Self assessment can be challenging, so if you need help deciding if you are best suited for the Beginner or Intermediate Track, give us a call at (518) 524-4117. Assuring that you are on the correct track not only helps you get the most out of the classes, but also helps the entire group move at a similar pace. Please know that we have an excellent team of instructors, so no matter the track you take you are getting great instruction.
If you are thinking you are an Intermediate paddler, you most likely have some formal paddling instruction. You should be able to remain upright in your boat in most conditions and have the stamina to paddle 4-6 miles easily. You are also comfortable capsizing and exiting your kayak.
Forward Stoke 2.0. This class is intended for those that have taken Forward Stroke 1.0 or a similar class. At this level of paddling, breaking bad habits tends to be the initial goal. Using video analysis we will capture current paddling technique and then evaluate in a group setting. From there we establish base goals for each individual. Using the foundation that was built in Forward Stroke 1.0, we will work towards adding in skills to build toward a more efficient stroke. To wrap up the class, we will shoot video again and see how you have progressed. Students should leave this class with a “to do list,” of on water practice as well as on land exercises for at home. Students should have a solid understanding of the 3 stages of the forward stroke and the different building blocks that go from Forward Stroke 1.0 to an advanced level of forward paddling.
Boat and Body Control 2.0 This class is intended for those that have taken Boat and Body Control 1.0 or have taken turning and maneuvering classes in the past. With the foundation of proper body rotation and edging it’s time to add in playing with trim and working with the paddle. In “Boat and Body Control 1.0” you will understand the need to master body rotation and boat edge to use less energy. This sets the foundation, but to truly fire on all cylinders we need to understand how to advance things with the use of trim and our paddle. Understanding blade articulation and then using that for draws and pry’s ALONG with all three elements of boat and body control, we will send you off having the skill set to work on being as efficient as possible. The likelihood of capsizing is increased in this class, so students should be dressed for immersion. If you unsure of what to wear, click HERE for more info.
Rescues 2.0. This class is intended for those who have a reasonable comfort level capsizing and swimming from their kayak. In this class we will work on variations of both self-rescues and team rescues. Students should walk away from this class with the confidence in knowing that they have the skills to practice and eventually be competent in self-rescuing and rescuing other paddlers. This class tends to require exertion, and we suggest planning this for the afternoon so all you have to look forward to is a shower and a lawn chair. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
Bracing and Rolling development. This class is intended for intermediate paddlers who have strong edge control and have been introduced to the concept of bracing (“Boat Control 2.0” would be a great prerequisite). Students must feel competent capsizing and exiting their kayak with a spray skirt on. The goal of this class will to have students walk away with a solid low-brace and a strong understanding of how to and when to use a high-brace. Those that show competence in both these areas will learn the correlation between bracing and the Eskimo roll and then play with the first steps in righting your boat after a capsize. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info. Nose plugs or a swim mask is suggested for this class.
Towing 1.0. Understanding how to aid your paddling partner(s) with towing techniques will add a whole new level of confidence to your next group outing. Often times, it is simply fatigue that sets in, and why not be able to give some assistance to keep everyone in the group happy (especially when paddling with loved ones or the kids)! We cover the basics of contact towing and then move into tow lines and how to set them up, rig them and use them and NOT use them. Once we introduce rope into the equation, what safety measures must we have in place? A prerequisite for this class is at least “Rescues 1.0” and “Boat and Body Control 1.0.” This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info. Nose plugs or a swim mask is suggested for this class.
Navigation Skills and Tools. This class will take place on land. We will look at the basics of navigation using both maps and charts. Tools will be provided, but we welcome students to bring their own local maps or charts as well as navigation tools.
90-Miler Crash Course. A bucket list item, a race, a family adventure ... “it’s just what we have always done the first weekend in September!” Whatever the Adirondack Canoe Classic is to you, it’s always three long days and 90 miles of waterways and portages. This class will cover paddle skills — like improving your bow draw for Browns Tract -- course management, training, nutrition and team communication. The ultimate goal of this course is to help you understand what you do NOT know, prior to pulling your bow up to the start like in Old Forge, NY. Leading the way will be 90-Miler veterans Andrew Jillings and Brian McDonnell.
