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Beginner -Advanced
Kayaking Courses

Maine Sea Kayak Guide Training Course 50 hours  
Advanced Open Water Kayak/Camping

Begins: May 16-18, May 24-25, 2008 (please see scheduled dates and times)
Price: $575 pp (early registration discount $525 by 4/15) Min 5/Max 12
5 CEU credits through Maine Maritime Academy
(guide application fee to the State of Maine for testing $103)
Prerequisites: Minimum of 50+ hours of kayaking (Lake or Sea or WW)
Instructor:  Karen Francoeur, Master Maine Sea Kayak Guide, Registered Maine Recreation Guide/ American Canoe and Kayak Assoc. Open Water Instructor, owner of Castine Kayak Adventures 
Lodging and Available: please inquire
Boat Rentals available $15 per day

This in-depth course is designed to prepare future sea kayak guides and kayaking leaders with essential skills necessary to teach kayaking, identify potential hazards, make informed decisions, plan trips and manage groups on the marine waters of Maine and beyond!  Test expectations and scheduling will be included as part of the course. 

07 course photos!

This course is for kayakers who learn best by implementing and practicing what they are learning. This course will take place on the ocean and includes an overnight camping trip for truly well rounded experiential learning. Course Manual is included.
Topics covered in course will include;  Navigation (Piloting and Dead Reckoning), essential equipment and its uses, guide requirements, trip planning, group management, wind, wave and weather dynamics, marine environment, stroke instruction and rescue clinics.  Experienced kayakers seeking on water skills enhancement but not pursuing guide license are also welcome with instructor permission. Folks interested in guiding inland water kayak trips will also benefit from the training covered in this course and should enroll in the additional one day Recreation Guide Course that addresses differences and Recreational Guide Requirements. Upon completion of this course you may wish to enroll in our internship program to work with experienced guides teaching beginners to gain needed experience! see details

*Maine's Sea Kayak Guide license allows for guiding on marine waters of Maine up to head of tide.  Overnight camping inclusion with sea kayak license.   
** Additional Recreation Guide license is necessary to guide on inland lakes and rivers

May 16 Friday 9am-6pm:Class/Pool (MMA)
May 17 Saturday 9-6 Class/ Pool Session/On-water
May 18 Sunday 9-6 Class /on Water

May 24 & 25 Saturday 9am and Sunday until 5pm Training/camping weekend
May 25 Sunday 6-9pm Test practice/ Mock Orals

Guide Application PDF click here to download

ACA Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Course & ACA Assessment Award
Begins: 6/19 and 6/20, 2008 min 5 max 12
Price: $250 (gear included)
1 CEU credit through Maine Maritime Academy
This workshop emphasizes trip leading, safety education and rescue options and techniques. Content is geared toward trip planning skills, choosing appropriate equipment for conditions and paddlers for leaders in clubs, camps, scouts and other groups leading trips. Course will conclude with a written Exam to qualify for ACA Trip Leader Certification.
Prerequisite: Basic Coastal Kayak(ACA level 2 or equivalent skills)

Beginner Kayak Touring-ACA-Level 1
Begins: 5/27-6/10 Tues and Thursday
evenings 6-8pm, Bangor area
Price: $145 pp w/own gear, $180pp
(with gear provided)
Shorten the learning curve and get geared up for a summer of adventure! In this course we'll cover kayaking basics, from proper boat fit and entry, paddle size and use, what boat is right for you, essential equipment to paddle safely, where to paddle with basic map reading skills, efficient strokes and a rescue clinic in the pool.
*Course will include a classroom safety and gear session, pool rescue session and three on water sessions!
*Upon completion you will be prepared to paddle on ponds, lakes and slow rivers safely and efficiently.
*Qualifies participants to assess for ACA Level 1 Award &1 CEU credit through Maine Maritime Academy

Intermediate to Advanced Sea Kayaking
2 Day Workshop : ACA level 3
5/31-6/1 9-5pm
Course Fee: $250pp (with your pre-approved gear)

Location: Coastal areas near Castine
Challenge yourself and gain the skills necessary to paddle in a variety of Maine coastal locations and conditions.
5/31: Advanced Rescue and Rolling/ Navigation on water
am - Navigation from the cockpit
pm - Rescue and Rolling

6/1: ACA Stroke Refinement and Open Water Skills
am session- Tidal Currents (ferrying, crossing currents, catching eddies and riding trailing waves)
pm session- Paddling skills in Wind and Waves: edging, sweeping, blade angle, cadence, route choice, upwind and downwind techniques

Upon completion you will be prepared to paddle extended day trips and potentially overnights.
Allows participants to Assess for ACA Level 3 Award!
1 CEU credit through Maine Maritime Academy

Kayak Rolling Clinic Sea Kayaks or WW Kayaks
by arrangement
Sundays 4-7 UMO pool, Check for summer hours in Castine!
Fee: $50 each with min of 3pp (privates available)
Location: UMO Field House Pool, Orono
Being a safe kayaker means preparing for the worst case scenario! In most cases in Maine that would be a capsize into cold water and the key to safety is knowing how to get back in your boat out of the water!The quickest and most efficient rescue is the Eskimo Roll. You'll learn a variety of assisted eskimo rescues that allow you to stay in your boat. Enhance your boat maneuvering skills while focusing on all the components of the roll.

 

Capsize & Rescue Skills Clinics (min 5 max 12)
Indoor heated pool
July 12 and 13 at Castine Kayak Symposium (included in day's fee)

Be ready for the unexpected. Learn what you need to know to be a safe paddler so that you can explore in comfort!  We'll practice wet exits, Partnership rescues and self rescue methods

*Workshops available on Sundays in Orono during spring 4-7 Min 3pp
Fee:  $50pp w/own equipment  (boat rental available $15/session)  

July 11,12 and 13th
* Festival of the Kayak in Castine*
(workshops/kayak demos/tours/evening music and social/check schedule) lodging at B&B's and academy. Click here

Details coming soon! Don't miss it!

email us for schedule of Events!