Discover the wonders of kayaking during Introduction to Kayaking. This program caters to entry-level individuals in diverse settings, prioritizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition. The course covers essential skills and knowledge, helping ensure that participants can perform fundamental tasks independently. With no prerequisites, this one day course takes place in flat water, providing a secure environment for learning. The class ratios foster personalized attention and instruction. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various activities, from launching and propelling the kayak to performing rescues and gaining awareness of navigation rules. Join us for an exciting journey into the world of kayaking!

Embark on an exciting journey with Essentials of Kayak Touring, perfect for beginners eager to explore lakes, calm oceans, and flatwater settings safely. This one day program covers essential skills for incorporating spray skirts, and considerations when when spray skirts are unused. No prerequisites are required, making this course accessible to all. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into various aspects of kayaking, including topics such as personal preparation, equipment, safety, rescue techniques, maneuvers and strokes, and assessing environmental considerations. Whether you're new to kayaking or looking to enhance your skills, join us for an immersive experience in the essentials of kayak touring.

During Introduction to Coastal Kayaking participants gain an introduction to the essential skills and safety measures for coastal kayaking. This one day program covers a comprehensive set of objectives, including proper kayak fit, spray skirt usage, entry and exit techniques, effective paddle control, basic strokes, and crucial rescue procedures. Participants will gain insights into environmental factors like wind, waves and tides, while also learning to navigate marine hazards and develop an understanding of personal limitations. This course serves as a foundation for the succeeding Open Water course. Dive into the world of coastal kayaking with confidence and skill under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Refine your coastal kayaking skills with Essentials of Coastal Kayaking, tailored for kayakers of all levels seeking to enhance their proficiency. This one day program employs on-water practice, classroom discussions and video analysis to elevate the efficiency, fluidity and control of basic strokes and maneuvers. Designed for individuals who have completed Essentials of Kayak Touring, Introduction to Coastal Kayaking, or equivalent courses, participants will explore the dynamics of boat control, shaft and blade angles, and advanced techniques for strokes like forward, sweep, reverse, beam draw, sculling draw and more. The course emphasizes personal preparation, safety considerations, and on-water presentations, providing a comprehensive understanding of coastal environments and navigation. This course lays the foundation for advanced programs such as Open Water Coastal Kayaking. Gain invaluable insights and finesse your kayaking maneuvers under the guidance of experienced instructors, preparing for the next level of coastal kayaking adventures.

Enhance your coastal kayaking skills with Introduction to Open Water Coastal Kayaking. This one or two day program is crafted to refine your abilities in open water, focusing on edge control, balance, bracing and overall boat control. Participants learn advanced techniques, including refining strokes, mastering the side slip maneuver, and performing assisted and self-rescues in open water. Gain valuable knowledge on navigation, such as applying the bow angle method to avoid collisions, and hone open water towing techniques. The course requires prior completion of the Introduction to Coastal Kayaking, Essentials of Coastal Kayaking, or equivalent experience. Ensure you're equipped with a properly sized and outfitted kayak, along with standard safety gear. The course covers on-shore discussions, practical exercises, and crucial safety considerations, helping prepare you for the challenges of open water kayaking adventures. Get ready experience learning, practice, and the joy of developing advanced kayaking skills.

Embark on a kayaking adventure with an Overnight Kayak Trip! Typically ranging from 2 to 7 days, these expeditions provide a unique opportunity to hone your kayak and camping skills. Paddle a loaded boat, learn the art of efficient gear packing for optimal buoyancy, and navigate with reduced speeds. Our open enrollment trips offer skill development and a chance to connect with the local paddling community. For a personalized experience, opt for a customized trip tailored for friends, families, or business teams. Some courses emphasize specific skills, while others focus on the sheer enjoyment of kayaking on Lake Superior with skill development as a bonus. Join us for an unforgettable blend of adventure, skill-building and camaraderie!

Training primarily takes place on the Minnesotan section of the Lake Superior Water Trail or the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin using public access points, utilizing over 150 miles of dynamic coastal environments to enhance the kayaking experience. However, the safety of participants is our top priority. Courses may be rerouted to local inland lakes when inclement or unsafe weather, wind, or wave conditions arise. We continuously assess conditions, providing location estimates that are regularly updated to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment. This adaptive approach allows us to balance the thrill of kayaking with the necessary precautions for a comprehensive and secure training experience.

The training fees include a comprehensive learning experience with an instructor-to-participant ratio of one instructor for up to five participants. Our instructors are equipped to provide assistance as needed, enhancing the overall safety and quality of instruction. Additionally, participants have access to essential safety and recreational equipment, including PFDs, spray skirts, paddles, bilge pumps, sponges, and more. It's important to note that while we provide a range of equipment, participants are required to bring their own kayaks and wet suits or dry suits as they are not provided yet. We are happy to recommend local outfitters that offer rental services for these components while our fleet is still growing. This approach allows individuals to learn and practice with their personal gear, helping us foster a customized and hands-on training experience.

Yes, training courses can be combined to provide participants with a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience. Typically, our open enrollment courses are scheduled consecutively, allowing participants to register for multiple sessions and build on their knowledge and skills over 2-5 days. This format enables a progressive development of kayaking expertise. Moreover, we offer the flexibility to customize courses to meet specific individual or organizational needs. If you are interested in tailoring a training program to your preferences, please don't hesitate to contact us to initiate the customization process.

For overnight kayak trips, participants can expect a thorough and collaborative preparation process. Before the departure date, either through online communication or in-person meetings, participants engage with their trip leader(s) to review estimated trip logistics and packing requirements. A day before departure, participants gather at the launch location for a comprehensive session covering finalized trip logistics, itinerary, and pre-trip training. During this pre-trip meeting, participants must demonstrate the ability to independently perform a wet exit and re-entry under instructor supervision. Throughout the trip, participants actively contribute to creating float plans, practicing skills, transporting gear, and preparing meals. Collaboration continues as the group arrives at the final destination, where participants work together to prep OTS equipment for transport. The journey concludes with a final trip review and debrief, fostering a holistic and immersive learning experience. Currently, our trips explore the Minnesotan section of the Lake Superior Water Trail, spanning from Duluth to Grand Portage, offering over 150 miles of scenic waterways. Stay tuned for upcoming plans for overnight kayak trips to expand into the Animikii Trail of the Path of the Paddle and the Apostle Islands.

Absolutely! We are proud to be members of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and are well-versed in the safety standards they've set for paddlesports. Our courses are designed in accordance with ACA guidelines for skill development, ensuring a comprehensive and industry-recognized training experience. Additionally, we are ACA Instructors, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining the highest instructional standards. Successful completion of our courses comes with the added advantage of ACA assessment for participants, a valuable credential for individuals in the outdoor industry.

Our paddling season primarily spans from Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September, aligning with favorable weather conditions for optimal training experiences. Participant safety is our top priority, and decisions about when to paddle are made in accordance with American Canoe Association (ACA) standards. Weather conditions and patterns significantly impact our training operations, and we adapt our schedule accordingly. We may offer early and late season courses as conditions permit so all participants can enjoy a safe learning environment.

If you have any additional questions about kayak training, feel free to reach out to our team using the Contact Form. Outdoor Training Services is here to provide you with the information and support you need to make your kayaking experiences positive and rewarding.