- 2 Hours
- Ages 16+
Join the bracing and edging lesson in Maine! Improve boat control by mastering these two essential and interrelated skills! This lesson is for intermediate to advanced paddlers.
Quick Details
Hone your rescue skills in roughwater conditions
Most sea kayakers learn rescue techniques in calm conditions, but when you actually need to use a rescue it’s likely you’ll be exposed to waves, winds and currents. This half-day training, led by our most experienced instructors, offers kayakers the opportunity to practice rescues in challenging conditions. It’s also an opportunity to gain comfort paddling in roughwater. We’ll venture into some areas near Richmond Island were we’re sure to find breaking waves, rocky coastline and ocean swell. Instructors will build on students’ knowledge of basic rescue techniques by modeling advanced or alternative methods of rescuing paddlers in rough seas. Everyone will get plenty of opportunities to practice rescues and instructors will also help students improve their roughwater boat handling.
Our July 16 session was initially reserved for members of the Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network, but we have now opened up the remaining spots to non-members.
Course Requirements
This course is appropriate for intermediate- or advanced-level paddlers. Students should be very comfortable with wet exits and T-rescues before participating in this course. We suggest taking our “Intro to Sea Kayak Rescues” course if you have never received instruction on sea kayak rescues.
Other Roughwater Training Options
This summer we are offering a Weekend Workshop focused on roughwater skills, from July 29-30. We also offer private lessons with a focus on roughwater training.
Location
This course meets at Portland Paddle’s Crescent Beach State Park location. We encourage students to use their own kayaks for this course, but there is no additional charge if you need to use one of ours.