Become more confident and have more fun on the water by improving your safety!
The Sea Kayak Rescues Class is a half day experience that covers the essential skills needed for kayaking in deep open water. Even flat water lakes and rivers can pose a risk to those that are not preparred. Especially in cold water, speed and skill are important and can be the difference between a fun adventure and miserable tale. There are many techniques one could learn. We focus on teaching a few that work almost anywhere including when the water gets rough. We will be working in the Columbia River in mild conditions for this introduction to solo and assisted re-entries and towing sklls.
Here is some of what we cover!
- Practice efficient assisted and solo rescue scenarios
- Wet re-entries
- Comfort under water waiting for a rescue
- Panic free wet-exits
- Swimming with gear
- Re-enter and roll with a paddle float (only if students are ready and comfortable underwater)
- On water time to practice rescuing others
- Towing
- and much much more!
This half-day class, held on sheltered water, introduces deep-water rescue techniques for solo and group paddlers. The class covers techniques for solo re-entry of a kayak following a wet exit as well as assisted drain and re-enter rescues involving two or more paddlers. It also covers basic safety concerns and safety-related features of sea kayaks and paddling equipment and towing. What is covered during class is shaped to the needs of the students in each class.
Rescues classes meet at the Jantzen Beach store in N. Portland. You will receive detailed instructions and a map with your confirmation.
We will return to the same location we launched from
Students are encouraged to work in their own gear and boats if appropriate. If you do not have gear or boats it's no problem. We can provide everything upon request.
If you are un-able to bring the items listed below please let us know as we can provide them if needed. We typiaclly provide immersion wear in the form of either a neoprene wetsuit or nylon drysuit with latex gasket seals and neoprene boots.
Only in the hottest summer months do we run courses without some form of immersion wear. The water is cold year round so you will need to bring layers to wear under the suits provided.
- Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- NO COTTON Synthetic top and bottom layers (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
- Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit for warmer days
- Hiking style wool or synthetic socks
- Water bottle adn a small snack (if you would like one)
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home
Optional Gear:
- Water proof camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- River shoes or booties
- Tow belt
- Rescue gear
- Spare Paddle
- Bilge Pump
We can provide all gear needed.
Gratuity: It's NEVER expected but always appreciated. If you feel your coaches / guides have done an exceptional job and made your experience a memorable one, then you can certainly show your appreciation by giving a tip.
If your coach / guide was so exceptional that you want him or her to be your guide on all future trips, simply request them at the time you make your reservation. While we cannot promise he/she will be available, we will do everything in our power to accommodate your request.
-We do not provide food or drink.
The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run/fun rain or shine. All programs are conditions dependent and may change at any time at our discretion. In order to keep our programs affordable a minimum number of participants may be required. If we are unable to fill a program to a minimum requirement level we reserve the right to cancel the program. A full refund will be provided in the event of a cancelled or re-scheduled activity upon request. Please allow 48 hour notice for any cancellations or changes in your reservation. Give us a call at 503-285-0464. Cancellations within 48 hours of the program are NOT refundable. To re-schedule a class you have cancelled within the restricted 48 hour period we will gladly credit you 50% towards the rescheduled class. Thank you for signing up! Please let us know if you have questions about this or any other policy here at Alder Creek.
