Ocean Kayak Lessons?

[chinooktrail]

Does anyone have a good reccomendation for a Ocen Kayak class?

I've been kayaking for about 16 years, but only in the ocean a few times.

I just feel like I would be a lot more comfortable venturing into the ocean with a few lessons under my spray skirt.

I know there used to be a company out on Peaks Island, but I searched and couldn't find them.

I am in NH but would be happy to take a course anywhere on the coast of Maine, or Nova Scotia.

Thanks!

 

[Jay H]

http://www.maineislandkayak.com/

I have no first hand experience with them, but from talking to some folks there at various paddling shows and stuff, they sound like they are excellent.

Doesn't the AMC have a fairly strong paddling contingent up there, do they offer courses in open water kayaking?

Jay

 

[sardog1]

I am pleased to recommend a former colleague, Theresa Willette in the Kennebunkport area, at 207-468-3550 or email her at Coastal Maine Kayak. She's a Registered Maine Sea Kayak Guide and a very good instructor.

 

[RickB.]

Also, you can contact the Contoocook River Canoe Co. in Concord. Good instructors and lots of learning in a six hour program.

 

[KayakDan]

I would highly reccommend
http://www.h2outfitters.com/

 

[adkayaker]

Charles River Kayak-Boston
EMS Paddling Schools
LL Bean

 

[spider solo]

Novia Scotia...

For Novia Scotia I would put a vote in for Scott Cunningham.
This is their 28th season as well as being author of "Sea Kayaking Nova Scotia".
Though I have known of him for years it wasn't till this year that I met him at a presentation by NSPN (North Shore Paddling Network).

Very knowledgeable with a fine sense of humor, I also hope to hook up with them at www.coastaladventures.com
for some lessons or adventure paddling

 

[darren]

It's not Maine...but our water down here on the south coast of Mass is 15 degrees warmer so that is a plus...

Local guides Sam(antha) and Carl offer sea kayaking lessons and are good teachers. They are at Osprey Sea Kaying:

http://www.ospreyseakayak.com/

You are welcome to crash at my house if you want to take lessons from them (they are about 10 minutes away). We also have kayak weekends often in the summer with some VFTTers. So that is a good way to get some time on the ocean.

- darren

 

[chinooktrail]

This is all great!

Can't wait to get the racks on the car and get the cobwebs off the boat!

: )

 

[darren]

You might be interested in this if you want to learn navigation:

http://rickaseakayaking.org/forums/index.php?topic=966.0

I don't know who they are though.

- darren

 

[erugs]

Coastal Maine Kayak

I'd also like to put in a recommendation for the new shop that has recently opened in Kennebunk, Maine: coastalmainekayak.com. As mentioned earlier, it is owned/operated by a friend of mine, Theresa Willette. Theresa is well-qualified and is a Maine Guide. She worked many years for Kittery Trading Post in their kayaking department and is friendly, knowledgeable and has many connections in Maine and the world of kayaking.

 

[sardog1]

I'd like to put in a recommendation for a new shop that has recently opened in Kennebunk, Maine: coastalmainekayak.com. It is owned/operated by a friend of mine, Theresa Willette. Theresa is well-qualified and is a Maine Guide. She worked many years for Kittery Trading Post in their kayaking department and is friendly, knowledgeable and has many connections in Maine and the world of kayaking.

Seems to be an echo here . . .

 

[chinooktrail]

OK! I will certainly give her a call!

What an accomplishment to become a Maine Guide, they don't just hand those out easily!

Now, if I can only figure how to get Geneva to ride in the kayak with me...



I will have to try Maine, Mass and Nova Scotia and do write ups on all 3 experiences!

 

[Remix]

I took two classes at EMS in Lincoln Woods (RI) and out into Naragansett (sp?) bay. The instructor was friendly and spent time with each class member individually to critique and solve any hang ups each student had. There were people in their 20's to 60's in our classes.