Alaska Kayak School Calendar

Introductory Kayaking Skills (winter05) Learn the basics in ten 1.5 hour pool sessions in small plastic play boats: fun, safety, kayak fit, posture, balance, safe use of the body, wet exits, basic control - forward, back, stop, sideways, turn, spin, brace, support and more. Includes basic rescues, cold water paddling awareness, and hypothermia/shock-drowning prevention. 1 and 2 star British Canoe Union Skills. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). Call 235-2090 for more information.

Intermediate Kayaking Skills (winter 05) Develop strong boat control skills, finesse, and solid rescues using the pool and small plastic play boats that magnify the efficiency of your techniques. Ten action-packed pool sessions for honing and learning skills such as balance, safety, efficient use of the body, and performance of specific strokes and maneuvers: draw, low and high recovery/braces, bow and stern rudders, sculling, beginnings of Eskimo rolling and more. Covers many of the 2 and 3 star British Canoe Union Skills. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). Call 235-2090 for more information.

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue (winter 05) Kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, towing, throw bags, self-rescues and Eskimo rolling. Great course for sea paddlers. 10 1.5-hour sessions focusing on skills needed to conduct rescues at sea in a diversity of conditions. Build strong rescue skills and confidence.

Cost: $175 w/ tax + $15 Comm School registration fee, $250 w/ Sea Kayak Navigation.

Sea Kayak Navigation (winter 05). Learn, practice and discuss trip-planning, group dynamics, clothing, safety gear + much more. All Class room. Learn to plan trips in relation to tides and currents, read charts, use a compass, plan a day trip in fog, and plan to navigate in darkness. Find and escape route using the chart and compass. What clothing is safest? What signaling devices really work? How does the wind affect planning and paddling? Which towing system will work for you? This is all the stuff sea paddlers "need to know", great for family paddlers, sea rats and guides alike.

Cost: $75 w/ tax + $15 Comm School registration fee, $250 w/ Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue.

Youth Kayaking - Fun-filled sessions emphasize safety, balance and discovery learning: basic boat control, rescues, hypothermia, clothing, and group awareness. Pool and outdoor sessions. All equipment included. Ages 9-17 and parents are invited!

Kayak Pool Practice sessions for Kayak School Students - Two-hour practice sessions for students, a time to play and use practice drills to hone your skills along with other students. Light coaching, safety and all the Kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet and light coaching provided.

Alaska Kayak School - Winter Paddling

Spit Paddling (Winter) - Any afternoon with moderate air temperatures and light winds (above 32°F, and winds less than 10 knots) is a great time to paddle in the calm waters in the vicinity of the Homer Spit. The snow-covered mountain backdrop of Kachemak Bay State Park is awe-inspiring. Wintering sea birds, Bald Eagles, Otters, and Harbor Seals can't be wrong, it's the place to be. 2-4 hours of paddling in immersion wear if conditions allow is a normal winter cruise. If you're itching' to get on the water and want a unique sea paddling experience, this is it. Spit Paddling! When: Any afternoon with air temps above 32 °F and winds < 10 knots (11.5 mph).

Sunday Sea Paddles: Sea Duck Watching. Weather Permitting !! Many Sundays from January to April enjoy light winds, air temperatures 30-40F and calm seas. These are ideal afternoon of sea kayaking near the Homer Spit. Dry suits, gloves, warm headgear all required (or provided). Designed for experienced paddlers wishing to learn about winter paddling or Alaska Kayaks School students ready to make the transition to the bay.

Pre-requisites: Alaska Kayak School students and members of the public with appropriate skills.

Night Paddling in Winter. The Homer Spit provides a wealth of protected paddling locations that are well-lit in winter with mercury-halogen lamps. On those 30-40F nights its fun to get outs in the evenings and explores the Harbor and other well lit destinations on the Spit. Awesome cure for winter blues. Launch times starting at 330-4 PM

Pre-requisites: Alaska Kayak School students and members of the public with appropriate skills.

Friday's Paddling Film Series. View modern and historic paddling videos on VHS and DVD. One-hour exploration into the diversity and skills for paddling sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, canoes and more . Locally filmed and produced films of Homer and Alaska, as well as films from Scott Lindgren, Teton Gravity Research, Epicocity Project, Lunch Video Magazine, Young Gun Productions, and more new cool water-funflicks.

April 2005

Spit Paddling - Any afternoon with moderate air temperatures and light winds (above 32°F, and winds less than 10 knots) is a great time to paddle in the calm waters in the vicinity of the Homer Spit. The snow-covered mountain backdrop of Kachemak Bay State Park is awe-inspiring. Wintering sea birds, Bald Eagles, Otters, and Harbor Seals can’t be wrong, it’s the place to be. 2-4 hours of paddling in immersion wear if conditions allow is a normal winter cruise. If you're itching' to get on the water and want a unique sea paddling experience, this is it. Spit Paddling! When: by appointment - any afternoon with air temps above 32°F and winds < 10 knots (11.5 mph).

Applied Sea Skills ( British Canoe Union Four Star Sea Kayak training) Spring 05 - Apply your intermediate kayaking skills to the conditions out in the bay. This is the perfect course for hardy intermediate paddlers that are itching to get on the water in spring to learn and practice open water skills. Four outdoor paddling sessions on 3 Sunday afternoons in April, and one afternoon in May. Emphasis on British Canoe Union Four Star sea kayak syllabus skills. Clothing and gear, kayak selection and safety features, paddling in wind waves and current, control in surf, group awareness, route selection and navigation, rescues, towing, and more. Great course for guides!

Intermediate Kayaking Skills (spring 05) Sample the intermediate skills boat control, finesse, and solid rescues using the pool, small plastic play boats and sea kayaks. River kayaks magnify the efficiency of your techniques. Four action-packed pool sessions for honing and learning skills such as balance, safety, efficient use of the body, and performance of specific strokes and maneuvers: draw, low and high recovery/braces, bow and stern rudders, sculling, beginnings of Eskimo rolling and more. Covers as many of the 2 and 3 star British Canoe Union Skills as 4 sessions allow. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). Call 235-2090 for more information.

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue (spring 05) Kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, towing, throw bags, self-rescues and Eskimo rolling. Great course for sea paddlers. Five 1.5-hour sessions focusing on skills needed to conduct rescues at sea in a diversity of conditions. Build strong rescue skills and confidence.

Cost: $90 w/ tax + $15 Comm School registration fee, $125 w/ Sea Kayak Navigation.

Sea Kayak Navigation (spring 05). Learn and practice trip-planning, group dynamics, clothing, safety gear + much more. All Class room. Learn to plan trips in relation to tides and currents, read charts, use a compass, plan a day trip in fog, and plan to navigate in darkness. Find and escape route using the chart and compass. What clothing is safest? This is a lot of the stuff sea paddlers "need to know", great for family paddlers, sea rats and guides alike.

Cost: $45 w/ tax + $5 Comm School registration fee, $125 w/ Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue.

