Once you have registered for a school you will be contacted by an instructor. About 1 -2 weeks before the school date you will be emailed the following information:
* Confirmation of the location of the school (may change due to water conditions),
* What you will need to bring and not bring to the school,
* Directions to the location.

[ulist]

Be able to perform all activities on the course outline unassisted.

Be able to communicate orally with the instructor.

There may be a size/weight limit based on available gear. Weight 220 or over, please contact us at www.CincinnatiKayaks.org before registering.[*]Must be comfortable being in the water.

Must wear a life jacket.

All courses are physically challenging.

Children ages 14 -17 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the school.

[*]We request you complete a medical form at www.CincinnatiKayaks.org when you register and follow the listed instructions.[ulist]

This course provides the basic instruction for tandem canoeing on easy moving water rivers. The emphasis is on having fun on the scenic Ft. Ancient section of the Little Miami River. Great way to socialize, everyone is welcome as are children 14 and up with a parent. We will cover fundamental river paddling and safety skills. Including: How to paddle forward, reverse/stop and performing maneuvers such as spins, moving abeam eddy turns, peel-outs and front ferries.

Boats/Equipment: Student's person personal equipment is allowed if pre-approved by lead instructor.

"Class I Whitewater" for beginner to intermediate students. Class restricted to whitewater kayaks with spray skirts and helmets. This course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on gentle rivers. We will teach the skills necessary for paddling with safety awareness on rivers up to Class-I. We will present and critique strokes, equipment, rescues, safety/hazard scenarios at the lake, followed by river maneuvers: eddy turns, peel-outs and ferries. Come join us for fun-filled learning enhanced weekend. Part of the course will include turning over in the boat to learn wet-exits.

Boats/Equipment: Whitewater Kayaks and paddling equipment (except wetsuits which can be rented) are provided. Student's personal boat is allowed if pre-approved by lead instructor.

Prerequisite: Must attend Saturday's lake class to be able to attend the Sunday river kayak class. Be able to hold breath while under water and, while in the water wearing a life jacket. Be able to independently turn from a face down to a face up position keeping their head above water. Be able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other course participants.

This 3-hour course is designed to introduce the skills necessary to begin comfortably participating in flat water kayaking. Included will be personal preparation skills - swimming ability, skills assessment, personal gear and trip preparation, fitness and safety considerations. We will discuss, demonstrate and practice how to carry and move your boat and equipment, entering and exiting your boat and water safely, emptying your boat, basic paddling and boat control.

Boats/Equipment: Recreational kayaks and some gear provided, student's personal boat is allowed if pre-approved by lead instructor.

Introduction to Stand-up Paddleboard(SUP) is taught by certified ACA SUP Instructors. Students will learn about Stand-up Paddleboarding equipment, proper clothing and proper stance for balance and control. Beginning Paddle strokes and proper turning techniques will be introduced, as well as effective paddling skills, balance, positioning, movement and falling/recovery techniques. This class will be held on protected calm water and no experience is necessary. No sandals-wear water shoes or sneakers you don't mind getting wet.

Boats/Equipment: SUP board, paddle, helmet and life jacket will be provided. Student's personal equipment is allowed if pre-approved by lead instructor.

Course Description:
Are you interested in learning about the sport of kayaking in general but not ready for kayaks with spray skirts and all the equipment of advanced paddling? This class will provide you with an introduction to kayaking using beginner-friendly recreational kayaks. You will learn about equipment, safety, proper paddling strokes, and kayaking techniques which will enhance your experience on the water and provide you with a greater insight into this exciting sport.

Boats/Equipment: Recreational kayaks and some gear provided. Student's personal boat is allowed if pre-approved by lead instructor.

Course Description:
Rolling is a valuable skill for kayakers focused on increasing their enjoyment of moving water or touring paddling on open water. Our in-the-boat exercises, step-by-step teaching progressions, and individual feedback will help build your skills and absolute comfort needed to be confident in the boat if it capsizes. Lessons will be personally structured based on participants' skill levels and instructors will work with in a 2:1 ratio to allow as much personal attention to individuals as possible. You will first develop comfort getting in and out of your boat in a "wet-exit" and building a powerful "hip-snap" which is fundamental to learning every type of kayak roll. Once comfortable, the emphasis will move to the paddle and body position while practicing with the support of an experienced instructor. When you can roll, you will be liberated after you get out on the water.

Boats/Equipment: Participants must provide their own equipment (rental options in Dayton include Whitewater Warehouse, Great Miami Outfitters and True Heights Outfitters) including a whitewater, touring or hybrid (hybrids are not first choice as they take more time and strength to learn to roll) kayak, spray skirt, lifejacket, paddle and helmet.

Course Description: This course provides beginners and those with limited experience with a safe and enjoyable introduction to touring kayaking. We will present strokes, rescues, towing, safety equipment, tripping and more. Part of the course requires participants getting wet as a spray skirt will be used.

Boats/Equipment: Touring boats (longer than 14 feet), paddles, helmet, spray skirt and life jacket will be provided. Student's personal equipment is allowed if pre-approved by the instructor.