SEA KAYAK CLASSES in CHARLESTON
Sea Kayak Classes and Training in Charleston
NOTE: Classes and tours are constantly being scheduled: visit our calendar to see our scheduled activities — contact us at 843-225-7969 or
to schedule a class or trip for your yourself, your friends or your organization.
If you schedule a sea kayak lesson, please download and complete our Hold Harmless form.
SKC provides sea kayaks, paddles, skirts and PFDs for all participants.
Wondering What to Bring to a SKC Class?
American Canoe Association (ACA) Coastal Kayak Instructor Development
Workshops (IDWs) and Certification Exams (ICEs) are continually being
added to our schedule.
These workshop are awesome training experiences,
suitable for any paddlers who want to improve their skills,
understanding and confidence on the water — for aspiring guides, tour
leaders and instructors, they area must.
›› see our scheduled ACA workshops
Contact the shop at 843-225-7969 for more information, to enroll in a
scheduled course, or book a private – or custom – assessment or
training session.
ACA Introduction to Kayaking
1/2 day class – $55
This is a crash course in kayaking – you’ll learn how to be safe and
have fun as you begin to kayak. Topics include: safety, boat fit,
getting in and out of your kayak (gracefully), basic paddle strokes, wet
exit and simple assisted rescues.
Basics of Kayak Touring
Full day class – $70
This course teaches beginners to paddle sea kayaks on lakes, protected
ocean environments, and other flatwater settings. Boats, equipment,
safety, basic strokes, and rescues will be covered. It is focused on
helping student learn to paddle safely and efficiently. Emphasis is on
practicing a simple rescue sequence, understanding basic tides and
currents, general navigation, “rules of the road” for paddlers, and the
use of basic safety and emergency equipment.
Fundamentals of Coastal Kayaking
1 evening + 2 day course – $120
This class meets for one evening in our shop classroom where we will
cover the basics of tides and currents, navigation and trip planning.
Then we’ll enjoy two days on the water covering all of the basic strokes
and maneuvers, the wet exit and rescues for yourself or a fellow
paddler, as well as equipment, safety and preparation for the best
possible paddling experience.
Classroom: Intro to Kayak Navigation
2 hours – $30
Learn how to make the best use of navigational charts; how a compass and
chart serve as important safety gear; how to plan your trips to
accommodate the tides. Understanding these basics can open new paddling
opportunities.
ACA Strokes & Maneuvers 1
1/2 day class – $55
Work with our ACA certified instructors to begin refining your strokes
for optimal efficiency. We’ll focus on the forward stroke (torso
rotation), sweeps, reverse stroke, draws, and low brace. We’ll
play with edging and other techniques to improve your efficiency.
ACA Strokes & Maneuvers 2
Full day class – $70
After you have spent some time on the water practicing the
techniques you learned in the Strokes and Maneuvers I class, join us to
refine those strokes and learn some more advanced maneuvers like the bow
rudder, stern rudder, and side slip. We’ll explore ways to increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of all of your strokes. Class includes a
video review of your strokes – smile, you’re on camera!
Rolling Classes
2 evening sessions– $100
Rolling and learning to roll is different for each and every
paddler. Our small class size will enhance your successes in learning to
roll sea kayaks. Kayaks, skirts, paddles and gear provided. Learn
more about our Indoor Roll Class
Personal Roll Coaching Available: Whatever your
background – Greenland or Euro paddle, new or experienced as a paddler –
You may be looking for the sort of coaching our experienced instructors
can provide. Call to schedule: (843) 225-7969
Rescue Class 1 (basic)
1/2 day class – $55
“Help! I’ve fallen out of my kayak and I can’t get back in!” Don’t
let that happen to you. Join us for a half-day of basic rescue
training. We’ll cover assisted rescues (T-rescue with variations);
self-rescues (paddle float, scramble/cowboy). This class is a
must for all kayakers.
Rescue Class 2 (intermediate)
1/2 day class – $55
After you learn the basic rescues, listed above, join our ACA Certified
Open Water instructors to increase your rescue repertoire. You’ll learn
even more rescue techniques — the reenter and roll (or paddle-float
reenter & roll), towing, All-in, Scoop, Hand-of-God. We’ll
also simulate some real-life scenarios so you can practice “under
pressure.” You must have taken Rescue Class 1 or have permission from the instructor.
Advanced Rescue Class – "in conditions"
1/2 day class – $55
All rescues are much more challenging in conditions – wind and
waves. Join our instructors to practice your rescue skills in real
conditions. You must be able demonstrate intermediate rescue
skills to take this class. This class will be weather-dependent.
ACA Introduction to the Surfzone – in Sea Kayaks
1/2 day class – $55
Ever wanted to launch your kayak from the beach – or land on the beach,
but you don’t know how to handle the surf. Join us for an
introduction to handling your sea kayak in the surf. We’ll cover
launching, landing, and, of course, bracing (your best friend in the
surf).
ACA Surfzone 2
1/2 day class – $55
Did you know that you can surf your sea kayak? Really, you
can. Come learn how to have more fun than you thought possible in a
kayak! You must have take Introduction to the Surfzone or have permission from the instructor.
MORE KAYAK CLASS OPTIONS —
Custom Private Training & On-Demand Classes
1/2-day private class – $100
Call to schedule: (843) 225-7969
We understand you have busy schedules and may find it
difficult to make our regularly scheduled classes. Perhaps you have training
goals not addressed on our schedule. In order to better assist folks with their
paddling development, we offer custom one-to-one coaching sessions and
on-demand training classes to accommodate for your schedule.
This is how it
works:
The custom one-to-one coaching session is all about you and your goals.
You will talk to the instructor ahead of time about what you would like to
accomplish and a plan will be developed for you. Training can be anything we
offer from basic flat-water to advanced open water skills.
This training is
primarily accomplished in four-hour sessions which cost $100 per session. This
gives the paddler maximum flexibility and control over their learning
experience.
If you would like to add people to your private lesson it will be
$55 for each additional person.
Schedule Your Choice of Class — "On Demand"
The on-demand training is any of our four-hour
classes or even a specialty course worked out between you and the instructor,
run at your convenience. We do ask that you have at least two-people and that
you do not mind it being listed as group class. Tuition for these classes is
$55 per person (minimum two people) and can scheduled any day of the week.
We
don’t want your schedule constraints to be a detriment to your development as a
kayaker.
Call us today and we’ll schedule a class for you!
Want to know more?
For more information on classes or tours,
contact Scott at 843-225-7969 or
.