Sea Skills 1. (BCU 1 and 2 star kayak training). This is an outdoor version of the introductory skills. Its designed to introduce paddlers to cold water gear, and transferring pool skills to the bay: Basic safety awareness, control of the kayak while paddling forward, back, and sideways, balance, recovery of balance, assisted & Eskimo rescues, and much more. These are the skills for taking a kayak out in calm waters close to shore, and the foundation of intermediate skills. This course provides training in British Canoe Union 1 and 2 star closed cockpit kayak skills.

Note: Parents or guardians must sign Community Schools registration forms and Alaska Kayak School waivers.

Sea Skills 2. (BCU 3 star kayak training). All the flat water skills for kayaking. Includes understanding the relationship between your actions and the reactions of the kayak, and the technical performance of strokes and maneuvers, basic trip planning and navigation, assisted and Eskimo rescues, and towing. This is course emphasizes the technical performance of strokes and maneuvers and provides training in British Canoe Union closed cockpit kayak 3 star skills. These are pre-requisite skills to advanced sea kayak skills training (BCU 4 Star sea kayak), and for attending BCU Coach Training programs. All equipment provided, including dry suits. * Course on 30 April will emphasize boat control and rescues.

Wind and Waves - Open Water (BCU 4 star sea kayak training): Increase your confidence and ability to paddle in open water conditions where wind and waves strongly affect your kayak. What is weather cocking? How do you counter act it? Where do wind and waves come from? Are they predictable? If your rudder breaks (yoicks!), how can you maneuver your kayak without it in the wind? We will practice surf landings and launchings if conditions allow. Navigation, group awareness, strokes, maneuvers, rescues and towing in conditions, All equipment provided, including dry suits.

Pre-requisites: Skills 1-2, previous kayak skills and rescue training or permission.

Tides and Currents - Moving Water. Learn sea kayaking skills for maneuvering and rescuing sea kayaks in moving water, such as tidal races and overfalls. Practice ferries, eddy turns, peel-outs, on the ebb running out of Halibut Cove lagoon. You'll get training to help you maneuver the sea boats like river kayaks. Improve your safety, group awareness, balance and confidence paddling in the river-like environment on the sea. You'll wear those grin muscles out! Space limited. All equipment provided, including dry suits.

Pre-requisites: Previous kayaking experience or instruction, solid wet exit, permission of instructors.

Contact the kayak school before Wednesday nights with commitment to participate.

Anchorage Skills Series

Introduction to Kayaking - Chugiak Pool ( Anchorage). Learn fundamental kayaking skills in small plastic play boats during 3.5-hour instructional pool sessions at Chugiak Pool: fun, safety, kayak fit, posture, balance, safe use of the body, wet exits, basic control - forward, back, stop, sideways, turn, spin, brace, support and more. Includes basic rescues, cold water paddling awareness, and hypothermia/shock-drowning prevention. 1 and 2 star British Canoe Union Skills. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). More information, or call 907-235-2090.

Intermediate Skills- Chugiak Pool ( Anchorage). Develop strong boat control skills, finesse, and solid rescues using the pool and small plastic play boats that magnify the efficiency of your techniques. Ten action-packed pool sessions for honing and learning skills such as balance, safety, efficient use of the body, and performance of specific strokes and maneuvers: draw, low and high recovery/braces, bow and stern rudders, sculling, beginnings of Eskimo rolling and more. Covers many of the 2 and 3 star British Canoe Union Skills. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). More information, or call 907-235-2090.

Pre-requisite: previous kayak training or permission is intended to be a follow-up for introductory skills course.

May 2005

Applied Sea Skills ( British Canoe Union Four Star Sea Kayak training) Spring 05 - Apply your intermediate kayaking skills to the conditions out in the bay. This is the perfect course for hardy intermediate kayakers that are itching to get on the water in spring to learn and practice open water skills. Four outdoor paddling sessions on 3 Sunday afternoons in April, and one afternoon in May. Emphasis on British Canoe Union Four Star sea kayak syllabus skills. Clothing and gear, kayak selection and safety features, paddling in wind waves and current, control in surf, group awareness, route selection and navigation, rescues, towing, and more. Great course for guides!

Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshops (IDW) with Steve Scherrer, ITE Coastal Kayak - American Canoe Association.

Accommodations - Course Lodging Special: Ocean Shore Motel will give rooms for $50/night that sleep 2, contact us for details; nights of 1-4 May only. Contact us for more details.

For more information on the ACA courses (requirements and benefits). Click Here.

Accomodations: Commute from Anchorage or Girdwood, share B&B in Whittier w/ other participants, or camp in Whittier.

What does the program consists of? Learn to teach and share your passion for Coastal Kayaking and get a professional certification from the American Canoe Association, the governing body of paddle sport in the United States. This comprehensive 3-day will provide training in:

This training will help you to prepare for the ACA's Coastal Kayak Certification Exam, which is given over 3-days after the IDW. Certifications offered in the exam include: Coastal Kayak Basic, Coastal Kayak Open Coast, Coastal Kayak Advanced, each corresponding to teaching and leading in increasingly demanding sea conditions.

This is the start of your paddling instructor education , and it will open your eyes to many subtle aspects of teaching and guiding. This is a "must-do" for anyone considering guiding or leading paddlers on the sea.

Steve Scherrer has spent more than 20 years teaching paddling and coaching paddlers and instructors. Steve's ACA instructor training courses have defined ACA coastal kayak instruction in the Northwest. Steve is also the designer of the popular sea kayak Tempest series by Wilderness Systems. Steve is an old hand teaching on rivers, on the sea and in surf, and he's honed kayak control and teaching it to a fine art. Equipment can be provided.

For more information on the ACA courses (requirements and benefits). Click Here.

Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) with Steve Scherrer, ITE Coastal Kayak - American Canoe Association. Put your instructor training to the test. Test your personal and modeling skills, teaching ability, leadership and gear. This test will provide certification testing for American Canoe Association Instructors at the basic, intermediate, and open water levels. Held in Homer because of the diversity of sea conditions. Contact us for Certification Requirements.

For more information on the ACA courses (requirements and benefits). Click Here.

US Forest Service Sea Kayak Ranger Training, Holkam Bay; Stephens Passage, Alaska. Skills training for U.S. Forest Service Kayak Rangers, personal skills (flat water), safety and rescue, group awareness, open water skills, navigation and trip planning. British Canoe Union 1-3 star closed cockpit kayak skills, 4 star sea kayak skills and Canoe Safety test training. Training conducted on site in Holkum Bay, Stephens Passage, south of Juneau, Alaska. Want skills training for your staff on-site? Contact us for training fees, logistics and scheduling.

Sea Skills 1 Practice and learn skills that form foundation of kayaking, "understanding the relationship between your actions and the reactions of the kayak". Perfect for novices, beginners, and more experienced paddlers that have never had kayak instruction. Safety, control of the kayak while paddling forward, back, and sideways, balance, recovery of balance, assisted & Eskimo rescues, and much more. These are the skills for taking a kayak out in calm waters close to shore, and the foundation of intermediate skills. This course provides training in British Canoe Union 1 and 2 star closed cockpit kayak skills.

