Learn to Sea Kayak - Basic Kayak Control - $25

By popular demand... and because it is the essential skills to enjoy safe sea kayaking.

Cost: $25 : Duration - 1 day
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7GRo247degMgQmPv7
Google Maps- Naru Beach near Marks Point Boat Ramp, Lake Macqurie Location Map

Who is this for?
First-timers: learn how to paddle a sea kayak and have some fun.
Beginners - who want to learn how to do their paddle strokes more effectively and efficiently.

Why Free?
Sea kayaking is an amazing experience, but it requires skills and knowledge to be both enjoyable and safe.
To get into sea kayaking can be expensive due to the required investment in time to gain experience and in equipment (which can be quite specialised).
This group has been created to make it possible for people to start sea kayaking or expand their knowledge and skills in the most cost effective and supportive way.
Additionally, to enjoy sea kayaking as a group experience it is essential that everyone on the water has the basic paddling skills to be able to keep in control of their kayak in weather conditions that can change instantly.
This course covers these basics.

Do you need equipment or transport?
Equipment is available for hire at $40 for the day. Full list below.
Transport by car pooling or arrangement.
email: [email protected]

Introduction:
Paddling a sea kayak is easy to do—perhaps too easy, sometimes lulling the novice into a false sense of security, thinking that everything is simple, when in absolute fact the opposite is the truth.

In skilled hands, sea kayaks are extraordinarily seaworthy craft however, a novice will find the sea kayak difficult to control in waves or windy conditions, and without an understanding of the potential issues, can take the uneducated or inexperienced into dangerous situations.

Course overview
This course is designed to give the beginner the knowledge to ascertain weather and ocean conditions to determine whether they should be sea kayaking AND to give the skills and knowledge to control their kayak, using just their paddles, in wind conditions up to force 3.
You will find sea kayaking a much more relaxed and enjoyable activity after completing this Basic Sea Kayak Control course.

Your Instructor
Dave Wilson has over 50 years of sea kayak and whitewater kayak experience, providing professional kayak instruction and guiding in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North & Central America.

Broad itinerary
10:00: Arrive, change into sea kayaking gear (a list is provided after registration)
10:30 - 11:00: introduction to the sea kayak environment & equipment.
11:00 - 12:30: basic paddle techniques.
12:30 - 13:30: working lunch: wind/waves & how they affect the sea kayak.
13:30 - 14:30: more paddle techniques
14:30 - 16:00: short kayak journey to practice paddling techniques.
16:00 - 17:00: reflection, group safety & pack away equipment.

What to bring:
Attitude to learn, to help, to enjoy.
Personal safety gear: water shoes (no thongs), refillable water bottle (min 1l), sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, rash vest or t-shirt (wear when kayaking), sunscreen.
Kayak gear: (NB, if a newbie, kayaks and all gear is available for rental @$30 / day)
seaworthy sea kayak
Spray deck for sea kayak
Paddle
Buoyancy vest
Lunch: Bring a wholesome, packed lunch.
Please ensure it is in a waterproof bag or container, as we will be having our lunch somewhere in Lake Macquarie. Bring ample water for the day in a reusable water container. We do not allow single-use water bottles due to their impact on the oceans.

Simple rules:
If you RSVP going, turn up.
If you RSVP going & cannot turn up, change your RSVP to not going at least 48 hours before.
If you cannot give 48 hrs notice, contact me directly via chat or my number, so that I know you are not coming.

My contact details are:
[email protected]
whatsapp / ph 0493377171