Mississippi Sea Kayak and Kayaking Group

 
 
 

Introduction to Kayaking is a course which follows the curriculum established by the American Canoe Association (ACA). It is a 6-ish hour course on or around the water. You will be introduced to basic strokes and some maneuvers to help you stay upright and improve your paddling efficiency after more practice. You will also be introduced to and practice a basic self rescue* & an assisted rescue*.

You should BRING YOUR OWN sea kayak, recreational kayak, or sit-on-top (SOT).

After a quick shore chat about types of kayaks, life jackets/PFD, paddles, paddling safety, and potential water hazards, instructor(s) will demonstrate and students will practice paddling skills and basic rescue techniques.

The objective is for you to be able to maneuver comfortably on still water upon successful completion of this course.

Who should take this class? Introduction to Kayaking is ideal for the beginning paddler who wants to develop effective strokes early in your paddling life. And, the course is for any long time paddler who wants a huge improvement in your paddling ability and efficiency. Basically this class is for anyone who:

1. does not know how to paddle forwards, backwards, AND sideways,
2. can complete all of 1), however is unfamiliar with safety equipment, or
3. can do 1 & 2, but does not know basic self rescues or assisted rescues

..............................should take this class. Spray skirts will not be used.

What to bring? Dress to get wet. Sunscreen and a broad brimmed hat are recommended. Bring a small bag lunch so we can have a quick, beachfront lunch break. Lots of water/electrolytes/other fluids. And, the kayak, PFD, & paddle you regularly use.

To register: call[masked] or email [masked] including your name and phone number so I can call back.

Tuition is $125 (+ $10 for event insurance if you are not an American Canoe Association (ACA) member). Check or cash preferred for tuition & insurance, additional 3.5% if using credit/debit.

rescue* = how to get back into a kayak which has overturned either by yourself or with assistance of another

NOTE: CALL to Register[masked]. A "yes" RSVP on Meetup does NOT register you for the class.

******This class is FULL with non-Meetup members. Contact Hank if you would like to schedule another Jackson area training event.******

Class is limited to 5 students. Some register without being Meetup members so numbers shown may not add up to 6 (5 students + instructor) and they may change.

 
 
 

Jackson County Outdoor Services is hosting an informative celebration of wildlife and their habitat geared toward kids (and those of us who often act like kids).

Come out to Sand Jam 2023 at Beach Park to:

• let the kids, grand kids, and those-of-us-who-act-like-we-are-still-kids have a FREE, FUN outing to learn about wildlife, and
• test paddle a kayak, or
• volunteer to share your kayaking enthusiasm with new paddlers

Kayaks will be available for new paddlers to use (at no cost = FREE) in the immediate vicinity of the event. If you do not yet have a kayak or have never paddled, this is an opportunity to test paddle a kayak. There is no charge for test paddle the kayaks.

This is a beach event with demonstration paddling available. Some experienced paddlers will be assisting new paddlers near the beach front for safety. Experienced paddlers are welcome to assist us...please contact me if you would like to volunteer!

This Jackson County sponsored event is announced on MS Sea Kayak and Kayaking MeetUp to offer a paddling opportunity for folks who do not own a kayak. Come out and try a kayak! And, bring the kids or grand-kids to learn about our native wildlife and habitat.

Paddlers are responsible for their own safety. Life jackets must be properly worn at all times on the water. No alcohol or drugs prior to or while paddling.

 
 
 

This is a date change which was originally scheduled for May 27.

This event introduces paddlers how to paddle faster by kayak and with less effort. The result is: you are not tired or at least less tired at the end of your paddle. Additionally, we review basic strokes and introduce safe paddling essentials such as braces (the skill which reduces your risk of capsizing), and how to rescue yourself and/or others in several ways depending on the situation. And, you will be introduced how to safely use a spray skirt with a touring kayak.

The curriculum of the American Canoe Association (ACA) Essentials of Kayak Touring course is incorporated into this training.

---------- CALL[masked] to register. ----------

Course Prerequisite for Level 2: Completion of Level 1 - Introduction to Kayaking or instructor's permission

Skills to be covered & performed:

• Going forward, backwards, sideways, and stopping - effectively, efficiently, & safely.

• How NOT to capsize

• Using a spray skirt (applies to sit-in sea kayaks)

• Reentering your kayak in deep water

• Individual and assisted rescues (including using different equipment to assist the rescue)

• And lots more

This course is highly encouraged for anyone thinking of paddling in our open bay waters, large rivers, or to Deer Island in a sea kayak or sit-on-top (SOT) where swimming back to shore is not a preferred or easy option.

We will intentionally "get wet" several times so plan to wear wicking/quick-dry clothing, i.e. NOT cotton.

