Sea Kayak: Basic Strokes and Rescues

This day-long course is a safe introduction to the sport of coastal kayaking designed to prepare paddlers to comfortably and safely paddle on protected flatwater environments with conditions not to exceed two-foot seas, 15-knot winds and no more than 1½ miles distance from shore. Participants will be actively involved and will learn about sea kayak equipment, paddling techniques, navigation, on-water safety and rescues. The course is for ages 12 and older.

All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold-water immersion wear and instruction are provided.

Each participant should bring a swimsuit, towel, two full water bottles, closed-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, a bag lunch and snacks, a notebook and pencil, sunglasses with a strap, an optional sun hat and sun screen and a change of dry clothes for after the course.

The cost is $40 for UMD student members and $135 for non-students. Register by noon on July 26 at calendar.d.umn.edu or call 218-726-7128.

The group meets for the start of the course at the UMD Boat Shed.