Wednesday Evening Skill Building Series

Series Overview:
– $290/person, GST included
– 5 evenings in April & May
– 4:00-6:15 p.m. (11.25 hours total)
– different skillset focus each week
– “Sea Kayak Olympics” to cap it all off!

Objective

Looking for a way to consistently get on the water and build your skills this spring? Our Wednesday Evening Skill Building Series runs for five evenings in April and May. Each week, we focus on a different set of paddling skills, giving you the opportunity to learn progressively and build your foundational kayaking skills in preparation for the summer paddling season!

Dates, Times & Location:

Series runs five evenings: April 5, April 12, April 26, May 3 & May 17.
Sessions run from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Please arrive in time to have your boat on the beach and be geared up and ready to go by 4 p.m.
Locations will vary between Westwood Lake Park in Nanaimo and Blueback Community Park in Nanoose in order to mix fresh and salt water.

Class Size & Fees

6 students maximum.
$290 for the full series, GST included.
Kayak and equipment rental available.

Prerequisites:

Previous kayaking experience (at least Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills or equivalent), is recommended to get the most out of this series.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own sea kayak and equipment. Rentals are available if required.
Participants must sign our waiver and complete a medical form in advance of attending the series.

Curriculum:

Week 1 – Wednesday April 5 – Power & Momentum
We’ll work on forward, backward and stopping strokes, with a specific focus on generating more power, precision and control in these foundational strokes.

Week 2 – Wednesday April 12 – Turning & Maneuverability
Sweep stroke, pivot turns, draw stroke & edging! We’ll work through a number of exercises to help you get your kayak turning exactly where and how you want it to.

Week 3 – Wednesday April 26 – Assisted & Solo Re-entries
Time to refine those all important rescues! We’ll run through some key assisted rescues, including the T-Rescue and Parallel Park & Pump; try out a rescue stirrup; and hone our solo re-entries using the paddle float and scramble methods. Be prepared to be in the water for the duration of this session!

Week 4 – Wednesday May 3 – Balance & Agility
Get ready to challenge yourself with a number of exercises that target your balance and agility in and out of your kayak. We’ll also work on our low brace to prevent capsize.

Week 5 – Wednesday May 17 – Putting it all Together – Sea Kayak Olympics!
Our last session will be a fun “Sea Kayak Olympics” event — a series of exercises that encourage you to combine the skills we’ve learned to date and put it all together to up your personal paddling game. Everyone is a winner here!

Equipment & Preparation

The following kayak equipment is required to complete to participate in this series. We recommend you bring your own, but we can arrange rentals if required.

Sea-worthy kayak with front and rear bulkheads and full perimeter lines.
ULC-certified PFD (lifejacket) with a whistle attached
Kayak paddle and spare
Manual bilge pump
Throwbag with 15 metres of bouyant heaving line
Spray skirt
Immersion gear suitable for the conditions of each day (wetsuit or drysuit)

Registration:

To register, please e-mail us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.

Join the Wednesday Evening Skill Building Series (Spring 2023)

First & Last Name(required)

Email Address(required)

Phone Number

Would you like to rent a kayak and equipment? (required)

Yes please! ($30 per evening, or $125 for the full series) No, I'm bringing my own!

If you are bringing your own kayak, please provide the make and model here:

Do you own immersion gear?(required)

Wetsuit Drysuit None of the above

Please describe your paddling experience and training to date, as well as any goals you have for the series:

If you are you a member of a local paddling club, please provide the club name:

Regarding Crosscurrents Kayak’s Waiver and Course Policies:

I have read and agree to the contents of Crosscurrents Kayak's waiver (link below) and will complete and sign a copy of this waiver prior to the course.(required)

Waiver (opens in new window)

I have read and agree to Crosscurrents Kayak's Course Policies (link below). (required)

Course Policies (opens in new window)

Any further questions or comments you have about the series:

Would you like to subscribe to Crosscurrents Kayak's mailing list, to learn about upcoming courses and events, local marine flora and fauna, and kayaking tips and tricks?

Yes, subscribe me to the mailing list! No thanks.

After your submit this form, we will be in touch by email to complete your registration.
See you soon on the water!