 |
 |
|
home /instruction
2 DAY FAST-TRACK (OPEN WATER)
Course
Description
The best way to become a competent open water kayaker is to take a 2 Day Fast-Track course that combines flatwater skills with an open water experience. We have taken our two most popular classes and paired them together to do just that. When we take the curriculum from our Kayak 101: Strokes and Rescues Class and apply these fresh skills to our Kayak 202: Ocean Motion and Movement Class we see our students rapidly transform into confident paddlers.
In our Kayaking 101: Strokes and Rescues we introduce our students to the fundamentals of kayaking focusing on efficient strokes and effective rescues. On day one we introduce and refine our flatwater skills in order to become proficient paddlers. In the afternoon we spend some time getting wet while working on our assisted and self rescues. These skills prepare us for the dynamic environment of open water and some of the challenges that await us.
On day two we take these skills and apply them to an open water environment with wind, waves and current. In our Kayak 202: Ocean Motion and Movement Class we introduce open water skills as well as navigation, towing and general seamanship. As the day progresses we learn to link our strokes and use our lower body to maneuver our kayaks with confidence. Rescues become more challenging in wind and waves, but our newfound skills help us perform them with balance and control. Throughout the day the class works on understanding tides, currents and the challenges they introduce to general navigation. After lunch we get to do some role play and work on some common open water rescue situations such as towing and rafting for support. During the latter part of the day will introduce Eskimo rescues and the fundamentals of the Eskimo Roll.
Prerequisites
This is a 2 day entry level kayaking course, no prior kayak experience required. Participants should expect to be in their kayak for most of the day.
Includes
Students are permitted to bring their own gear. Equipment must be equivalent to gear provided, appropriate for class, in good working order and approved by instructor. Please call 800-310-4504 with any questions.
1) Kayak
2) Paddle
3) PFD (type III, Coast Guard approved)
4) Booties
5) Spray skirt
6) Wetsuit/ drysuit if needed
**BRINGING YOUR OWN KAYAK? Kayaks 12ft or larger with floatation in front and rear are acceptable (i.e. sealed bulkheads in front and rear). No sit on top kayaks or recreational kayaks smaller than 12ft please.
Does Not Include
Students will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. Pack a lunch and snacks for the day. Water bottles should be filled before arrival.
1) Lodging
2) Meals
3) Transportation
4) Personal gear and clothing
Locations
Day 1) Lincoln Woods State Park, Rhode Island
Manchester Print Works Road, Lincoln, RI 02865
Day 2) URI Bay Campus, Narragansett, RI
From the North (Providence, RI)
Route 95 south to route 4 south to 1 south to the junction of 138. Take a left at the lights at that junction on Bridgetown Road (do not take 138 west), down the hill and to the light at route 1A Boston neck road. Go straight across the intersection on to South Ferry Road following it straight to the end.
Gear List
Required Gear and Clothing
Please come dressed for the weather and prepared with the appropriate gear and clothing for your kayak program. Below is a list of gear and clothing recommended by the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School. If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504.
|
Long or Short Sleeve Top Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. |
|
Shorts or Pants Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. |
|
Water Shoes |
|
Food and Water |
Optional Items
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Bug Spray
Camera
Dry Bag
Dry change of clothes and towel
EMS Kayak School Provides
|
Kayak |
|
PFD |
|
Paddle |
|
Booties |
|
Spray Jacket |
|
Spray Skirt |
|
Farmer John Wetsuit |
|
Drysuit For cold weather paddling only. Goes over all your clothes to keep you dry. |
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can i bring my own gear
Yes, if it is appropriate. Kayaks for instruction or for tours need to have a minimum of safety features as well as be an appropriate style and size kayak for the class/tour. Call and check with the school or instructor.
What happens of the weather is bad?
We still operate all of our programs in rainy conditions. Kayaking is after all a water sport. We will delay or cancel programs in dangerous weather conditions like thunderstorms or gale force winds. If this happens during your class, we will either credit you at a pro rate, or reschedule you to finish the missed portion at your convenience.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations or schedule changes 8 DAYS OR MORE PRIOR to the event start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty. Reservation changes of any kind WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT START DATE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED and you WILL NOT be permitted to carry over deposits to future events. Please mark this date on your calendar after making your reservation!
What time should I plan to arrive for class?
You should get to class at least 15 minutes early. Classes start and end on time.
Do we take breaks?
In our 7 hour instructional classes we always take a lunch. Often times it is a working lunch in which students and instructors share information and experiences. Students need to provide their own bag lunch. Each student should have at least one liter of water so that they can stay hydrated. Breaks are taken when needed, students need only to ask their instructors during class.
How many students in each class?
This course runs with a 1:6 instructor to student ratio.
What certifications do your instructors have?
All instructors hold current and up to date American Canoe Association (ACA) Certifications. Their level of certification always meets or exceed the level of class they are teaching. All instructors are also CPR and First Aid trained.
How is Eastern Mountain Sports different from other outfitters?
While there are other good outfitters, they are in the minority. We spend a great deal of time on staff training and all our instructors are nationally certified. All of our guides and instructors were experienced paddlers before they became instructors, and that is a claim few other outfitters can back up. We perform risk assessments for every site we work at, with emergency procedure plans prepared in advance, and regularly train in conjunction with rescue agencies like the US Coast Guard and local harbormasters. We have instructors who regularly teach at nationally regarded paddles sports events across the US.
Dates (2011)
May 14-15, 28-29
June 25-26
July 30-31
September
10-11
How to make a reservation?
Cost
$190 per person
Times
 |
