Paddlesports Lessons

TOURING KAYAK & STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

Shank’s Mare offers a full schedule of kayaking classes.  These programs will teach you how to get the most out of your paddlesports adventures both from a safety and technique standpoint. Sign up for our classes and get a great start in kayaking. All classes require pre-registration - online by clicking the class title, or by phone at 717-252-1616.

Standup Paddleboard Classes are also available.  Call to request a class.

We are happy to schedule private group lessons.  Just give us a call for details.  GO PLAY OUTSIDE!

Basic Kayak Class

June - Tuesdays June 6 or June 20, 2023 - 5:30-7:30pm.  
July - Tuesdays July 11 or July 25, 2023 - 5:30-7:30pm.
August - Tuesdays August 8 or August 22, 2023 - 5:30-7:30pm. 
This 2 to 2-1/2 hour class offers an introduction to the sport of touring kayaking using sit-on-top kayaks.  Our goal is to teach students proper paddling skills to enhance their paddling experience.  On land learn entering the kayak, proper body position, holding the paddle, and basic paddle strokes.  On water instruction includes learning power, maneuvering and touring strokes.  The class ends with a short paddle tour offering individual help as needed.  You will learn good paddling habits to maximize your paddling experience for safety and fun.  All gear is provided, or you may bring your own.

Fee – $55/Person

Cockpit Kayak Skills Class

Saturday, June 24, 2023 - 10:30am-2:30pm
Saturday, July 15, 2023 - 10:30am-2:30pm
Saturday, August 19, 2023 - 10:30am-2:30pm
This 4-hour class encompasses techniques, safety tips, and self and group rescue skills for cockpit kayaks.  The class begins with an on-land orientation covering kayak entry, handling the paddle, and kayak outfitting.  On the water students cover strokes and boat control, wet exits in a controlled area with the instructor, and individual and group assist rescues.  The class concludes with a paddle tour to review skills and enjoy the paddle experience.  The class fee includes cockpit kayaks with front and rear flotation, sprayskirts, rescue gear, paddles and pfds.  If students wish to use their own kayaks, please call for clarification on outfitting and required gear.

Fee - $99/Person

Basic Stand-Up Paddleboard Class

Thursday, August 3, 2023 - 5:30-7:30pm
This two hour class offers an introduction to the sport of Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP).  On-land, learn handling your paddle, mounting the paddleboard and proper body position for balance. On-water instruction includes launching, various stroke techniques, maneuvering the board, and safety and rescue techniques.  This instruction period will be followed by a short SUP paddle tour. Fee includes board, paddle, pfd & instruction.

Fee – $55/Person

Shank's Mare programs are weather and river dependent.  Our first consideration is your safety.  If we deem conditions unsafe, we reserve the right to cancel programs and re-schedule.  If the re-schedule date does not work for you, we will give a program credit or refund.