BCU 2 Star Closed Cockpit Kayak Assessment - Basic Skills Test: Test your knowledge of the relationship between your actions and the reactions of the kayak, and the skills and knowedge needed to safely take a kayak out in the calm water of ponds, small lakes and protected coves and bays. Simple basic skills, these are the foundation of safe effective kayaking, and the basis for intermediate and advanced skills. Test criteria are listed in the BCU 1 and 2 star closed cockpit kayak syllabi, and can be found in the literature section of www.bcuna.com. Feel free to contact us for details. These skill/knowledge tests are part of an international "certification" program for personal kayaking skills, coaching and leadership. 1, 2, and 3 star assessments are "required" pre-requisites for any Coach Education program or leadership training, such as guiding. We require a 2 star assessment prior to taking the intermediate skills test, 3 star closed cockpit kayak. Register no later than 18 May. Equipment provided for $25.

Sea Skills 2. All the flat water skills. Includes understanding the relationship between your actions and the reactions of the kayak, and the technical performance of strokes and maneuvers, basic trip planning and navigation, assisted and Eskimo rescues, and towing. This is course emphasizes the technical performance of strokes and maneuvers and provides training in British Canoe Union closed cockpit kayak 3 star skills. These are pre-requisite skills to advanced sea kayak skills training (BCU 4 Star sea kayak), and for attending BCU Coach Training programs. All equipment provided, including dry suits.

Intermediate Skills Assessment, BCU 3 Star Closed Cockpit Kayak Skills Test. Test your general knowledge of kayaking and of the performance of all the flat water kayaking skills. Have you developed your skills to encompass the whole range of flat water strokes and maneuvers? Do you have experience and knowledge to have total control of your kayak in flat water. The training for this test is provided by our "Introductory and Intermediate Kayaking Skills" courses, BCU 1, 2 sand 3 star training courses<1, 2 & 3 star skills link>, and our Skills 1 and 2 courses <1, 2 & 3 star skills link>. Test criteria are listed in the BCU 1, 2 and 3 star syllabi @ www.bcuna.com literature section. We recommend you take a 2 star assessment before attempting a 3 star assessment. Feel free to contact us for details. These skill/knowledge tests are part of an international "certification" program for personal kayaking skills, coaching and leadership. 1-3 star skills are among the "required" pre-requisites for any Coach Education program or leadership training, such as guiding. Equipment provided for $25.

Pre-requisites: Skills 1-2, previous kayak skills and rescue training or permission.

Tides and Currents - Moving Water (BCU 4 star sea kayak training). Learn sea kayaking skills for playing, maneuvering, and rescuing sea kayaks in moving water, such as tidal races and over-falls. Practice ferries, eddy turns, peel-outs, and eddy hopping on the flood tide into scenic Halibut Cove Lagoon. You'll get the sea boats to do things river kayaks do. Improve your safety, group awareness, balance and confidence paddling in the river-like environment on the sea. You'll wear those grin muscles out! Space limited. All equipment provided, including dry suits.

Pre-requisites: Previous Kayaking experience or instruction, good sweep stroke in sea kayak helpful, solid wet exit.

Intro to Sea Test, BCU 4 Star Sea Assessment - skills. BCU 4 star sea kayaking skills test. Launching and landing, maneuvering and rescues in conditions, control of the kayak in surf, paddling in wind and waves, chart and compass skills, safety gear, clothing, kayak safety features, and more. Test syllabi for the BCU 4 star sea kayak test: visit www.bcuna.com literature section. Training for this test provided by sea skills 1 and 2 courses, applied sea skills course, sea kayak safety and rescue course, "wind and waves" and "tides and currents" courses, or BCU 4 star training. This is the entry-level test for safe and effective paddling on the sea as a member of an interdependent group. Every sea paddler needs these skills! Get 'em, make 'em yours, its cool, go on sea tours! If you're a guide, this is a good test to identify areas for improvement in your personal sea paddling skills, or to prove you're a sea dog. Personal Skills tested on Monday, tripping and group skills on Tuesday. We do not recommend taking this test without the appropriate training. We can provide gear, if needed. Feel free to contact us for more information.

June

Passage Canal Sea School - beginner/intermediate Sea Kayaking skills - Whittier. Develop open water paddling skills during this 2-day course in beautiful Passage Canal. First day devoted to general boat control, safety, clothing, rescues, and group awareness. Put it all together on a day trip on the second day. Trip planning, safe carrying, launching and landing, clothing and essential gear, effective strokes and maneuvers, safety equipment and procedures, rescues, towing, ocean play, navigation, and more. Pre-requisites: previous sea kayaking experience and confident wet exit desirable, but not essential. Beginners to Advanced. All equipment provided including dry suits.

Register: Alaska Kayak, Anchorage (522-7710), Alaska Sea Kayakers (472-2534) or the Alaska Kayak School (235-2090) (online form)

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking - Learn the basics of river kayaking. Strokes, maneuvers, equipment, river hazards, safety, paddling in current, ferries, eddy turns, peel outs, river reading, group awareness, river running strategies and much more. This course is best for paddlers that have invested some time in learning kayaking but want to put it all together for a weekend or river running skills development. Must have some kayaking experience, and rolling is always a bonus. All equipment provided, including dry suits, helmets, booties, pfds, paddles, skirts, safety gear, gloves, etc.

Days: Friday (flat water and intro moving water), Saturday (moving water and whitewater) and Sunday (whitewater).

Kenai Fjords Expedition June 2005. We'll explore the glaciers of NW Lagoon, and sight see in Aialik Bay - open coast and protected paddling. Paddle where the glaciers floated 50 years ago. Wildlife normally abundant, seen on other trips: Orca, Hump backed Whale, Wolverine, Black Bear, sea otter, river otter, mink, Steller sea lion, harbor seal, and many species of sea birds (write for a list). Easy paddling and fun play spots surfing over glacial moraines and diverse tidal races. With good visibility, scenery is stunning, almost beyond belief. Intermediate and Advanced paddlers. Water taxi pick-up and drop off. All gear can be provided.

Sea Skills I. Practice and learn skills that form foundation of sea kayaking, "understanding the relationship between your actions and the reactions of the kayak". Perfect for novices, beginners, and more experienced paddlers that have never had kayak instruction. Safety, control of the kayak while paddling forward, back, and sideways, balance, recovery of balance, assisted & Eskimo rescues, and much more. These are the skills for taking a kayak out in calm waters close to shore, and the foundation of intermediate skills. This course provides training in British Canoe Union 1 and 2 star closed cockpit kayak skills.

Sea Skills II. Technical performance of strokes and maneuvers for sea kayaks, basic trip planning and navigation, assisted and Eskimo rescues, and towing. This is course emphasizes the technical performance of strokes and maneuvers and provides training in British Canoe Union closed cockpit kayak 2 and 3 star skills. These are pre-requisite skills to advanced sea kayak skills training in open water (BCU 4 Star sea kayak), and for attending BCU Coach Training programs. All equipment provided, including dry suits.

