Kayak Instruction
Learn to be a better paddler with Good Tides Kayaking!
Jake Vitak
Certified American Canoe Association Kayaking Instructor
I have 10 years of kayaking instruction experience.
My classes will teach you to be a better kayaker and give you the confidence to worry less and have more fun on the water!
Choose from entry level lessons to advanced rough water courses.
Every course is designed to teach you kayaking skills, techniques and maneuvers to be safe when adventuring from shore.
Good Tides Kayaking has courses are available for paddlers of all skill levels.
SKILL & SAFETY COURSES
Basic Kayaking
This introduction to kayaking course is for beginners. Start off right with the basics. This intro covers parts of the boat, paddle, and gear. It will teach you the first four strokes you need to get moving and the basic knowledge to keep you safe.
-Half day (4 hour)
-$85 / person
Intermediate Flatwater Kayaking
The essentials skills of kayaking. This course is the compliment to the introduction. Learn additional techniques to the basic strokes, as well as eight new strokes and maneuvers. Self and assisted rescues when kayaking in a group round out this essential class.
-Full day (8 Hour)
-$150 / person
ADVANCED COASTAL KAYAKING SKILLS - 2 COURSES
Strokes & Rescues - This section of the course is a compliment to the essential of kayaking class and is conducted windy conditions with waves less than two feet. This course incorporates dynamic boat control, navigation, towing. It also introduces additional strokes and techniques to prevent capsizing in rough water.
-Full day (8 Hour)
-$150 / person
Maneuver Refinement - This course is meant to polish previously learned skills, techniques, and maneuvers for rough water adventures. This refinement course creates a proficient kayaker by increasing efficiency and getting the most out of every paddle stroke and boat maneuver.
-Full day (8 Hour)
-$150 / person
ACA CERTIFICATION COURSES
Intro to Kayaking Instructor
This two-day American Canoe Association class is a workshop and certification course. It is designed to teach the American Canoe Association Introduction to Kayaking Skills course.
The workshop focuses on how to properly communicate kayaking strokes, skills and rescues using critical feedback. The instructor candidate must demonstrate the basic skills and maneuvers in order to teach them.
The workshop helps diagnose common mistakes new paddlers make and how to correct them.
Certification is granted to candidates that are proficient in skills and instruction.
-2 Days (16 Hour) + on-line (2 Hour)
-$335 / person
Full ACA membership required.
ACA ASSESSMENTS
The ACA assessments are tests of paddlers skills and abilities based on what is learned in class. These assessments are awarded by ACA instructors to show that kayaking students are proficient at specific levels of kayaking skill.
*Prerequisite courses and ACA membership is required.
Level 1 - Introduction to Kayaking
Level 2 - Essentials of Kayaking
Level 3 - Coastal Kayaking
Curriculum Information:
American Canoe Association
The ACA National Paddlesports Instruction Program has been acknowledged as the premier paddlesports education program throughout the United States and in over 30 countries.
Every course Good Tides Kayaking Teaches follows the American Canoe Association curriculum.
* A one time $10.00 ACA event membership fee IS included the price of every class for non ACA-members prior to class.
* A 1-year membership to the ACA is available for an additional $40 dollars.
* An annual membership to the ACA comes with full benefits and covers all future classes!
* Talk to Jake for more details about joining the American Canoe Association.