2008 Introduction to Sea Kayaking Course

Will Greenough (360) 508-0456
Tim Burke (360) 866-4286

Course: Provides a basic introduction to Sea Kayaking and graduation from the course permits members to sign up for Mountaineer Sea Kayak trips with any Branch. No prior knowledge or experience is required. All instruction will be in single kayaks. If you do not own a kayak, rentals will be available. Please note the dates carefully and confirm that your schedule will permit you to attend all the sessions. There will be no opportunity to make up missed sessions.

Sea kayaking, and the course, involve a level of strength, flexibility and endurance possessed by most physically active individuals. If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to participate please contact Will Greenough or Karen Hook. Class Size: 18 Cost: The course fee is $150. Students who do not own or have access to a kayak and required equipment will be required to rent on three occasions: open water session, wet paddle and one additional Club sponsored trip. Kayaks will be provided for the pool session. You may also have other expenses for appropriate clothing and equipment. Registration: No registrations will be accepted if postmarked before February 1, 2008. Typically the course fills quickly. The registration form/questionnaire is available in the archives section of the Olympia Mountaineers Sea Kayak Community page on the Mountaineers website, or by contacting Will Greenough or Tim Burke (866-4286).

Olympia Mountaineer Bob Metzger riding giants near Point of the Arches. (photo by Bob Burreson)

Schedule:

April 30	Lecture 1	Introduction, orientation, equipment overview, safety, introduction to basic techniques.	Coach House, 211 West 21st Ave.	6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
May 2	Pool Session	Swim test, entry and exit, rescue techniques, fitting your kayak, bracing.	North Thurston High School	6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
May 7	Lecture 2	Hypothermia, first aid equipment, introduction to tides and currents, weather for kayakers.	Coach House, 211 West 21st Ave.	6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
May 10	Open Water Session	Boat loading and tie down, forward paddling, braces, turning strokes.	Keneydell Park, Black Lake	9:00 am - 4:00 pm
May 14	Lecture 3	Boat handling, leadership/followership, wilderness ethics, volunteerism, the next steps.	Coach House, 211 West 21st Ave.	6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
May 17 or May 18	Wet Paddle	There will be two wet paddles, each student must attend ONE of these sessions. Four hour paddle and cold water self and assisted rescue clinic. Plan to get wet in COLD water.	Boston Harbor	9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Graduation Requirements:

1. Swim 50 yards without flotation.
2. Attend all three lectures.
3. Successfully complete both pool and the open water session.
4. Successfully participate in two club sponsored paddles, one of which is a "Wet Paddle".
5. Complete all requirements by Dec. 31, 2008.

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