The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center believes that accessibility to the waters of the Bay increases appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem. To support that accessibility we are pleased to host five American Canoe Association (ACA) instruction programs for kayak paddling skills and assessment this spring and summer. These instructional programs are designed to give paddlers an opportunity to hone their paddling techniques and learn safety and rescue strategies, providing them a more enjoyable and safe experience. Class sizes are a minimum of 5 with a maximum of 10 participants and include two hours of dry land instruction and three hours of on-water instruction on calm, flat water with certified ACA Kayak Instructors at a 5 to 1 ratio. Pre-registration is required at bayrestoration.org/kayaking. Classes are as follows:
ACA Level 1 – Introduction to Kayaking
May 19, June 2, OR July 7 10am to 5pm
This ACA course is designed for beginner to intermediate kayakers who wish to develop skills of safe, responsible, and enjoyable kayaking on the following crafts: traditional decked kayaks, inflatables, and sit on tops. Spray skirts are not used in this course. This is a skills-based course with optional assessment with an additional fee. Assessment provides the participant with opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability. Course content includes: pre-paddling preparation; equipment overview; stroke development; maneuvers; self-rescue; and rules of the water.
Cost: $75 for CBEC members (including the use of our kayaks and equipment); $80 for non-CBEC members
Kayak and Equipment Rental Fee: $20 ( for non-CBEC members)
Optional Assessment Fee: Additional $15 (Individuals seeking assessment will also need to acquire an ACA membership prior to class)
ACA Level 2 – Flatwater Safety and Rescue Course
August 25 or September 15 10am to 5pm
This workshop introduces essential flatwater safety practices and presents rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment in the first few minutes of an emergency. Course content includes: pre-paddling preparation; safety and rescue equipment overview; self and assisted rescue maneuvers. Participants will experience full in-water self immersion on calm, flat water.
Cost: $75 for CBEC members (including the use of our kayaks and equipment); $80 for non-CBEC members
Kayak and Equipment Rental Fee: $20 (for non-CBEC members)
