Sea Kayak Training Courses
Kayaking: Intro to Flatwater Course
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.
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 1-5pm
Register by 12pm, June 7
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 3 people)
REGISTER HERE
Sea Kayak: American Canoe Association Basic Strokes and Rescues Course
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.
Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9am-5pm
Register by 12pm, July 26
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
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).
May 25,2024, 9am - 5pm
Register by 4pm, May 22
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: $30 UMD Student Members/$125 Others
(minimum 4 people)
REGISTER HERE
American Canoe Association Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop
In this supportive environment you will demonstrate and hone your skills, receive a professional evaluation of your paddling skills, technical knowledge, group management, interpersonal skills, rescue and teaching ability. You will prepare lessons, develop your teaching methods, analyze videotape, refine paddling skills, give and receive feedback.
During the first three days we will help you to develop and expand your knowledge of teaching and learning theory, and we will practice effective models of providing feedback. The last two days are the Certification Exam, and you will be assessed on the teaching, interpersonal and paddling skills that you’ve been honing throughout the week.
June 12 - 16, 2024
Register by: 7pm on Wednesday, May 29th
We Provide: Instruction, large library of sea kayak resources, projector and screen, chalkboard and chalk, sea kayaks / safety / paddling equipment upon request.
You Provide: Sea kayak, paddle, cold water immersion wear, rescue and safety equipment, 2 full water bottles, lunch and snacks for each day, casual clothing for classroom, paddling clothing and extra layers. (See equipment list for full detailed list of what to bring. Please contact us at [email protected] if you need to use a sea kayak or sea kayaking equipment).
Meet: UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802
Cost:
ICW: $125 UMD Student Members / $495 Non-UMD Student Members (Community)
Package (ICW + L3 Skills Assessment): $145 UMD Student Members / $585 Non-UMD Student Members (Community)
Practice Students: $125 UMD Student Members / $300 Non-UMD Student Members (Community)
PLEASE CALL 218-726-7128 TO REGISTER.
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 Tour: Duluth Harbor
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!
Saturday, July 6, 2024, 6-9:30pm
Register by: 4pm, Wednesday, July 3
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: $30 UMD-Student Members / $71 Non-UMD Student Members (Community), minimum 3 people required
REGISTER HERE
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
Sea Kayak Moonrise 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.
July 20, 2024, 6:30-10pm
Register by 12pm 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 tour, snack.
Meet: TBD (Possible locations are UMD Boat Shed OR UMD Surf Shack)
Cost: $30 UMD Student Members
$71 Non-UMD Student Members / Community
(minimum 3 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, canoes, 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 recently 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! (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)