Colorado.

ACTIVITY INCLUDES: Transportation, instruction, kayaks, paddles and kayaking gear (except for shoes). Group size is limited so sign up early!