July

2005 Shuyak Island Expedition. This course in expedition kayaking will take place on an attempted circumnavigation of Shuyak Island. For experienced paddlers only. Scenery and wildlife will make this trip unforgettable. Rough water skills (4-5 star level paddlers), kayak camping skills all good to have for this fun trip to Alaska's crown jewel for sea touring. Long-distance boat ride across the Gulf of Alaska from ad back to Homer will be out shuttle. Whales, sea birds, rainforests, isolated beaches.

River Adventure - Kasilof River. The Kasilof River is a lovely, scenic float on a glacial river through spruce forests and riparian meadows. This is a great way to take your flat water kayaking skills and convert them to river kayaking skills. Learn and practice paddling in current, ferries, eddy turns, peel-outs and more. Practice river reading, hazard recognition, river running strategies, group awareness on the river and more. Great course for Alaska Kayak School alumni of the intermediate kayaking skills courses. Select play posts on this run will provide adventurous paddlers with chances to try your hand at river surfing. This is a fantastic run and the closest large and easily accessible river to Homer. Novice river paddlers with good flat water skills and more advanced paddlers wanting to play and surf will love this scenic run. Wildlife is always a bonus - moose, water birds and bears. All equipment provided: kayak. paddle, helmet, skirt, dry suit, pfd, booties, etc.

Kachemak Bay Sea School , Homer-Seldovia. We'll take the ferry from Homer to Seldovia with our kayaks and camping gear to start a 2-night, 3-day trip along the south shore of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia back to Lands End on the Homer Spit. We'll camp in Seldovia Bay on day 1 and in Tutka Bay or Sadie Cove on day 2. ON day 3 we'll paddle back across the bay to the Land's End. This course is perfect for kayaking skills students that want to improve their flat water skills (boat control and rescues), open water paddling skills with loaded kayaks, navigation, and kayak camping skills. This trip/course is not for novice or beginning sea paddlers, it is designed for intermediate and advanced paddlers only. We provide all kayaking gear and some group camping gear. You provide personal clothing, tent, sleeping bag and pad, and cookware (the latter are available for a fee). But you do your own food (we can provide recommendations): 2 dinners, 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts. Camping gear can be provided for a fee.

Times: Monday night 5-7 PM evening meeting @ the Chart House restaurant @ Land's End, and we meet again at 9 AM on Tuesday @ Alaska State Ferry terminal on the Homer Spit; the ferry leaves Homer 1155 am on Tuesdays.

Pre-requisite: Strong intermediate kayaking skills (graduates of sea skills I&II, Wind and Waves Open Water, BCU 3 star training, Applied Sea Skills, etc.), and previous camping experience.

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking - Kasilof River. Learn and practice river kayaking on this weekend at the Kasilof River. Learn about river kayaks and paddles, strokes and maneuvers useful on the river: eddy turns, ferries, peel outs, spin the kayak, etc. Learn to recognize and avoid river hazards, paddle in waves, and try your hand at river surfing in fun and safe play spots. Learn about safety equipment and how to use it on the river. This is a large Class I river with scattered Class II rapids and play waves. It’s a great place to get the basics of river running and build your river running skills. Day 1 - flatwater practice and a quick river run in the afternoon. Day 2 - Paddle on the river all day. All equipment provided including dry suits, helmets, booties, kayaks paddles, skirts, pfds, etc. We'll camp in the area of the Kasilof Saturday night.

Pre-requisite: Confident wet exit, intermediate kayaking skills, BCU 3 star training, or permission of instructors. Not for novices.

Wind and Waves - Open Water Skills (BCU 4 star sea training): Increase your confidence and ability to paddle in open water conditions where wind and waves strongly affect your kayak. What is weather cocking? How do you counter act it? Where do wind and waves come from? Are they predictable? If your rudder breaks (yoicks!), how can you maneuver your kayak without it in the wind? We will practice surf landings and launchings if conditions allow. Navigation, group awareness, strokes, maneuvers, rescues and towing in conditions, All equipment provided, including dry suits. This an excellent course for guides! Open water paddling skills, group dynamics, safety, rescues, and hopefully some surf!

Pre-requisites: Skills 1-2, previous kayak skills and rescue training or permission.

River Adventure - Grewink Glacier Creek. We take a water taxi over to the Saddle Trail and hike our kayaks over to Grewink Glacier Lake (takes about an hour and the switchbacks are only 20 minutes). Paddle across the lake and run Grewink Glacier Creek, 2.5+ miles of Class II rapids back down to Kachemak Bay for the boat pick up and the trip back to the Homer Spit. Fantastic day of hiking, scenery, glacier viewing, and river paddling in this unique setting. Great trip for intermediate kayakers with a decent Eskimo roll.

Pre-requisites: River Adventure, previous river kayaking experience, or functional Eskimo roll.

Sea Skills I & II.(BCU 1-3 star training). Fast track single day of sea kayak skills instruction for energetic enthusiastic paddlers. All the flatwater skills you can handle in one day, including: kayak control, balance and recovery, rescues, group awareness, safety, strokes and maneuvers. Or polish your previous skills or rusty skills. This is a fun day of drills and games that builds skills and confidence. Could prepare you to attend the Wind and Waves or Tides and Currents courses.

Tides and Currents - Moving Water Skills (BCU 4 star sea training). Learn sea kayaking skills for playing, maneuvering, and rescuing sea kayaks in moving water, such as tidal races and over-falls. Practice ferries, eddy turns, peel-outs, and eddy hopping on the ebb tide out of scenic Halibut Cove Lagoon. You'll get the sea boats to do things river kayaks do. Improve your safety, group awareness, balance and confidence paddling in the river-like environment on the sea. You'll wear those grin muscles out! Space limited. All equipment provided, including dry suits.

Pre-requisites: Intermediate kayaking skills, Sea Skills I & II, BCU 3 star training, or equivalent.

August

2005 Western Prince William Sound Expedition
BCU 3-4 star standard, or equivalent
10 nights, 11 days
This is a kayak exploration of western Prince William Sound, from south of Knight Island to Whittier. After meeting in Seward to pack and double check equipment on 3 August (test paddle your boats?). We'll take the Alaska State Ferry to the village of Chenega Bay on 4 August, and then paddle north and west, exploring as we go, camping on National Forest lands. We hope to arrive at our destination, Whittier, no later than the late afternoon of 13 August, Saturday. Transportation to Anchorage possible that afternoon/evening or very next day possible. The route can be varied to accommodate weather, our energy levels, and our whims for glaciers, scenery and exploration. Expect daily mileage of 10-15 (rarely 20) miles per day. Route includes at least 100 nautical miles of paddling, but as many as 150 nautical miles (or more). This trip is suited for intermediate (BCU 3 star) and advanced (BCU 4 star) kayakers wishing to explore the western Sound. This is the heart of Orca and Hump backed whales feeding areas. Wildlife, scenery, improved navigation and more efficient sea travelling skills goals of the trip. BCU 3 and 4 star training and assessments are also possible. Total group will not be more than 8 w/ guide(s). Costs include: all kayaking gear, leadership and instruction, group camp gear (stoves, tarps, food hanging hardware, etc.), dry suits, and could include food as well.
Days: Wednesday to Saturday
Dates: 3-13 August
Cost: $1225 (you do your own food), $1525 (we do the food)
Where: Seward/Whittier
Pre-requisites: BCU 3-4 star skills or equivalent, and previous camping experience.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (235-2090) (online form)
Travel advice: Fly to Anchorage, drive, train, or bus to Seward for 9 am meeting on 3 August. If you drive to Seward, we will give you a ride back to Seward on 13 or 14 August to get your vehicle.

