Nature Adventures

Certified ACA Kayak Instruction

Although no experience is necessary to enjoy a peaceful day of kayaking, Nature Adventures Outfitters offers a full curriculum of kayak insruction for those who are interested in paddling in more challenging conditions. From beginning instruction for first-time paddlers to more advanced rescues, surfing, rolling and rough water, everything you need to know about kayaking around Charleston SC, or anywhere else is available through our courses and workshops.

American Canoe Association Kayak Instructors

Kathie Livingston - Certified ACA River Kayak Instructor
Ed Deal - Certified ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor – Level II
Elizabeth Andregg - Certified ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor - Level I
Bob Weaver – Certified ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor – Level II

*Private Instruction is available at any time.

Rates are $45 / 1st hour and $30 each additional hour

*Semi-Private ( 2 or more) available for $40 / 1st hour and $25 each additional hour.

ACA Course Offerings:

Coastal and River ACA Certified Kayaking workshops, courses and focus clinics offered throughout the year. Call or email us for a scheduled list. Classes taught by experienced and certified ACA Kayak Instructors.

Course price $95 - 7 to 8 hour instruction.

• Quickstart to Paddling


• Intro to Kayaking


• Basic River Kayaking


• Essentials of Kayak Touring - coastal


• Basic Strokes and rescues - coastal

ACA Certified Course Descriptions

Intro to Kayaking

A course emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals wanting to paddle on easy, flat water.

Basic River Kayaking

Includes Intro to Kayaking plus, Eddy Turns, Ferrying and reading river currents. *This course is for moving flatwater and class I waves (up to Class II). *(this is not a whitewater class).

Essentials of Kayak Touring

Learn strokes, maneuvers, landing and launching, equipment & gear, basic rescues, safety & coastal dynamics of tides, currents and winds. This course provides beginners with a safe and fun intro to the sport of coastal kayaking.

*For further descriptions and course outlines you may visit the aca website at www.acanet.org

Focus Clinics

$50 per course - 3 hours

Basic Stroke and Rescues

Coastal - Includes Essentials of Kayak touring - Coastal - as well as Open Water Self and Assisted Rescues, navigation ( interpreting nautical charts), hazards, compass bearings, interpretation of tides, proper outfitting and safety concerns.

Self and Assisted Rescues -

Includes Wet Exit and several techniques on how to get yourself back in a kayak from water and assisting others back into their kayaks.

Kayak Surfing

Catch and Ride the Waves for Fun with a certfied instructor!

Surf Zone Maneuvering

Safely maneuvering your kayak in and out of the surf zone. A necessary skill for expedition coastal kayaking.

Rolling Classes

Learn to "roll" your kayak for fun, or to recover from a capsize!

Rough Water Maneuvering

Learn skills necessary to paddle safely in rough water ( strong winds, breaking waves and / or current.)

Braces

Learn Recovery strokes for stability and capsize prevention, including hip snap.

Quickstart to Paddling

Learn Basic paddling and safety skills necessary to explore the different crafts used in paddle sport. Quiet Water - no prerequisites required.


*If you take these classes with Nature Adventures, you can receive an official American Canoe Association Card certifying your participation and skill proficiency in the course.

*Courses are taught in swimming pools, calm waterways, rivers and coastal areas, depending on course content.

Nature Adventures is a fully certified, licensed, insured and permitted outfitter. Our instructors hold "current" ACA certifications and are trained in First Aid and CPR