What to Wear & Bring

Membership Application

   Safety Checklist

Sound Kayakers' Home

Newsletter

Calendar

Lessons 2008 - ACA Basic Coastal Kayak Rescues & Rolling
Dates: January 6, 20, 27, February 3 & 24, March 2
Time: 9 to 11:30 am
Place: Greenwich, CT YWCA Pool, 259 East Putnam Avenue.
Fee: $100, includes $20 shared pool fee - must be ACA members
Limit: four students per date
Register by sending a deposit, refundable if we cancel due to weather (and you can't re-schedule). We'll send our pool session info sheet with suggested preparation, and print and video resources.

Classes start promptly at 9. Arrive dressed for the pool. We'll begin with a four step wet exit sequence that alerts your paddling buddies to a need for assisted rescue. When you're comfortable being upside-down underwater, and have a panic-free exit, we'll move on to emptying the kayak. We teach four methods: assisted empty, bow fancy-flip empty (Schumann & Shriner), on-shore tip, and pump. We'll also practice paddling in a swamped kayak. Next, we'll begin solo re-entries: taco, cowboy (Schumann & Shriner) and paddle-float methods. You'll choose one of these to perfect to under two minutes (over the winter). The fastest re-entries are assisted. We teach eskimo bow, side and Hand-of-God rescues next, as back-up methods, and as a rolling progression. Working in pairs to learn the eskimo roll, it is essential to have a fast buddy rescue that doesn't require a wet exit. If there is time, we will continue teaching eskimo roll set-up and finish positions, and the re-enter and roll with a paddle float rescue. On January 20 and February 3 we will teach rolling only - for kayakers who have mastered back-up re-entry.

Once you've taken one class, you can return to practice on your own for a $20 pool fee. You can observe any of my classes at no charge. If you need additional help, I suggest one practice session on your own before scheduling a second class. If you know you have limited flexibility, contact me for a list of stretches. If your core strength is not well-developed, contact me for a list of exercises. Best results are obtained by paddlers who do their home work.

We usually go for brunch at Glory Days Diner, 69 East Putnam Avenue, after the pool session. This is a great time to discuss what you've learned, and get tips from other kayakers.

What to Practice
The pool is best for practicing maneuvers that can be done in a small amount of space. It is not appropriate for learning forward stroke technique. We recommend starting with safe wet exit procedures. At right, Roger practices with a buddy on each side, so that if he panics underwater and reaches only to one side for help, he'll be sure to find someone.

Next, practice getting back into your kayak. Our favorite method is the Cowboy or Cowgirl. Club member Monica demonstrates good technique in the photo below from our February 4, 2007 practice session at the Greenwich YWCA pool. The CT AMC hosts pool practice sessions there every winter from January through March. We love it, as the water is warm and the locker rooms have hot, clean showers, a sauna, hair-dryers and lots of changing space.

Once you've got a reliable re-entry, start working on maneuvers such as the Bow Fancy Flip to empty your kayak before doing a Cowboy Re-entry.

When you're ready to start learning assisted rescues, the best place to start is with Bow or Side Assisted Entries. These require the rescuer to be able to hip-snap up. Monica demonstrates good form, using the side of the pool in the last photo below.

What to Wear
Farmer Jane/John Wetsuit, neoprene shorts, polyester shorts or bathing suit
Polyester long-sleeved t-shirt for warmth when wet
Short neoprene booties with no straps
Paddling gloves are recommended for best grip when learning re-entries

What to Bring
Sea kayak - if you have a rudder, it must be securely covered with thick foam
Gallon jug of water and sponge to rinse off your kayak before bringing it into the pool (required)
Spray skirt
Paddle - preferably nylon, as carbon paddles can mark the pool sides
Lifevest – practice with the gear you will be wearing at sea
Paddle float – foam or inflatable
Bilge pump
Stirrup if you need one to re-enter your kayak – make or buy
Paddle leash is helpful
Tweakers nose plugs, diving mask, or swim goggles, if desired
Swim cap or hood - required
Waterbottle – keep hydrated

Practice Reminders