Kachemak Bay Sea School, Seldovia. We'll take the ferry from Homer to Seldovia with our kayaks and camping gear to start a 2-night, 3-day trip along the south shore of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia back to Lands End on the Homer Spit. We'll camp in Seldovia Bay on day 1 and in Tutka Bay or Sadie Cove on day 2. On day 3 we'll paddle back across the bay to the Land's End. This course is perfect for kayaking skills students that want to improve their flat water skills (boat control and rescues, day 1), open water paddling skills with loaded kayaks (days 2 and 3), navigation, and kayak camping skills (days 1, 2 and 3). This trip/course is not great for novice or beginning sea paddlers, it is designed for strong beginner/intermdiate, intermediate and advanced paddlers. We provide all kayaking gear and some group camping gear. You provide personal clothing, tent, sleeping bag and pad, and cookware (the latter are available for a fee). But you do your own food (we can provide recommendations): 2 dinners, 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts. Camping gear can be provided for a fee.
Days: (Monday), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Dates: (11) 16, 17, 18 August
Times: Monday night 5-7 PM evening meeting @ the Chart House restaurant @ Land's End, and we meet again at 9 AM on Tuesday @ Alaska State Ferry terminal on the Homer Spit; the ferry leaves Homer 1155 am on Tuesdays.
Where: Homer and Seldovia
Pre-requisite: Strong intermediate kayaking skills (graduates of sea skills I&II, Wind and Waves Open Water, BCU 3 star training, Applied Sea Skills, etc.), and previous camping experience.
Cost: $425 w/tax, includes ferry to Seldovia.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (235-2090)(online form)

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking - Kasilof River. Learn and practice river kayaking on this weekend at the Kasilof River. Learn about river kayaks and paddles, strokes and maneuvers useful on the river: eddy turns, ferries, peel outs, spin the kayak, etc. Learn to recognize and avoid river hazards, paddle in waves, and try your hand at river surfing in fun and safe play spots. Learn about safety equipment and how to use it on the river. This is a large Class I river with scattered Class II rapids and play waves. It’s a great place to get the basics of river running and build your river running skills. Day 1 - flat water practice and a quick river run in the afternoon. Day 2 - Paddle on the river all day. All equipment provided including dry suits, helmets, booties, kayaks paddles, skirts, pfds, etc. We'll camp in the area of the Kasilof Saturday night (or you can drive to Soldotna, or even back to Homer).
Days: Saturday and Sunday
Dates: 21 and 21 August
Where: Johnson Lake State Park
Times: 8 am Saturday, 9-4 pm on Sunday.
Pre-requisite: Confident wet exit, intermediate kayaking skills, BCU 3 star training, or permission of instructors.
Cost: $225 w/ tax
Register: Alaska Kayak School (235-2090) (online form)

Shuyak Island 3-day trip
2 nights, 3 days
Beginner and Intermediate Paddlers
Spend 3 days enjoying the wildlife and scenery of Alaska's jewel, Shuyak Island. Whales, sea birds and much more. Learn and practice kayak expedition/tripping techniques, sea kayak navigation, and open-water paddling skills. Leave early Tuesday morning and be back late on Thursday. Short trip so we can go "light" and explore as much of the lovely diverse coastline of Shuyak as we can stomach - hopefully lots, its really nice there. We'll have an afternoon meeting on 22 August to select kayaks, sort gear, and test pack the kayaks. Pack the gear on the "Sea Witch" in the Homer harbor on Monday night. 2-2.5 days of paddling and 2 nights kayak camping.
Days: (Monday) Tuesday - Thursday
Dates: (22) 23-25 August
Where: Homer
Times: 1 PM Monday, early departure (6 am) on Tuesday. Return by evening Thursday.
Pre-requisite: Intermediate Skills or permission of instructors.
Cost: $650 w/ tax
Register: Alaska Kayak School (235-2090)(online form)

Sea Skills I & II. (BCU 1-3 star training). Fast track single day of sea kayak skills instruction for energetic enthusiastic paddlers. All the flatwater skills you can handle in one day, including: kayak control, balance and recovery, rescues, group awareness, safety, strokes and maneuvers. Or polish your previous skills or rusty skills. This is a fun day of drills and games that builds skills and confidence. Could prepare you to attend the Wind and Waves or Tides and Currents courses.
Days: Saturday
Dates: 27 August
Times: 9 am - 4 pm
Where: Bridge Creek Reservoir, Homer
Pre-requisites: None.
Cost: $138 tax included
Register: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090, (online form)

Wind and Waves - Open Water Skills (BCU 4 star sea training): Increase your confidence and ability to paddle in open water conditions where wind and waves strongly affect your kayak. What is weather cocking? How do you counter act it? Where do wind and waves come from? Are they predictable? If your rudder breaks (yoicks!), how can you maneuver your kayak without it in the wind? We will practice surf landings and launchings if conditions allow. Navigation, group awareness, strokes, maneuvers, rescues and towing in conditions, All equipment provided, including dry suits. This an excellent course for guides! Open water paddling skills, group dynamics, safety, rescues, and hopefully some surf!
Day: Sunday
Dates: 28 August
Times: 9 AM-5PM
Where: Captain's Coffee, 8:45 AM
Pre-requisites: Skills 1-2, previous kayak skills and rescue training or permission.
Cost: $138 tax included
Register: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090,(online form)

September

Wind and Waves - Open Water Skills (BCU 4 star sea training): Increase your confidence and ability to paddle in open water conditions where wind and waves strongly affect your kayak. What is weather cocking? How do you counter act it? Where do wind and waves come from? Are they predictable? If your rudder breaks (yoicks!), how can you maneuver your kayak without it in the wind? We will practice surf landings and launchings if conditions allow. Navigation, group awareness, strokes, maneuvers, rescues and towing in conditions, All equipment provided, including dry suits. This is an excellent course for guides! Open water paddling skills, group dynamics, safety, rescues, and hopefully some surf!

