Kayak Skills Clinic 

The Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club offers kayak skill clinics a few times each summer.  We will offer these one-day classes in between May and August.  Each class is stand-alone so pick the date that works best for you.   These classes are free for registered HCKC members.    The HCKC has multiple ACA-certified open-water instructors who teach these classes.    

You can see these dates on the HCKC Training Calendar - click on one of these events to get additional class details and to be able to register.   

On each day, we will offer two or more  different sections:

• Introduction to Kayaking Class -  For newer paddler with flatwater or touring kayaks This class gives you the opportunity to jump start your kayaking career and is based on the American Canoe Association (ACA) “Introduction to Kayaking” class.   The instructors will first talk with you about the basics and then quickly get on the water to teach you how to move your boat forward, backwards, and sideways as well as how to turn and stop.  While the water is cool, we will demonstrate rescue skills but you won’t intentionally be getting into the water at this clinic unless you want to.  Thatcher Pool’s Wednesday night sessions are a better place to practice rescues and wet exits when it’s cool out.
• Intermediate Strokes Class:  For more experienced paddlers with Flatwater or Touring/Sea Kayaks
  People considering this class should have already taken the Introduction to Kayaking class and practiced the skills there for some time.    These classes will be small (5-people) and we will tailor the class to the interests of the attendees.  
  
  Some sections may target specific Kayaking skills such as bracing, forward stroke, linked strokes, etc.

Both the Introduction and Intermediate sections are open to registered HCKC members with recreational, touring, WW or sea kayaks.

Meeting Place:  Typically Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, IN – The instructors will announce the launch location via e-mail during the week before each course since our location will depend on the weather forecast and the park’s event calendar.  

Class Size: Attendance for a class will be limited to 5 students for each instructor teaching that class.  This allows the instructors to tailor their instructors to the students in the class.  Club members will be accepted based on the order that they sign up.   

What to Bring:

• Please bring your kayak, life jacket, paddle, paddling jacket, sun screen, lunch, and water.   Intermediate students will be expect to bring their spray skirts.
• Safety equipment that you normally carry (e.g., pump, paddle float, stirrup, tow or throw rope …) so we can demonstrate how to use them.  Please don’t buy safety equipment just for the Introductory class since you will get a better of what you may want to carry during the class.
• Paddling Clothing—Even though you won’t intentionally be capsizing, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and water.  Bring a wind-proof paddling jacket since it may be cool.  We will get out more info on what to wear in the final pre-class e-mail.
  
• Spare clothes in a dry bag!  (Just in case)
• Questions—Please think about what you want to learn before the class and come with questions.

Schedule:   The classes will normally start at 9:00 am and run until 3:30 pm.   Please do not sign up unless you can attend the entire session.