KAYAK SAFETY & RESCUE SKILLS

This course introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency. Topics will include prevention, how to avoid potential dangers, and simple, low-risk rescue techniques.

Students will develop and practice key self-rescue skills to manage minor in-water incidents. Course participants should be comfortable paddling in conditions of up to one foot waves, 10 knot winds, and 2 knot current. Students should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable in the water.

Dress appropriately for weather and water temperature, and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time. Recreational, sit-on-top or touring kayaks may be used, at the instructor's discretion. You will practice wet-exits, self-recovery, partner resuces, and ways to assist tired or weak paddlers.

We recommend reserving space early as we take a maximum of 10 participants in each class. If you would like to schedule a private class for your own group, advance notice is required.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Every paddler should have the skills to recover from a capsize, and know how to perform rescues when paddling in a group. For students planning to paddle in remote areas (such as Black Canyon), this class is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.