Columbia Kayak Adventures-Classes-Sea Kayak Tours and Instruction on the Columbia River

Classes – 2007-2008 Our promise – to do our best to help you enjoy learning! CKA offers a range of courses to fit your learning style, skills and kayaking goals. Fundamental boat handling skills, safety issues and local paddling places are emphasized in the Quickstart and Introduction to Kayaking courses, while more advanced strokes and techniques are taught in the Balance, Brace and Recovery, and Advanced Techniques classes. Multi-Day instructional-tours are designed to explore new locations while improving and adding to your skills. These are offered in a variety of settings including the San Juans and Skamokawa (near Astoria, OR). Each of these courses move at a slightly different pace so you can choose the pace that works for you. All of CKA’s courses are taught with low student-to-instructor ratios and individual time is emphasized, so you can work at your level on the skills you want to improve. CKA provides high quality boats, paddles, wet suits (as necessary), and gear for all classes (included in class fee); you are also welcome to bring your own.
ACA Certified Skill Levels CKA has always taught American Canoe Association (ACA)-Certified Courses. CKA now offers student Skills Level training and certification in ACA Skills Levels 1-3. Training and Assessments are scheduled in July and August, 2008. Skills training and assessments offer paddlers the opportunity to pursue a documented level of paddling skills. Call Pat at 509-947-5901 for more information.
Private Instruction or Custom Classes If you don’t see what you’re looking for, or our schedule just doesn’t fit yours, contact us to arrange a special class. We’re happy to design a class that meets your kayak interests and skills, or take you to local paddling spots that challenge you. Registration information follows classes descriptions, below. Please Note: Class times and dates can change; it is always a good idea to confirm time and date before registration; call 509-947-5901.
Class Descriptions
Pool Class: Wet-Exits, Rescues, and Rolls March 2; 11a-2p Course Fee: $45 Prerequisite: None Two classes at once! Learn wet-exits, and self- and assisted-rescues in sea kayaks, and/or work on the kayak roll. Boats and gear provided, and class is in warm water at Tri-City Court Club. Great time to practice rescues, or to start learning the fun of rolling.
Spring Warm-Up Wednesdays in March (5-26): 4 evenings, 2 hours each: 5-7p *2nd Class Added:* Tuesdays, March 11, 18 & 25, April 1 Course Fee: $85, includes CKA boats and gear. Prerequisite: CKA's QuickStart or Intro Class, OR similar experience and consent from instructor. For those getting ready for summer kayaking, wanting to try different boats, or getting out with other paddlers; this class is a series of short lessons concentrating on improving your skills. Each evening we'll paddle from a different launch along the Columbia and work on strenthening basic paddling techniques, while exploring the river.
Quickstart 4 hours, 9a-1p; Apr 26, May 16(1-5p), Jun 7 & 27, Jul 11, Aug 14 & 27, Sep 8 Evening Sessions, 5-9pm: May 21, Jun 4 & 18, Jul 16 Course Fee: $55 Prerequisite: None A basic introduction to sea kayaking skills. Paddling safety, boats, and equipment are discussed on shore. On the water, learn basic strokes, including an efficient forward stroke, turning strokes, and an introduction to bracing. Safety skills will be demonstrated and students are encouraged to try a wet exit and assisted re-entry. This is a skill every paddler should know! This class aims to get you excited about paddling while providing fundamental skills to explore the river from a new view.
Introduction to Kayaking 2-hr Evening plus 6-hr day, 6-8p and 8:30a-2:30p; May 14-17, Jun 11-13 & Jun 25-28, Jul 9-12, Jul 23-25, Aug 6-9 Course Fee: $115 Prerequisite: None This class is for the beginner or those with little local experience, who want a solid introduction to kayaking on local waterways. All the skills in the Quickstart are covered, but more time is spent on the water, practicing and applying skills to conditions, including the currents of the Columbia River. Individual time is emphasized to address skill development appropriate to your type of kayaking. Boats, gear and equipment for a range of kayaking conditions are discussed.

Balance, Brace, and Recovery 4 hours, 4-8p; Jun 20, Jul 18 Course Fee: $55 Prerequisite: CKA’s Quickstart, Intro , or equivalent experience with wet exits and basic strokes. Learn to use the edges of the boat for more effecient paddling, including turns and being comfortable with maneuvering the boat on an edge. Learn bracing techniques and applying them to improve your strokes. Basic rescues are reviewed and some new ones introduced.
Advanced Sea Kayaking 5 hours, 10a-3p; Apr 4, Sep 5 Course Fee: $65 Prerequisite: CKA’s Quickstart, Intro, or equivalent experience with wet exits and basic strokes. This course is for kayakers who have had some experience in a boat but want to improve their skills, review some they haven’t used for a while, or learn how to paddle even when the wind is up. Advanced turning, bracing and rescue skills will be practiced, plus a close look at that forward stroke – paddling should feel good! We’ll look for more challenging conditions and enjoy playing in the waves on the Columbia River.