Day: Saturday, Wednesday
Dates: 10, 14 September
Times: 9 AM-5PM
Where: Captain's Coffee, 9 AM
Pre-requisites: Skills 1-2, previous kayak skills and rescue training or permission.
Cost: $145/day, tax included
Register: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090,(online form)

When: Sunday
Dates: 11 September
Times: 9 am - 5 pm
Where: Mako's Water Taxi, Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: Intermediate kayaking skills, Sea Skills I & II, BCU 3 star training, or equivalent.
Cost: $145 tax included + $56 water taxi
Register: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090, (online form)

Day: Monday
Date: 12, 26 September
Times: 9 am - 6 pm
Where: call for meet place
Pre-requisite: 2-3 star level flat water skills, Eskimo roll desirable
Cost: $145 tax included
Register: Alaska Kayak School (235-2090) (online form)

Day: Tuesday, Friday
Dates: 13, 23 September
Times: 9 AM-5PM
Where: Captain's Coffee, 8:45 AM
Pre-requisites: River Adventure, previous river kayaking experience, or functional Eskimo roll.
Cost: $145 tax included + $56 water taxi
Register: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090, (online form)

2005 Autumn Shuyak Expedition - Solid 4 star and 5 star paddlers for an exploration of Shuyak Island ocean play spots and an all around "fun" paddling. This is one of the trips you'll aspire to coming on by working on sea play skills - tidal race play, rough water rock garden play and maybe even some surf. If you're a BCU or ACA paddler (coaches and instructors especially) with a functional sea roll and honed kayak camping skills? There might be a pot for you on the boat. Space limited.

When: Friday to Wednesday
Dates 16-21 September
Times: early morning departure 16 Sept. (weather permitting), return evening of 21 September.
Pre-requisites: minimum skill level, 4 star assessment completed and passed.
Cost: call
Register: with permission only, Alaska Kayak School 235-2090, (online form)

Intro to the Sea Test, BCU 4 star sea assessment. Cap off a summer of paddling and training by taking the introduction to the sea assessment test from the British Canoe Union. All the skills needed to be a useful member of a group in moderate conditions (3 knots of current, 3 feet of surf, force 4 winds and open water conditions). This is a pre-requisite for BCU 5 star sea training and level 3 coach training. Excellent skill set for paddling in Alaska. Test includes knowledge and use of equipment, personal skills, and journeying skills: boat packing, clothing, safety gear, group awareness, trip planning and navigation, and a cross section of 1-3 star skills.

Check BCU 4 star sea kayak syllabus @ www.bcuna.com for test items and syllabus.

When: Sat. - Sun.; Tue.-Wed.
Dates: 23-24 September; 27-28 September
Times: 9 am - 5 pm, both days
Pre-requisites: 3 star flat water skills assessment; wind and waves open water and moving water skills training.
Cost: $265 + $20 BCU assessment fee (if you pass)
Registration: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090, (online form)

Pool Instruction. Wet exits, Eskimo rolling and bracing, sea rescues . All the wet skills can be taught or reviewed in the Homer Pool on a custom basis. Private and semiprivate lessons during lap swim, or larger events with custom content: safety and rescue, kids programs, birthday parties, basic skills, etc. We customize the instruction to fit your needs and dreams. Perfect that elusive Eskimo roll and much more. Prices listed for Homer. Customized courses taught in Anchorage, Seward or Kenai-Soldotna.

Scheduling: through Alaska Kayak School, but get pool schedule for lap swim times.
Private/semiprivate, during lap swim: $25/hr + tax, includes pool fee
Group Lessons: $25/person/hr. + tax.
Register: Alaska Kayak School 235-2090, (online form)

October 2005 - May 2006

Introductory Kayaking Skills @ Homer Community Schools. Learn the basics in ten 1.5 hour pool sessions in maneuverable river kayaks: fun, safety, kayak fit, posture, balance, safe use of the body, wet exits, basic control - forward, back, stop, sideways, turn, spin, brace, support and more. Includes basic rescues, cold water paddling awareness, and hypothermia/shock-drowning prevention. 1 and 2 star British Canoe Union closed cockpit kayaking skills. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). 235-2090 for info.
When: Every Monday, 830-100 PM
Dates: Oct 3, 10, 24, 31; Nov 7, 14, 21, 28; Dec 5, 12.
Where: Homer High School Pool
No pre-requisites.
Cost: $225 + tax + $15 Comm School registration fee
Register: Homer Community Schools/Alaska Kayak School (online form)

Intermediate Kayaking Skills @ Homer Community Schools. Develop strong boat control skills, finesse, and solid rescues in this kayaking skills adventure using the pool and small plastic river kayaks. Ten action-packed pool sessions for honing strokes and maneuvers, balance, safety, use of the body, and the performance of specific strokes and maneuvers: draw, low and high braces, bow and stern rudders, sculling., beginnings of Eskimo rolling and more. 2 and 3 star British Canoe Union closed cockpit kayaking skills. All equipment provided (except bathing suit). 235-2090 for info.
When: Every Tuesday - 830-100 PM
Dates: Oct 4, 11, 25,; Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec 6, 13.
Where: Homer High School Pool
Pre-requisite: previous kayak training
Cost: $225 + tax + $15 Comm School registration fee
Register: Homer Community Schools/Alaska Kayak School (online form)

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue @ Homer Community Schools. Kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, towing, throw bags, self-rescues and Eskimo rolling. Great course for sea paddlers. 10 1.5-hour sessions focusing on skills needed to conduct real kayak rescues. Build strong rescue skills and confidence. We teach 31 different rescues, can you name 10? This is a fantastic chance to build those "wet" skills.
When: Every Wednesday
Dates: Oct 5, 12, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec 7, 14.
Times: 830-100 PM
Where: Homer High School, and HHS Pool
Pre-requisite: intermediate kayaking skills or permission
Cost: $225 + tax + $15 Comm School registration fee.
Register: Homer Community Schools/Alaska Kayak School (x2090) (online form)

Eskimo Rolling Workshop @ Homer Community Schools. Learn or tune and develop the ultimate self-rescue in a kayak, the Eskimo Roll. We will teach you the safe-shoulder version of the Eskimo Roll, the sweep roll. You will practice to learn the parts of the roll: set-up and sweep, hip-knee rotation, the finish position, and try to put it all together in 7 weeks. This is a class for those that have worked on their roll before or those that are just getting started. You will work with us to develop good technique and then you'll help each other work on your rolls with our support and supervision. Video analysis of your rolls will help you get there more effectively. Call 235-2090 for more info.
Days: Thursdays
Dates: Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15.
Times: 830-100PM
Cost: $160 + tax + $15 Comm School registration fee
Pre-requisites: Introductory and intermediate skills training or permission
Register: Homer Community Schools/Alaska Kayak School (x2090) (online form)

Youth Kayaking @ Homer Community Schools - Fun-filled sessions emphasize safety, balance and discovery learning: basic boat control, rescues, hypothermia, clothing, and group awareness. Pool and outdoor sessions. All equipment included. Ages 9-17 and parents are invited! We can do kayak birthday parties for kids or adults! Call for details.
When: Saturday afternoons by reservation, please contact us
Dates: to be announced
Where: Homer High School Pool
Times: to be announced
Fee: $20 + tax and $5 Community Schools fee per student,
outdoor sessions $40 for 3 hours.
Pre-requisites: 9 and older, must be able to swim, and not be afraid of water.
Registration: fill out on line registration form (online form) call or email for information, info@alaskakayakschool.com, and (907) 235-2090
NOTE: Only parents can sign their children's liability release waiver.

