Kayak Paddle Strokes & Safety Primer

Your safety is our top priority. Every instructor on our team is certified in first aid and CPR, ensuring a secure learning environment. Additionally, we have rigorous risk management protocols in place, strictly followed by our instructors in the event of an emergency.

Your lesson will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid teaching background, years of personal kayaking experience, and a passion for teaching. Our instructors, certified by both the American Canoe Association (ACA) and British Canoeing, are dedicated to a student-centered teaching approach, focusing on imparting the nuances of kayaking effectively.

Central Florida on average maintains warm temperatures throughout the entire year with slightly lower temperatures during the winter months. Summers, lasting from May to October, are long, warm and particularly humid. Rain showers are common during this time of the year. The winter month are short, cool, and dry, lasting from December to February. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 52°F (11°C)to 91°F (33°C).

Our program maintains a maximum group size of 5 students, ensuring focused attention and effective instruction. In case we exceed this limit, we'll uphold a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio to maintain quality instruction.

This course is ideal for paddlers who already have basic kayaking experience and want to improve efficiency, control, and safety skills. It’s a great next step after an introductory kayaking course or for self-taught paddlers looking to refine technique.

While a formal prerequisite isn’t required, participants should be comfortable paddling a kayak on flatwater and have basic balance and boat control.

You’ll work on forward stroke refinement, reverse stroke, forward and reverse sweep strokes, stern rudders, sculling draws, and the low brace. The course also covers essential assisted and self-rescue techniques.

Yes. You’ll practice common real-world rescues, including the assisted T-rescue, cowboy/cowgirl self-rescue, and paddle float self-rescue, with instructor guidance throughout.

The course is moderately active. You’ll be paddling, practicing maneuvers, and performing rescues, but the pace allows for instruction, breaks, and skill progression.

Participants may use a provided kayak or bring their own. The course works best in sea kayaks or sit-inside kayaks, though instructors can advise on suitability.

You’ll leave with stronger paddling technique, improved boat control, and practical rescue skills—helping you paddle more efficiently, confidently, and safely in a variety of flatwater environments.