Re: [Paddlewise] free lessons

John Fereira wrote:

>
> I guess this brings up a question for the list.  If you were to design 
> a three hour "Intro to kayaking" class that would be including with 
> the purchase of a new kayak, what should it include?
>
>
Hi John.
    What to pack into three hours that will be fun (if word gets around 
that the attendees had a good time the next buyers are more likely to 
take you up on the offer), informative, teach vital skills, and 
reinforce safety.  I'd start with a quick lesson (not more than ten 
minutes) on hypothermia, with more information offered for later 
perusal.  This is to teach the basics, not offer everything.  You want 
to get them aware without beating them senseless with information they 
aren't ready for and will not remember.  Next would be a five minute set 
on how to properly don your clothing and adjust your PFD.  I know that 
the manufacturers have instructions in the tags that are on them, but 
how many people actually read them?  I know I see quite a few people 
with improperly adjusted PFD's, even some I have tried to inform.  As 
for the how to don your clothing, there are tips that help the novice. 
 I had a dry top for quite a while before someone taught me how to take 
it off without help.  
    Now we are ready to actually look at the boats.  Teach how to adjust 
the foot pegs, especially how to do it while you are sitting in the boat 
by using your feet.  While you are still on the shore it would be a good 
idea to teach how to put on a spray skirt and take it off.  Next would 
come time to show them how to get into the kayak without doing a face 
plant in the shore.  That sounds funny, but I see many people either 
struggling to get in or getting in while the boat is grounded then 
gorilla walking them across the sand and rocks into deeper water.  Once 
in deeper water you should have each person perform a wet exit.  This 
will help them over their nervousness about capsize and reinforce the 
lecture on hypothermia.
    After everyone has settled down from the wet exits you can start 
with the basic forward and turning strokes.  You should be about an hour 
to an hour and a half into your three hours at this point.  The rest of 
the time can be spent on a short tour while you work on the strokes and 
demonstrate (for future reference) bracing strokes.  You don't need to 
teach them here, but letting the students know that they exist is a good 
idea.  Another option on the stroke practice is to make a game out of 
boat control such as follow the leader, slalom events, etc.  These games 
have been covered here before, but I'm sure we can discuss them again if 
anyone wants to.
    Once back on the beach have a quick recap of what was learned, 
preferably voiced by the students.  Before they leave make sure that 
each student has a handout listing the local paddling clubs along with 
contact information.  A copy of a basic float plan and the contact 
numbers for the local authorities (Coast Guard, state marine agencies, 
whoever is patrolling the water you paddle) would be helpful.
    That is my take on this, ladies and gentlemen.  Now it is your turn 
to take out your scissors and cut it up.  Add, delete, agree, or 
disagree.  Just as long as you contribute because I'm sure I have 
forgotten something!

Mike

-- 
    Paddling along through fog so thick that only one's thoughts are 
visible, your reverie is abruptly shattered by the ancient cry of a great
blue heron as she lifts uncertainly from the brilliant blue of a 
mussel-shell beach witnessed only by the brooding, wet spruce....your
passage home seems as much back through time as it does through space.
Mark H Hunt



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