Are kayak lessons necessary?

[rockportkayak]

How many people think that learning fundamentals of paddling are not necessary? How many people don't know self-rescues? Yes moving a kayak forward is not difficult, but the ability to paddle efficiently and effectively comes from learning proper technique.I have had so many clients this season that claimed to be "experienced paddlers" that ran over fish because they couldn't complete a simple sharp turn or stop themselves in time. If you have a rudder, can you navigate the kayak if it failed? Can you re-enter your kayak in deep water? Being macho won't save you, knowledge can.

[Big Country]

I'll second the motion for kayak lessons. I don't think lessons are necessary but I do believe those who take lessons are better prepared to avoid problems and overcome problems. That's my two-cents.

[Bigguy49]

I agree with lessons or the need to practice skills before you need them . My question is who, where, and when, living in central Texas it's a drive to any where one could get lessons , it bites big time

[rockportkayak]

You can actually search for instructors on the ACA website. http://www.americancanoe.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; It will be broken down by state and class

[CoastieCulture]

I'm certified and not only was it a really fun class but i learned lots of stuff. I learned the draw stroke and thought i'd never use it. I was wrong, I've used it plenty of times. Re-enrty in a kayak can be easy for some, but in certain conditions and under shock/stress can be challenging. Having practiced it before makes a world of difference.

Tight lines

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[mpg2yahoo]

First time on a kayak was at Lady Bird's in Austin. I did it on a sit-in kayak and I was scared as hell on flipping that yak. Still, I did like the experience. I went to an ACA certified training here in Seabrook TX before even buying my first kayak and filled the gaps with books.

Knock on wood I have never turtled on a kayak to this day, but had two close calls in fast current places (Kemah Channel and Galveston Causeway). Never practiced the recovery until this July when I went to Destin FL. Glad to know I can get back on the kayak on deep water.

I was always counting not to get wet on BTB trips....

Better take the ACA training and if they don't practice the recovery look for a place to do it yourself and know that you can get back on the kayak if needed... Don't find out you can't when least expected...

[Fishing4Life]

I was kayaking on the calm lakes many times with no issue but when I took it to the bay, it was a different story. I got flipped couple times.
I would say 1) taking the class and 2) kayaking with a buddy (or better yet a group) when you go out to the bay (or even rig).

[Heatstroke]

If there was something close to me, I'd probably go...

[CoastieCulture]

I can help anyone out that would like to practice re-entry

message me here or feel free to text

940-535-8869

[StrykerDM]

I might get in touch with you about reentry lessons once work permits. I still haven't practiced it myself and would love to have somebody along when I do to show me how exactly to do it the right way.

[rockportkayak]

At the ACK demo days I usually try to demo self rescues and assisted rescues. If you are ever in the Rockport area and want a quick tutorial give me a shout and I will gladly help, depending on the day we can use the pool. I am a Level 2 ACA kayak instructor with speciality in Sit on Top. I actually have a class this friday and none of the students are under 60 y/o It's awesome getting people into the sport safely no matter what their age.

http://www.rockportkayak.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[nschutt]

My husband and I got new yaks a couple of weeks ago and would like to try self rescue with them. Ours are Pro Anglers and recommended method is from the rear. We would be interested in participating with a group from the area.

[Newt556]

I never did a course and no one I know who kayaks has either. I did watch alot of utube videos on paddle techniques etc... when I first started. They helped alot. As far as getting back in is pretty easy but I could see needing some advice if you have a sit inside kayak or a really high riding kayak. I really see no need in paying for a lesson unless you just have money to waste. Even the local kayak rental places throw people on the rivers here with zero instructions.

[texnomad]

I had been paddling for over thirty years when I took my yak lesson. It was worth every penny of the moderate cost. Now twenty nine years later I still would advise a yakking lesson to every one IF it includes solo deep water recovery.

[Kirk B.]

It is a risk/reward analysis for me.
1. I have been around boats all of my life. The only times I ended up in the water from one, it was on purpose. I have never fallen out of a power boat or canoe. The only time I fell out of my kayak was the first time I got in it, and I was deliberately trying to find the limits of my ability to recover my balance.
2. The places where I will be using my kayak are known entities in weather or other conditions I am comfortable with. I am not going BTB. I think you guys are crazy, lol. Mine is not a white water kayak. I will take it on moving water, but not rapids. (Where the hell would I find rapids in SE Texas, lol)
3. I am not an intrepid person. I know MY limits, and am very willing to stay within them.

All of that means that, No, I will not be taking a kayaking class. At least not a formal one.
I am an inveterate researcher. If there is something I am interested in, I try to find out everything I can about it.
The internet is a wonderful thing. With a little ...judicious searching, you can find a site dedicated to any interest you may have. Youtube also provides a veritable cornucopia of pertinent (and impertinent, ) information. You just have to sift through the chaff.


Kirk B.

[crazyyakingyank]

Call Dave at Kayak Instruction Inc. (214)629-4794
He does instruction and he is located in Rowlett

[rockportkayak]

YouTube and research can get you the theory, BUT it must be practiced. You won't have YouTube available when an accident happens. There is no substitute for experience.

[Kirk B.]

I agree, rockport. I also think there is something to be said for common sense and not getting in over your head, pun intended.
I have been, and will continue to take precautions to ensure my safety. I assure you, I am not a fool.

Kirk B.