If you are thinking you are an Intermediate paddler, you most likely have some formal paddling instruction. You should be able to remain upright in your boat in most conditions and have the stamina to paddle 4-6 miles easily. You are also comfortable capsizing and exiting your kayak.
Forward Stoke 2.0. This class is intended for those that have taken Forward Stroke 1.0 or a similar class. At this level of paddling, breaking bad habits tends to be the initial goal. Using video analysis we will capture current paddling technique and then evaluate in a group setting. From there we establish base goals for each individual. Using the foundation that was built in Forward Stroke 1.0, we will work towards adding in skills to build toward a more efficient stroke. To wrap up the class, we will shoot video again and see how you have progressed. Students should leave this class with a “to do list,” of on water practice as well as on land exercises for at home. Students should have a solid understanding of the 3 stages of the forward stroke and the different building blocks that go from Forward Stroke 1.0 to an advanced level of forward paddling.
Boat and Body Control 2.0 This class is intended for those that have taken Boat and Body Control 1.0 or have taken turning and maneuvering classes in the past. With the foundation of proper body rotation and edging it’s time to add in playing with trim and working with the paddle. In “Boat and Body Control 1.0” you will understand the need to master body rotation and boat edge to use less energy. This sets the foundation, but to truly fire on all cylinders we need to understand how to advance things with the use of trim and our paddle. Understanding blade articulation and then using that for draws and pry’s ALONG with all three elements of boat and body control, we will send you off having the skill set to work on being as efficient as possible. The likelihood of capsizing is increased in this class, so students should be dressed for immersion. If you unsure of what to wear, click HERE for more info.
Rescues 2.0. This class is intended for those who have a reasonable comfort level capsizing and swimming from their kayak. In this class we will work on variations of both self-rescues and team rescues. Students should walk away from this class with the confidence in knowing that they have the skills to practice and eventually be competent in self-rescuing and rescuing other paddlers. This class tends to require exertion, and we suggest planning this for the afternoon so all you have to look forward to is a shower and a lawn chair. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
Bracing and Rolling development. This class is intended for intermediate paddlers who have strong edge control and have been introduced to the concept of bracing (“Boat Control 2.0” would be a great prerequisite). Students must feel competent capsizing and exiting their kayak with a spray skirt on. The goal of this class will to have students walk away with a solid low-brace and a strong understanding of how to and when to use a high-brace. Those that show competence in both these areas will learn the correlation between bracing and the Eskimo roll and then play with the first steps in righting your boat after a capsize. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info. Nose plugs or a swim mask is suggested for this class.
Towing 1.0. Understanding how to aid your paddling partner(s) with towing techniques will add a whole new level of confidence to your next group outing. Often times, it is simply fatigue that sets in, and why not be able to give some assistance to keep everyone in the group happy (especially when paddling with loved ones or the kids)! We cover the basics of contact towing and then move into tow lines and how to set them up, rig them and use them and NOT use them. Once we introduce rope into the equation, what safety measures must we have in place? A prerequisite for this class is at least “Rescues 1.0” and “Boat and Body Control 1.0.” This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info. Nose plugs or a swim mask is suggested for this class.
Navigation Skills and Tools. This class will take place on land. We will look at the basics of navigation using both maps and charts. Tools will be provided, but we welcome students to bring their own local maps or charts as well as navigation tools.
90-Miler Crash Course. A bucket list item, a race, a family adventure ... “it’s just what we have always done the first weekend in September!” Whatever the Adirondack Canoe Classic is to you, it’s always three long days and 90 miles of waterways and portages. This class will cover paddle skills — like improving your bow draw for Browns Tract -- course management, training, nutrition and team communication. The ultimate goal of this course is to help you understand what you do NOT know, prior to pulling your bow up to the start like in Old Forge, NY. Leading the way will be 90-Miler veterans Andrew Jillings and Brian McDonnell.