Intro to Canoe Class: Techniques For Mastering Flatwater Canoeing

Overview

Most commonly taking place on lakes, bays, and calm sections of river, flatwater canoeing is the perfect way to explore incredible scenery with friends and family. Want to relax on the water while enjoying the weather, eating a picnic, spending time with family, and even furry friends? Flatwater canoeing would be a great fit for you!

Whether by yourself or with the whole family, canoeing is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the water! Open the door to explore the awesome Texas's coastline with its many paddling environments including lakes, swamps, bays, bayous, creeks, and rivers! 

This course is designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill acquisition for controlling and maneuvering a canoe on flatwater. 

This class is for beginners who have never paddled a canoe before, or need a paddling refresher skills class because they last paddled a long time ago, fewer than 10 times, or have experience paddling only in the bow, or only in the stern, or have to grab the gunnels when leaning sideways, or find it challenging to keep the canoe gliding in a straight line. 

In this class paddlers can master canoeing on the lake (flatwater). On dry land we will discuss for about 1 hour about equipment needs and safety, then go paddling for about 2-3 hours. We will teach proper techniques for launching, landing, paddle strokes, boat maneuvers, communication, and much more! 

A canoe paddling partner is required. No previous experience required! No equipment necessary! We will bring you all the gear needed for the successful completion of this course: fiberglass canoe, adjustable lifejackets, lightweight paddles, dry bags for personal items, etc. 

CLASS OUTCOME

This is a super fun hand-on class. By the end of this class, you will be a more a skillful, confident, and safe paddler and have increased specific knowledge and appreciation for canoeing. We help plant the seeds for a lifelong hobby, environmental consciousness, and an active lifestyle. 

CURRICULUM

Unseen danger and your concerns. Introduction to basic equipment. Launching and landing from a bank. Introduction to how body, boat, and blade work together. Basic body mechanics and efficiency of stroke. Forward and reverse paddling. Sweep strokes. Draw strokes. Turning on the move. Communication with partner. 

Duration: 4 – 5 hours. 
Paddling Time: 2 - 3 hours. 
Paddling Distance: 3 – 5 miles.
 
Inclusions
Accommodation - Luxury
Awesome destination. Safe adventure. High chance of witnessing wildlife. Small group size. Family and beginners friendly. Local expertise. Experienced trip leader. Friendly, professional instructor.
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PERSONALIZED ACA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION PROVIDED.
LUXURY PADDLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
Fiberglass Touring Tandem Canoe, Adjustable Lifejacket, Lightweight Paddle, Dry Bag (small size, for car keys, phone, wallet, etc.).
We will start with on-land instruction and safety briefing, adjust the gear to your stature, and be on the water soon thereafter.
This activity requires a moderate fitness level. Our sit-in touring kayaks come in sizes and can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 42-inch hip/pants size. Please let us know your approximate height and weight for us to bring you the correct size kayak and life jacket.
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ACCESS TO GROUP EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
VHF Marine Radio, Paddle Float, Bilge Pump, First Aid Kit, Tow Belt, Lights
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WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO DRESS
Bring several 33 oz. / 1L water bottles and energy drinks to take with you in the kayak; a granola bar and a small thermos would be nice. Dehydration and heat stroke are of the biggest concerns being on the water this time of the year. Leave a cold-water bottle and a snack in the car for you to have ready at the end of the event when you will probably be hungry, hot, tired but happy!
Bring with you but leave in the car a full set of dry clothing into change at the end, should that be needed, and a large towel to cover your car seat for a comfortable ride home.
We will take meaningful precautions to avoid unintended capsizes, however, small crafts are unstable and water dripping off the paddle into your lap is possible. Dress for immersion by dressing with clothes made of synthetic materials that are comfortable and dry out quickly. Avoid any cotton clothing. Dress with a long sleeve shirt and long pants to avoid insects and sunburns. For exposed skin, bring sunscreen and plan to apply often. Your feet will get wet up to knee. Water shoes, closed toed sandals, or old sneakers are a great kayaking choice. Crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots and rain boots are not good options. Bring a large brim hat with under chin strap and sunglasses. Bring paddling gloves or cycling/workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn.
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Paddling is a wonderful, lifelong, low-impact, human-powered sport. It's a form of soul therapy, an awesome mode of transportation to remote destinations, and a stealthy way to intimately experience wildlife and nature. Hiring us, you will learn about equipment, proper strokes and correct paddling technique, basics of water safety, trip planning, and how to have an enjoyable time on the water. This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about paddling. Thank you for signing up!
WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHILE BEING COMFORTABLE AND SAFE!
Location
2505, Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, The Woodlands, Texas, 77380, United States