FAQs

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1) Do I need previous experience?
No previous experience is necessary.  An Introduction to Kayaking Lesson with Coldspring Paddling Instruction will arm you with the knowledge and skills you need to safely and efficiently paddle your kayak.  Students will be given the opportunity to learn these skills in a safe and comfortable environment.

2) Do I need to know how to swim?
You do not need to be a great swimmer, but you should be comfortable in and around the water while wearing a PFD (life jacket).  At all times when we are on the water we will be wearing PFDs and at times participants will be floating in the water and will be asked to swim short distances such as from the front of the kayak to the rear.

3) How fit do I need to be?
Participants should be in reasonable physical condition, but by no means is it required that you be any sort of athlete.  During a course you will be expected to paddle distances of a few hundred metres at a time and swim short distances.  During practice of the rescue techniques you will be expected to clamber from the water and into a kayak, a procedure that involves a certain amount of strength and flexibility.  Though most do not find this difficult, it can be a challenge for some.  For those with limited strength and mobility, there are variations of the techniques that we can use that will help.

4) Do I need my own kayak?
No. Kayak rentals are being provided by Classic Outdoors.  In exchange for the kayak rental ($20), you will receive a $20 gift card which can be redeemed at Classic Outdoors!  The kayaks we use are all suitable for the rescue techniques we use and are quality seaworthy craft that include safety features such as deck rigging and bulkheads providing adequate floatation.  (Don’t worry if you don’t know quite what that means nor why it’s important, that’s something we will teach you.)

5) What do I need to bring?
Prior to the start of the course registered participants will receive list of any required gear and suggested clothing.  You will need to prepare for a variety of conditions.  That means wearing sunblock, a good hat and swimming suits, and ensuring that warm clothing and rain gear are at hand.  Lunch, snacks, and drinks are also required.

6) How should I dress?
Expect to be wet.  For the pool session you should of course arrive at the pool deck wearing a swimming suit.  A cover-up, nylon shirt, or other wet-wear can also be worn if preferred.  During sessions at the lake you should again dress as though you expect to be wet, but you will also need to keep warm enough, especially if the water or weather is cool.  I will provide a dry bag for participants to store some warm dry clothes.  Hats, long sleeved shirts, light fleece sweaters, and nylon pants are all suitable.  Like other outdoor activities, layering will help you to adapt to the changing conditions.  Good rain gear is also required as even on fine days a rain squall can move through the area.  All clothing should be comfortable and allow active movement. Please do not wear blue jeans or sweat pants as they will become very heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

7) What happens if the weather is bad?
Paddle on! (Within reason, of course.)  No really, we do paddle in most weather so come prepared for mother nature's worst.  We can usually accommodate wind by paddling in protected areas.  Lightning storms are the most common type of storm that may keep us off of the water.  If a storm moves in we'll take the opportunity to practice the techniques we learn on observing the weather and practicing good judgement (both are components of an Introduction to Kayaking course).  That may mean we wait out a lightening storm, or take shelter someplace safe.  If the forecast is truly awful prior to a course, we may contact you to arrange an alternate time to conduct the course (or an alternate location).

8) What will I be able to do after completing the course?
Circumnavigate the world by kayak.  Well, perhaps not quite, but after completing an Introduction to Kayaking course you will possess a good foundation on which to develop your kayaking skills. You will be able to head out on protected and relatively calm waters with a group of paddlers.  The Introduction to Kayaking course will teach you good paddle stroke and rescue techniques that you can continue to develop through paddling and through additional courses.

9) What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation within 1 week of the start of the course will forfeit your fees. If your schedule changes and you are no longer able to attend a course, let us know as soon as soon as possible and we will try to find a course that will work for you. We would rather find a course that works than keep your fees.

10) Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, I can offer private lessons for the individual or small group (maximum of 6 participants, or I can investigate bringing in additional instructors if there is a larger group).  I can tailor the lessons to suit your needs.  See the Custom Lessons page for more information.

11) Do I need to learn to “roll” my kayak?
First, there seems to be some confusion regarding what is meant by a "roll."  To roll a kayak means to tip over upside down in the water without coming out of the kayak, then using your paddle, or even just your hands, to bring yourself and the kayak back upright.

Learning to roll a kayak is often a goal for many kayakers since it is not only a pretty neat skill, but it is an extremely efficient self-rescue technique.  Furthermore, once you have a good roll your overall skills in the boat are likely to take a great leap forward because you'll have boat control no matter which way round you find yourself.  However, it is by no means the only rescue technique and there are are numerous techniques that you should master before worrying too much about whether or not you have a bomb-proof eskimo roll.  Unless you're a good friend of CPI whose name happens to be Jay, then you should definitely be working hard on that roll. ;)

12) What qualifications do the instructors have?
Bryan is certified by Paddle Canada as "Sea Kayak Instructor Introduction to Kayaking." This means that Bryan is qualified to teach the Sea Kayak Skills Introduction to Kayaking course (simply referred to as Introduction to Kayaking or IK). Bryan is working toward adding to his qualifications and in the near future expects to be certified at the "Sea Kayak Instructor Level 1" course designation. 

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