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Lessons 2010 - ACA Coastal Kayak Rescues & Rolling
Place: Greenwich, CT YWCA Pool
259 East Putnam Avenue
Time: 9 to 11:30 am
Lesson dates: January 24 & 31, February 7, March 21
Lesson Fees: $120, includes $20 shared pool fee. In addition, must be ACA member, or pay $5 one-time event fee.
Limit: 5 students per date.

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

Practice on your own
Dates: January 10, 17, 24 & 31, February 7, 21 & 28, March 7 and 21
Fee: $20 to AMC for shared pool rental
The CT AMC hosts pool practice sessions here every winter from January through March. Click on "2010 Flatwater/Sea Kayak schedule" in the left sidebar of the CT AMC page for information about pool sessions. Contact Jean Trapani to reserve a space, or call 203 221-7439.

Register for lessons
Send a 50% deposit payable to "Kayak Adventure LLC", 24 Poplar Street, Norwalk, CT 06855. Tell us your full name, address, telephone and email, along with your preferred lesson dates and the make & model of your kayak. Deposit may also be made via Paypal to kayak-adventure at earthlink.net. Deposits are refundable if we cancel due to weather (and you can't re-schedule). When we receive your deposit, we'll send our pool session information sheet. It includes suggested preparation, print and video resources, and what to bring.

Kayaks
Bring your own kayak (thoroughly cleaned with rudder padded), or arrange to rent one of ours ($42.40).

Classes start promptly at nine am. Arrive dressed for the pool. Beginner classes begin with a four step wet exit sequence. 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 (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 (during our winter sessions). 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 the pool is not too crowded, we'll teach strokes that can be done in little space: draw, sweep, reverse and brace. If you're ready for more, we'll continue teaching eskimo roll set-up and finish positions, and the re-enter and roll with a paddle float self-rescue.

Rolling classes begin with a six-step wet exit sequence so I can assess your hang-time and composure underwater. We move on to develop hip-snap, then continue adding steps, as you are able, to the full rolling sequence.

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. Please introduce yourself when you arrive. 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.

What to Practice - Beginners
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, Rob 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.

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. This is an initial exercise for learning to roll.

What to Wear
Farmer Jane/John Wetsuit, neoprene shorts, or other insulating garments that protect your legs during re-entries
(Note: you can rent Farmer Johns from me for $10, or from most dive shops for $15)
Polyester long-sleeved t-shirt for warmth when wet
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 & sponge to rinse off your kayak before bringing it into the pool (required, can also rinse off with hose at pool)
Spray skirt that stays on
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
Paddle leash is helpful
Tweakers nose plugs, diving mask, or swim goggles, if desired
Swim cap or hood - required
Waterbottle – keep hydrated

Practice Reminders