CANOE AND KAYAK LESSONS

BEGINNER CANOE LESSONS

We know that you, of course, don’t need this class. But imagine how much this can improve the skills of your dumb partner.

Seldom does anyone tip over in this class, but seldom does not mean never, so bring a towel and a change of clothes. Sportcraft provides canoes, paddles, and life jackets.

This class is directed towards the canoeist who wants to learn the finer points of paddling. Teamwork will be one of the themes throughout these lessons. Understanding the functions of the bow and stern partners and the relationship between the two is an important factor of the pure pleasure of canoeing. We don’t suppose you’ll be ready for the Inland Passage when you’ve finished the class, but you will know more about canoeing than most of your friends.

We provide boats, paddles, and PFD’s. You provide your own, weather appropriate, attire. It is also wise to bring extra clothes as backup in case of the “unscheduled swim.”

If, in your canoeing experience, your goal is to reach the ultimate results from your paddling effort, this is the class for you.

How far do you travel with each stroke of your paddle? What ever distance that is do you wish it was longer, that’s what this class is about. To paddle smoothly, easily and efficiently, our goal is for you to learn to get the ultimate result from whatever effort you put into your stroke. As in all our instructions, teamsmanship will be an important element here.

We require two things in this class: 1.That you have had previous canoeing classes (see page 1). 2. That you pay attention in this canoeing class.

We provide equipment.

These lessons are tailored to a group’s common goal or to your personal paddling needs. They may be techniques for solo paddling, racing, moving water, the basics, kayaking, or maybe demonstrations.

Just tell us what you want to learn and we’ll tell you if we can do it.

Take a canoe lesson so that you can learn to propel your canoe along our waterways. Learn forward, back, and steering strokes. These lessons will prepare you for our tours. Be ready to pay $50.00 to instructor on first class day. Fee includes equipment and instruction.

To register call PCC, 503-977-4933 or register on line at www.pcc.edu

One should be aware of the options available in the event of an unplanned swim. This clinic will give you the chance to observe and practice different “post-capsize” procedures. We will demonstrate assisted rescue and towing rescue. We hope that you never have to use the skills learned in this clinic, but all canoers should be familiar with what can be done with an upside-down canoe.

This clinic is at a pool with a reasonable temperature. Getting wet is an absolute. Bring swimming attire, a towel, nose plugs, earplugs or eye wear retainers if you need them. Sportcraft will provide boats and water.

This clinic is designed for those who wish to learn techniques for paddling in current. Eddy turns and back ferrying are two things one should know before paddling down many of the rivers we have here in the northwest. These maneuvers, plus picking the best route down a class one or two rapid, will be discussed and practiced. You will also be instructed in reading water and how to identify dangers on the river and how to avoid them.