When & where is the class? Class will be from 8:00 until about 4:00, probably in the Long Beach/Gulfport/Biloxi area (or Flint Creek Reservoir, Wiggins approx $5 entry fee). Exact location will be determined about 24-48 hrs before class depending on predicted weather conditions. Plan to bring a bag lunch and/or snacks and water.

What kayak is appropriate for this training? A 1) sea kayak, 2) recreational kayak, or 3) sit on top (SOT). All kayaks for this class should be a minimum of 12 feet long whether sit in or SOT. Also, sea and recreational kayaks must have a minimum of two dry compartments or be fitted with air bags for inherent buoyancy/flotation. A spray skirt is NOT required however if you have one, you will learn how to safely use one and we will practice with it.

Cockpits and spray skirts come in different sizes so make sure yours fits your kayak before class if you plan to use one. Call me early on if you have questions about your kayak, safety equipment, or spray skirt - or if you plan to order a spray skirt before class.

Additional safety equipment: if you have a paddle float, bilge pump, or other safety equipment, please bring them. If you do not yet have them, please do not buy prior to class. I will bring extras and we will discus advantages and disadvantages of each.

To register (or for questions): Call[masked].

Tuition: $100 for Meetup members. Additionally, there is a $10 charge for ACA insurance if you are not an ACA member. Check or cash preferred, additional 3.5% if using credit/debit.

CALL me directly at[masked]. A "yes" RSVP on Meetup does NOT register you. Class is limited to 5 students. Some register without being Meetup members so numbers shown may not add up to 6 (5 students + instructor). The numbers will be updated as participants register and pre-pay. If the phone goes to voice mail assume I am probably paddling. When you leave a message with your name and number I will call you back.

 
 
 

How will you get back in your kayak after it flips? And, how will you rescue a child, spouse, or friend when they turn over while paddling?

Here is the training you need to learn how to solve those situations quickly and safely.

You will be introduced to, practice, and practice again how to rescue both yourself and another person. We will use no equipment and specialized rescue equipment....each situation is different and you will be presented with several scenarios.

This course is highly encouraged for anyone thinking of paddling in our open bay waters, large rivers, or to Deer Island in a sea kayak or sit-on-top (SOT) where swimming back to shore is not a preferred or easy option.

We will intentionally "get wet" several times so plan to wear wicking/quick-dry clothing, i.e. NOT cotton.

When & where is the class? Class will be from 9:00 until about 2:00, probably in the Long Beach/Gulfport/Biloxi area (or McLeod Water Park, Kiln MS approx $4 entry fee). Exact location will be determined about 24-48 hrs before class depending on predicted weather conditions. Plan to bring a bag lunch and/or snacks and water.

What kayak is appropriate for this training? A 1) sea kayak, 2) recreational kayak, or 3) sit on top (SOT). Kayaks for this class should be a minimum of 10 feet long whether sit in or SOT.....shorter kayaks are welcome, however will be difficult to rescue. Also, sea and recreational kayaks must have a minimum of two dry compartments or be fitted with air bags for buoyancy/flotation. A spray skirt is NOT required however if you have one, you will learn how to safely use one and we will practice with it. NOTE: I have a couple air bags that can be loaned for class.

Cockpits and spray skirts come in different sizes so make sure yours fits your kayak before class if you plan to use one. Call me early on if you have questions about your kayak, safety equipment, or spray skirt - or if you plan to order a spray skirt before class.

Additional safety equipment: if you have a paddle float, bilge pump, or other safety equipment, please bring them. If you do not yet have them, please do not buy prior to class. I will bring extras and we will discus advantages and disadvantages of each.

A two cell paddle float is highly recommended, especially the NRS paddle float. Inflatable NRS paddle floats are available to purchase at Everything Kayak. Because of the aftermath of Covid, no longer do we share paddle floats which must be blown up. A paddle float is a vital piece of emergency safety equipment when kayaking....IMO, much more important than a bilge pump. NOTE: Do not purchase the non-inflatable paddle float - they work for some, but not for most paddlers !!

To register (or for questions): Call [masked].

Tuition: $75.00 for Meetup members. Additionally, there is a $10 charge for ACA insurance if you are not an ACA member. Check or cash preferred, additional 3.5% if using credit/debit
.
CALL me directly at [masked]. A "yes" RSVP on Meetup does NOT register you. Class is limited to 5 students. Some register without being Meetup members so numbers shown may not add up to 6 (5 students + instructor). The numbers will be updated as participants register and pre-pay. If the phone goes to voice mail assume I am probably paddling. When you leave a message with your name and number I will call you back.

Bring your sea kayak, sit on top (SOT), or recreational kayak and learn (or relearn) how to rescue yourself or a fellow paddler. (If we meet at McLeod Water Park, the park offers SOTs for rent.)