Kayak Lessons for Beginners
Lessons on Forge Pond, NJ, are a Great Introduction to Paddling
All day lessons on the quiet waters of Forge Pond in New Jersey teach beginning kayakers basic skills and boat safety.
You don’t have to be an expert paddler to enjoy being in a kayak, but since there is always inherent danger, it makes sense to learn the basics of technique and safety. Many outfitters offer classes, and the Jersey Paddler is no exception. Their all day Basic Strokes and Rescues Class is taught by American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors, and more than repays the investment in both money and time. The class is a beginner level, hands-on experience that teaches simply how to go, how to stop, and what to do when you fall out.
Paddler, Meet Your Paddle
An all day kayak lesson begins with introducing the equipment. Although not terribly complicated, the equipment serves the paddler best when used properly. This includes wearing your PFD (personal flotation device, or life jacket) in such a way that it won’t fall off should you fall in, adjusting your boat’s foot pegs to the proper location for maximum comfort and support, and knowing when your paddle is upside down.
Kayak Basics-the Forward Stroke
Since the forward stroke is the basis for maneuvering a boat, it’s important to have a good understanding of how it works and why. Everything else builds on it, so trying to kayak without this important skill is like trying to learn algebra before mastering multiplication. While perfecting the forward stroke takes hours of practice, anyone in relatively good shape with a desire to learn can develop enough skill for an enjoyable paddle on quiet water.
Basic Rescues & Capsize Recovery
One of the most important aspects of kayaking safety is learning how to fall out of your boat. This is referred to as a wet exit, and it not quite as frightening as the name implies. Though the thought of being upside down under water while attached to a boat is understandably daunting, a few simple tips coupled with the irresistible force of gravity will have you out in seconds. Getting back in, however, is another story. While it’s probable that the beginner won’t master the recovery part as quickly as the capsizing part, the point of experiencing a basic rescue during a beginner lesson is the discovery that capsizing sounds worse in theory than actuality.
An all-day lesson in basic skills is a wonderful introduction to the joy of kayaking, as well as an excellent opportunity to sample some of the boats and paddles you will want to buy to feed your kayaking addiction.
