Learn the fundamentals
of sea kayaking from our expertly trained instructors.
This beginning class is designed to introduce new
kayakers to the basic skills needed to become independent
paddlers. Learn and fine tune these basic techniques
while actively practicing strokes and rescues on beautiful
Tomales Bay. You will learn 5 basic strokes as well
as 2 rescues, one assisted and one self-rescue. A
thorough discussion of tide logs, charts, wind and
weather will also be given completing your first step
into the world of sea kayaking.
Time:
9am to 3:30pm
Price:
$110 per person
Launch
Site: Nick's Cove (see Directions
for details)
Fundamentals
of Sea Kayaking
This introductory
class is designed for the new paddler. After successfully
completing a day-long class, you will be able to rent
a traditional kayak to paddle protected waters.
Your morning session
will include a review of sea kayaking gear which focuses
on safety, the kayak itself, and personal equipment.
After stroke instruction we launch to introduce and
practice skills. Lunch on the beach is followed by
our afternoon session. The second half of your day
is designed to introduce you to techniques you will
use to re-enter your kayak if it is capsized. Your
instructors will demonstrate the Paddle Float and
“T” recovery methods and then guide you
through these techniques as you practice. Back on
shore we change into dry clothes, review the day's
experience and take a look at the sea kayakers Bible,
the tidelog.
Point Reyes Outdoors
provides you with a sea kayak, paddle, PFD (personal
flotation device), wetsuit, paddlefloat, bilge pump,
sprayskirt and sprayjacket.
Preparing
for your trip
The success of any journey is often based on well
prepared participants. The most important contribution
you can make is to arrive on time, prepared and
eager to enjoy the class. You are responsible for
bringing your own lunch, beverages, and snacks.
We suggest you bring high protein food, something
warm to drink and plenty of water. When getting
ready for your class please be sure that you understand
the directions and allow yourself plenty of travel
time. It is very important to be appropriately dressed
to insure your comfort, so please study and follow
the clothing recommendations that are provided.
Our
Instructors
PRO takes pride in the quality and skill level of
your instructors. Impeccably trained, they bring
a wealth of knowledge and proficiency to each class.
With expertise in group facilitation, natural history,
wilderness first aid and specialized kayak instruction,
your instructors are ready to provide you with a
safe and enjoyable experience. As a class’s
success and safety depends on their judgment, we
ask that you respect and support their decisions.
Our
Instruction Style
The American Canoe Association
(ACA) and the British Canoe Union (BCU) have each
developed an extensive program for sea kayak instruction.
PRO's ACA trained Scott Terriberry and BCU certified
Ted Brechbill have designed a unique curriculum
that provides a combination of both ACA and BCU
styles, offering a wide variety of techniques.
All our classes and clinics utilize aspects of both
programs. You will receive some of the best instruction
on the west coast. The combination of small class
sizes and highly qualified instructors provides
you with individualized attention that maximizes
your learning opportunity.
Directions
The following are directions to Nick’s Cove
for our Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking Class. Have
a safe and enjoyable drive and please do your best
to be on time!
Southern
Marin County
From HWY 101 take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west for
approximately 20 miles to the junction of HWY 1
in Olema. Turn right (north) on HWY 1. Travel 2
½ miles to Point Reyes Station. Follow HWY
1 through town. Stay on HWY 1 for approximately
15 miles, through the town of Marshall to Nicks
Cove/Miller Park. The entrance to Miller Park will
be on your left. Turn left into the parking lot.
There is a $5 parking fee. You will see the boat
trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes
about 1 ½ hours from Petaluma to the parking
lot.
Northern
Marin County
From Novato take Novato Blvd. west approximately
8 miles to Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Turn left
and continue west for 10 miles to the junction of
HWY 1. Turn right on HWY 1 and travel for approximately
15 miles, through the town of Marshall to Nicks
Cove/Miller Park. The entrance to Miller Park will
be on your left. Turn left into the parking lot.
There is a $5 parking fee. You will see the boat
trailer and our guides waiting for you. It takes
about 1 ½ hours from 101 in Novato to our
meeting spot.
Southern
Sonoma
From 101 in Petaluma take the east Washington exit.
Follow East Washington through town, travel 9 miles
well into the countryside to Tomales Rd. (also marked
as the Coast Guard Training Center) Turn left (West)
and drive 7 miles to Hwy 1.
If you need food or coffee and have the time the
town of Tomales is to your right about ¼
mile. Otherwise turn left and drive 3 miles south
to Miller Park, also known as Nick’s Cove.
Be prepared this is a sharp right turn. Total Travel
time from 101 to launch site is approximately 30
minutes. There is a $5 parking fee.
Terms
and Payment
Point Reyes Outdoors, LLC reserves the right to change
an itinerary or cancel any trip due to: weather, acts
of god, inadequate sign up, or any unforeseen problems
that would make the trip unsafe for its participants.
In such cases clients will be offered either credit
toward a future trip or a full refund.
PRO has a six day client
cancellation policy on all trips and classes. There
are no exceptions to this policy. If you cancel within
this period you will be charged in full and issued
a credit for a future event. We accept Visa and Master
Card, cash or checks. Gratuities are not included
in the cost of the trip and there is no obligation
to tip your guides but many people do. The industry
standard is in the range of 10% but any amount will
be greatly appreciated.
