Combo Kayak Lesson

Please pre-register for all programs. Call us toll free at 877-554-5080.

All of our kayaking and paddling lessons are done on the Susquehanna River!

2008 TOURING KAYAK

INSTRUCTION PROGRAM

Shank’s Mare’s 2008 Kayak Instruction program dates are now available. You are sure to find just the right lesson for your paddling needs offered in several different formats. Whether you need a “try it see if you like it” session, or full instruction from strokes to rescue skills, Shank’s Mare will have the lesson for you.

Introduction to Touring Kayaking

Tues., June 3 & 10, & Aug. 5, 2008, 5:30-7:30pm

Sun., July 13 & Aug. 10, 2008, 9:00-11:00am

Thurs., July 24 & Sept. 4, 2008, 5:30-7:30pm

This 2-hour class offers an introduction to the sport of touring kayaking using decktop kayaks. Students will begin with an on-land session to learn entering the kayak, proper body position for paddling, holding the paddle properly, and a demonstration of the basic paddle strokes. Participants will then move to the water and paddle the kayaks to get acclimated. Review of the strokes on the water includes power, maneuvering and touring strokes and an introduction to the draw and brace strokes. Paddlers will practice capsizing and re-entering the kayaks. The class will end with a guided paddle tour offering individual help as needed. This class fee includes decktop kayak, paddles, and personal flotation devices (pfd’s).

Fee – Members $40/Person, Non-Members $45/Person

Touring Kayak Class

Saturdays, 9:00am-2:00pm

May 24 & 31, 2008 June 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2008

July 12, 19, & 26, 2008 August 9, 16, & 30, 2008

September 6, 13, & 20, 2008

For those who want a thorough instruction of Touring Kayak Skills, this 5-hour long class is the choice. Taught in cockpit-style kayaks, the class begins with on-land introduction to kayaks and their designs, features, and safety considerations. We’ll cover paddle design and features and how to hold them properly. We’ll discuss sprayskirts, and getting in and out of the kayak properly, body position in the water, footbraces, and how to put the sprayskirt on properly. Paddle strokes on land will be demonstrated. Following a 45 min. lunch break, students will begin their on-water instruction beginning with wet exits. Paddlers will then get acclimated to their kayaks on the water followed by a complete review of power, touring, and sweep strokes. Advanced strokes will be covered including braces and draw and sculling strokes. Students will then receive instruction in rescues including the T and X rescue, group rescue and self rescue, and break into groups to practice these. If time allows, a short paddle tour will complete the class. The class fee includes cockpit kayaks with front and rear flotation, sprayskirts, paddles and pfd’s.

Fee – Members $85/Person, Non-Members $95/Person

Kayak Skills Class

Thursday, June 5 & Aug. 7, 2008, 5:00-8:00pm

Sunday, June 15 & Sept. 14, 2008, 9:00am-Noon

Thursday, July 10, 2008, 11:00am-2:00pm

Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 5:00-8:00pm

The pre-requisite for this 3-hour class is our Touring Kayak Class or physical knowledge of wet exits and kayak rescues. On land this class begins with a review of student experience, student goals for the class, and a question and answer period. On water we will review all the touring kayak strokes so participants have a full understanding of definitions and techniques. Students will practice the advanced strokes to fine tune technique. Paddlers will then work on their rescue techniques for the T and X rescue, 3-person rescue, and variations of these including the Eskimo rescue. Students will perform exercises for the skills to build a foundation for rolling. The class will end with instruction on towing techniques. The class fee includes cockpit kayaks with front and rear flotation, sprayskirts, paddles, and pfd’s.

Fee – Members $55/Person, Non-Members $65/Person

Kayak Rolling Class

Scheduled by Appointment

Pre-Requisite: Kayak Skills Class

The Kayak Rolling Class is taught one on one with class duration dependent on student pace. On the water students will review draw and sweep strokes and wet exits. The Eskimo Rescue technique will be reviewed followed by instruction on the Eskimo Roll. Students should be comfortable with rescue techniques and possess knowledge of advanced kayak strokes. The class fee includes cockpit kayaks with front and rear flotation, sprayskirts, paddles and pfd’s.

Fee – Members $40/Hour, Non-Members $45/Hour