ACA of North Carolina and the North Carolina State Parks are once again joining together to host their annual Kayaking 101 event on May 17th to kick off National Safe Boating Week. This year North Carolina will be hosting 230 slots across 13 locations. These classes will be “Introduction to Kayaking” classes for the brand new or beginning paddler. They will be offered at $15 a person, of which 100% of the fee will be donated to those affected by Hurricane Helene after the event has concluded. The organization(s) that will receive the donations will be announced after Kayaking 101, through the ACA of North Carolina Facebook page. This event is coordinated, organized, and taught by volunteers from around the state consisting mostly of ACA Certified Instructors. All Kayaks (and other), Life Jackets, and paddles have been provided by the many sponsors of our event so no participant is required to bring their own. If any participant does have their own kayak or gear and would like to bring it they will be allowed as long as it is deemed safe to use by the instructors.
Classes Will Cover:
- Trip planning, preparation and prevention
- What equipment you should carry
- Parts of the boat, parts of the paddle
- Understanding how bulkheads/flotation help make you safer
- How to properly carry and transport your boat
- Basic posture for full body paddling and boat control
- Basic paddling strokes
- How to get in and out of your boat properly
- How to re-enter a kayak if you capsize in deep water (multiple methods for self and assisted rescue)
- How to empty a swamped boat
- How to tow a swimmer
Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided for you. North Carolina State Parks, along with many sponsors, are coming together to make this gear available to you at no charge, as a special opportunity for this class during National Safe Boating Week. You are allowed to bring your own kayak and gear if you would like, but it is not necessary.
What to Bring:
- Plenty of water to drink
- Waterproof bag for personal items
- Sunscreen
- Hat (highly recommended for sun protection)
- Hard-soled water shoes
- Strap for your glasses
- Lunch and snacks (We will break for lunch, but we will all eat together and then resume the class, so we all need to bring our lunches)
- Personal kayak, paddle and/or a personal flotation device/life jacket if you own any and would like to use them
What to Wear:
Keep in mind we will be paddling and practicing skills for what to do if you capsize, so you will get wet. Quick drying fabrics and shorts are better for paddling than cotton clothing (which will just keep you wet and cold all day). Please do not wear flip flops. Closed-toe shoes, water shoes, or sneakers are perfect. You need shoes that attach at your ankles and provide some amount of traction.
Special Instructions:
Each location will receive an email from their lead instructor at least 1 week from the start of the course with special instructions and additional information about your course.
How to Sign Up:
- Go to the registration page here to sign up