Kayak Pool Practice sessions for Kayak School Students @ Homer Community Schools - Two-hour practice sessions for students, a time to play and use practice drills to hone your skills along with other students. Light coaching, safety and all the equipment provided: Kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet
When: Saturdays (when pool is available and there is demand)
Where: Homer High School Pool
Times: as available, 5-7 PM
Cost: $15 + tax
Pre-requisites: registration for Community Schools kayaks courses
Register: reservations required 1 week in advance, call 235-2090 (online form)

Applied Intermediate Kayaking Skills - Homer. Apply your intermediate skills and paddle a play boat in the Homer Boat harbor or other protected waters one Friday evening a month after work. These venues are all well lit by large lights. This activity is a fantastic way to build your skills by paddling outdoors in the fall winter and early spring. Learn about hypothermia prevention and clothing for cold water paddling and using a dry suit and warm paddling attire. All equipment provided, including dry suits and all the bells and whistles. You provide appropriate personal clothing and a thermos with a warm drink of your choice.
Days: One Friday a month from October to April
Dates: to be announced
Times: 7-9 PM
Where: Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: Introductory and Intermediate skills or permission
Cost: $45 + tax for members of the public, $25 + tax for our students.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (235-2090),

Soldotna Pool Kayaking Skills Series -

Summary: We teach fundamental kayaking skills in the comfort of Soldotna High School Pool using maneuverable river kayaks. Safety, fun and paddling skills are the focus. 3 hour introductory (9am-12pm), intermediate (1230-330 pm) and sea safety and rescue (4-7 pm) will be offered 1 Saturday a month in the starting November 12, December 3, January 28, February 11, March 25 and April 8. The skills taught in the courses can lead to personal kayaking skill certifications. 3-hr. courses are $50 and include all equipment and instruction, just bring a swimsuit. Discounts for multiple registrations, $40/course for two courses a day, $35/course for three. Professional instructors/coaches from American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union are the instructors. Register @ Soldotna High School Pool (262-7419), or Wilderness Way in Soldotna. Register online @ www.alaskakayakschool.com/calendar, or call 235-2090. email info@alaskakayakschool.com.
Purpose
To offer instruction in fundamental flat water kayaking skills and sea kayak safety and rescue skills in the comfort of the heated pool at Soldotna High School one Saturday a month from November 2005 until April or May 2006. All courses are taught by certified kayaking instructors and coaches of the American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union. Learn safe and efficient kayaking skills and have a ton of fun in the process. All equipment provided except your bathing suit. See below for course descriptions, schedules and registration information.

We provide individualized instruction and coaching in 3-hour pool sessions each Saturday from November to April. These courses are taught using maneuverable plastic river kayaks and occasionally 2-4 plastic sea kayaks.

Proposed Dates - all Saturdays
November 12, 2005
December 3, 2005
January 28, 2006
Feb 11, 2006
March 25, 2006
April 8, 2006

Each Saturday, 3 courses will be offered:
Introduction to Kayaking 9 AM - 12 PM.
Intermediate Kayaking Skills 1230-330 PM,
and Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue 4-7 PM.

Pricing - Three hour courses for $50/person/course (tax not included). There will be reduced pricing for participating in more than one course of the winter series:
a. Students that sign up for 2 classes held on the same day will be $40 for each course, or $80 total. Tax not included.
b. Students that sign up for 3 classes in the same day will pay $35 for each course, or $105 total. Tax not included.
c. Six course punch card for $210 ($35/course), $300 value, tax not included.

What you need to bring: Bathing suit and a towel, and if you wear glasses, bring an eye-glasses retainer (Chums, Croakies, etc.)

We provide: All instruction and equipment: kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet.

Reservations/Registration: Register by email, phone or through the US Mail with Alaska Kayak School. Registration packet and information will be left at Soldotna High School Pool for mail-in registrations. Contact Alaska Kayak School, 235-2090 or info@alaskakayakschool.com. You can also register in person by visiting Wilderness Way in Soldotna or the Soldotna High School pool.

Youth and Families/Novices to Experienced paddlers. These courses are for paddlers of all levels of experience, our skills coaching program allows all paddlers to improve their kayaking skills.

Youngsters. Youth as young as 11 years old can benefit from participating in courses with adults, but Youth Kayaking Courses are appropriate for larger groups of younger paddlers 10-13 years old. We're happy to arrange a youth kayaking program to meet the demand, minimum of 8 students, please contact us for more information. We also do kayak birthday parties!! Ask for details.

Families are welcome. Mother-daughter, Father-son, and Parents-child(ren) groups have all enjoyed our courses in the past. It can be fun 2 learn together. If your youngsters are under 11, make sure they like (love water). If your youngster can't swim, best wait until they can do so confidently to tackle kayaking.

Swimming ability: Although you don't have to be a strong swimmer to take these courses, we've found that if you can't swim, you'll likely be reluctant to capsize and get wet. If you're confident in your swimming skills, you'll be fine. Contact us for more information if you have questions.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Kayaking

Introductory courses are for novices, beginners and more experienced paddlers that have never had formal instruction, and cover materials included in the British Canoe Union's closed cockpit kayak 1 and 2 star awards, and the basic flat water skills for an American Canoe Association's Introduction to Kayaking course. Introductory courses emphasize understanding the relationships between your actions and the reactions of the kayak rather than strict performance of strokes and maneuvers (see intermediate skills). Includes a short primer on hypothermia prevention and clothing. Most skills included in British Canoe Union's 1 and 2 star closed cockpit kayak syllabus (www.bcuna.com).
Topics for Introductory course include:
Importance of warm-up & stretching
Safe carrying and launching
Equipment sizing
Fit to a boat
Parts of a boat and paddle
Use of the paddle
Safe body positions
Posture
Safe capsize and wet exit
Use of a spray skirt
Balance
Group awareness
Forward and back paddling under control
Stopping
Turning, and Moving sideways
Ruddering
Use of the lower body for balance and control
Use of the upper body for power
Simple rescues (with assistance)
Beginnings of edging, sculling and Eskimo rescues
Introduction to Eskimo rolling

Days: Saturdays
Dates: November 12; December 3; January 28; February 11; March 25; April 8.
Times: 9 AM - 12 PM
Cost: $50/person, $40/person if 2 classes per day, $35/person if 3 classes taken per day. Tax not included.
Pre-requisites: must be able to swim

Registration: Alaska Kayak School, phone 235-2090, email info@alaskakayakschool.com, ( online form)

Intermediate Skills
Intermediate skills courses are for paddlers that have developed their introductory skills (see above) and wish to achieve total control of the kayak. Emphasis is on technical performance of strokes and maneuvers. If you haven't taken the introductory course, you should consider it. The intermediate courses build on sound introductory skills, and "jumping ahead" will probably not help you develop efficient skills more quickly. Intermediate Skills These skills are the requisite flat water kayaking skills for paddlers wishing to guide, teach paddling, or become proficient kayakers. This is a large body of skills and knowledge, often taught during 2-3 days outdoors; it might take more than one intermediate pool course for you to master this fantastic set of skills. Great fun! This course includes materials in the British Canoe Union's closed cockpit kayak 2 and 3 Star award, the intermediate skills (www.bcuna.com).
Topics for Intermediate Skills Course include:
Efficient strokes and maneuvers
Efficient Forward, back, and draw
Stopping
Bow and stern rudders
Committed recovery and bracing strokes - high and low
Sculling draw and sculling for support
Combination strokes
Functional Eskimo rescues
Deep water assisted rescues
Confident edging
Confident wet exits
Hanging draw/side-slip
Draw on the move
Low brace on the move
Towing and use of a towline
Eskimo Roll
YAWHOO (Your Angle Widens Hold On) and much more.

