Home Pricing Kayak Models Kayak Classes Sales Page Rentals Location E-mail list Sunset Paddle Tours
Dallas Texas Kayaking School
We just launched a new program called Sunset Paddle Tours, taking people out for a quick lesson and then a paddle to watch the sun set on lake Lavon. Click here for more information
2012 classes
Take one of our scheduled classes by scrolling down or we can teach a private course for you or your group. Or sign up for our set class times below. Call us for details.
We have restructured our private classes and have received some great positive feedback from our students. Scroll down for class fee information.
***New***
We are now teaching not only low angle paddle technique, but also high angle. We have seen many students
naturally moving to this style of paddling and now we are going to show our students how to do it right.
Using a low angle paddle with a high angle stroke it very unbalanced so we have gone to the expense of
buying some high quality high angle paddles to let all of our students try them out. What are the
benefits
to using a high angle stroke, it drives the kayak straighter and faster, with less need for correction
strokes and it puts a little bit more strength in your stroke. The low angle stroke is a bit more
easy on the body and people can usually paddle for a little longer. We feel though that people should
use the angle that they feel most comfortable with making it important to learn both techniques with
the right paddle.
***New Class***
Tandem kayak class
A.K.A the divorce maker. O.k., that isn't really fair to call tandem kayaks divorce makers
since for the most part it isn't the kayaks that cause the fighting in these boats, it
is a lack of paddling ability. People often get upset at one another from a lack
of control, clashing paddles, splashing and blaming one another for these things,
however when the proper techniques are known these craft can be a very fun experience. We
teach proper paddle strokes for tandems, coordination, proper communication and rescues.
Because of the different techniques that are taught with this class, we only teach
this class privately, but can teach from 1 to 5 people per private class.
The Kayak Clinic kayaking school is here for those who want quality instruction for touring, whitewater and flat water kayaking. We base our classes on the beginner who has never stepped foot in a kayak to the intermediate kayaker who wants to hone their skills. Our classes are taught by American Canoe Association certified instructors and we use the best quality equipment to make sure you get the best possible instruction. Our classes are as follows:
Beginner touring class
In this class, our students learn the basics of touring in a kayak. They learn the basic strokes, how to maneuver in a kayak, and learn to paddle more efficiently. Our students will learn how to perform basic rescue techniques so they can rescue themselves in case they capsize, how to rescue someone else if they capsize, and we teach skills to help our students advance themselves without the aid of an instructor. This is a great class for those who want to get started off right by learning the correct way to paddle, or to see if they want to get into kayaking or to try out some different designs of kayaks. Cost for this class is $75 and we supply boats and equipment.
We provide all paddling equipment, we also have cold weather equipment available for the colder months.
What is involved in this class?
Advanced Touring Kayak Class
The purpose of this class is to help intermediate kayakers perfect advanced strokes and maneuvers. Using on-water practice, classroom discussion and video analysis, students will learn to perform basic and advanced strokes with efficiency, fluidity and control. We will also cover some extra rescue techniques and have an introduction to the roll. This class is not only for our touring paddlers, but white water paddlers as well to perfect their strokes. This class may be beneficial to take more than once.
Basic River/ Whitewater/ Advanced WW Kayak Class
This class is taught as two separate classes. We used to teach them as one, but from experience we feel that by separating them, the student gains much more in boat control, and in the time between the two classes the student can practice on what they have learned. The Basic river class will be taught locally if at all possible, learning how to run rivers and learning concepts for whitewater.. The whitewater/advanced white water will be taught on the San Marquis or Guadalupe. We are emphasizing three items in these classes:
Safety- To safely paddle on whitewater, perform self rescue and respond to emergencies that arise.
Enjoyment- To become aware of paddling opportunities and the rewards of lifetime participation in paddling.
Skills-To acquire the skills to safely and enjoyably paddle a kayak on whitewater
No river classes are being taught at this time
Private classes
So far, we have received great responses from our private courses. We can teach the touring kayak course in about two hours and are excited to bring three new classes taught privately only.
1. touring class
This is our regular touring class as taught in groups, just one on one
2. The Perfect Stroke
During this class, we will examine your forward stroke in detail. Students taking this class will be taught how to paddle with more efficiency, covering more ground with less effort.
3. Advanced rescue class
Throughout the years, we have received many requests for a rescue only class. Well here it is. We will be learning how to rescue or self rescue under many different situations. If needed, we will provide cold water equipment, expect to get very wet in this class.
4. Kayak control, beyond the basics
By learning some more advanced strokes and concepts, we will be giving you the tools to control your kayak more effectively.
Pay For a private class online
Private Class Fees (all 2 hour min.)
1 person $50 an hour
2 people $40 an hour per person
3 people $35 an hour per person
4 people $30 an hour per person
Kayak Clinic Class Times
2012 Touring class times $75
April 15 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon
May 13 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon class is full
June 3 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon
June 24 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon call for reservations, class is almost full
July 15 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon class is full
July 29 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon
August 19 9:00-1:00 Taught on Lake Lavon
Please call to sign up 972-272-3353. Class Minimum 5 people
Advanced Touring Class Times
The advanced touring class is taught as a private class, to give one on one instruction.
Prerequisites- Touring class
Basic River Class Times
none scheduled
White Water/ Advanced White Water Class Times
none scheduled
cost $180
To sign up for one of these courses, a 100% deposit is required for the Touring and advanced touring class, and a 50% deposit required for all others. Call 972-272-3353 for more information or to sign up for one of our courses.
For our classes in colder weather, we do provide some cold weather clothing.
Classes are on a rain or shine basis but classes cancelled from extreme cold weather, lack of registered participants or other uncontrolled circumstance will be rescheduled to a later date
Our Touring class has a minimum of 5 students