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Basics of Flatwater Kayaking

Spend a day with ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors from the Bluff City Canoe Club learning everything you need to know to get started kayaking safely!

The class is from 9:00-2:00 at the Hyde Lake boat launch located inside Shelby Farms Park. 

What to Bring:

• Your Kayak and Paddle (You can rent one from Hyde Lake Boat Rental if you don't have one)
• Your life jacket (you will not be allowed to participate without a life jacket)
• Close-toed shoes that can get wet
• Clothing that can get wet
• Towel and change of clothes
• Lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Sunscreen and a hat highly recommended

Other Details

This class is for Bluff City Canoe Club members.  If you are not a member, we would love to have you join.  Membership is just $30 for the year and includes your entire family.   You can join here --> Member Signup / Information

The cost is $20/person and includes  "The Essentials of River Kayaking" instruction guide published by the American Canoe Association.

If you are not a member of the ACA, there is an additional $5 charge to cover insurance for the class.

You will be required to fill out and turn in this waiver, along with the $5 fee at the beginning of the class:
2019 Adult Waiver
2019 Minor Waiver

Topics Include:

• How to transport your kayak safely
• How to pickup and carry your kayak safely
• Basic Equipment needed to get started plus a few "nice to haves"
• Proper paddling clothing
• Basic Terminology
• Getting in and out of your kayak the right way
• Holding the paddle
• Basic Strokes
  • Forward Stroke (How to paddle in a straight line)
  • Backward Stroke
  • Turning Strokes
  • Sculling strokes
• Dealing with flipping over