Days: Saturdays
Dates: November 12; December 3; January 28; February 11; March 25; April 8.
Times: 1230-330 PM
Cost: $50/person, $40/person if 2 classes per day, $35/person if 3 classes taken per day. Tax not included.

Pre-requisites: introductory skills

Registration: Alaska Kayak School, phone 235-2090, email info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online form) at Alaska Kayak School online calendar.

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue.
Learn fast and efficient rescues for sea kayaking and water safety. Practice in a heated pool. We teach over 25 different rescues and all have different applications. The British Canoe Union's Canoe Safety test forms the basis for this course (www.bcuna.com).
Topics
Theory of Safety and Rescue
Kayak Control and Balance for Rescues
Spinning the kayak
Turning the Kayak
Rafting Up
Assisted Rescues - yank, t, t-x, H-I, Eskimo, scoop, sling, etc.
Solo Rescues - swim boat to shore, paddle float, cowboy, re-enter and roll
Cleopatra's Needle
Towing - with towline, towing without-towline
Eskimo rolling (when appropriate)

Great course for sea kayakers and especially for sea kayaking guides.

These 3-hour sessions focus on the skills needed to conduct rescues in a diversity of conditions. Build strong rescue skills and confidence. Also improve your kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing.
Days: Saturdays
Dates: November 12; December 3; January 28; February 11; March 25; April 8.
Times: 4 - 7 PM
Cost: $50/person, $40/person if 2 classes per day, $35/person if 3 classes taken per day. Tax not included.

Pre-requisites: Introductory and Intermediate kayaking skills or permission.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School, phone 235-2090, email info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online form) at Alaska Kayak School online calendar.

Soldotna Pool Kayaking Skills Series
Winter 2005-06

Background - For the last 3 winters, since fall of 2002 we have taught kayaking 3-5 times per week from October-April in the Homer Pool. We also taught 1-4 sessions a month in Anchorage at Service High School, Chugiak High School and Elmendorf Air Force Base since November 2003. We've offered and taught the following courses in pools: introductory kayaking skills, intermediate kayaking skills, Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue, and Eskimo rolling workshops. Dedicated youth kayaking courses emphasizing safety and fun have also been offered for 9-17 year old paddlers. Youth that are 11-18 years of age are good candidates for adult courses, and families are welcome.

Alaska Kayak School Pool Kayaking Program- Alaska Kayak School's pool kayaking courses consist of individualized coaching aimed at developing fundamental kayaking skills. We use maneuverable river kayaks in the comfort of a heated indoor swimming pool to enhance learning. The focus of the courses includes kayaking theory, strokes, maneuvers, and safety & rescue skills for fun, safety, and efficient kayaking. Students interested in developing their skills on a long-term basis can receive training and assessments by attending subsequent sessions and participating in out door courses in Homer.

Schedule and course content- We hope to offer 1 introductory course, 1 intermediate skills course, and 1 sea kayak safety and rescue course on one Saturday each month starting 12 November 2005 and continuing through April 2006. Eskimo rolling instruction will be offered as demand arises and in the intermediate skills courses. See the course descriptions above. The skills we teach allow candidates to pass the BCU star tests 1-3 for closed cockpit kayaking skills. See www.bcuna.com's literature pages.

Staffing - Certified kayak instructors of the America Canoe Association kayak instructors and British Canoe Union kayak coaches and qualified volunteers of the Alaska Kayak School will provide the training and assessments in the courses.

Training and Assessment - Students will be provided with personal skill checklists they can use to track the progress of their training and so they can develop action plans for the improvement. The skills sets we teach are the skills that form the basis for the testing and assessment* of flat-water skills at two levels:

Understanding the relationship between your actions and the reactions of the kayak; British canoe Union 1 and 2 star kayak skills, see introductory skills list of topics.

the performance of technical strokes and maneuvers, including Eskimo rolling; British Canoe Union 3 star kayak skills, see intermediate skills list of topics (above).

Safety and rescue skills included in the British Canoe Union's Canoe Safety Test form the basis for the Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue course, see Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue list of topics (above).

Assessments or personal skill tests can only be completed out of doors. Our courses prepare students to pass the flat-water skill assessments (BCU 1-3 star kayak skills and Canoe Safety test), which can be taken next spring, summer, or fall at the Alaska Kayak School in Homer of other locations by arrangement. The personal skill assessments can qualify paddlers to attend advanced skills training in sea, whitewater and surf and/or to participate in coach education and instructor training programs. Informal assessments, useful for developing personal action plans for skills development are conducted on an ad hoc basis in every course.

Anchorage Pool Kayaking Series
Sunday Skills Sessions
Service High School Pool
Introductory and Intermediate Flat water Skills
Sea Safety and Rescue
November 20, December 11, January 22
February 19, March 19, Apr 16

Summary: We teach fundamental kayaking skills in the comfort of Service High School Pool using maneuverable river kayaks. Safety, fun and paddling skills are the focus. 3.5 hour introductory (11 am - 230 pm, and 4 -hour intermediate skills (3-7 pm) and sea safety and rescue (as needed) will be offered 1 Sunday a month starting November 20, December 11, January 22, February 11, March 19 and April 16. The skills taught in the courses can lead to personal kayaking skill certifications. 3.5-hr. courses are $89, four-hour courses are $99. Subsequent courses discounted $5. All equipment and instruction is provided, just bring a swimsuit. Professional instructors/coaches from American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union are the instructors. Register online @ www.alaskakayakschool.com/calendar, or call 235-2090. email info@alaskakayakschool.com, you can also register at REI Customer Service in Anchorage.

Purpose
To offer instruction in fundamental flat water kayaking skills and sea kayak safety and rescue skills in the comfort of the heated pool at Service High School one Sunday a month from 20 November 2005 until 16 April 2006. All courses are taught by certified kayaking instructors and coaches of the American Canoe Association and British Canoe Union. Learn safe and efficient kayaking skills and have a ton of fun in the process. All equipment provided except your bathing suit. See below for course descriptions, schedules and registration information.

We provide individualized instruction and coaching in 3.5 and 4-hour pool sessions Sunday: Introduction to Kayaking (11 am - 230 pm), Intermediate Kayaking Skills (3 - 7 PM). Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue will be offered when 8 students can attend on a Saturday before noon, or after 5 pm or from 4-7 pm on a Sunday. These courses are taught using maneuverable

2005 Calendar of Events, Trips and Courses

May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct - Dec

May 2005

June 2005

July 2005

August 2005

September 2005

October 2005 - December 2005

Homer Community Schools - Winter 05

January-March

Alaska Kayak School - Winter Paddling

April 2005

Anchorage Skills Series

May 2005

June

July

August

September

October 2005 - May 2006

Course Descriptions