Intro to Coastal Kayaking Fri morning through Sunday afternoon: Apr 18-20, or July 4-6, 2008. Course Fee: $235 does NOT include CKA boats and gear; rentals available at special class rates. Prerequisite: CKA's Intro Class plus Balance, Brace & Rescue, OR similar experience and consent from instructor. This class is an introduction for paddlers to the coastal environment; we'll work on paddling along the shoreline, small ocean swell, small surf and/or currents, depending on what the weather offers us. Class includes discussions on navigation, pre-trip planning, route-decisions, tides and currents. Class is held in Ilwaco, WA. Accommodations and food are responsibility of paddlers; camping is available at Cape Disappointment; other camping and motel options can be found at: www.ilwacowashington.com/pages/merchants.html. The closest motel to classroom is Heidi's Inn.
Women-Only Kayak Weekend May 2-4; Friday evening to Sunday afternoon Course Fee: $165 Prerequisite: CKA’s Quickstart, Intro, or Consent of Instructor Improve and refine your kayaking skills while enjoying the company of like-minded gals. Class is based at Skamokawa, WA and will explore the numerous cliffs and islands along the beautiful stretch of the Columbia. Topics will include kayak control and balance, paddling in wind, navigation, kayak camping, plus other interests of the group. Class starts Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon; camping is available at Skamokawa Vista Park, or group lodging at Skamokawa Center. Contact Pat for food and lodging options.
Skamokawa Instructional Tour Thurs. evening to Sun. afternoon, Aug 14-17, 2008. Course Fee: $410, includes food and lodging in Skamokawa Inn Rooms (double occupancy; $80 add'l single occupancy); does not include CKA boats & gear; rentals available. Prerequisite: CKA's Intro or QuickStart class, or Consent of Instructor; plus enthusiasm to stretch your skills. This class is designed for those wanting to immerse themselves in kayaking for a few days in a beautiful location. We'll explore the islands and cliffs during day trips from the comforts of Skamokawa Center. Instruction will focus on improving forward stroke efficiency, edging and fine boat control, plus paddling in small swells and waves, depending on the skills and interests. Possibilities for day paddles include Willapa Bay and the Ilwaco area, and evening programs will be offered.	Trip Itinerary: Download Itineray/Info Sheet
Each Skamokawa Inn has a double bed, a twin-sized sofa bed, tiled bath, desk, phone, satellite TV, and WiFi. Tour cost includes Lodging Tues through Sat nights, and all meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday Lunch.
San Juan Instructional Tour 5 days, Thursday am to Monday afternoon, Sep 25-29, 2008. Course Fee: $635; Includes food and lodging (see below); does not include CKA boats & gear; rentals available. Prerequisite: Good physical condition, enthusiasm for pushing your skills, and a 'panic-free' wet-exit. Advance your skills in one of the most beautiful paddling spots in the northwest. This instructional tour will explore the islands with day trips from our base on Lopez Island. Learn about currents, tides and navigation, plus boat control, turning and balance in moving waters. The area is rich in wildlife; seals, porpose, otters, eagles and others will be visible as we paddle.
Group meets Thursday morning on Lopez Island; days will be spent paddling in and around the shores of Lopez and San Juan Islands, with possible crossings to other locations, depending on tides, currents and weather. Tim Mattson will join Pat Daly as co-instructor to help make this class fun and a great learning experience. Participants are responsible for transport to Lopez Island (carpooling encouraged). Lodging is at a rental home overlooking the beach - see Lopez Properties, Agate Beach 55. Tour cost includes Lodging Thursday through Sunday, and meals from Thursday lunch through Monday lunch. Participants are expected to share meal preparation tasks. Download Tour Itinerary/Info Sheet
Registration You can register for any class or tour by calling Columbia Kayak Adventures at 509-947-5901, or sending an email to info@columbiakayakadventures.com. Or you can download a registration form and mail it to CKA. Payment is due at time of registration. CKA accepts VISA and MasterCard, cash or check. After registration, an informational sheet will be sent to you confirming your class time and location, plus information on things to bring, appropriate clothing or other helpful tips. Cancellation Policy Full payment is due at time of registration for classes and tours one-day or shorter in length. Full refunds are given if cancellations are made within 5 days of class or tour. No refunds are made if cancellation is made with less than 5 days notice, unless your space is filled. Multi-day classes and tours require a 50% deposit at time of registration and full payment seven days prior to the first class session. You will receive a full refund, less a $25.00 office fee if you cancel two weeks prior to class. No refunds are made for cancellations made within two weeks of the class or tour, unless your spot is filled, in which case you will receive a full refund, less the deposit. CKA reserves the right to re-schedule or cancel a class due to unsafe conditions or insufficient registration. We do not cancel due to rain.