CHAPTER 1

Getting Ready

MAKING A DECISION AMID A SEA OF OPTIONS

Sea kayaking offers so many ways to explore our world that one of your mostimportant decisions will have to be made before you even slide into the cockpitof your boat. You'll need to consider what you want from your sea kayakingexperience. Are you looking forward to sitting alone in a quiet marsh at sunsetto watch the returning shorebirds? Facing a challenging coastline of rocks andpounding surf? Or spending an afternoon of tidal pool exploring and then havingan island picnic with your family? Wherever your imagination leads you, you'llneed the skills and the proper equipment to get you there and back.

Focus on what your goals might be by asking yourself a few basic questions. Youranswers to the following questions will guide your equipment purchases,selection of an instructional program, and plans for kayak outings. As youbecome a more proficient sea kayaker, your answers to these questions maychange. That's OK: sea kayaking is a sport that will grow with you.

• What do I want to be able to do right away?

• What will I primarily use my boat for? Do I plan to go most often on day tripsfrom home or on longer, overnight excursions?

• Where will I do most of my paddling? Will I be kayaking on inland lakes, onone of the Great Lakes, or along the coastline?

• What would I love to do (maybe it's just a fantasy at this point) once Ibecome more skilled?

• What sport or hobby (scuba diving, fly-fishing, photography, etc.) do I do nowthat sea kayaking can enhance?

• If I'm purchasing another round of equipment, what do the new pieces need todo differently or better?

• If I have been paddling for a while, what skills do I still lack or need towork on?

As you read this book, bear in mind your answers to these questions, focusing onhow each new piece of information can help you clarify and reach your paddlinggoals.

Sea kayaking encompasses a broad range of boat uses, skills, and interests.

INSTRUCTION

I'm a real believer in the value of instructional programs. By giving you asolid base of information and skills you can build upon at your own pace,they're the most efficient way to learn a new sport. You won't have to unlearnbad techniques or habits, and starting out with a more skilled and knowledgeablepaddler at your side is reassuring.

Many instructional programs are available to a novice sea kayaker. You canchoose from two-hour indoor pool sessions to fourteen-day courses on a remoteisland. There's nothing wrong with checking out the sport in a two-hour sampler,but you'll need at least a full day of instruction to cover some of the basicskills for paddling and safety. It's important for you to have a chance to viewand then practice reentry skills under supervision, and to get some helpfulguidance on your paddling strokes before heading out on your own. You shouldthen consider enrolling in programs to take you beyond the basic skills.

Most sea kayaking instructors in the United States are certified by either theAmerican Canoe Association (ACA) or the British Canoe Union (BCU), but don't usecertification as a criteria for selecting an instructor—some of the bestinstructors aren't certified. These two organizations run instructional programsfor all levels of skill, and they certify instructors at various proficiencylevels. They differ primarily in their emphasis on different aspects of seakayaking skills. The BCU has traditionally emphasized seamanship skills and theability of its instructors to control groups safely in a wide variety of seaconditions. The ACA has traditionally emphasized modeling perfected paddlingskills and developing instructors' teaching skills. Both organizations clearlyoutline course contents and clearly define the levels of proficiency required oftheir instructors. Similar certification programs are available through theCanadian Recreational Canoe Association (CRCA).

If you have the opportunity, try to get instruction through a variety oforganizations or from an instructor familiar with different styles. The ACA andU.S. chapters of the BCU have recently become closer in style and content,making their differences less pronounced. For example, in response to requestsby students for seamanship and rough-water skills, the ACA has broadened itsofferings. And, because the U.S. market demands a kinder, gentler approach toinstruction, many BCU instructors have modified their teaching styles to be morereassuring to novice paddlers.

An instructional program is the best place to start.

When you begin looking for an instructional program, ask the followingquestions.

• What is the instructor-to-student ratio? Anything exceeding a 1:6 ratio is toolow, limiting your access to the instructor and the amount you can learn in aday.

• Will you get a chance to observe and practice ways to get back into your boatafter a capsize (solo and assisted)? If not, when and how can you get thisexperience?

• What training or certifications do the instructors have? Ask for specifics.Being told they are BCU- or ACA "trained" is not sufficient since anyone couldclaim that after a single class. (Ask if they hold instructor certification.)

• If the instructor has chosen to not be involved in a certifying organization,how long has he or she been teaching? Ask local paddling clubs forrecommendations.

• Are there concerns about cold-water temperatures? If so, will you be providedwith a wet suit or dry suit, or will you need to rent or provide your own?

• Will different models of kayaks be available in the class to fitdifferent-sized people?

• Do you need to bring a lunch, snacks, or water bottle?

• Do you need to carry in your kayak everything you need for the day? If so,will waterproof bags be provided?

• Where will the class be held? Will you have a chance to paddle on any openwater, or will the entire class be held in a small pond or in a pool?

• Who determines a class cancellation because of bad weather? Must youreschedule or will you receive a refund?

• Are there any incentives with boat purchases? (Often, paddlesports dealersoffer some sort of instructional package for those buying a boat.)

• If you have a disability, what adaptations will be made to the equipment? Whenwill these be done?

• Do you get a discount on the class fee for using your own boat?

• If a boat is provided, can you specify a particular...