Sea Kayak Training Courses
Intro to Flatwater Kayaking
So you bought a kayak? Or maybe you just want to have fun learning something new? This half-day course is a safe and fun introduction to kayaking in primarily flatwater environments. Get oriented with boat and body position, efficient stroke technique to reduce fatigue, strategies for keeping your boat upright and what to do if you tip. Ages 12 and older. Youth under 12 may paddle with an adult chaperone in the boat with them.
July 15, 1-5pm
Register By July 13th at 4pm
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course, adult chaperones if minors are present.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: $30 UMD Student Members
$95 Non-Student Member / Community rate
(minimum 4 people)
REGISTER HERE
Basic Strokes and Rescues for Sea Kayaking
This is a safe and fun introduction to the sport of coastal kayaking. The course will prepare paddlers to comfortably and safely paddle on protected flatwater environments with conditions not to exceed 2-foot seas, 15-knot winds, and be no more than 1½ miles from shore. You will be actively involved and learning about sea kayak equipment, paddling techniques, navigation, on-water safety and rescues. Ages 12 and older.
June 2, 2023, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Register By May 31st at 4pm
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, 2 full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, bag lunch and snacks, notebook and pencil, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: $40 UMD Student Members
$135 Non-Student Members / Community
(minimum 4 people)
REGISTER HERE
Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement for Sea Kayak
Spend the day learning and honing a variety of sea kayak maneuvers! You will practice bracing to prevent capsize, draws to move side to side, compound strokes to get your sea kayak to make sharp turns, learn how to sustain a forward stroke with less fatigue, and try some stylish maneuvers to impress your friends. This course is great for first-time sea kayakers who want a primer for moving effectively and efficiently in a boat, as well as great preparation for prospective sea kayak instructors preparing to pass an American Canoe Association Skills Assessment. Prepare to have fun! We will play a variety of skill-building games to help you learn and improve your sea kayak strokes!
May 12, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Register By May 10th at 4pm
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, warm layers for under and over wetsuit, 2 full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, bag lunch and snacks, notebook and pencil, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Pool, Sports and Health Center 20
Cost: $40 UMD Student Members
$135 Non-Student Members / Community
(minimum 4 people)
REGISTER HERE
Skills Assessment for American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor
This ACA Assessment Course is designed to evaluate a participants’ ability to perform Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor skills in 10 – 15 knot winds, 1-2 foot waves or surf, within 1.5 nautical miles from shore, along with demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge. Participants will receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability. Pre-requisites: participants will have participated in a minimum of three, full-day journeys (e.g. longer than 8 nautical miles).
June 16, 2023, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Register By June 14th at 4pm
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, warm layers for under and over wetsuit, 2 full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, bag lunch and snacks, notebook and pencil, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: $40 UMD Student Members
$135 Non-Student Members / Community
(minimum 4 people)
REGISTER HERE
American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop
Coming Spring 2024
In this supportive environment you will demonstrate and hone your skills while receiving a professional evaluation of your paddling skills, technical knowledge, group management abilities, interpersonal skills, rescue skills and teaching ability. Participants must have successfully completed a Level 3 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment or Level 3 Coastal Kayak Trip Leader Assessment to qualify for Level 3 Instructor Certification Workshop. **Participants not seeking an instructor certification are also invited to enroll as practice students for the instructor candidates at a discounted rate. Please inquire about dates and pricing for practice students. Meets at the UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Regional Day Trips for Families, Camps and Groups
Trips are available mid-June through mid-August unless otherwise noted. Includes instruction, boats, paddles, kayaking and safety equipment. You provide your own transportation, swim suits, towels, snacks or bag lunches, and adult chaperones when minors are present. Ages 12 and older. Youth under 12 may paddle with an adult chaperone in the boat with them
Sea Kayak for Science!
Be a science pioneer! As you paddle in view of majestic ships and witness wildlife, you will collect temperature data to contribute to a forecasting model that will predict unsafe swimming conditions, preventing future drownings in the St. Louis River Estuary. RSOP is a partner on the Natural Resources Research Institute’s project, “Identifying Drowning Hotspots in the St. Louis River Estuary,” the first study of its kind to reveal patterns in drowning incidents that seem to be on the rise.
