Courses, Tours, & Events

Skill Levels

Determining your skill level is the key to selecting the classes and tours that are most appropriate for you. Here’s a quick guide to skill levels for this symposium. Pick the skill level that best describes your paddling experience and ability, then use that as a guide as you select your classes and tours.

Level 1 – Just Getting Started

Level 1 Courses and Tours are for those who have no sea kayaking experience and have never had any formal training.  You may have never been in a boat, but are curious or even fascinated by the sport of kayaking and want to get started!    Level 1 events are also great for those who may have rented a kayak or taken a short tour and know they want to get started with training from the best instructors around.  You'll learn the basics from supportive instructors who will help you get your kayaking adventure off to a fun and safe start.  We recommend starting your day or weekend off with our half-day “Intro to Kayak” or full-day “Introduction to Sea Kayaking” course and then moving to other Level 1 courses and tours and even a Level 2 event! 

Level 2 – Developing Sea Kayaking Skills

Have you rented kayaks a few times, have some experience kayaking here and there, but have taken little formal sea kayaking instruction at the beginner level?  Maybe you have some good personal experience, but have had limited formal instruction, and you want to refine your self-taught sea kayaking skills. Level 2 events focus on developing the beginner's, and advancing beginner's, skills to a point that they feel confident in a sea kayak in calm coastal conditions.  We'll focus on making rescues more efficient and safe in a variety of conditions.  Strokes will be

Level 3 – Skills Refinement and Intermediate Sea Kayaking Manuevers

Level 3 paddlers should be comfortable with basic paddling strokes and sea kayak rescues, and be ready to learn rescues and strokes that make venturing out in bumpy water safer and more fun!  Level 3 courses will refine beginner skills to make strokes and rescues more efficient and effective in a wider range conditions. 

Level 4 – Rough Water Paddling and Leadership

Level 4 courses are aimed at intermediate to advanced paddlers who are looking to increase their boat handling and rescue capabilities in rough water, as well as leadership and decision making skills.