Perhaps you learn more effectively one-on-one with an expert certified instructor than in a group class. No problem. We conduct private lessons all the time. They can be arranged mid-week or on the weekends. Tell us which body of water is convenient for you and we will meet you there with boats and gear. Or ask us to suggest a location. We can plan the lesson for whatever skills you choose.
If you want a partner to join you for this lesson just add $50.

If you want to get started kayaking NOW and do not have time for an all day course try the QuickStart class. You will learn about kayaks and learn how to be safe while paddling. We will show you how to be comfortable in a kayak; how to paddle forward, turn and stop. Now you are ready to try some of our other trips and classes. Quickstart is an entry level course for beginning paddlers of all ages. Children should know how to swim. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent participant.

This is a comprehensive course to acquire skills to safely and enjoyably paddle on calm open water. The American Canoe Association Introduction to Kayaking class includes information on all different kinds of kayaks--from river kayaks and sit-on-tops to lake touring and ocean expedition kayaks. Learn about the equipment necessary to get started and be safe; and how to select appropriate boats, paddles, and life jackets according to your personal requirements. Practice carrying boats, fitting a boat to you, launching, and landing. Try a controlled capsize and learn what to do if a boat tips over. Learn basic strokes, maneuvers and boat control. Finally, Take a lake tour to get the feel of kayaking open water.

After you have completed Introduction to Kayaking you know that you need more stroke practice. You know that you want to paddle more distance. You know that open water situations like wind and waves will eventually challenge you even on our lakes near home. You want to get out on the water again, paddle more and get more kayaking tips! This class is for you.

This course is taught on open water in a lake to prepare the participant for sea kayaking and more extreme conditions. Concentrate on power and touring strokes, braces and maneuvers with an emphasis on boat control, stability and J-leans. Learn about safety equipment and practice assisted rescues; perform paddle float and stirrup self-rescues. Identify marine hazards/safety concerns and learn strategies for dealing with them. Understand wind, waves and weather. Learn nautical rules of the road and dealing with boat traffic.

Participants must have completed Introduction to Kayaking or possess equivalent skills.

The kayak roll is the most effective self-rescue. Focus on controlled capsizing and wet exits. Practice hip snaps. Understand paddle use. Work on important head position. Put it all together. This clinic is for those who want to learn to a white water "combat" roll and is also for sea kayakers.

Participants must have completed QuickStart or Introduction to Kayaking or possess equivalent skills. Please sign up for a private lesson.

Gain a competitive edge in your adventure races by improving your paddling skills. Make your forward stroke more effective, more efficient and guard your joints and muscles for endurance. Learn quick turning strokes for maneuvers. Practice rescues to quickly recover from a capsize. We work with teams, tandems and solo racers. Sign up for a coaching session on our schedule page and contact us to set the time and place. This class is also appropriate for anyone who wants on-going skill assesment and one-on-one feedback.

Learn about paddling in a river environment including current, eddies/eddy lines, waves/wave holes. Learn strategies for dealing with a variety of obstacles in moving water. Apply fundamental kayaking strokes in moving water with an emphasis on boat control and stability. Learn maneuvers for eddy turns, peel outs and ferries. Understand scouting and portaging rapids and group organization on the water. Practice self rescue and assisted rescue skills. Participants must have completed Introduction to Kayaking or possess equivalent skills.

Are you seeking an All-Water Paddle Craft Fishing Guide License? Texas requires you to have a Trip Leader Assessment. This course is also appropriate for camp staff and others who do not need instructor certification but do need to show proficiency in kayak skills for employment and safety.

The emphasis of this two-day course is trip leading, safety education and rescue. You should basic level kayaking skills.
Texas Fishing Guides must also have a Level 2 Skills Assessment. It will be included in this course.

Experienced kayakers who wish to seek American Canoe Association Instructor Certification may participate in the 3 day workshop to learn teaching progressions for all the basic strokes and rescues at Level 1 and/or for Level 2 Essentials of River Kayaking. Also learn teaching and feedback methods for effectively sharing your knowledge of paddlesports and passion for kayaking.

This class will be taught in the Fort Wort area on flat water. The venue will be selected based on weather and water conditions. Course fee is $319 and you must be a member of the ACA before class begins. Purchase your instructor's manual from www.americancanoe.org.

The Instructor Trainer Development Workshop is for currently certified ACA Kayaking or Canoeing Instructors who are ready to train members of their staff as instructors for specific paddling programs. As advised by the ACA Safety Education and Instruction Council, Barb Cutter will mentor candidates though the IT development process. Click Here to download an information sheet. The first step is to enroll in this full day workshop. Contact us for permission to enroll.

Get ready to lead others into the world of Leave No Trace; become an LNT Trainer. This weekend outdoor learning adventure will prepare you to plan and deliver Awareness Workshops and to work with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and community groups. We begin Friday evening with a front country experience at Caddo Lake State Park campground to stage our backcountry voyage. No previous paddling proficiency is required; we will learn fundamental paddling and safety skills to prepare for boat based backcountry camping. Saturday morning each person may kayak or canoe to our weekend training site where we will apply and teach the Leave No Trace principles. Through a variety of teaching methods you will gain confidence in planning workshops to share Leave No Trace with adults and children in a variety of settings. Upon the completion of this trainer course you will be registered as a Trainer with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and will receive a certificate of completion and a trainer pin. Contact us for dates of the next workshop.