Dates:
June 15, 5:30 - 9:00pm (Duluth Harbor)
July 1, 1:30pm - 5:00pm (Duluth Harbor)
July 14, 5:30 - 9:00pm (Duluth Harbor)
July 20, 5:30 - 9:00pm (Duluth Harbor)
August 12, 10am - 3pm (Chamber’s Grove)
Register By 4pm the day before your outing
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: Duluth Harbor (3.5 hours):
$22 UMD Student Members, $71 Non-Student Member / Community
Chamber’s Grove (4.5 hours):
$30 UMD Student Members, $100 Non-Student Member / Community
*Call 218-726-7128 or email [email protected] to schedule a custom outing! Minimum of 4 people required.
REGISTER HERE
Duluth Harbor Sea Kayak Tour
Experience the activity of Duluth's working Harbor with its expansive skyline and bird sanctuary island. See freighters visiting from around the world, and weather dependent: glide alongside the William A. Irvin, a docked 611 foot iron ore ship! Meets at the UMD Boat Shed on Park Point, 1401 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: $71 / person for 3 hours, minimum 4 people required
Lester River and North Shore Sea Kayak Tour
Available July 1 - mid-August
Paddle under a historic stone arch bridge at the mouth of the Lester River, and explore the North Shore with unique views of the Duluth skyline, aerial lift bridge, rugged rocks and cobble beaches while paddling on Lake Superior's crystalline blue waters. Meets at the UMD Surf Shack, 6008 MN HWY 61, Duluth, MN 55804
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Surf Shack, Limnology Building, 6008 MN HWY 61, Duluth, MN
Cost: $71 / person for 3 hours, minimum 4 people
Full Moon Sea Kayak Tour
Close out the day with a little bit of magic! Join us on Lake Superior to watch the Sun set, and the Moon rise from a sea kayak! Headlamps required.
June 3, 2023, 6:30pm – 10:00pm
August 1, 2023, 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Register By 4pm the day before your outing
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Headlamp with bright white light, swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course, snack.
Meet: TBD (Possible locations are UMD Boat Shed OR UMD Surf Shack)
Cost: $22 UMD Student Members
$71 Non-UMD Student Members / Community
(minimum 4 people)
REGISTER HERE
Canoeing
Canoe with the turtles and ducks of Rock Pond in Bagley Nature Area, right on the campus of UMD! Your session accommodates a blend of basic skills instruction, social interaction, environmental awareness and on water games to facilitate learning! Ages 12+. Youth under 12 may canoe with an adult chaperone in the boat with them. Includes instruction, boats, paddles, and safety equipment. You provide adult chaperones, swimsuits and towels.
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: Canoes, paddles, PFDs, instructor(s)
You Provide: Full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen,.
Meet: Rock Pond in Bagley Nature Area
Cost: $90 / hour for 1-10 people
Dwight’s Point Sea Kayak Tour & Picnic
Explore the newly designated National Water Trail! Towering white pines on steep clay embankments stand sentinel on your paddle, and lily pads bloom. Get ready to see the flora and fauna who make this place home! Meets at the UMD Boat Shed on Park Point, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802, and we’ll caravan to Woodstock Bay Landing. (Bring your own picnic).
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear as needed, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit and paddling clothes, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet:UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: 1-5 people: $620 for 5 hours
6-10 people: $845 for 5 hours
Groups larger than 10, or non-profit 501(c)3 rate: Please inquire!
Add Sea Kayaking to your Family Camping Trip this Summer!
We’ll bring the kayaks, paddling equipment, and expertise! Each 4-hour outing provides basic instruction, a kayak tour, with an option for on-water skill-building games! We can meet you at a variety of locations including: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Light House State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
To Schedule: Call 218-726-7128, or email [email protected]
We Provide: All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear, instruction.
You Provide: Swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen, change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet: UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth (on Park Point)
Cost: Groups of 1-8 people: $640 (Apostles), $589 (Split Rock Lighthouse State Park or Gooseberry State Park)