Our group is for people who are interested in learning how to kayak but just do not know where to start. And for people who have a little experience but want to improve and get on the water more.
No boat? No problem, we have them. All necessary equipment is part of our package, We offer classes taught by American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors with an emphasis on having fun while staying safe. Our sessions are not in a class room but are taught under the trees and on the river in your own personal floating work station. (a kayak of course)
We also guide fun adventure trips on southern water ways. All trips are lead by certified guides.
There is no age limitation on this sport, people are kayaking across the country and around the world from age 4 to 80! We will also be offering guided trips on various rivers throughout the year for folks who do not have boats or who just do not feel ready to paddle on their own.
If you want to use a gift certificate for this class, do not sign up here. Contact me and I will add you to the class.
We watch the weather and the Dam release schedules very closely. Sometimes we do have to reschedule or change location. The decision is usually made the night before the class around 6 pm. It is imperative that you check your email late the night before or first thing in the morning of the class for any last-minute changes.
The class we teach is the "Essentials of River Kayak" as approved by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Classes will be taught by an experienced ACA certified instructor.
We provide a boat, life jacket (PFD) and paddle unless you indicate that you have your own boat. (This is not a 'roll' class) Cost of the class is $145.00. You choose either a sit in or sit on top kayak. There is a $45 discount if you bring your own boat. For the first time we are offering a family plan since the costs of multiple participants can add up quickly. 2 FAMILY members, $250. 3 FAMILY members, $325. 4 FAMILY members, $375. Family must be registered at the same time and paid for by one person. For more than four, call us for pricing. Also call if you want to take advantage of the family plan. 678-549-4950
Class ending time varies, however, we typically are done between 4:00-5:00 pm.
BRING: lunch (no coolers except small soft-shell ones), plenty of water, a snack/protein bar, and sunscreen.
What do we do: equipment and safety overview, stoke/paddling technique/boat control practice, learn to 'read the river' and use its currents to your advantage, get WET...most importantly, we have FUN!
What to WEAR: water shoes (no flip flops), quick-dry clothing (not cotton or denim), hat (optional).
This is an introductory class in which you will learn the skills needed to become a competent recreational paddler on lakes and easy rivers. This is for brand new paddlers or paddlers with a little experience that want to take their skills to the next level. After mastering these skills, transitioning to white water paddling becomes much easier if you decide to follow that route.
Course Description: THIS IS AN ALL DAY CLASS. WE NORMALLY GET BACK TO THE CARS BETWEEN 4:00 AND 5:00. We spend a day on the Hooch teaching basic kayaking skills. The class begins at Settles Bridge Park where we discuss river safety and paddling principles. We cover basic paddle strokes and boat control before moving down the river.
We stop for lunch somewhere down stream around 1-1:30 so eat a good breakfast and maybe bring a granola bar to keep you going.
After lunch it is back to the water where we continue to practice our skills. You will be learning boat control in class I and I+ rapids. Our takeout point will be the McGinnis Ferry Boat Ramp.
At the end of the course, you should feel comfortable paddling rivers with Class I rapids. Expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours in a riverside class, then approximately 4-5 hours on the river.
Dress to get wet. Cotton and denim are the two worst things you can wear. If you have a lightweight rain jacket, it is always a good idea to have it with you. Good water shoes are recommended. FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT ALLOWED! Shoes without laces are best. Sunglasses should be on a safety cord. Assume that everything you bring to the river will get wet. ZIPLOC bags are not waterproof. Your instructor will have waterproof bags for any items that might get damaged by water. Be sure to bring water and a lunch.
We have now introduced over 5000 people to paddling and have seen lots of swimmers, even on very calm lakes. We will review the basics of paddling but then we will learn several different ways to deal with a swamped kayak, both in still deep water and closer to shore. The more you know about self-rescue, the safer things will be for you and your paddle partners. This class is suitable for beginners. Heck, beginners need it the most! By the end of the day, you will know what to do, for you or your buddies, when that unexpected swim happens. $90 if you bring your boat, $125 if we provide the boat.
