Beginner
 Classes for Beginners
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Beginner Options: Our beginner river classes are structured into four progressive lessons, providing a comprehensive introduction to the sport of kayaking. Rolling classes are recommended to be taken along with the beginner river classes: the focus is very different between the two classes. Each class is available to you on a single (trial) basis or in a package.
If you are a first-timer or just curious about kayaking, we recommend trying ‘Level 1 – Foundations,’ or ‘Rolling on the River.’ After a lesson you can decide how you would like to continue. If you have already some experience in kayaking and consider yourself an Advanced Beginner, you might want to start with the second or third lesson.
The Intro to River Kayaking Package, includes all the beginner river classes with maximum flexibility and at a reduced rate. At the conclusion of this 4 – lesson series, and after having successfully taken rolling classes, students will be prepared to begin the intermediate program.
Beginner PLP: For paddlers who want to jump into kayaking with a greater committment, we reccomend our popular, month-long program, the Progressive Learning Package (PLP). In a month’s time you will follow the learning steps through a variety of necessary skills – all in a fun, group environment. Students rave about these intensive, cost-effective programs – read more to learn if the PLP is right for you. All gear is included.
How to register – select a class and date from the calendar. Click on registration and establish an account in the SMART system with a user ID and password. Click ‘Register for a class.’ Confirm your personal information including ‘medical condition.’ Select your class and date from the class list and click on it. Click again to confirm your selection.
How to pay - after registering, you will be presented with the option of using Paypal, or calling our office with your credit card number. The registration process will be complete when you have made your payment.
Final details - you will receive an email confirmation with pertinent information a day or two before your class.
Free kayaking Tuesdays – open to LAKS students who have taken a package of at least four lessons of any sort – to come out paddling at Lock 6 on Tuesday evenings. This is your practice opportunity. We supply the boats. You can get an evening of practice and hang out with paddling friends.
PLP guarantee – Have you finished the Beginner PLP but don’t quite have those roll steps down solid, or do you need more practice on leans and peel outs in current? Any former beginner PLP student may attend classes after the end of a month’s program until he/she is satisfied to have mastered the skills covered in that course. Good until the end of October. For example, if an individual at the end of a beginner PLP has not acquired a flatwater roll, he/she is welcome to continue with same-level rolling classes until he/she gets the roll, or if someone needs work on peel outs, eddy turns and ferries, they may continue with beginner river classes at Violettes lock until they have acquired those skills. Good until the end of the season. Come on out – we will enjoy helping you polish your skills.
Upon completing the PLP or an equivalent series of classes, you’ll be ready to enter our intermediate program.
